A/N: Thank you all for continuing to read my little story. You are all amazing. Be forewarned- this is a gooey sticky sweet chapter. If you hate love, this isn't for you. lol. A few little surprises coming in the next few chapters, the first surprise coming during this chapter with Stephanie getting one up on Carlos. ;) Please keep the reviews, and messages coming- I love all the suggestions, and comments I receive each chapter.

****Characters are property of Janet Evanovich, I make no profit, mistakes are all mine.****

SPOV:

I awoke from a deep slumber the next morning- aka Wedding Day to the sound of Stewie from Family Guy blaring in my ear. "MOM! MOMMY! MOM!" which means my daughter has snatched my phone again, changing the ringtones and decided to text me Good Morning. I sit up, apparently too fast, and have to throw my phone on the bed to fly across the room, barely making it to the toilet to throw up the contents of my stomach from what felt like the last 12 years.

I sat with my head leaning against the cool tile in the bathroom when I felt a cool cloth on the back of my neck, and felt rather than saw someone sit in the floor beside me. Somehow, I knew it was Val.

"Ughhhhhhh it's like I have no idea I'm pregnant, and then once I figure it out, the baby is like FINALLY! Let's shake it up around here, and make my presence known. "

I finally looked up to see her sympathetic eyes, and her holding out a can of ginger ale with a straw. Seriously, I now feel bad that she didn't have that person to hold their hand through the stages of pregnancy. Like Carlos said last night, he was having a second chance... I feel like this is going to make my relationship with Val stronger, and I start to cry. Dear God, how am I going to get through my vows? It's like a barrier broke last night, and every possible pregnancy symptom punched me in the face. I'm a serious hot mess, and I'm getting married today. Val just took it in stride, didn't ask questions, and rubbed my back while I composed myself. An angel, I swear the woman is an angel.

"So... I figured everything went okay with Carlos last night, especially since I got a text this morning telling me that on his run this morning, he delivered 2 cases of Ginger Ale, and a crap ton of saltines to the house while we were all sleeping, and for me to take care of his Babe, and Little Babe today. Seriously, Steph... Adoring husband, and daddy Carlos is probably the most adorable thing ever... just don't tell him I said that. He will make me wear all black to work, and clean the toilets or something."

I had to laugh, leave it to Val to make me laugh when I feel like hell. I had a special little pitter patter in my heart with the special delivery this morning. I am more than ready to be Stephanie Manoso this evening. I'm just glad we chose an evening wedding, because clearly morning time isn't going to be a productive time for me right now. I have some time to pull myself together.

I finally made it out of the bathroom after sending Val to make sure Mary-Lou knew to keep the pregnancy a secret until we tell Jules, and get back from our honeymoon. We decided that we want to get our honeymoon, and the first doctors visit at least out of the way before we start sharing the news to people outside of our small circle. Mainly, I am a little apprehensive to tell Connie, and Lula, not because I don't trust them, but I think this is a family matter, and they can find out when we are further along. I want to keep this special, and as far away from the Burg as long as I can.

Freshly showered, and in one of Carlos' silk button downs, and grey leggings, I remembered to check my phone, and see how Julie is doing, and find out when Ella is bringing her home.

Julie was wired for sound, and probably driving poor Ella insane. They were eating breakfast, and heading over here to the house for some pampering, and to have pictures made while getting ready.

I met the girls downstairs for breakfast while waiting on Julie, and Celia came in with her best friend Mya, who is our photographer for the wedding. I wanted someone who wasn't a typical Burg photographer, and Mya does amazing work. Her home base is in NYC, but she loves coming this way to spend time with Celia, so she jumped at the chance to photograph her brother's wedding.

Celia mingled around, talking excitedly with everyone while Mya got her equipment squared away, and my baby ran through the door screaming "MAMAAAAA!" like a banshee. Ella is going to have to take it easy on the chocolate with my Princess from now on, she is wild enough to shoot at.

After squeezing the life out of her, she bounced off happily with Angie no doubt heading to her loft to do whatever it is they do. As long as they don't make a mess, and are quiet, I will be happy at this point. I'm a hormonal mess, and need a little calm.

Lula, Connie, and Celia drug out the cut strawberries, and started pouring champagne for brunch when I shot a wide-eyed look at Val that was intercepted by Miss Ella. Nothing gets by that woman. I caught a glint of excitement, and then Val came to my rescue telling them that she, and I decided to forego any drinks today since she has to watch the girls, and I want to be completely sober for the wedding. I interjected that last night was enough for me, and I refuse to be a sloppy drunk for my wedding. Completely sober for the happiest day in my life- and somehow, they bought it. All except Ella who cornered me in the kitchen 20 minutes later and gave me the sweetest hug, telling me she had been hopeful, but didn't want to jinx it, and she was over-the-moon to be able to spoil another Manoso, and be a Grandma for him, or her.

