Chance Encounters

Chapter 52

oOoOo

Deciding to find that soft lounger again was a great idea, before changing to receive our guests later this afternoon, well, more like this evening. I leaned back, made myself comfortable and sighed as I closed my eyes. I just love this spot and I find myself gravitating to it every time I feel the need for a little quiet time, some reflection, or just when the opportunity arises when I am on my own. It is so peaceful. I sigh again. Hearing that delightful sound of the water trickling over the rocks and down the waterfall into the pool, reminds me of our secret wedding ceremony.

It was just over a couple of weeks ago, not long after Hector and Manny tied the knot. It was right before the shitstorm hit us with the shooter and the chase with the macabre ending. But thankfully, Ramirez will no longer be a concern to either of us. Instead of celebrating, further, we then found ourselves under lockdown, at Rangeman, with the gang rivalry and the bounties on our heads. Fortunately for us, we had already done the deed, so to speak, before that clusterfuck, as Carlos so aptly called it. But we couldn't tell everyone just yet. We wanted to make a special announcement, but in a festive scenario. Hence where we are now for this evening's celebrations. Presently, only the most important people know. We didn't want to do a Vegas thing or a registry office one, and, we certainly did not want a big affair. Been there, done that. Although Carlos did offer to fly somewhere exotic together and get married in an elopement. But, we both agreed, our family was important to us both.

I smiled. With only our immediate Den family, plus Tank, Ella and Luis, and Zero, of course, taking the photos, everyone was sworn to secrecy, same as before when my hermanos wed.

It was just over a week after Hector and Manny had their wedding, neither of us realising that we four were on the same page. On the contrary, Hector and Manny did not mind. Manny conceded that they guessed we would not be far behind and they were completely in favour and so happy for us. I remember watching them exchange their vows and was quite overcome with the knowledge that we would be doing the same very soon. Carlos felt it too, squeezing my hand with an adoring look and one of his knock out smiles.

Ah. But I digress, again.

We were so lucky. It was absolutely the perfect setting. We really wanted somewhere private and peaceful, and especially to avoid any curious onlookers. A subtle suggestion from the Justice of the Peace, indicated that he had the ideal private location, a lovely quiet garden with beautiful landscaping that would suit our requirements perfectly. And, a limousine or two entering through the wrought iron gates would not draw any untoward attention. Much to our surprise, it was his spectacular garden and his stately home.

"Call it a small wedding present. I know how much you have given to the community, the infamous Ranger Manoso and equally infamous Vixen."

As a sweetener, he offered us the use of the function room on the western wing of his stately home, overlooking sweeping lawns, a flowing stream and a rotunda. He further offered his catering staff for this special occasion, a small intimate wedding party. That it had a beautiful garden with leafy trees still clad in their autumn splendour, had won me instantly and Carlos knew it was exactly what we needed. The notion of having it catered for in this way meant that our guests would all be able to enjoy the celebration, especially Shorty and Ella who had expressed an interest in doing just that. And, Cal, Tiny and Shorty would be our limo drivers.

I knew exactly what I wanted to wear on this special day and had easily chosen my cocktail length wedding dress with Ella. My off the shoulder gown was a lovely white chiffon, with a sweetheart neckline. Ella's eyes glistened when I put it on. Because it would cool down as the afternoon progressed, I had a gorgeously sheer cashmere wrap which felt so luxurious. Simple yet elegant. Peep toe heels and a delicate double spray of white phalaenopsis orchids with a subtle blush of magenta, made my look complete. Ella was more like a mother to me, than … well, you know the story. I was so happy and the choices were all mine this time. She hugged me and I felt blessed to have her in my life. She agreed and said the feeling was mutual.

It was a glorious Autumn day which felt like a positive omen, with sunshine peeking between fluffy white clouds. Cal, who was my limousine driver, held the door open for me, beaming proudly and kissed my hand sweetly. Hector slowly escorted me through the garden which had a long winding water feature along the edge of the path, with water trickling and cascading over rocks and little waterfalls. It was such a sweet gentle sound, so relaxing and peaceful, and Zen. Pink and lilac water lilies were floating on the surface with a sprinkling of orange and red maple leaves floating along. There were Japanese stone lanterns and lush greenery and ferns in amongst the rocks. It all twinkled as the lights reflected in the moving water, from the strands of little LED lights in the overhanging foliage above, creating a magical ambience. It was so calming since I was a bundle of nerves, the good excitement type, without any fear or tension, and definitely not a basket case. Hector smiled at me, squeezing my hand reassuringly. His eyes sparkled. I couldn't help but smile in return. I actually felt so joyful. No reservations at all. The time was right.

Approaching a little wooden bridge that crossed over the stream which fed into the pond, there was more water trickling and tumbling over larger rocks. Such a joyful, light-hearted sound. Strands of little white lights led the way to where I saw Carlos watching and waiting for me. His smile was at least a thousand watts and he looked magnificently handsome in his charcoal Armani suit, with a brilliant white shirt and a sapphire blue tie. Be still my heart. That dazzling smile just rocked me to the core and I responded with my equally dazzling smile. I felt so happy and was beyond excited.

