"Rise and shine, badass."

I was unceremoniously dragged from my sleep by Ranger, who had rudely turned on the lights and flung open the curtains.

"But its Sunday," I groaned, putting the pillow over my head.

"Ah, yes… but it's a Point Pleasant Sunday," Ranger clarified, lifting the pillow off my head.

I sighed. I wasn't going to win this battle, and I had to tinkle anyway. I rolled out of bed, pushed my bedhead out of my face, and shuffled obediently into the bathroom.

I did the shower thing, the hair thing, and the light makeup thing before eating a bowl of cereal standing over the sink. I fed Rex and told him I loved him. I tried to sip some coffee but poured it out—my new normal thanks to Baby Guppy. I checked my overnight bag one last time to ensure I had all the essentials before Ranger hustled me out the door and down to his 911 Turbo.

Ranger immediately went into 'the zone' driving, so I let myself doze off to the purr of the car's engine. When I woke, we were parked in the valet line at a resort in Point Pleasant.

"This seems like a little… much," I said, studying the building. "The few times I've stayed here before, I got a room at the Roadway Inn."

"Babe," Ranger said with a laugh.

I knew I amused him.

We grabbed our bags, and Ranger handed the keys over to the valet, who eagerly jumped into the front seat with the keys and the $20 tip. We got checked in at the front desk and took the elevator to the top floor, where Ranger unlocked an enormous, luxurious suite.

"Jeez," I breathed, taking in the warm brown and gold tones that draped the room. "You outdid yourself, Batman."

He smirked at me, tossing his duffle into the small closet. He went to the glass-top table, where a chilled bottle of champagne, a carafe of orange juice, a tray of pastries, and a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries were waiting. He popped the champagne and made two mimosas, passing one to me.

"I, uh… can't drink that," I said sheepishly.

"It's sparkling juice," he said, pointing to the label.

"You thought of everything," I laughed nervously, taking the flute. "Thank you."

"To new adventures," he said, raising his glass to me.

I gently tapped my glass against his, then sipped the bubbly beverage.

Ranger opened the balcony doors, and we sat enjoying the morning breeze off the ocean as the tide rolled in. I picked at a pastry and ate a few strawberries, feeling pretty damn spoiled by the sexy Cuban god relaxing alongside me.

As the air was beginning to grow warm, Ranger checked his watch.

"It's time," he said, getting to his feet.

"Time?"

"Couple's massage," he explained.

We enjoyed an hour massage followed by facials. Part of me wanted to laugh out loud at seeing Ranger getting a facial, but the other part of me wanted to live to see another day—so I 'let go and let God,' as they say… whoever 'they' are.

Our next destination was the salon, where Ranger had his hair trimmed and slicked back and his face shaved. I got my hair trimmed and smoothed into sleek, sexy curls.

By noon, I was purring like a kitten getting her ears scratched. I was fed, relaxed, and feeling pretty. I almost hated to go ruin my hair on the beach.

"I have a few things I need to go take care of for my parents," Ranger said as the hairdresser plucked at my eyebrows.

I gave him a pouty face, and he gave a hearty laugh.

"You have a 12:15 appointment with Leslie if you'd like to get your makeup done," he said. "I'll be back to get you by one."

I couldn't remember the last time I'd had my makeup done professionally—maybe when I'd married Dickie? I wasn't about to turn down the opportunity, so I waved him on and shuffled on to another chair for the next round of activities.

As promised, Ranger was back several minutes before one.

"Babe," he greeted as he looked me up and down, apparently liking what he saw.

"Hey," I greeted warmly, sliding my freshly painted toenails into my flip flops. "You were right when you said you'd ruin me for other men. This qualifies as next-level spoiled."

"Good," he said, beaming. "You ready?"

We left the salon, and Ranger escorted me to a small restaurant on the second floor of the hotel. We were seated at a table for two in front of a massive window that overlooked the oceanfront.

"Mr. Manoso," the waiter greeted politely, setting two glasses of water on the table.

"He knows your name?" I asked after he'd left.

"Babe, I had a reservation."

We enjoyed a light lunch of seafood salad on croissants, mixed green salad, fresh fruit, iced tea, and delicate lemon cookies that tasted like sunshine and happiness. By 2:30, I could feel the heat of the sun beating in through the windows as I watched families playing on the beach.

"What's next?" I asked, curious as ever. "You seem to have this beach trip all planned out."