After some more tears, (I mean seriously, are they going to ever stop?!) we made it out to the living area where everyone was congregating getting nail touchups, and Mya was taking candids. It was a surreal moment, because there was so much activity out back, and now inside, it was like everything was in fast forward. I was determined to take moments to enjoy it all, really soak it all in.

The morning, and afternoon went by in a haze of tears, ginger-ale sipping, hair, make-up, pictures, and sneaking peeks at the back yard. After all the drama of the week, I sat in the bay window of our bedroom with Julie leaning against me staring out the window at the perfection that was The Manoso Family Wedding. I wanted a few quiet moments with Jules before everything went haywire with getting dressed, more pictures, the wedding, and reception. I was feeling a little sick thinking about leaving Julie for so long for our Honeymoon.

Julie insisted that we needed alone time, and she was more than happy to spend time at Val's house, and some with Ella while we were gone, but truthfully- I haven't been away from the child for more than a night, and only a few miles away since I brought her home from Miami. I have been having a serious complex about it, and I'm hoping this pregnancy, and my distance from Julie doesn't ruin our Honeymoon.

I know that we need this, especially with the baby coming, but anxiety is anxiety, and I guess I would be a horrible Mom if I didn't worry.

My moment of solitude was broken by the cell phone in my lap singing the Men in Black theme song, and Julie giggling. I looked over at her and had to smile... the kid knew exactly how to drive her dad insane. He thrived on control, and she always knew how to keep him on his toes. If Tank's ring tone has been changed, I can only assume she got ahold of her Dad's phone too, and it really messes with his head that she can out - hack Hector without training, and so young. Of course his daughter has super powers. Her dad is Batman.

I looked at the text from Tank telling me that there was a present from Carlos to me in our walk in closet, and jump off the cushioned window seat to see what kind of surprise my man left me. He had to have put it in there last night, or left it with Val, because I scoured our closet last night searching for my purple FMP's for Val to borrow for today.

Jules was running behind me just as anxious to see what her Dad had left. On my dresser inside the closet were two boxes, one long, one small, and square tied with a purple ribbon. Directly behind it was a card that was written in Carlos' beautiful handwriting simply saying "BABE."

Julie squeeled, and handed me the card, tapping her foot so I would hurry. Inside the envelope was a note written on Stationary that I had never seen before. It was absolutely heart-melting. At the top in left-hand side it said "Rangeman Security LLC." Nothing strange there. Directly underneath, it said;

"From the desk of Carlos, or Stephanie Manoso- Owners"

It took me 3 times before I could actually get to the body of the note. Sweet, crazy man. The note simply said;

Babe,

I never thought this day would actually come. I feel like I am in a dream, and don't want to wake up. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you by my side.

Love Always,

Carlos

P.S- Send Julie to her loft, I left a special present in her top left-hand desk drawer. I look forward to seeing both of my angels.

I handed the note to Julie, and she handed me the boxes. In the first box was a necklace that matched my engagement ring, and in the smaller box was a matching pair of earrings. Absolutely stunning, and perfect for my dress. By the time I had opened both boxes, Julie had already flown the coop headed for her loft to seek whatever treasure her Dad left her for the wedding.

I took a few more seconds to take in the moment when I heard Lester's voice coming through the bedroom.

"Beautiful? Where are you? Are you ready to get this show on the road?"

I stepped out of the closet presents in hand, and sent Lester to get Mary-Lou, and Val so that I could get dressed, and take a few pictures before practicing my special surprise for Carlos one more time.

I got a few saltines down, and some more ginger-ale, peed at the advice of Valerie, and got dressed, and touched up. By that time, the girls had already gotten dressed, and they were waiting on my finishing touches.

With my jewelry secured, and my veil attached, I had pictures made with everyone on my side of the family, and a few with Carlos' brother, and Celia. I have to hand it to Celia's friend, she is efficient, and gets the most beautiful shots.

I was shown some rough images from the camera of Julie, and I in candid moments in different states of getting ready, and had to hold in a sob of the special moment in the bay window seat. I didn't even see her there, but the picture looked like it was from a magazine. Flawless.

My Grandma Mazur was actually behaving herself for once, I'm assuming as her wedding gift to me. I think she realizes how special this moment is to me, and how perfect I want everything.

After all the pictures were finished, there was about 20 minutes until the ceremony, and I was able to take a little peek out the window of our Study at the finished product of my planning.

Gorgeous fall colors everywhere, the isle lined in brightly colored leaves. Simple white chairs adorned our lawn, and lanterns were hung from the trees. It was a fall paradise... rustic, and simple. I wanted the exact opposite of my previous wedding- it was gaudy, tacky, and poofy with my dress, and the décor. This wedding is simple, but tasteful. Lanterns were hung at the end of each isle, and the shepherd's hooks had fall flowers attached to the top.

