Ranger's POV

I am beyond relieved to be standing here, in this apartment, with Stephanie by my side. I must admit, I was more than a little nervous that she would reject me. No, I didn't think she would accept Morelli's proposal, but I was afraid that I had caused too much damage with all my qualifiers and bull shit I served her about my feelings for her. One thing is for sure, her mother's changed attitude towards me was not something I ever expected. I can only hope that her approval continues because I know that Stephanie wants her mother's support.

I take Rex and bring him to the extensive habitat Ella picked out for him. This tank is triple the size of the one he lived in previously, housing several hidey-holes, wheels, and other hamster paraphernalia. Once I place him on a landing, he stands there for a moment, as if trying to take everything in. Suddenly, he's running through tunnels, exploring his new home, before settling in a cave in the bottom corner. He found his water and his food dish, filled with hamster pellets, along with some carrots and apples. He looks to be in his glory. I take Steph's bag, placing it on my couch before pulling her to me. It's been a long time since she allowed me to make love to her, and I don't want to wait much longer.

"Babe, you made me a very happy man. I never thought that I would ever want to be married, but then you, this stubborn, determined, blue-eyed, curly-haired girl from the Burg, weaseled her way into my life and into my heart. I've loved you for years, but I was never comfortable offering myself to you because of my obligation to Uncle Sam. The idea of you being left behind if something were to happen on one of my missions, well, it made my heart ache. There was a strong possibility that my death would go unreported, that I would be declared missing in action, and I wouldn't want you to wait years for me when I would never be coming home. I know that I was a fool, but I loved you too much to put you through that pain. Not to mention, I did think that Morelli was a better choice for you because I genuinely thought you wanted the Burg life, the house, the white-picket-fence, the 2.5 children. I would love to marry you to make you my wife, but if you don't want to be married, I'm okay with that as well. Just know, Babe, that as long as you wear my ring, we will be monogamous, in every sense of the word."

"Ranger, Carlos, I've loved you for so long but was afraid to admit it, even to myself. I thought that you could never be satisfied with plain old me. You are so incredibly handsome and could easily have a supermodel on your arm. After my fiasco of marriage to Dickie, I thought that there was something wrong with me. Then, when Joe came back into my life, I started to feel sexy and worthy, that was until the yelling started. Joe's attitude slowly destroyed my self-confidence, and I began to believe what he said, that is, until you came along. You would tell me you were proud of me. You'd take me into the alley and kiss me senseless, then you would walk away from me. I was so afraid of you rejecting me that I never wanted to risk losing your friendship, so I learned to be content with stolen kisses and a mostly platonic relationship."

"We are two screwed up individuals."

"But now we found each other. I'm never letting you go, Carlos. You're going to tire of me sooner or later."

"Never, Babe. Enough talking. I was always better with my actions." I lean down and kiss Stephanie once again. I love the taste of her mouth, the smell of her shampoo mixed with her body wash and perfume. It's a scent that is so uniquely Stephanie. I allow my hands to roam to the back of her dress, slowly bringing down the zipper that holds it to her body. As much as I want to take her fast and hard, she deserves to be worshiped. I'll have plenty of time to take her hard later. I slip the strap off her shoulders, allowing the dress to pool at her feet. She's standing in front of me with the most sinful turquoise lace bra and panty set, one that is so fine that it is almost see-through. I feel my body reacting even more to her. I still can't believe that she doesn't realize how beautiful and sexy she is. I bring my mouth down her neck to her shoulder, kissing along the straps of her bra, tasting along the edges of the cup, along her perfect breasts. I see goosebumps form on her arms while she shivers in anticipation. I bring my kisses to her nipples, moving the lace away but not removing the garment yet.

I give equal attention to each side. I wouldn't want one to feel neglected before I continue my oral exploration of her abdomen. I hope that one day, Stephanie will give me the best gift a woman can give a man, watching her grow round with our child. I know that Stephanie says she doesn't want children, but I hope that she'll reconsider her stance. I need to tell her that I will be hands-on, not leaving her to do all the work. Finally, I kiss along her bikini panties, getting close to her promise land, but not entirely giving her what I know she wants. I glance at my Babe, and I can see that she is as affected by my ministrations as I am. I stand, scooping her up in my arms, to bring her to the bedroom, where I can properly satisfy my lover. Don't get me wrong, if I chose to take her against the wall, on the floor, the couch, or the dining room table, it would be great, but for our first coupling as a betrothed couple, I want to give her the respect of the bed.

Once in our bedroom, I climb between her legs, spreading them apart so I can fit in between. I can see that she is already primed and ready for me. As much as my cock would like to enter her now, he'll have to wait. There will be no wham, bam, thank you, ma'am, tonight. No, tonight will be about slow, sensuous torture. The slow-burning passion that will lead to an explosion never felt before. I want to bring my love, my Babe, to new heights. Those heights can't be reached if I rush through this. I gently kiss around her center, tasting her sweetness, which turns me on more than I ever imagined possible. I hear her whimpering, wanting me to caress her heat, but not yet. No, I must spend some time teasing her. I keep my kisses, licks, and sucks to her inner thighs, the soft skin right above her folds, not touching the zone. I can tell by how her hips are moving and soft moans and groans emanating from my Babe that she's close. I know I won't need to do much to bring her to her first orgasm of the night. I decided to gently lap her juices, barely touching her, when I feel her first climax roared through her body. Now, she's ready for phase two.

I assault her folds with my tongue, exploring as deep as I can go, even as she's trying to push me away from her still sensitive sex. Her taste is an elixir to me, one that gives me hope, feeds my love, and soothes my soul. I've always enjoyed pleasuring a woman with my mouth, but only as a means to prime them for the main event. With Stephanie, this is the first course of my meal. It's not a course that I ever want to skip. I pump inside her with my tongue before licking up to the top of her folds, spending time sucking on her nub. I once again have her writhing, hands clenched to the bedsheets. It doesn't take long before she is once again over that cliff of ecstasy. I consider using my finger to bring her to another peak, but I decide that I can't wait much longer. I need my release. After all, I'm just a man.

I kiss back up her body, worshiping her breasts, which I hope someday will give nourishment to our child. I continue to her neck, visibly marking my territory. Yes, all will know that Stephanie is my woman. Finally, my mouth reaches her mouth, and we kiss deeply, making love in each other's mouth. When we break apart, I hear words that are music to my ear. "Make love to me, Carlos. I need you."

I can hear the desperation in her voice, her need clear. I line myself up, gliding straight in. I pause once I'm fully sheathed, relishing in the beautiful way she feels wrapped around my cock. It's tight, and I can feel her muscles clenching me. I know I need to go slow; otherwise, this will be over too soon. I will not be a premature ejaculator. I move my hips purposefully, knowing how to turn and pump to hit her g-spot while not allowing myself to climax just yet. Every few minutes, I stop pumping long enough to kiss my beloved with us joined before starting my slow torturous motion again. I know that she's getting close yet again. By God, so am I.

We both have a thin sheen of sweat coating our bodies, which adds to the moment's ambiance. Finally, I can't hold back any longer, so I start to thrust with vigor. Within seconds, I feel Steph's walls tighten like a vise around me, and we both explode, screaming each other's names. I collapse on the bed next to Steph after carefully extraditing myself from her. I pull her against me before covering our sated bodies with a blanket. I kiss Stephanie on her head. "Sleep, querida. We have all the time in the world ahead of us."

I listen to her breathing, knowing the exact moment that she drifts off. Only then do I allow myself to follow her into slumber. I fall asleep, knowing that she will still be in my arms when I wake up. My dreams are finally coming true.