Chapter 73
SPOV
Between resting and working with Ella, to make sure everything was organized for the Sunday, the week flew by. We met with Nita to look over the menu she'd planned, and I had to admit it looked amazing, she even offered to produce a large cake that would be similar to a wedding cake. Her staff would serve the food so all we had to do was turn up. Invites had been sent out to Carlos's friends and family and to mine, including Uncle Andrew who I wanted to be there. Both Carlos and I were surprised that no one called us to try and get more information from us, but Nita had said her family were very excited.
I'd relented to the idea of Ella going out to some shops and bringing back with her a selection of dresses I could wear. She didn't think I was quite up to trailing around shops and trying clothes on. On the Sunday morning I went down to her apartment to decide on which dress would be the one I would wear. I have to say I was shocked at the choice she'd found. I still had some nasty looking bruises to cover up but each dress she'd brought seemed to accommodate for that.
"Ella all these dresses look beautiful"
"Look through them first and decide which you like best and I'll help you trying them on"
"I think these three are my favorites, I'm not sure about the fitting though"
The first dress I tried on was probably a little big on me. The waist and hips just didn't do my figure any favors.
"Oh, Ella. I think this is the one"
"Definitely"
It was pale blue in color and was to the floor at the back while the front arched up to calf level. The bottom swirled out from above my knees then clung to my hips and waist. There was no back to it, the material covering my ass, but it was the front of the dress that I loved. The material from the back swept under my arms, crossed under my breasts and tied behind my neck. It meant that I didn't need to wear a bra, yet it gave me a cleavage. It was perfect and matched the shoes and bag that Ella brought out.
"I knew this was the one especially when there were shoes and a bag to match"
"Thank you Ella. For everything"
"Nonsense, I love having you around and you've made Carlos so happy"
I slipped out the dress and laid it across a chair as I picked up my joggers and T-shirt. Ella lifted it up and once on the hanger hung it from the back of the door.
"You'll need to leave here at 6pm so be here for 3pm and together we'll get you ready. Carlos knows to pick you up from here"
I was surprised that Ella wanted to do that for me. She really was more like a mother than my own and that made me a little sad. I'd never had that daughter mother relationship before. My mother had always dictated to me what I could wear when I was little. Then as I tried to find my own sense of fashion, she'd criticize my choices, never once offering anything constructive. Hell, even when I married Dickie her contribution was which dress I could wear. All the other preparations were from strangers, friends of hers who styled my hair, added nail polish and gave me jewelry to wear, no doubt under strict instructions from my mother.
Having had a short sleep followed by a light lunch and then showering and washing my hair I was back downstairs to the apartment with Ella. As Ella dried my hair, she gave me different ideas on how I wanted to style it and we both agreed to having it pinned up on the top of my head, with loose curls framing my face. From her vast array of nail polish, I chose a natural pink so as not to detract from my dress and she had the matching lip gloss. I was amazed at just how accomplished Ella was, what with styling my hair and applying makeup. Once I slipped into my dress and put on the matching shoes, I couldn't believe how good she'd made me look.
"Ella you're amazing, even the bruise on my face doesn't show. How are you so good at this?"
"When I was younger, I actually worked behind one of those counters in a New York store where we did makeovers. Then I used those skills helping out at the amateur theater group. I still help out when they're doing a performance"
"Thank you so much Ella"
"De nada. You look beautiful, Carlos is a lucky man"
"Hell Ella, I'm the lucky one. He doesn't need to do anything to look as good as he does"
"Oh he's good looking alright. Just like my Luis"
"What jewelry do you think would look best?"
"I'm sure Carlos has that covered, he should be here soon"
At precisely 5.45pm I heard a knock at the door. Ella made me wait in the bedroom with strict instructions not to come out until she told me to. I could hear them talking but not was being said, which really piqued my curiosity. I nearly jumped when Ella suddenly opened the door and gestured for me to walk out.
My breath caught when my eyes settled on my husband. Ow wow, my husband. I almost couldn't believe that the gorgeous handsome man stood waiting for me was mine forever. He was wearing a formal black suit that fitted him perfectly and a white shirt underneath with a tie that matched the color of my dress. He turned his finger in the air inviting me to turn around for him and as I came back to facing him, he was stood right in front of me.
"You look so beautiful Babe"
"Thank you. You look extremely handsome"
I ran my hand down the lapel of his jacket then used it to pull him toward me so that I could touch my lips to his. When I moved away he had a long black velvet box in his hands that he opened allowing me to see the contents. I'm sure my eyebrows shot up to my hairline as I stared intently at the contents.
"Turn around so I can fasten the necklace"
I turned with my back to him as he fastened the necklace and then felt as he pushed the earrings through my ear lobes. Next he lifted my wrist and fastened the bracelet.
"I feel like Cinderella going to the ball"
"Does that mean we have to be back by midnight?"