Our archway was full of fall flowers, and clear lights. My tents that ended up being so much drama turned out perfect. Our reception would be held in the tents, and inside was a complete fall heaven. Absolute perfection.

After about 5 minutes of looking at the décor, and arrivals, I closed the curtain, and waited on Ella, Lester, and Julie's arrival to the study. I have been working on a special surprise for Carlos since he proposed. It was such a hopefully show-stopping, well-planned moment, that I wanted to do something that he would absolutely not expect.

After talking with Val, she helped come up with the idea of me singing down the isle with a simple guitar, and piano accompaniment. There are few people that know that I can even carry a tune, Valerie being one of them, so when she suggested it, I realized it was one thing that I could bamboozle Carlos with. Val was always amazing at piano, and I stuck to voice lessons. Valerie couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, and I am too uncoordinated for piano. We made a pretty good team singing in church when we were young though, she could play just about anything I could cook up, it has just been something that we buried, and never really thought of resurrecting.

When Valerie started working at RangeMan, we were able to get a lot of covert practicing in with the help of Ella. We practiced quite a bit, and it sounded amazing, but it felt like there was something missing... like a layer that needed to be added to make it shine. Enter Lester. Years ago, Lester picked up playing guitar to get more chicks, and ended up being pretty good. So, in that moment, we were able to recruit Lester, which made it exactly what I wanted... plus, Lester would never turn down the opportunity to catch Carlos flat-footed. I chose the song "A Thousand Years" By: Christina Perri, and it was like a light came on everytime I sang the song. It was like it was written for that perfect moment that I would go down the isle. All the drama, tears, and missteps finally making it to that perfect moment.

After our last rehearsal sans piano, because it was already placed in the ceremony area, we got a standing ovation from Ella, and Julie, who were the only others that have seen, and know about the surprise besides Val. Lester already did a sound check, and wonder of all wonders, those little microphones used for distractions are finally paying off, because I will be able to hold my flowers, and walk down the isle without holding a microphone. I just have to remember to turn it off after the ceremony.

Just as we started to exit the room, my Dad appeared, and took my hand to tell me it was time.

As I made it down the stairs, I heard the beautiful classical music playing in the background, and my handsome RangeMen seating the "special" guests. Just because we don't have a wedding party, we thought it would still be nice for our families to be escorted to their seats, and my Dad escorted Mary-Lou.

Out of the window, I could see what was going on for the most part, but still couldn't see Carlos. At that point the only people left in the house were Julie, Lester, and myself. Val had already made her way to the piano, and was waiting on her cue to start after the Classical music died down.

Lester gave me a nod, I turned my microphone on, and Julie made her way down the isle to stand beside her Dad in preparation of my walk down the isle.

I took a deep breath, and watched Lester start down the isle playing his guitar signaling my cue to take position at the end of the isle, where I could finally see my Groom. He was perfect in a Gray suit with a tie to match the sash on my dress, and as our eyes met, it was just the two of us. No nerves, just excitement.

I smiled, and stood at the end of the isle to sing the first verse of my song. The shock on his face was absolutely priceless. By the time I started walking down the isle at the beginning of the chorus, I could see the tears in his eyes, and used it to push through... I actually surprised Batman, and that look will be ingrained in my mind for the rest of my life. The definition of Perfect. Shock, Love, Devotion, Awe... absolutely no blank face, just slight silent tears running down his face reminiscent of last night when I gave him the news of being pregnant.

This man really, and truly loves me.

I made it completely down the isle, and finished my song directly in front of him eyes completely locked on him, our hands entwined in each other lost in our love for each other. As I finished, he squeezed my hands, and gave me a soft smile, and softly said "Perfect Surprise, Babe. Perfect. You got me."

I just smiled, and turned to Tank, who got ordained just for this wedding. He smiled, misty eyed, cleared his throat, and started the service.

A/N2 : Wedding to be Continued... Will back-track to Ranger's POV in the moments right before the wedding, and during Stephanie's surprise walk down the isle. Next chapter should finish up the wedding portion of the story- but don't get too excited, there is definitely some drama that will unfold for the Manoso clan post-honeymoon. Be prepared. lol. ;) ;) ;) Also, my electric went out about 1/4 through editing this chapter, so the rest was done on my phone, so I'm sure it is riddled with mistakes... The Galaxy S5 may be a large phone, but it wasn't made to edit stories, that is for sure! lol

xoxo-Brit*

-In case you didn't catch it in the chapter, the song being sung by Stephanie going down the isle is Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. I heard the acoustic version, and thought it fit perfectly as a Babe song.-