He gave a nod before reaching under the table to pull out a large white box. I couldn't hide my confused scowl—he hadn't carried it in, so it seemed to have magically appeared. He passed the box across the table to me.

I stared down at the box.

"Open it," Ranger said softly.

I raised an eyebrow with uncertainty before setting the box on the table. I gently lifted the lid. As I pushed aside white tissue paper, I found a large white bouquet of roses with lilies, babies' breath, and hydrangeas.

"Wow," I breathed, delicately touching a rose. "Thank you."

"There is more," he said, gesturing back to the box.

I raised an eyebrow, then pawed into the tissue paper. I found three black velvet jewelry boxes. I felt my eyes grow wide as I opened the first, exposing a pair of massive diamond earrings.

"Ranger, I…" I began to argue, but he cut me off with a wave of his hand.

He looked at me expectantly, so I moved to the second box obediently. I opened the lid and found a delicate diamond necklace. I touched it with my fingertips, almost afraid I'd damage the icy crystals.

"You really shouldn't have," I said. "I rarely have occasion to wear something so…"

"Shh…" he said, raising his hand again to stop my rambling.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself as I picked up the third box, nervously wondering what ostentatious piece of jewelry I'd find next. I was surprised when I cracked the lid and found a man's silver wedding band.

I looked to Ranger for explanation, and I found his face was serious.

"Stephanie, you mean everything to me," he began, taking my hand in his. "You are my world. I know we're not very traditional…" he said, his voice trailing off. "…so I hope you'll consider marrying me. Here. Today."

"What?" I blurted too loudly. "No, Ranger, I don't…"

He cut me off as my panic was approaching aneurysm level.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

I couldn't respond. I simply stared. Of course I trusted him, but this? This was crazy. Totally off the wall. What about our friends and family? They had expectations.

I found Ranger staring back, waiting for my answer… but I couldn't remember the question.

"What?" I asked, my voice higher than usual.

He stood, crossed the distance between us, pulled me to my feet, and kissed me senseless. When we broke from the kiss, we stood with our foreheads pressed together, breathing in one another.

"Do you trust me?" he finally asked, his voice almost desperate.

"Of course," I whispered.

"Go put on a dress," he said, handing me the room key.

I started to argue, but he stopped me. He kissed me again, the kiss soft and lingering.

"Trust me," he pleaded, his voice deep. "Get on your dress."

"You're not coming up?" I asked, confused.

He shook his head.

"You'll know what to do," he explained, a twinkle in his eye.

I left Ranger standing in the restaurant, watching his form slowly disappear behind me while shuffled hesitantly toward the bank of elevators. I found my way to our room and let myself in. When I entered, I found our room transformed.

Rose petals were strewn about on the bed. Several massive floral arrangements had been placed around the room. A clothes rack had been set up in one corner of the room. Nearly a dozen white dresses in varying levels of formality had been hung there. The dinette had several pairs of white shoes displayed, bedazzled and bejeweled. A tray of beautiful handmade chocolates was set next to the shoes, and I momentarily broke from my stunned reverie to poke one in my mouth. It was so good I moaned.

I stood transfixed by the sight before me, my stunned brain unsure whether to dive into panic or relief mode. The idea of planning a wedding—trying to meet everyone's expectations and do all the right things—had been stressful. I'd avoided it for exactly that reason, and Ranger knew it. Honestly, I'd probably have been fine being engaged indefinitely to avoid the entire freakshow.

The other part of me was fighting panic. Me? Married?

To Ranger? Ricardo Carlos Mañoso?

Was he sure?

My thoughts were interrupted by two quick taps at the door. I peered out the peep hole and saw Mary Lou standing in the hall. She was wearing a simple blue sundress, her hair pulled into a simple up-do. She wore jeweled flip flops on her feet, and her makeup was pretty and tasteful.

I threw open the door.

"Mare!" I cried, wrapping her in a hug.

Mary Lou and I had been best friends… forever. Our paths had taken us separate ways when I divorced Dickie and she started shelling out children. We didn't spend as much time together as we'd like, but whenever we got together, it was if no time had passed. She was my most trusted friend and confidant, always there with the advice or encouragement I needed to get me through the day.

"Steph!" she greeted, embracing me tightly.

When she broke from the hug, she held me away from her, studying my hair and makeup.

"You're stunning," she said. "A dream. Congratulations. I'm so happy for you!"

"How did you…" I asked, losing myself in the moment.

