Chapter 2
Stephanie's POV
The Trenton-Mercer airport came into view as Ranger pulled in front of a hangar and up to a small private jet. Two men stood at the ready at the bottom of the steps. I looked at Ranger and then at the jet. "Babe"he said as he took my hand in his and we made our way onto the jet.
I'd been on this particular jet before with Ranger and his Merry Men, but the opulence and comfort never becomes old. Ranger took me to one of the plush white leather seats and made sure I was strapped in and comfortable. He went to the cockpit and spoke with the two men. He returned to me after a short conversation with the pilot and co-pilot, he explained that they were the plane's pilots and that they are always on call for Rangeman due to the nature of the business.
Ranger strapped himself in the seat next to me and the plane's engines roared to life. I looked around for a flight attendant. "It's just us Babe, I wanted to have it just be us this time. I wanted your undivided attention." He said as he took my hand in his.
We taxied down the runway and the jet took off gaining altitude at a fast rate. In no time we were at a cruising altitude. The pilot announced it was safe to move about the cabin. We moved from the chairs to a comfortable couch towards the back of the airplane. We sat together for a bit then Ranger got up and went to the galley. He returned quickly with two long stem glasses and a bottle of Cristal Vinothèque 1999 champagne. He opened the champagne and poured us each a glass. Then he set the champagne in a small chiller beside the couch and took his seat beside me.
"I never thought this day would come" He said as he looked into my eyes. " I've been an unmitigated ass, I've pushed you away, I've lectured you about safety, I've even sent you into the arms of another man. But it's time to tell you, I love you Stephanie! I've loved you for years. I've needed you to be safe, so I thought you'd be safer with Morelli, but we both know how stupid a move that was. I almost lost you forever to him. I thank my lucky stars you called me tonight, I knew saying 'Wednesday' on Friday was just an idea that we might get married but it seemed like it was out there but not going to happen." He took my hand in his "but the phone call tonight, told me you had decided it was actually going to happen!"
He put down his champagne glass on the table beside the couch and got down on one knee. "We've been here before, in Hawaii, and in New York masquerading as a married couple. This time the masquerade is over. Stephanie Michelle Plum, my life was a mere existence until that day you walked into the diner. You bring lightness, goodness, and joy into my life. You give me hope and inspiration to be a better man. You have saved me and my daughter Julie countless times. I can't imagine my life without you, you own my heart. Marry me, make me the happiest man in the world" He pulled a blue Tiffany box from his jacket pocket. As he opened the box I gasped at the ring. It was exquisite! "YES!!"I exclaimed. He carefully placed the three carat diamond on my ring finger. "This one's real Babe." He said as he kissed me passionately. He climbed back up onto the couch and we explored each other's mouths. I climbed onto his lap and we kissed and explored each other. Until, I yawned. Ranger laughed, then he picked me up and carried me to the back of the plane and into the bedroom.
He placed me on the bed and helped me strip down to just my underwear. He slowly undressed watching me practically naked on the bed. His patience was tested as he tore off his remaining clothes and joined me on the bed. My underwear didn't last long. He took me in his arms and slowly made his way down my body kissing every exposed inch. This was take charge Ranger, alpha male Ranger his mouth and fingers moved on my body, sending me pleasure right down to my doodah. Ranger and I had had sex before but this, this was all consuming, this was Ranger, my Ranger making love to me.
Ranger and I were tangled up in arms and legs as we were rudely awakened by the pilot. " Mr. Manoso, sorry to bother you sir. We are about one hour outside of Las Vegas and will be landing shortly."
We made our way to the small airplane bathroom where Ranger made an executive decision. He explained that with such limited water supply on the plane, we should shower together. Which we did! We dried off and Ranger pulled clothing out of the closet. Miraculously it fit me, Ella had made sure the plane had extra clothing. Clothing in my size as well as in Rangers.
We made our way back into the main cabin. Ranger went to the cockpit and spoke to the crew, then he joined me back at our seats. "Carlos" I gently said his name. "Who owns this jet. It is stocked with our clothes, well Rangeman clothes." I said, as I looked down to the Rangeman embroidered golf shirt I was wearing. He looked at me and smiled. " Well, tonight it will belong to you, well you and me." I was shocked, I thought it was a friend's jet. I had no idea he owned a jet. Yes, he had a fleet of expensive cars, but a jet was another level!
"Stephanie, I own sixty-five percent of all Rangeman offices. The plane is mine and also used when needed for Rangeman. I own thirty-six safe houses in various states. I own six private properties globally that I consider home or as close to home as you can get. I've invested my government pay and my inheritance from my grandparents wisely. You've never asked about my wealth or made me think it was important. Unlike other women you don't seem to care, that is one reason why I love you! I don't want to keep any secrets on my finances from you. I'm worth well over eighty-five million dollars not including Rangeman." He looked me in the eyes and finished what he was saying,"I've never felt like you cared about money and you've struggled at times but you never really let me help you financially. In marrying me you will have access to my money and it becomes our money!"
I was dumbfounded! I knew he was comfortable, I knew Rangeman was doing well, but I had no earthly idea of the amount of money he was worth. "Carlos, I can't take your money! I've got to sign something before we marry, like a prenuptial agreement." He stopped me before I could go on. "No! No prenup, no contract! I made this money, invested this money for us! I've tried over the years to help you financially but you refused to accept anything, well except a few cars. Stephanie you are my world, you can live as frugally as you want, but the money will be yours and mine. End of discussion!" He didn't give me time for an answer when his lips met mine. Thankfully our seat belts were fastened as our make out session lasted until we pulled into a small gate area for private plane's.
We were in Las Vegas!
