Dinner Dates
Chapter 4
oOoOo
Ricardo Carlos Mañoso looked deeply into his bride's eyes and saw the love and affection that was reflected in his own. Both of their eyes were glistening with joy. She took a deep shuddering breath as she drank in the handsome man before her. He grinned a two-hundred-watt grin, a dazzling smile which won her heart so many years ago. She smiled an equally dazzling one back at him as she playfully punched his arm. He gently took her hand, bringing it to his lips, before turning it over to kiss her palm tenderly. She sighed, smiling through her long lashes.
"Te amo, Querida," he said lovingly.
"Te amo, mi amor," she whispered reverently.
His hand held her cheek tenderly as he said the most important loving words to his wife, "Mi amor, mi corazon, mi amante, mi vida, mi alma. You look more beautiful every day." (my love, my sweetheart, my lover, my life, my soul)
"You are my everything, mi amor, mi corazon, mi amante, mi vida, mi alma. You look more handsome every day."
Holding both hands, facing each other, they both turned to look at their family, all wearing blue, in honour of their 45th wedding anniversary, smiling at their children and grandchildren, sisters and brothers, nephews and nieces. It was a sapphire anniversary and they decided to renew their vows with the most important people present.
Father Alonso made the introductions and welcomed everyone. They had already attended the Feast of Saint Valentine service at their parish church, St Valentine's Roman Catholic Church in Bloomfield. For them, it was also called Día de los Enamorados, Day of Lovers, which was richly embedded in their Cuban culture. It was the very same Newark church in which Ricardo and Maria first married. Before the second service began with the mass weddings ceremony, the Mañoso clan moved all together to the Mañoso residence in Newark, where they gathered in a large marquis adjoining the house. It was beautifully decorated with blues and white and some silver, with tulle, streamers and balloons.
Along with their immediate family, their bridal party was also there, which included Ella and Luis, Lester's mum, Carmen, and Ricardo's brother Eduardo. Maria, Ella and Carmen were sisters, Ricardo and Eduardo were brothers and Luis was their cousin. She wore the original lace edged mantilla veil over a beautiful sapphire blue dress. He wore a dark blue suit. They made a stunning couple. In deference to their sapphire anniversary, everyone was wearing something blue.
Ranger had held onto Stephanie's hand and watched in admiration and pride. But half way through the proceedings, he stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her, her back to his front. On some of the key words he kissed her neck and repeated the words softly in her ear.
Father Alonso quoted 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
"Love," he began, looking at his smiling captive audience.
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."
Murmurs of agreement, of love and joy, mingled with some sniffles, in the applause that followed. Smiling confidently, led by Father Alonso, Ricardo and Maria renewed their original vows, and then adding their own new commitment vows. Ricardo and Maria exchanged new rings: hers a sapphire in white gold for her middle finger, and his, a titanium band with two small sapphires as well. More applause as the ceremony was complete. With lots of hugs and kisses, so many happy embraces, the family then celebrated with a light afternoon tea which included delicious empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, mini tacos and various tapas. Ricardo then held up two tickets, flight passes and tickets for a Caribbean cruise. Maria was overjoyed and they kissed, amid whoops and catcalls from their family. He grinned cockily. Luis nudged him laughingly, "Still smooth, Mañoso."
On a large screen was a PowerPoint presentation scrolling through photos of their courting days, their wedding, the children growing up and various family celebrations, special occasions and feasts. Stephanie marvelled at how Ranger had changed from being such a small boy to the handsome man who held her heart. A toast to the bridal couple was made by Eduardo, with a few appropriate jokes, before everyone departed to celebrate St Valentine's Day for themselves. Ranger and Stephanie left with everyone else, after congratulating his parents with a warm embrace.
"That was so amazing, so, so beautiful," Stephanie expressed with tears in her eyes.
"We wanted to share this with the people who mean the most to us, our loving family," Maria said, squeezing Stephanie's and Ranger's hands.
"Feliz aniversario. And Happy Valentine's Day," Stephanie smiled, blushing a little, looking up at Ranger. He taught her well. Ricardo hugged his son in a warm embrace and hugged Stephanie with a kiss on each cheek. Maria hugged and kissed them both warmly.
"Yes. Feliz aniversario. I know you two are up to something, but Ricardo won't tell me. Have a lovely evening, and Happy Valentine's Day." He winked at Maria and raised an eyebrow at Stephanie and Ranger, tapping his nose knowingly.
Only the bridal party stayed until it was time for Ricardo and Maria to depart to their favourite Cuban restaurant, where the only music that played was bachata.