"I'm sure it does"
"Good, because I want to see you wearing only my jewelry"
I know I blushed knowing exactly what he was wanting because that was what I wanted as well. As we turned to leave Ella came with us, a coat fastened up over her dress, and handed Carlos a dark blue shawl for me. He draped it around my shoulders before taking my hand and leading us to the elevator. Once in one of the SUVs we were soon heading toward Nita's. Tank was driving with Ella sat next to him which meant Carlos was sat next to me. I was feeling excited but also very apprehensive, so I didn't say anything as we travelled.
"Babe, you're not relaxed, what's wrong?"
"Worried I suppose"
"What about?"
"My Mum and how she'll behave. Your parents and if they'll like me. I'm also a bit anxious about going back to Nita's after the last time I was there"
"Well, your father will control your mother. My parents will love you and there are going to be so many Rangemen there you don't have to worry about anything happening"
"I'm sorry"
"Don't be, it's just nerves. You'll be fine once we're there"
Carlos had timed it so that our guests were mostly here. As I suspected people assumed it was to celebrate our engagement. We'd planned to spend 30 minutes mingling with the guests and for me to be introduced to his parents. The rest of his family, brothers and sisters I'd be introduced to after we'd made our announcement and eaten the wonderful meal that Nita had prepared. I was really hoping that the eating part would give them something else to think about. Well that was the idea. My Dad knew to keep my mother away from us until after the meal and Nita had arranged for us to use a small private lounge area for the dreaded meeting with the in-laws.
As soon as we entered the building Nita showed us into the lounge, so with my hand in Carlos's we went in, closing the door behind us. The couple already here turned to see us and immediately both of them were smiling at us.
"Carlos, I am so happy to see you. You missed the last family dinner"
"I know Mamá. Mamá, Papá I'd like for you to meet Stephanie"
"The Stephanie? Well of course it is. I haven't seen you since the time Carlos was in the hospital"
I noticed her smile appear as she recalled that the outcome of that whole terrible event was so positive. Julie was returned home to her mother and step-father and Carlos made a full recovery. It was then, as he'd lay bleeding in my hall that I acknowledged I was in love with him.
"Mrs. Manoso, it's good to see you as well"
"I don't think so, Maria. This is my husband Rici"
"Mamá the reason we asked to meet with you now was so that I could introduce Stephanie as my wife, we got married last week"
I watched their faces as he landed that bit of news of them, trying to work out how they felt about it. I moved in closer to Carlos so worried about how they might react. I was surprised when Maria burst into tears and immediately engulfed me in her arms.
"I am so happy I can't believe it. Welcome to the family my dear"
She stood back from me with her hands resting on my cheeks, looking into my eyes.
"I knew then that you two belonged together"
She turned and even though she was shorter than me she stepped toward Carlos and hit him across the back of the head.
"Te dije que ella era la indicada para ti. Perdiste mucho tiempo"
As she did that Carlos's father came and stood next to me. He was as tall as Carlos with so many similarities between them. If Carlos aged to look like his father, he'd still be a good-looking man.
"I'm so pleased with the news Estefania. You have saved our son from himself, given him a new lease of life. Thank you for loving him"
"I think we've saved each other and given each other a new lease of life. I love him very much"
"I'd say the way he is looking at you he loves you too"
I turned to Carlos, to see him looking at me even while his mother was talking to him. Next to him she was small and petite, skin the same color as his with wisps of white running through her black silken hair. She was wearing a cream dress that showed that she still had a good figure. It was sleeveless but went up to her neck and fell in swirls mid-calf. She still had the skin tone on her arms, neck and face, and was still a beautiful woman. She stopped mid-sentence looking at her son and followed his gaze to me. Yeah, he definitely got his eyes from her.
"Carlos you need to take your wife and meet your other guests. Estefania we will meet at another time and then we can get to know each better"
Carlos took my hand and kissed my rings before we left to join the rest of our guests. We were inundated with people congratulating us on our engagement. Val was here with her husband Albert, I was sorry that the girls weren't with them.
"Hi Val, where are the girls?"
"Albert's mother offered to babysit"
"How's Mary Alice?"
"Still a horse, I wish she'd be more like her sister"
The phrase took me by surprise, a phrase I had said to me so often by my mother.
"Why, she needs to be her own person not a clone of Angie"
"Come on Steph, how will she become anything with the way she behaves"
"She'll become someone Val, maybe not what you want but what she wants. Those two aren't that dissimilar to us Val. Would you say I'm nothing?"
"Of course not. Look at you, you look beautiful and you're engaged to Ranger"
Not exactly what I was thinking, I thought maybe she'd come up with some better words to describe me.
"Val, give her space and allow her to fly. Don't treat her like Mum treated me just because she wants something different"
"Is that what I'm doing?"
"Yeah. You're turning into a clone of our Mum"
"Oh hell Steph, I'm not am I?"
"It's not too late Val"
"You need to keep reminding me Steph. You were the one who brought Albert and I together. I trust your judgement, so thanks"
"I'll see you soon okay, Val?"
Well at least that went well, maybe if Dad was becoming stronger, he could help Val as well. As I looked across the room, I spied Connie and wondered if she'd brought her date with her. Imagine my surprise when Woody stepped up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"I take it you didn't know?"
