Stephanie's Point of View Continued…

After I woke up, I was in the hospital for another 2 days. I was so glad when I got to go home. I was especially ecstatic when I got to feed CJ for the first time in the hospital. I cried as I feed him.

When we got back to Haywood and to our apartment, I was sitting on the couch holding Abby and talking to her. CJ was sleeping. Abby got down and walked over grabbed a book then handed it to me. I had never seen the book before, so I wondered where she got it from.

"Carlos, where did this book come from, I have never seen this one before?"

He came over and looked at the book, "Babe, that's a book that Ella got Abby for her birthday a couple of weeks ago. It's her favorite she loves it."

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks I missed Abby's first birthday. I couldn't believe it. I looked at the book in my hands and I just started crying. Ranger didn't understand what was going on, he took the book out of my hands and held me in his arms.

"Babe, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I missed her first birthday. I shouldn't have missed it. He took that from me. I wasn't there and now I will never know how she reacted or what she did." The more I thought about the more I cried.

"Babe, I have a surprise for you. Do you think I would have a party for Abby and not record it? I recorded it so you would be able to see it. Come with me, Babe."

He pulled me up off the sofa and we walked into this office. He sat me down in front of his computer and popped a CD in the drive. I couldn't believe it. He recorded it. I sat in amazement as I watched my baby girl on her 1st birthday. The party took place in one of the conference rooms here at Haywood.

After it was over, I was still in awe. I couldn't believe that he recorded it. I missed it physically yes, but I still got to see the happiness that she had, and I was still there because whoever was filming it also filmed some footage of me in my hospital room with Abby on my legs eating a piece of birthday cake that Ranger was feeding to her. I was able to be included in the celebration and for that, I was forever grateful.

"Carlos, thank you for recording this. It means a lot. It also means a lot that you came to the hospital to include me in some of it. I love you even more for doing that for me."

He pulled me into his lap. Turned my face to where I was looking at him, "Babe, I love you with all my heart you are my world. There was no way I was going to have a party for Abby, and you are not included somehow. It was Tank's idea to feed her some cake while she was sitting on your legs. I knew you would be devastated because you missed her party and I wanted you to be a part of it."

I kissed him and used my tongue to emphasize my point. "Thank you, Darling. you are the best."

After the kiss, we sat there staring at each other for a few minutes. "So, Babe, I want to know when do you want to get married? I want to make you my wife like now, but I'm willing to wait for when you want to marry."

Since leaving the hospital I hadn't really thought about getting married, but now that he mentions it, I really did want to. "Anytime, you want to Batman, I'm ready. You just name the time, date, and place and I'm there."

"You're willing to let me plan it?" He asked that like that was an unbelievable concept to him.

"Of course, I'm willing to let you plan it. You can actually get Ella, your mother, or whoever else you want to plan it, I just don't want it to be huge. All I request is that there is a wedding cake and I get to wear a white dress."

"Okay, Babe. I can do that. So, I'm going to get Ella and my mother to help me plan it. I will limit the number of people that can attend. How does 50 sound?"

I felt like that was a reasonable number. "That's fine, but let it be none that any of the Merry Men that want to attend the wedding need to be included in that number. They are my friends and do not want to have to tell them that they can't come." I felt like that was only fair.

"Not a problem Babe. My mother and Ella are going to have a ball you know that right?"

I knew without a doubt they were going to love it. I just nodded my head in agreement with him.

"Why don't you call Ella and tell her, and I will call my mother. Then they both can get together and work their magic. What date do I tell them we want?"

"Carlos, I don't care I just want to get married as soon as possible. Saturday is fine with me." I knew that would be impossible because Saturday was 2 days away, but I was trying to make a point that anytime was fine with me.

I picked up the landline phone and dialed 6 to get to Ella, while I was doing that Ranger was calling his mother to inform her.

"Ella, hey I wanted to let you know that Carlos and I would like for you and his mother to plan our wedding. We do not want any more than 50 people there and if any of the guys here at Rangeman want to be there I want them there. I do not want them to be told no. Also, the only thing I request is that I want a wedding cake and a white dress, everything else the two of you can decide. Also, we want to get married as soon as possible." I said all that at one time without her interrupting me.

"Oh, I'm so excited Stephanie. We will make it so beautiful, and I promise no more than 50. Thank you for letting us do this."

"Ella, Carlos is on the phone with his mother now, so you might as well call her when he gets off. Also, I don't have any family members to invite so I'm okay with that. My family is here at Rangeman."

"Sweetie, we will take care of everything, you and Carlos just take care of each other and those precious babies."

So, that's what we did. For the next 2 weeks, we took care of each other and our babies. If I was feeding CJ, then Carlos was playing with or feeding Abby. If I was with Abby, then he was with CJ. When we would work one of each of the babies would be in our offices. We both had pack and plays so the babies would have someplace comfortable to sleep or play.

