Chapter 16: Ranger (Saturday, October 1st)

I love watching Stephanie get ready. It's even more fun when she is nervous about something; she's a bundle of nervous energy today. For the first time since we've been together, I couldn't even distract her with sex. I don't understand why she's so anxious. I mean, my family already loves her. I don't know why meeting everyone tonight is so overwhelming to her. Yes, there are a lot of us. The Manoso clan is large. But she's Facetimed and talked on the phone with almost everyone. My mother and Steph have been talking daily for the last two weeks.

Tonight is our engagement party at a restaurant owned by a family friend. The place is closed for the week since his daughter just had a baby, so we have the facility ourselves. That also means that we needed to do all the cooking. That's where Mama stepped in. She contacted Ella, who spoke with Maggie, and the two women were catering the entire event. They spent all day yesterday prepping food in the restaurant's kitchen and today cooking. My mother offered to help, but they shooed her away. Maggie has a few daughters and nieces that she employed to help. We also provided some of the wait staff employment for the night.

I'm sitting with my laptop in front of me, reading over some reports, when I see Stephanie sitting on the bed, head in her hands. I immediately get up and walk over to her, kneeling before her.

"Babe, what's wrong?"

"I can't do this, Carlos. I'm not ready yet. Why did I think having this huge engagement party would be a good idea? I will say something wrong, or someone will think my dress is too revealing, or I'm not worthy of you. I so want, no need, your family to like me."

"Look at me. You have nothing to worry about. Javier and Mariela have been telling Mama how perfect you are to me. Julie said she couldn't wait for you to be her mom officially. Everyone loves you because you helped me find the man I was before the Army. Since you came into my life, I've seen my family more than I had in the previous ten years. Babe, you are my world. Nothing that anyone says will ever change the way I feel about you. I love your curls since they exemplify your feisty personality. Your coloring exudes your innocence and the light you bring to my life. Your eyes, though, your eyes are what captivate me. When you look at me like you are now, I am at your mercy with those beautiful orbs. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you when you fix your gaze on me. No one has ever been able to turn me on with a glance, a slight touch, or a scent like you. Dios, Babe, watching you get ready is sweet torture. But most importantly, you center me like a balm on a burn. Being in your presence allows me to release any tension and let it go. I love you, Stephanie, now and forever. Tu eres mi amor, mi vida, mi Corazon, and mi alma. Without you, I cannot live."

I see the tears pool in Steph's eyes, and I give her a handkerchief from my pocket, not wanting her to ruin her mascara. I'm glad that Steph's confidence has increased to a level where she doesn't need to wear much makeup. I love her more natural look, with just mascara and lip gloss, maybe a slight blush. I don't mind the occasional shadow and liner for her eyes; I'm not too fond of the foundation, mostly because she doesn't need it.

"Babe, why are you crying?"

"I still can't believe that you want and accept me for me. You're too good to be true."

"No, querida, you're wrong. You are too good to be true."

I gently kiss Steph, letting her know that I love her with actions. I feel her start to relax. When I lean back, I see she's ready to take on the Manosos. She bends over to pick up her shoes and puts them on. I grab her hand, gently pulling her from the bed into my arms. "Everything will be great. I love you, Stephanie."

"I love you too."

We walk out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Champ is running around the yard, chasing the ball that Tommy keeps throwing him. I'm glad Tommy plays with him; he won't be so upset while we are gone. "Tommy, it's time to go. Come on, Champ, inside."

Champ runs to his area, relieving himself one final time before bounding into the house. He runs to his dog bed in the corner of the kitchen. "Champ, be a good boy. We'll be home later."

His tail thumps in understanding, and we head for the garage. Julie joins us, holding her school bag.

"What's in the bag, Julie?"

"A surprise. Don't worry, Papi, it's nothing bad."

We climbed into the Cayenne and headed for the restaurant. We are the last to arrive, not that I'm surprised. I know my mother wanted everyone there before we got there. I'm amazed at how great the place looks. Beautiful bouquets of simple flowers are on the tables, a banner that says "congratulations" hanging, and a table with favors. Thankfully, there are no gifts. Stephanie and I don't need anything, and I have more than enough money to buy what I need. Mama is the first to greet us, and she and Stephanie hug each other as if they've known each other for years. I watch my siblings slowly walk around us to meet Stephanie formally.

"Steph, good to see you. Miami agrees with you. I see that the sun is being kind to you." Javier says.

"I don't know about that. I haven't had much time to be in the sun during the day anyway."

"My son needs to stop working you so hard. He doesn't understand the concept of taking a day off."

"Ric, you know he takes after you." My mother replies.

"Babe, this is my eldest sister, Juliana, and her husband, Brent. This crazy woman with purple hair is my third sister, Rosa, with her husband, David. You already know Mariela and Javier, but this is Javi's wife, Lucia. Finally, we have Jorge, who is married to my second sister, Celia. Juliana is the eldest, followed by Javi, me, Celia, Rosa, and Mari. Everyone, this is Stephanie Plum."

"Welcome to the family. I'm so glad that you agreed to marry my baby brother. He needs someone to set him straight. Lester told us that you are the only one who dares to question Carlos. Good for you."

"Thank you, Juliana. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"My goodness, when did you all become so naïve? Can't you see that she's only after Carlos's money? She's not even Cuban. What could she know about us and our traditions? Come, Carlos, let me introduce you to my friend, Yessenia. She's perfect for you, a lawyer, with her trust fund. She has her own money and is educated. She'll compliment you, not pull you down like this puta."