"Carlos sent me a text last night," she said, answering the question I'd failed to finish. "I had plans today, but I figured they could wait. After all, how many times does your best friend get married?"

I did some mental knuckle cracking, thinking of Dickie. Her brain must have gone the same place, because we gave each other awkward looks before busting into a fit of laughter.

"Have you chosen a dress yet?" she said as she caught her breath.

"No, I was only in here a minute when you showed up."

She nodded, crossing to the dresses like a woman on a mission. She began holding them out to me one by one, and I studied each. They were all short, some more glamorous than others.

I tried on several—a halter dress with jewels, a strapless A-line with pearls, a dress with entirely too much crinoline—before finally landing on 'the one.'

The dress was a one-shoulder, form fitting dress made of soft white silk. A faux lace belt covered in diamond-like jewels wrapped around the natural waist. The fit accentuated my curves and was flattering. The skirt hit me halfway above the knee, showing off my long legs.

"What do you think?" I asked Mary Lou, unsure of my decision.

"It's perfect," she said with tears in her eyes.

We turned our attention to the shoes. I opted for a simple pair of white wedge flip flops with jewels on the straps. They seemed appropriate for a Point Pleasant wedding.

"You look incredible, Steph," Mary Lou said, studying me.

"Thanks," I said, smoothing the dress over my hips.

We ate a few chocolates and made some small talk, then I told her about the pregnancy. She was surprised but thrilled, embracing me in a massive, teary-eyed hug. More small talk followed, and by 3:30, I was feeling fairly relaxed, all things considered.

A knock sounded at the door, and Mary Lou scrambled over to answer it. I was shocked to see Morelli standing at the door holding a box. He was dressed in brown leather flip flops, khaki shorts, and a casual maroon short-sleeved button-down shirt.

"Hi Joe," Mary Lou said.

I stood staring, unable to form words as my blood pressure rose. Why in the world was Joe here?

Joe gave Mary Lou a polite smile and a hello as he entered the room, taking in the scene. When his eyes landed on me, he stood staring.

"I'll give you two a minute," she said, heading for the door. "I need to check on the kids."

I think I mentally begged her to stay, but nothing came out of my mouth as she left the room, the door clicking to mark her exit.

"You're radiant," Joe finally said, breaking the pensive silence between us.

"Thank you," I responded quietly.

He sat the box he'd been carrying on a small side table and removed the lid. I saw that it was the box Ranger had gifted me earlier, with flowers and jewelry. He extracted two of the velvet boxes from the box and crossed to me. He took the necklace out of the box and gestured for me to turn. I did so obediently, and he wrapped the delicate chain around my neck, fastening the clasp. I touched the diamonds at my neck, turning to face him. He opened the second box, and I put on the earrings silently.

We stood facing one another, saying nothing. My brain registered the awkward and uncomfortable factor, but no coherent thoughts were happening.

"I know this marriage is going to work out great," Morelli finally said, his voice a little gruffer than usual. "He'll take good care of you, I know."

I nodded, swallowing back my nervousness. For years, I'd assumed I'd be marrying Joe with our on-again, off-again, engaged-to-be-engaged romance. Now here we stood, him bejeweling me and giving me a pep-talk before my wedding to another man.

Joe shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot as I watched.

"I mean, I've seen the man take a bullet for you," he said stoically. "I know he'll treat you right."

"Thanks, Joe," I whispered, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to mess up my mascara.

He took a step toward me and opened his arms, asking permission. I gave it, wrapping him in a hug. He embraced me, pulling me tightly into his chest and burying his face in my hair.

"What if I mess this up?" I squeaked.

To my surprise, he laughed and held me tighter.

"That's unlikely, Cupcake," he said. "But I'll be waiting in the wings for the minute he fucks up."

We laughed and broke from the embrace, and I playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"You ass."

"I'd rather be your ass," he joked, winking and snagging a chocolate off the table.

A moment of awkward silence sat between us, and I thought about all Joe had done for me since our breakup. Even if we weren't great romantic partners, we were good friends.

"Thanks Joe," I said softly. "For everything."

He gave me a knowing half smile and brushed a stray curl behind my ear.

"You two are right together," he admitted. "The force between you two is like gravity. It's impossible to fight it."

I had to admit that Joe was right. I felt it. I'd felt it for a long, long time, even when I was with Joe. I'd fought it for years, but the gravitational pull finally won. And here we were, getting married.