Of course, the guys made sure that they got baby time too. I can't tell you how many times I would get into Tank's office, and he would be holding Abby while he was doing work, or he would be leaning back in his chair holding and talking to CJ. It was the cutest thing.

Finally, after 2 weeks of waiting, we heard from Ranger's mother and Ella. Ranger's mother decided to come to Rangeman so she could confer with Ella while they spoke with us.

Mama gave both of us a hug and we all 4 went into Carlos's office. We all sat around the small conference table that was in the office.

"Okay, so here is what we have planned. We have the nuptials set for October 13th at 12 pm. It will take place on the beach at Point Pleasant. Then there will be a reception dinner with cake at Rossini's. There will also be dancing there. Stephanie, we have your gown picked out, it will be delivered to you on October 7th you have to try it on to make sure it fits. If it needs altering Ella can do that or we can have a tailor, do it.

You will receive your bouquet at the wedding right before you walk down the aisle. The bouquet consists of lilies, red and white roses. There have been 50 people that have been invited and we have received back 45 RSVPs so far. We have 3 of Carlos's nieces to be the flower girls. His sisters will be the bridesmaids and Tank's wife Lula is the maid of honor.

All the food is being provided by Rossini's. The cake is from Tasty Pastry because we know that is your favorite place for cake and dessert. Carlos your tux will be delivered the same day as Stephanie's dress. Try it on to make sure it fits and doesn't need altering.

Stephanie, I made sure all the guys here were invited. Those that we're able to come have already sent RSVPs back to us. I know you did not want us to, but we reached out to your parents and your mother refuses to come. Your father said he would think about it and your grandmother we were not able to get in touch with her. So, that's it. That's what we have planned does all that sound okay?"

Carlos and I stared at each other than at the two ladies that took on this wonderful task. "You two did great. That's all we could as for and more. Thank you so much." We both hugged each lady, and we had an ESP thing going on making sure that we got both ladies something really nice for helping us with this.

October 13th was 12 days away and 11 days until my dreaded 30th birthday. Carlos and I were the same age he was exactly 2 months older than me. of course, every chance he got he made sure he reminded me of that.

We both were looking forward to being married to each other. Carlos tells me every night when we are in bed, how much he loves me. He told me about the time that he broke down and cried when they said I had died. I reminded him that I know I saw the image from Heaven. Now, every night has asked me things about Heaven, things that I don't know, and some I do. He finds it ironic that I asked about his karma when I was in Heaven, but I didn't ask about anything concerning myself. I told him that I wanted him to know that the demons that he lives with, he doesn't have to live with them, he can let them go. I asked for more his peace of mind than mine.

I asked him about something that he told me previously. He said he had loved me for years. I asked him what he meant. He said that he fell in love with me through my brother Jack's stories. He has always thought of me as His Stephanie. I asked him why he never came to any of the gatherings knowing I would be there. He said because he was afraid, I wouldn't like him, because of the things that he did on the missions.

I told him that what he did in his past is just his past and no one should hold that against him. He deserves to be loved and taken care of just like anyone else. He also deserves happiness. I told him that I'm glad that he found me or that I found him however you wanted to phrase it. we have determined that we are each other's soulmates, and we belong together.

Something else that we discovered was that we have a sense of one another. What I mean by that is I can feel when he is hurt. When he enters a room, I know without even looking at him, or if he comes up to me. I know by a tingling that I get in the back of my neck. He knows if there is something wrong with me and he can sense my presence. Also, when we touch each other there is electricity that goes through us. The Merry Men have told him that when we make eye contact with each other that it's very electric and if anyone of them walks through the connection it feels like they get zapped. That's quite interesting if you ask me.

We spent the next 11 days just enjoying each other. We got into a routine. We would work doing the day, with the babies being always with us. If they weren't with us, then they were with their uncles. Then at 5 pm every day we would close our work find our babies if we didn't have them already and head to 7. There we would make sure they were both changed and fed then we would eat food ourselves. After that, we usually sat together on the sofa and played and talked with the babies and to each other. Then usually around 7:30 I would give CJ a bath and then Carlos would give Abby a bath. We would get them ready for bed and then put them to sleep by 8. We were lucky that CJ usually sleeps the whole night. He normally woke up about 4 am every morning then I would feed him, and he would go back to sleep.

When I got my dress delivered to me on the 7th I was floored. It was so beautiful. I wasn't expecting it to be that beautiful. It was a solid white with satin all over and a film of lace going down the sides. Off the shoulders with the center forming a V down to my belly button. The front has ties like a bustier holding it in place. There are roses that trail down the V going from the back of the dress all the way around on the off-the-shoulder sleeves to the V down the middle to the belly button. The back of the dress was a V also going to a point right before you get to my butt.

It's amazing how gorgeous this dress is. The body is straight and flows at the very bottom. White pearl and rhinestone 4-inch heels accompany it. Whoever picked this dress out did a very good job.