I turned to see Les stood next to me, also watching the couple.
"No. How did that happen?"
"He became a frequent visitor when we had files to collect or receipts for skips. Ranger wasn't visiting the bonds office anymore"
Yeah with everything that had happened I'd never really thought about what had happened with any FTAs
"Babe, you ready?"
"As I'll ever be"
Now was the time to announce to the world our marriage status and to be honest I was alright with that. More, I couldn't wait and turned to Carlos smiling at him to let him know I was totally ready.
RPOV
I could see from Steph's eyes that she was confident with what we were about to do. Her nerves had disappeared and stood by my side was the confident woman I'd fallen in love with. As we stood side by side looking over the tables where our family and friends were sat a silence came over the room. It was time for me to make a speech, something I was really looking forward to.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to start by thanking you for attending our celebration this evening. Steph and I have invited family and friends to enjoy each other's company and the wonderful food that Nita, my younger sister, has prepared for us. Steph and I have known each for a number of years. At the start I was her mentor as she embarked as a bounty hunter. Her protector when she needed help and her friend when I had need of her help. I trust Steph with everything that I have and from that friendship grew a love that drew us together. You all know of our engagement, but tonight Steph and I want you join with us to celebrate something much more special to us. Steph and I are now here as husband and wife, we married last week at a private ceremony"
Okay maybe I wouldn't be able to finish the speech I'd prepared with all the talking that was taking place. I sat down with Steph and nodded my head to Nita for her to have the servers begin distributing the food. I heard the sound of metal and glass and looking up saw Frank stood with my parents.
"Ladies and gentlemen, marriage is a sacred commitment between a man and a woman. A special time where they exchange vows and promises to each other, give themselves to each other. Carlos and Stephanie only needed each other and their privacy for such a personal time. I am proud of the son Carlos has become and of the woman by his side. I ask you to raise your glasses to Mr and Mrs. Manoso"
As my father finished the speech everyone in the room stood and offered a toast to us. As they sat down Frank stood forward and everyone's attention focused on him.
"I am so proud of my daughter and who she has become. She has an understanding heart that is so open and loving. I have watched from afar as these two have danced around each other. Now both of their hearts are joined as one and I am so happy for them I couldn't care less about missing some pompous ceremony. That we are here tonight to allow us to join them in celebrating their marriage humbles me. Please raise your glasses, to the loving couple before us, Stephanie and Carlos"
I turned to look at Steph and saw a stray tear run down her face so lent over to kiss it away against the background of clapping and whistling. As the noise died down the food began to arrive at the tables only confirming Steph's foresight of how people would now focus on the food rather than us.
"Babe, okay?"
"More than okay. I loved that your parents and my Dad stood up, I wasn't expecting it, but I think they really believed that how we were married was right for us"
"It was Babe, it was perfect for us"
"Nita has done amazing with the food"
"She has, some of the dishes are what we had when I brought you here, did you know?"
"Yes, I loved the taste of them"
As she said that she helped herself to some garlic shrimp, I was eating the chicken and asparagus. I looked around the table at the people sat with us. We had Tank, Santos and Bobby with Mary Lou and Connie. All good friends but I kept wondering who should have been at the empty setting.
"Carlos I won't be a minute"
I watched as Steph disappeared from the room and saw Hal following her. Hal had taken losing Steph that day hard. He'd had a stun grenade thrown into the car with him and in such a confined space it had created a blinding light and a very loud sound. Fortunately, the grenade had rolled under the rear seat, so Hal was protected from receiving any severe injuries. It was about twenty minutes before he started to regain consciousness but was able to raise the alarm. Now if he was anywhere near Steph, he was hypervigilant with her safety. Though Steph was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed but hadn't the heart to stop him.
"He's doing okay now"
"Sorry Tank, who?"
"Hal"
"Yeah, he's still nervous for Steph"
"Yeah well he's taken his fair share of bumps along the way"
I finished the food on my plate and knew Steph was back in the room, I felt her, so looked up toward the door. What I didn't expect to see was the young girl walking beside her. I stood up and made my way toward her only to have her running toward me, shouting at me.
"Papá, papá"
"Julie how are you here?"
"Steph, Nita and Ella arranged it with Mum. Papá I love that you married Steph, it's perfect, she's perfect for you"
As she held me around my waist, I hugged her tight, looking across at Steph's face. I had never thought that Steph would have done this, it was perfect having Julie here. I had to admit and only to myself my eyes were misting up as I brought Steph into our embrace and buried my face in her hair.
"Babe, thank you"
"I knew we'd have to talk with her soon so I spoke with Rachel and she agreed to her coming here"
"Was Rachel okay with you?"
"Well, she didn't really have a lot of choice, I mean there was no way she could refuse your daughter from attending this"
We walked back to our table Julie now taking the empty seat between Santos and me. She knew the men at the table and was soon chatting along with everyone.
"I have photos Julie"
"You do, I need to see them"
"Hey slow down, you will"
"I bet it was a beach wedding wasn't it?"
"How'd you know?"
"Because Steph loves the beach"