"Celia, how dare you! You don't know what your brother needs or wants." Mama tells her. I'm shocked. Of all my siblings, I never thought Celia would be a problem. I would have thought it was more likely to have Juliana in that role. As the oldest, she often feels that she is our mother.

"Mama, it's okay. Celia, I don't care what you think. You don't know Stephanie. She is far from the gold-digger you make her out to be. Why is it suddenly important for her to be Cuban? None of your brothers-in-law or sister-in-law are Cuban. You are the only one who married a Latino."

"Carlos, don't be silly. Since Javi didn't marry a Cuban woman, it is your responsibility to do so that you can produce a Cuban male to carry on the Manoso name."

I can't believe what nonsense my sister is spewing from her mouth. It is not how we were raised. I can see that Mama is getting upset. Fortunately for everyone, Abuela heard everything that was said. She will set Celia right.

"Celia, I cannot believe what you just said. I am embarrassed to call you my nieta. You don't know anything about Estefania. Who are you to judge her? You don't know your brother the way I do. I'm telling you now, Celia, that Estefania is the only woman for your brother. She is his other half. The only reason why Carlos returned to us is because of that wonderful woman who will be your sister. I suggest you apologize to your brother and family because you insulted everyone."

Celia is thoroughly chastised by my Abuela, which she fully deserves. I can see that Stephanie is not quite as confident now as she was when she arrived. I could kill my sister for putting any doubt in Stephanie's head. She is so fragile emotionally; I don't want to see her hurt.

"I'm sorry," Celia says, not meaning it, but I accept to keep the peace. Juliana, Rosa, and Mariela take Stephanie's arms, guiding her away from me, sure to be talking about me. Shit. Now, all my embarrassing stories will be told. I shake my head and walk towards Lester, with Javi following me.

"You know no one agrees with Celia, hermano?"

"I know, Javi, but I'm not sure Steph realizes it. She's grown more confident; I'd hate to see her progress halted or pushed back."

"I understand, but I'm sure by the time our sisters, and now my wife, get done with her, she'll understand that no one thinks she's a gold-digger."

"Carlos, you better watch your back. I saw Celia talking to Yessenia. I think she has something up her sleeve. I won't be surprised if Yessenia tries to get you alone. She has the look of a woman on a mission."

"I see that, Les. Try to head her off if you can."

"I don't think that will work. You know Yessenia's had a thing for you since high school."

"I, unfortunately, know. Who knew that my dancing with Yessenia for one dance at Mari's quinceanera would cause her to be infatuated with me? I know she was Celia's roommate; I was just trying to be nice."

"Don't think Celia hasn't been feeding her information," Javi adds.

"This is so fucked up. Tonight was supposed to boost Steph's confidence and help her see she's the one for me. I don't want anything to ruin that."

"Don't worry, primo. I got your back."

I continue mingling with our guests, talking to cousins and family friends. Suddenly, I find Yessenia in front of me.

"Carlos, why are you avoiding me? I was hoping that we could share a few dances. You know how well our bodies fit together." She says while rubbing herself up against me. It takes all my control not to pick her up and throw her away from me.

"Yessenia, it's nice to see you again. I should introduce you to my fiancé. I know she'd like to meet you."

"Oh, Carlos, why did you propose to another woman when you know I'm yours, baby?"

I grab her hands, ready to push her away, when she manages to kiss me. Pulling back from her, I see Stephanie's curls disappearing from the room, heading towards the exit. Fuck! I try to get to her, but Yessenia is not moving out of my way. I then see Mama following Stephanie's path.

"Yessenia, get away from me. I don't want anything to do with you." I finally say, not caring if I hurt her feelings.

"Get away from my Papi. I don't know who invited you here, but you had no right to hurt my mom. Why are you a bitch?"

As Julie's father, I want to reprimand my daughter, but I can't help but be proud of her. I don't say anything, letting her words sink into Yessenia's head. I see the moment when she realizes that to be with me means to become a mother to a teenage daughter.

"What do you mean? You live with your mother and stepfather. Carlos isn't your father."

"He is now. And Stephanie is my mother. So get out of here. I want them to enjoy their party." Julie responds with her hands on her hips, her version of the Burg glare piercing Yessenia. Finally, Yessenia accepts her defeat and walks away.

"Thank you, mi hija, for sticking up for Stephanie, but I don't like your language. It's not lady-like."

"I'm sorry, Papi, but she got me so mad. I don't like it when people try to hurt Stephanie. She's the best person I know and doesn't deserve to be hurt anymore."

I hug Julie, observing my mother walking into the room, searching for me. I meet her eyes, and she implores me to go to her. I tell Julie to enjoy herself before heading towards Mama.

"Carlos, Stephanie is okay. I spoke with her, reassuring her that you love her and only her. She's almost ready to rejoin the party, but you must talk to her first."

"Gracias, Mama. I don't know how I would get her back if she walked out on me."

"You'd go after her, Carlos. Now get in there."

I enter the small employee lounge where Steph is sitting. I see her lost in her thoughts.

"Babe, are you okay?"

"Carlos, why did you propose to me?"

"Because I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I need you like I need oxygen. You know that."

"But why? Why me when you could have someone intelligent, wealthy, and beautiful?"

"No woman is more beautiful than you. I don't need someone wealthy because I have enough money for us both. You are intelligent. You see things no one else does. You can read people and coax information without realizing they are telling you something. Your smile lights up a room. Dios, I love you. What more is there?"

"You mean it?"

"Yes, querida." I kiss her, trying to put all my love into the kiss. When we break away, I see some of her confidence is back. "Let's go join our party."

"Okay. I'm ready. Plus, I'm starving." I can't help laughing, knowing that we are back in sync. Gracias Dios.