Chapter 35 - July
Woody's POV
I'm still surprised that I'm here in Miami, that I received an invitation. I didn't think that Stephanie and Ranger would invite me to their wedding. After all, I was the "competition," the "other man" in Stephanie's life. Granted, she didn't feel as strongly about me as I thought about her, but we were sleeping together. Maybe this is a way for Ranger to further display his dominance, to rub it into my face that he won. But somehow, I don't think that is the case. Knowing Stephanie, I'm sure she invited me here because she considers me her friend, her close friend.
I mean, Stephanie would never have gotten the job at Rangeman if it weren't for me. I'm the one who told the team about her and who got her the interview. Yes, her skills ultimately earned her the job, but it was me who opened that door. It was that opportunity that allowed for Stephanie and Ranger to reconnect, to meet each other once again. And to realize that they both still loved each other. That was a big blow. I thought that there was a future for Stephanie and me, but I was wrong, so wrong.
However, I can't really complain because knowing Stephanie led me to find my soulmate, in Jo Kearney. I never imagined that helping her to her car would lead to us dating, but it did. She's a beautiful woman, and as a former Navy Sailor, understands our crazy job and some of the demons that haunt me occasionally. She is intelligent, sassy, and oh so sexy. The best part is that she feels just as strongly about me as I feel about her. I know that we are on the path to our own wedding and future. It's just a matter of when. Neither of us is ready right now to formalize our commitment to each other, but I know that day will be here sooner rather than later.
I still think back to that night in the club. I knew deep down that I was losing Stephanie, that she was pulling away from me slowly. But I didn't want to give her up. I didn't want to lose her. She was the first woman I met that saw me for who I was, who saw beyond the physique and the façade, who actually opened up some of my closed doors. She made me feel alive, cherished and loved simply by being herself. I think I started to fall for her while she was my PT, well before Rangeman opened.
I saw the signs, the writing on the wall. In fact, several of the guys were keen to point them out to me, I guess, to make sure that I wasn't thrown for a loop. It was clear that there was still a spark between Ranger and Stephanie. It was subtle but in the little things. The way that he was always looking out for her, wanting to know her plans, where she was going, and if she was going alone. How he would always seem to be around when she arrived at work or when she left, even before he knew about the twins. Then, when he found out about them, when she let it slip, that night in Shorty's, I had a feeling the dynamic would change, but I thought the news would send Ranger away. But, if I am honest with myself, I knew that night in the hospital that I had lost Stephanie. The way she inherently leaned on Ranger, looked to him for support, well, that should have been me.
Even though we were still dating and a couple, it wasn't the same. There was no spark, no passion between us. It was very nice, but not as I hoped it would be. Still, instead of doing what was right and letting her go, I held onto Stephanie, pulling her more, pushing her, and I guess, in fact, I really pushed her away. The weekend at the beach was clue enough, the way her face lit up when Ranger called her, and then when she saw him arrive. Yes, she was thrilled to see her kids, but she was also delighted to see Ranger. I know she was faithful, that she didn't cheat on me or do anything with Ranger, she's too honorable, but I know that the temptation was there. I also am aware that Ranger didn't push either because if he wanted her, he could have easily convinced her to go to bed with him.
When I saw them dancing that night, jealousy ranged through me, though I kept it hidden. I didn't understand what Ranger had that I didn't. It wasn't until Ranger took me to the mats when I was being a jerk to Steph that I realized their connection was primal, like the meeting of two souls. There was no way that I could compete with that. But, thanks to all that happened, I was able to meet Jo, and now I know what it's like to be so consumed by another person.
I am in awe of Steph's strength, her fortitude. Being able to withstand and push back against the idiocy of the Burg, to ignore their chatter, and still hold her head high. I'm glad, for her sake, that the busybodies have moved on to a new target, Joyce Barnhardt because if anyone deserves to be placed under their microscope, it's her.
As Jo walks out of the bathroom wearing a long, form-fitted black gown with a low back, my mind is brought back to the present. Her smile, wide and genuine, with her sparkling blue eyes, melts my heart. Her hair, falling, is a soft wave around her face. I can't help but think what a lucky man I am today. I kiss her lips, and together, we head to the beach to witness Stephanie and Ranger become man and wife. Soon, my beloved Jo, it will be our turn.
Ranger's POV
I'm watching Stephanie dance with her father and can't help but think about that day when I'll be dancing with Lucia at her wedding. In a million years, never did I envision having children or getting married. I thought I was content in my bachelor life, free from commitments, free to be with whoever I wanted when I wanted it. Never did I assume that I could be satisfied entirely by one woman. But then, Stephanie reentered my life, and I discovered it was incomplete.