"I'm happy for you," Joe said, putting his hands in his pockets. "I guess I better get out of here so you can finish getting ready."

He crossed to the box and pulled out the flowers. I hadn't realized it before, but it was a bridal bouquet. He handed it to me, and I delicately touched the flowers.

"I'll see you down there," he said, retreating for the door.

"I'll be the one wearing white," I choked, my throat tight and eyes burning.

Our eyes held a moment, and I felt a sense of closure with Morelli. We had found peace—a new stasis. We could go on as friends and partners. And Ranger trusted me-understood our friendship was important despite our long history. He had arranged this day and invited Morelli.

I smiled at Morelli and gave him a finger wave, and he smiled and left.

I went to the bathroom and checked myself over in the mirror. I fixed a few stray hairs and fixed my lipstick. I studied the woman staring back in the mirror.

"You've got this," I said brightly, surprised to find myself actually believing it.

A knock sounded on the door, and I found Mary Lou had returned.

"Well, they were all still alive, so that's good news," she said, only half joking. "I'm going to owe the hubby—we had to cancel Sunday dinner with his folks. He deserves to watch those monsters this afternoon, though."

We laughed heartily. I knew Mary Lou was a wonderful mother, but she didn't get nearly enough time to herself. She deserved every quiet moment she could get.

"You ready to go?" she asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I admitted.

I picked up my bouquet, and we descended the elevator to the first floor. I followed Mary Lou across the lobby and out the door onto the boardwalk, where a golf cart was waiting.

"Your chariot, m'lady," the driver said, turning to face us and dropping his dark Rayban glasses.

It was Lester, clad in light blue cargo shorts and a navy and yellow Hawaiian shirt.

I broke into light-hearted laughter, and Lester gave me a wide smile.

"Your prince awaits," he joked, gesturing to the seat next to him.

Mary Lou climbed into the second row of seats, and I climbed in next to Lester. He drove us several blocks down the boardwalk until we came to a private, gated beach. We parked and hopped out of the golf cart. Lester rapped three times at a white, wooden gate, and the door swung open. My father peered out at us, wearing khaki slacks and a white dress shirt, his feet bare in the sand.

Ranger really had thought of everything. I fanned myself and did some deep breathing, trying to hold back the tears. How had he done this on such short notice? The man was truly magic.

"Hi dad," I said.

He took my hand and twirled me around, giving a low whistle.

"You're striking, pumpkin," he said. "I'm so happy for you."

We embraced, but it was cut short by a familiar, youthful voice.

"Can we hurry this up?"

I found Mary Alice peeking her head out from behind my dad, looking uncomfortable in a pink, ruffled dress. Her hair was smoothed into a mostly neat bun, but several wild strands of hair poked out. She held a basket of white rose petals.

My dad and I laughed as Mary Alice galloped around us impatiently. What could I say? Some things never change.

"I'll let them know we're here," Lester said, disappearing into the fenced area.

Following my dad's lead, I kicked off my flip flops and sunk my toes into the hot sand. I held the bouquet in one hand and smoothed the front of my dress with the other, my hand momentarily resting over the swell in my stomach. I smiled.

Soft acoustic guitar music began inside the fence.

"It's time," Mary Lou said, ushering Mary Alice back to the gate. "You know what to do."

Mary Alice disappeared into the fenced area.

Mary Lou turned to me, embracing me once more.

"I'm so happy for you," she said, her voice cracking. "Love you, best friend."

"Love you too, Mare."

I dabbed at my eyes with my fingertips as she disappeared into the fence.

My dad extended his elbow for me, and I took it with my free arm.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, giving me a light kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, daddy," I choked softly, holding his teary gaze.

"You ready?"

I nodded, and he escorted me through the fence and onto the beach. White folding chairs had been set up in two sections facing the ocean, an aisle created between. When we reached the aisle, the people sitting in the chairs stood and turned to face me.

The bride.

I felt a flutter in my chest and gave them a smile I hoped was dazzling.

Friendly faces smiled back at me.

Lula, in a neon pink spandex dress with matching hair, and Connie, wearing a tight tan dress that accentuated her voluptuousness.

My mom and grandma, dressed in Sunday dresses.

Valerie and Albert, surrounded by their herd of children.

Ranger's parents, surrounded by his siblings, their spouses, and their children.

Lester, Ramon, Hal, Hector… more merry men than I could count, all dressed in casual beach attire.

Morelli, staring expectantly in my direction.