The day finally arrived. Ella and I went to a house at Point Pleasant where everyone was getting ready. I was in one bedroom and Carlos was in another bedroom. The house was a 2-bedroom 2 bath-house. Apparently, Carlos owned the house and used it sometimes as a safe house. Tank was his best man and Lula was my maid of honor.

I was ready by 11:45 and Carlos was already down at the front waiting on me. My father never did show. I had no one to give me away, So I walked down the beach by myself. There was a white silk runner going down the middle with chairs on each side. An arch that stood in the front with the preacher under it and Carlos to the right with Tank next to him. My bridesmaids and Maid of Honor were on the left waiting on me. Each side had 25 chairs to even out the 50 seats.

I walked down the aisle to the man that I love. He was wearing a black Armani tux. We both didn't wear the shoes because of the sand so his feet were bare just like mine. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. He took my breath away. He had a beautiful 1000-watt smile on his face.

I walked up to him, and he took both of my hands in his as I handed my bouquet to Lula. We stared at each other as the preacher started. It was a beautiful service. When it came time for the vows, we each wrote our own. He blew me away to the point where I was crying when he was done.

"My Beautiful Stephanie. I have loved you for what seemed like forever. Your brother would tell our team about your exploits at bounty hunting and that is what kept us going on our missions. He gave me a picture of you, and it honestly blew me away. You were only 20 in the picture but to me, you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. You are the most amazing woman that I know. You bring light into my dark world. You bring me hope and you show your love for me every day.

You do things for me that I never thought mattered. You make me want to be better every day. Just with your touch, you calm me. I can watch you sleep for hours, and it settles my spirit. You have given me 2 beautiful children that I love with all my heart. You came into my life when I thought I would never find someone to love me. You have shown me that love conquers all. You are my soulmate and I thank you for being in my life. I love you, Babe."

Wow! I was crying. He took his thumb and wiped away tears. He kissed my forehead and mouth 'I Love You. He takes my breath away.

Ranger/Carlos Point of View

She is so beautiful walking down the aisle. I still can't believe that today is our day. She will be my wife within the hour. I can't wait to be able to call her Mrs. Manoso. She is my world.

The dress was beautiful, and it just enhanced her beauty. Ella and Mama did an amazing job on everything. I could tell that Steph wasn't happy that her dad decided not to show, but that's his loss.

Our eyes locked as she walked down the runner that was laid out on the sand. I saw the love and happiness in her eyes. She has been waiting for this day for a long time. I can still remember when she was in the hospital, and they said she died I never thought that I would get this day with her. I am not worthy of her love, but I will do everything I can to make sure that I make her happy every day for the rest of her life. She deserves that and more.

When I took her hands, I couldn't help but notice that they were cold, and she was shaking a little. Ah, she was nervous. There was nothing to be nervous about that's why I kissed her forehead to assure her that everything was okay.

When we agreed to write out our own vows, I knew what I wanted to say but I wasn't sure how I wanted to say it. Then I just decided to speak from my heart. That was the easiest thing to do.

Her vows to me touched me in a way I never thought I could be touched; they were beautiful, and I could tell they were full of her love. A tear rolled down each eye after she finished her vow.

"My Darling Carlos, I searched for you for so long after Abby was gone. I never thought I would find you. You saved my life and the life of our daughter. You readily took Abby as your child without hesitation and loved her as your own. You make me laugh when I don't feel like laughing. You brighten my day just by your smile. You can walk into a room or come into my space and suddenly my day is better. You make everything better in my world.

I never knew that I could love someone the way I love you. I always thought soulmates were for someone other than myself. You make me feel as though I'm beautiful and you allow me to fly. I do stupid things and get into stupid situations, but you never belittle me or make me feel like I'm stupid. When you say 'Proud of you, Babe' it makes me feel like you truly are proud of me. Thank you, Carlos, for making my world a better place. Thank you for loving me and thank you for allowing me to love you. You are my world, my heart, and my soul and I will love you until eternity and beyond."

Just as I had, she mouthed 'I love you.' She doesn't know what that does to me every time she tells me that or every time that she calls me Carlos. It gives me a little feeling and makes me feel like I'm special and I'm loved. I know that may seem crazy but that's how it makes me feel.

The priest then asked, "Do you Ricardo Carlos Manoso take Stephanie Michelle Plum to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Of course, I said, "I Do."

He then asked Stephanie, "Do you Stephanie Michelle Plum take Ricardo Carlos Manoso to be your lawfully wedded husband?" She then in turn stated, "I Do."

The Priest then announced us husband and wife and said, "You may kiss your bride." I grabbed Babe by her waist and bent down to smother her mouth with mine. I kissed her with all the emotion possible to relay how much I love her and needed her.

I was so proud to be coming home. Today with Steph in my arms I found home.

The End