More strands of LED lights decorated around the large rotunda where Carlos stood with Ella and Tank. Close by were our Den family with Manny, Cal, Shorty, Tiny and Luis as well, all smiling. The rotunda was flanked by two beautiful red maple trees, fittingly called October Glory. That is so perfect, October Glory. A small stream swept past the rotunda with that glorious sound of the water lapping over the rocks. Zero was taking photos but I only had eyes for my Carlos. I couldn't stop smiling and was completely captivated by this gorgeous, handsome man. Hector squeezed my arm with a warm smile.

"It's your turn, Chica," and he kissed me on each cheek before passing me to Carlos, officially giving me away, then moving to stand next to his husband who smiled adoringly.

Taking both my hands, Carlos pulled me closer, kissing me on each cheek.

"You look absolutely radiant, Querida."

His voice was thick and husky, his thumbs rubbing gently over the back of my hands.

"You look mighty fine too, Carlos, really scrumptious."

He chuckled at that, especially since many of my compliments could also apply to food, you know … delicious, luscious, scrumptious, yummy, just to name a few.

We expressed our heartfelt vows, reaffirming the declarations which we made when he proposed on my birthday in the bath tub. Even before the Justice of the Peace had finished pronouncing us as husband and wife, Carlos' lips had captured mine in a toe-curling kiss.

Sigh. I am such a lucky woman. I smiled listening to the waterfall trickling over the rocks, remembering that perfect setting for our secret garden wedding.

Tank and Ella were our witnesses and after signing the official documents, the Justice of the Peace handed us our marriage certificate. I looked up seeing the sky changing to a lovely rose pink and orange for a beautiful sunset as we walked into the beautifully decorated function room. Subtle lighting and soft white drapes hung from the ceiling around an impressive chandelier and candle lit tables. We enjoyed a seven-course degustation, which included two rounds of dessert! It was such a beautiful evening, Carlos couldn't keep his hands off me, or his lips. He was as ecstatically happy as I was. What a pleasant atmosphere.

I sighed again, smiling. Suddenly soft warm lips pressed onto mine as my neck got that tell-tale tingly sensation. I blinked my eyes open looking into those warm chocolaty brown ones of my love. He kissed me again, with his tongue swiping along my lips in an invitation to seek entrance. Oh, how this man can kiss.

"Querida, mon cherie, you look so relaxed," he smiled as I opened my eyes again, "but it is time to get ready. Let's go upstairs," he said, taking my hand.

"Oh yes. We have makeup to put on as well, to complete the look."

"Happy thoughts, Babe?"

I smiled and nodded. "Our wedding day."

"Of course. I suppose that's why it's easy to find you when there is a moment of peace, here by the cascading waters." He knew me so well.

After separate showers upstairs, I straightened my hair. We did our makeup and then put on our respective outfits for this special Halloween celebration. Black stockings and kitten heels and I was ready. However, as he slipped his diamond studs in place, Carlos had another idea. He gave me an enigmatic smile before presenting me with a black velvet jewellery box. Carefully opening it, I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Carlos suddenly snapped it shut, just like Richard Gere did in that scene. I jumped and laughed at his mischief.

Inside was some special jewellery to enhance my character even more, a stunning necklace and special rings, one particularly spectacular. Placing it on my finger, I knew it had to be authentic as he kissed it after kissing my wedding rings.

"It's not a black diamond, however, but just as special. I selected a black spinel," he explained. "It comes from Australia."

I was speechless, as a silent WOW was all I could manage. It was a stunning cushion cut stone, set in white gold, with three pear-shaped smaller spinels on the shoulders with two little diamonds in between. He gently pulled my hair aside, kissing the nape of my neck, before placing the single stone necklace around my neck. It was a deep dark red, set in white gold again.

"Another spinel," he said reverently. "This red is very special and the most desirable and highly regarded, just like you." He kissed me with a scintillating kiss. "It comes from Burma."

"Mi amor, you look absolutely ravishing and I am so glad that you're all mine. Te amo," he whispered as his lips lingered down my neck to that sweet spot he always finds, just below my ear. I moaned, enjoying the feel of his lips lingering so enticingly.

"And you look most dashing, Cariño. Te amo Carlos. I am so glad you are mine."

He grinned mischievously, thinking about going into character, but he decided to let it be and control himself. We had discussed this and were going to have some fun tonight.

For our Halloween celebration, we thought we'd go with the unpredictable, not conventional, but so very appropriate costumes. Carlos decided to carry me downstairs, which I didn't mind of, course. He is so strong and muscular, and, oh so virile. Mmm. So hard in all the right places, and, he's all mine.

"Querida, you're moaning again. Do you wish to continue downstairs? Or shall I turn around?"

His eyebrows lifted suggestively, yes, both eyebrows, but there was a wicked twinkle in his eye. I pretended to ponder that for a moment with my long red fingernails, but we had a mission and lust could wait. We can make up for it later. Reading my mind, grinning, he set me down and looked me up and down appreciatively, straightening my figure-hugging black dress, his hands brushing my curves in a sensual way.

The lights outside were ambient with the white, black and orange lanterns and the multiple strands of LED lights and the candles of course. It looked fantastic, exactly as I had visualised. Everyone was in costume. As we stepped onto the patio, everyone stopped and gasped.

oOoOo

TBC

It's so good to be back. My Muse has been having fun, teasing and tantalising.

Do you wanna guess on their costume for Halloween?