Ximena, dressed in a pale floral sundress.

"Wow," I breathed.

My dad squeezed my arm, and we began the slow procession toward the front, his face beaming with pride.

Something caught my eye, and I turned to see Ranger watching me walk down the aisle. He was dressed in a white short sleeved dress shirt and black slacks, his feet bare in the sand. His face was stoic, but his brown eyes were soft and filled with emotion. He was dashingly handsome.

He's mine, I thought.

My heart sped up with eager anticipation. Our future awaited.

Ranger was flanked by Tank, and Mary Lou stood opposite him. A woman I didn't know stood front and center, presumably a minister.

When we reached the front, the woman spoke.

"Who gives this woman to be wed?"

"We do," my dad declared, gesturing to my mother.

He kissed me on the cheek, and we embraced.

"Love you, baby," he whispered in my ear before delicately taking my hand to place it in Ranger's.

Ranger took my hands in his, his gaze affectionate. My dad went to my mother, and the crowd was seated.

"Babe," Ranger whispered, his eyes dilated. "You're a bombshell."

I couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across my face in response. He returned my smile, squeezing my hands gently then trailing a finger down my abdomen.

The minister began to talk, and the minutes flew by in a flurry. I was entranced by the moment and lost in Ranger's eyes, barely noticing a photographer snapping photos or Tank digging in his pocket to pull out rings. We repeated after her when instructed, sharing traditional vows. I slid the band onto Ranger's finger with trembling hands, tears in my eyes, and hopefulness in my heart. When Ranger slid a ring on my finger, it took my breath away. He had selected a massive, three-stone ring symbolizing past, present, and future. It was gawdy and extravagant while still being classic and beautiful. It was so Ranger, and I had to smile. We sealed our promises with a sweet, loving kiss, wrapped in each other's arms as our friends and family cheered.

We descended the aisle, and the photographer motioned to us for more photo ops.

By the time our customary shots of the happy couple, our families, and the wedding party were taken, the gated space had been transformed into a party, with tables set for eight, a tiki bar, several men grilling, and a band. The music was loud and over-the-top, and I was surprised Ranger had arranged something so… obnoxious.

"Where'd you get the band?" I asked him over the drone of the bass.

"I didn't," he said, looking remorseful. "Lula did. I should have opted for a DJ. It's her gift to you. She was sure you'd want The Lovelies to play."

I stood, my mouth agape realizing Sally Sweet was on stage. I hadn't seen Sally in forever. Sally was a six-foot tall crossdresser, musician, wedding planner, bus driver, and crossword puzzle extraordinaire. He was on stage dressed in red spike heels, a royal blue velvet dress that was so short I wasn't sure how it was covering his… you know… and a blonde Dolly wig.

I gave Sally a huge smile and a wave, and he gave me a toothy grin in response, punching his fist in the air to emphasize the lyrics he was belting out. Grandma was front and center with Lula, pumping their fists in the air and dancing around while Connie shook her ass nearby.

"It's perfect," I told Ranger, wrapping my arm around his waist and placing my head on his shoulder. "Thank you."

He laughed as the band ended up their song, half of the crowd cheering and the other half enjoying a moment to uncover their ears. Ranger whistled loudly at Sally, and he gave Ranger a thumbs up. He said something to the band, and I gave Ranger a look that said 'what now?'

"May I have this dance?" he asked, extending his palm to me.

I could feel myself blush. I wasn't much of a dancer, and I was already feeling embarrassed about how dorky I was going to look dancing with my rhythm-blessed Latino lover.

"Babe," he said, reading my mind with a smirk.

I sighed, resigning myself to the moment.

"Fine," I said, placing my hand in his.

He escorted me to the wooden dance floor that had been set up on top of the sand, and everyone else scattered like roaches when the light hit to give us the floor.

"Just follow my lead," he said softly, his brown eyes gazing down at me.

He placed his hand at the small of my back, pulling me into him. He wrapped my hand in his larger one as the song began.

The tune was gentle—not typical for The Lovelies—and I realized they were performing a cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love with You."

I followed Ranger's lead, finding it easier than I'd anticipated. I relaxed into him, placing a kiss on his neck.

"I love you so much," I confessed. "Thank you. For this. For everything."

Ranger smiled his two-hundred watt smile down at me, and I could swear there were tears in his eyes.

"Life's an adventure, Babe," he said, burying his face in my hair. "Let's do it together."

The End