Frank twirls Stephanie, and she laughs, her eyes twinkling, as she retakes his hand. I love seeing her happy, and I hope to make her happy for many years to come. This wedding is everything that Stephanie wanted it to be and more. We are on a posh Miami resort beach, surrounded by my family and our closest friends. Grandma Mazur is ogling many older gentlemen, and I'm afraid that Frank will have his hands full with her. The twins enjoy their time with their cousins and are looking forward to spending the next two weeks here while Stephanie and I go to Hawaii. We contemplated not taking a honeymoon, but to be honest, we both need some time alone, just the two of us, without work interruptions, and the twins.
I see Lester and Paige sitting next to each other. It is clear that Lester found 'the one.' She is perfect for him, and he for her. I only hope that he puts a ring on her finger before putting the bun in the oven, not that I should talk. Bobby and Mackenzie are engaged, with a spring wedding planned. Tank and Aisha broke up, but Stephanie informed me that she didn't like her anyway and felt that Tank could do better. I don't know how she determines these things, but I don't argue with her.
I know that Stephanie has mentioned that she would like to have more children. I know that I would love to have at least one more child with Stephanie, if not more. I missed out on so much with the twins, and I'd love the opportunity to experience all the firsts. Lucia and Alex would also like siblings. I come from a big family, and I would like to have one. While I often don't handle the initial chaos of large family gatherings, I love the time I spend with my family once I settle in.
I watch my son run over to my wife, asking her to dance with him, and laugh as he leads her in a cha-cha. He's on his way to being a Cassanova. I look at Lucia and decide to dance with her.
"Lucia, will you dance with Papa?"
"Yes, Daddy." I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor, and soon, we are cha-cha-ing away, just like I used to dance with Mama. When the song is over, the twins decide to dance with their cousins, so I once again take my wife into my arms.
"Well, Mrs. Manoso, how does it feel to be an old married woman?"
"It feels great to be married, but I won't be married for long if my darling husband calls me old again."
"Babe."
"Carlos."
Before we can dance for too long, the maître d' is getting our attention, as it's time to cut the cake. I gently feed Steph her first piece of cake, knowing how dessert is the base of her food pyramid. However, I'm caught off guard when Steph slams the cake in my face.
"You need to be more aware of your surroundings." She mocks me as she laughs. I give her my look, and I see her smile falter momentarily. She knows she'll be punished for this, but all in a good way.
Thankfully, the reception ends shortly after that, and we can finally begin our honeymoon in the bridal suite of this hotel. After saying goodnight to the twins, I bring Steph to our private elevator and sweep her off her feet.
"This is what I have been waiting for all night," I say.
"What's that? Holding me in your arms?" Steph responds coyly.
"No, consummating our marriage."
I reply, bringing my lips against hers, kissing her passionately. The elevator dings, and I walk her into our suite and place her gently in the center of the bed. I start to undress Steph and pause when I hit her belly, seeing a slight bump that I hadn't noticed before. I look up into her eyes.
"Babe?"
"Yes, Carlos."
"Are you…are we?"
"Are we what?"
"Babe, are you pregnant?"
The smile that graces her face can light up the world. "Yes, Carlos, I'm 10 weeks pregnant."
I bring my face up to hers, kissing her once again. "Babe, you've made me the happiest man today, not just with becoming my wife, but with giving me another child."
"I'm pretty sure that you had something to do with getting me into this condition."
"I know, Babe, but I was lost before I found you, and now, I'm complete."
"I love you, Carlos, forever."
"Te quiero, mi amor."
The End
A/N: A very special thank you to all my readers, especially those who started on this journey back in September of 2018. Never did I imagine that it would take me over three years to finish this story, but I finally did it. You stuck with me through my long hiatus, aka doctoral studies, and were nothing but encouraging. I hope the ending was everything you hoped for. I will be taking a break from FF writing for a while, as I continue with my studies, but I will still write when I can. I will not publish something unless it is complete.
A final thank you to two special people. First, is my fabulous beta, Susan, who cleans up my thoughts and keeps me on track. She is efficient, and quick, allowing you all to enjoy my words as quickly as possible. The second thank you goes to Kelly, aka HermioneIncarnate, who has been there along the way to help me flush out the story, especially around how Ranger and Steph lost touch. Not only is she an extraordinary author and brainstormer, but she help to talk me off a cliff when I was at my wit's ends, and to that, I thank you for being a great friend. Babes, I couldn't do it with you both! Here's to a fabulous 2022 for us all!