Chapter 8

Ranger's POV

Stephanie had just left the suite so I called Tank as soon as I heard the door close. We had a lot to plan for the wedding and reception and it had to be done today.

I called the photographer and made sure he was going to be there, at his rate he'd better be there on time and prepared.

I also called the wedding chapel, making sure the six o'clock reservation was set. I asked for the name of a fast florist and the chapel employee said for a fee they could have whatever I wanted delivered and ready by six. I told them what her favorite flowers were. I also peaked at the wedding dress to see what color it was so I could coordinate her bouquet with her dress. I ordered a smaller bouquet for Mary Lou that matched Steph's. Then I asked them to place flowers in strategic locations around the chapel.

I asked if they had musicians on call and they told me they had a house trio that would cost extra. I said fine, just add it to the final bill.

Once the wedding was all taken care of it was time to call in reinforcements for the reception.

One of the reasons I booked his huge suite is I imagined the reception being held here. The fact that there are three large bedroom suites within this area was a plus.

I called the twenty-four hour butler to arrange the reception food and beverages. He asked what we would like and how many people would be attending.

Thankfully, Tank arrived during my discussion with the butler. Tank, better known as Pierre to his own family, was raised in the south. His mother knew how to throw a party, and Pierre learned from the best. I asked if he could be in charge of the reception. He laughed and said no problem.

I had a very important pickup at the airport. Julie was arriving in Las Vegas and the airline had just advised me her plane was on time. The Plum's and my folks were also arriving around the same time, but on different carriers. I would pick up Julie first, then together we would greet all the parents.

Lester had a huge hummer limo waiting at the front door of the hotel. I just shook my head only Lester. We got in and told the driver to take us to the airport and to the arrivals area. We made sure he would wait for us. Lester went with me to meet Julie.

Julie was walking off the plane, until she saw me and started to run towards me. "Dad!!!" She yelled and I swung her in my arms. My little girl was no longer little, she was a typical lanky teenager. She was tall and beautiful. I realized I didn't envy her mother and stepfather when she starts dating. I had to think about that. How old would she have to be, before we allowed her to date? I'm thinking thirty!

Julie was so excited she bombarded me with questions, which I tried to answer. Lester got Julie's luggage tickets and went to put her bag into the waiting limo.

My parents arrived next and Julie and I were waiting for them as they walked out into the gate area. My mom smiled and said "well Carlito it's about time you married her! We thought you'd gone Loco not asking her." I hugged her, "well mom in about five hours she's going to be your daughter! I know I was an idiot." My mom kissed me and then hugged Julie. "Oh Julitta, you are growing so much, you are going to be a real Heartbreaker. Carlito you will need a large stick to beat the boys away."

Thankfully at that moment Lester arrived. I asked Lester if he would escort my family to the limo. I was now going to face Steph's mom, dad and Edna.

I walked to their gate and waited for their plane to land. I had purchased first class tickets for both our families. I just wondered what Helen Plum was going to say, and do, and what I was going to have to do to keep her from ruining this day.

Finally their plane arrived at the gate. God give me strength, I thought as I watched them walk my way. Helen looked a bit glassy eyed, probably from all the free alcohol in first class. Frank was holding her arm and leading her towards me. Grandma Mazur followed looking spry in a hot pink warm up suit. "Frank, Helen, Edna I'm so glad you all could make it . I know Stephanie will be so excited to know you are here." Frank shook my hand "Thank you for sending us the tickets, the first class was a nice touch too."

Edna hugged me " all I want to know is why it took you so long. I've only got a few years left and I was starting to think it would never happen. I know you love my baby granddaughter!" she said to me as she hugged me tightly. Then loudly Edna yelled "Woohoo, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

I didn't wait for Helen to start in on me . I turned and led them to the limo where my family was ready to go. Helen tried to snub my family but my mother stopped it right off by being overly kind and welcoming to Stephanie's family. It was a good thing Lester got the huge Hummer we needed all the space.

We arrived back at the hotel around noon and I knew my mother and Julie would love to go down to the spa and join the other ladies. I also thought Helen and Edna might enjoy being with Stephanie. I just didn't want Helen lecturing about how it's done in "The Burg" and how disappointed she is that she didn't choose Joe. Blah, blah….blah.

Frank whispered in my ear, "We had a long talk on the plane, she will not even begin to cause problems. If she does, I've told her I'm divorcing her. She will lose the house and good standing in 'The Burg' as well as any of my supportive income." I have to say I gained some new respect for Frank. I also hoped this day would remain peaceful for my Babe.

I helped everyone check into our suite Helen and Frank had the bedroom on the first level, my mom and dad had the larger bedroom upstairs since Julie was sleeping in the sitting room of their bedroom. I decided Edna needed a room away from my men but close to our suite so she got a junior suite next door to our room.

I told all the ladies to bring their "Wedding clothes" and go down to the spa. They would have their hair and makeup done professionally and go to the wedding from the spa.

Once they were all down at the spa I relaxed a bit. I met My dad and Frank in the suite and walked in on the reception planning. It was funny Tank said "nope, I don't want you coming in here, We've got it under control." they threw us out!

So we went down to the cigar bar in the lobby and had a celebratory cigar and a few Tequila shots. Around five p.m. we headed back up to the suite to get ready for the ceremony.

Tank knocked on my door at quarter to six and we headed down to the chapel.

Tank and I made our way to the front of the chapel. It looked so beautiful here. It was almost like being in a small park. The lighting, the waterfall, the music, the whole room seemed magical. We stood up front and watched everyone take their seats. Then Mary Lou walked down the aisle and stood up front across from us.

I watched as the door opened and the most beautiful sight I've ever seen walked down the aisle with her father. She was beyond beautiful. Her luscious brown curls were flowing and her face was framed in a beautiful braid entwined with wild flowers. Her dress was an ethereal creation that fit her beautifully. It was as if time stood still. I couldn't believe I was so lucky to have this angel become my wife. Her father placed her hands into mine, and my heart knew it had found its other half.

The ceremony was surreal. All I could think about was how much I loved this beautiful woman standing beside me. We spoke our vows and before I knew it we were married. The best part was getting to kiss the bride! After a spectacular kiss, the officiant introduced us as Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Carlos "Ranger" Manoso.

I was happier than I've ever been in my whole life.