Ella and Luis drove home, watching the snow flurries scampering in the headlights, chatting happily along the way. From a small humble wedding in early Newark times, to this wonderful family gathering was just so perfect. What a joy to behold. Ella was quiet for a spell, reminiscing over the day's joyful events and then contemplating about their evening meal. Luis just watched her between side glances, keeping his eye on the road, smiling secretively. He had his orders.
Riding the elevator up to the sixth floor in silence, his arm around her shoulder, Luis opened the door for her, removing her coat and scarf, and hanging his and hers in the coat cupboard. As they entered the main living area, they found their dining room decorated with hearts and red roses and candles, and there was soft music playing. Rose petals were scattered over the crisp white linen table cloth. The crystal glasses sparkled in the candlelight and the ambience was set for a romantic evening. And, the wonderful smell of delicious aromas met her nose unexpectedly.
Ella stood in awe admiring the subtle decorations, the candles and the ambience, her mouth open in shock and surprise. Speechless.
Luis popped the cork on the champagne from the ice bucket beside the table and poured some into her champagne flute and his. They clinked glasses, "Salud, mi amor," they said together.
Ella was stunned until she saw the knowing grin on Luis' face.
"You did this, mi amor?"
"No, not me, mi cariño. I was given … specific instructions." (my darling)
"Instructions?"
He smiled and looked around approvingly. He pulled a chair out for her and kissed her sweetly on the lips as she sat down.
"I'm confused, Luis." He smiled.
It was then that Ranger and Stephanie appeared from the kitchen with an attractive salad starter with mango and avocado.
"Happy Valentine's Day. Buen provecho." Stephanie said the Spanish so well and Ranger beamed at her. Poor Ella. She was now even more confused and a bit overcome with emotion. It had been that kind of day.
"Tia Ella, Tio Luis, this is a special thank you Valentine's Day dinner for you both for supporting us so much every day. We decided to give you a special evening as you have done for us so many times. Stephanie and I have prepared a special meal for you to show our appreciation to you both."
Ella gasped in disbelief, her hands over her mouth, eyes glistening. She smiled and nodded her thanks, but she was again speechless. Luis toasted his glass to Stephanie and Ranger with a wink and a grin acknowledging the success of their secret to surprise Ella, especially.
"Oh. Just so you know, tomorrow has been taken care of, so you do not need to do any preparation for Rangeman meals." Ranger declared, making sure that his aunt would not go to bed already having meals for 'her boys' prepared tonight.
Using the trolley that Ella always used to bring him breakfast and dinner, they brought the next course, a soup, a light Hungarian vegetable broth, with some crisp breadsticks, serving into their small bowls from a tureen. Ranger topped up the champagne glasses while Stephanie served. Each course was brought in separately.
"Oh. Mm. This is so delicious. Your recipe, Stephanie?"
"My Grandma's," she smiled.
Next, they brought in a succulent prawn cocktail in individual fancy glass stemmed bowls, garnished with lime and coriander. Hidden in the spicy cocktail sauce with the juicy prawns were segments of succulent ruby grapefruit. Ranger knew his uncle was very partial to seafood, especially these large prawns. A tall thin glass with pineapple mojito accompanied this course, garnished with lime and a colourful paper parasol.
The main course was then brought in. There was rice with black beans, a fresh colourful salsa mix, and arroz con pollo, (chicken and rice). Ranger and Stephanie smiled at the success of the evening and danced to the soft music in the kitchen between clearing the table and serving.
They had prepared the food the day before, having a fun-filled day of cooking with sexy intervals. They did get a bit messy of course, and sampling the flavours was half the fun. Ranger was the master chef, but he enabled Stephanie to do most of the cooking under his close guidance … close as in close body contact as well. There was lots of laughter in their preparations and Stephanie was finding cooking with Ranger a most pleasurable experience. Double entendre intended!
In between slow dancing, they had sips of champagne, toasting the success of each course, while Ella and Luis delighted in their specially prepared meal. Of course, they shared a sample of each course in the kitchen and approved of their own cooking, smiling indulgently at each other. The kitchen was clean since all they had to do was to keep the meals warmed. Because they came home well before Ella and Luis, the hot dishes were heated upstairs on seven in Ranger's apartment. Using the trolley, they were able to have everything set up before they arrived home. Ricardo had texted Ranger when they departed so they could keep a check on their secret plan's timeline. They used the fridge and the oven of course. After serving and changing each course, they rinsed the dishes and loaded them quietly into the dishwasher.
For the final course, they served a tangy sorbet with a mango puree and a mint leaf garnish, in glass tumblers as a light and luscious end to their meal. It was a refreshingly light and luscious way to finish after all the spicy flavours, a cleansing of the palate, per se.
The mokapot was on the stove and the tiny cups were ready and set on a tray with a couple of thin slices of her Grandma's almond biscotti. Stephanie mixed the crema furiously to get that perfect frothy foam finish for their coffee. No Cuban meal is complete without Cafecito.
As they removed the main course dishes, Ella and Luis looked decidedly happy and contentedly full. The tray of coffee was brought in and they sat down with Ella and Luis.
"I am rather overwhelmed, Carlos and Stephanie. I can't believe you did this and so beautifully. I, we, feel very spoilt. Thank you so much. The meal was divine, every single course. I am completely amazed."
"Mi hijo, mi hija, you excelled yourselves. You even surprised me beyond expectations. Thank you. Stephanie, and adding your Hungarian soup was a nice touch."
He sipped the Cafecito thoughtfully, everyone silently savouring the strong flavour. Before pouring a second cup, they nibbled on the crisp biscotti, a rather perfect accompaniment with the strong sweet Cuban coffee.
"Mm. Babe. Perfect crema. Are you sure you don't have any Cuban heritage somewhere?" He winked at her.
"Tia Ella, Tio Luis … It was our absolute pleasure. I gave Tio strict orders that you were not to prepare a Valentine's meal for us as you probably were planning. Stephanie hinted that we were going out."
"Yes. Going out of seven and down to six!" she laughed heartily. "Now you two can drink some more and dance together. The rest of the night is yours to do as you wish. The dishwasher is on and the kitchen will be cleared and clean."
Stephanie and Ranger cleared up in the kitchen and loaded the trolley with the covered leftover dishes, leaving Ella and Luis sipping their coffee.
With hugs and heartfelt thank yous, Stephanie and Ranger went in the elevator up to the apartment on seven. They put away all the dishes in the fridge and felt very pleased with what they had achieved. Stephanie leaned back against the kitchen bench, with a box of goodies beside her, watching Ranger closely, her mind dwelling on all the events of the day.
"I see that wicked glint in your eyes."
He gave her his wolf grin and grabbed her around the waist, slowly kissing down her neck.
"Feliz aniversario, Mrs Mañoso."
"Feliz aniversario, Mr Mañoso."
"I believe that you made a promise."
"Yes," she grinned. "I did."
"It's been a wonderful day," she sighed. "you were particularly thoughtful and indulgent this morning, worshipping at my temple, as you like to say. And my body is still humming with your wicked worshipfulness."
"Mmm. You were particularly delicious this morning, Querida. Muy deliciosa, mi corazon."
He took her mouth in a passionate kiss, one of his toe-curling specials. She swooned and swayed a bit from the kiss as they came up for air, but also from the wonderful memory invoked by his remarks.
"That might have been the mango and the strawberries. Mmm. Yes. God! I love it when you speak in Spanish, Carlos, Muy sexy, mi amor! But it's my turn, now. My turn to worship at your temple."
Carlos growled and his eyes went a lustful dark onyx.
"I am going to eat from your body this time and devour you, slowly and sumptuously. Strawberries, squirty cream, mango, some nice sponge fingers and some crunchy pecans. Oh! I love nuts. I have everything I need in here, Mr Mañoso."
Before she could say anymore, he threw her over his shoulders, grabbing her "box of goodies" which she had obviously prepared earlier, and ran to the bedroom so she could have her way with him!
"Oh, Happy Valentine's Day to me," he thought blissfully! Stephanie giggled all the way knowing she had broken his control once again.
oOoOo
The End
This began as three couples celebrating Valentine's Day ..."in their own way", some miserable but the rest very happily.
Although, we had more than three:
* Frank and Helen Plum: a disastrous end for the delusional, alcohol addicted Helen, but a hopeful, new beginning for Frank, and also for Edna.
* Joseph Morelli: not celebrating, gloomy and miserable in the company of his mother and grandmother, and his cheating brother, and, being infected, Joseph was unable to get a date.
* Valerie and Albert, relaxed and enjoying a peaceful romantic Valentine's Day dinner out.
* Ricardo and Maria Mañoso: renewing their vows on their 45th wedding anniversary
* Ella and Luis Guzman: being waited on by their nephew and his wife for a romantic meal
* Carlos and his wife Stephanie: celebrating with their family and each other, in more ways than one.
Thank you to Ms. Margaret for setting this challenge for me. We had loads of fun brainstorming. Wickedly. But she gave me absolute licence to write so much more and "fill in the spaces". My Muse took the gauntlet and ran away with it. She was on fire!