Best Wishes

By: amkp

Author's note: This story is the sequel to my first fanfic, Birthday Wishes. I promise to complete this story in a timely manner. At this point, updates will be weekly. I'd like to thank my terrific Beta, JenRar. Thanks, Babe, for all your work with this story. Of course, I also have to give kudos to my sounding board (aka Cara, aka girlygirl79). I hope that you enjoy the continuation of this story. I've tried to inject some humor into the storyline. I appreciate your reviews and personal messages; they're the best part of posting on this site. Oh and of course, I don't own them, JE does. I wonder if she'd consider a rental program? I'm really only interested in Ranger, though. So without further ado, here's Best Wishes.

Chapter 1-Our beginning

SPOV

This weekend has been the most incredible of my entire life. First off, I got engaged to Batman! So that leads you to ask what could possibly top that…well, how about being naked with Batman? Oh yeah,I'm a very happy, very sated woman.

Our 'first' time together, nearly two years ago, I had sex with Ranger, but this weekend, I've made love to Carlos. There are similarities, of course. The man loves to kiss and the things he can do with his mouth…oh, boy…I did I say I was happy, right? Anyway, making love to a man you are 100% in love with and committed to, body and soul, is fabulous. I mean seriously mind blowing! So yeah, that's how I've spent most of this weekend, in a perpetual state of orgasm.

Saturday, only Carlos left the bed. I was incapable of moving further than from the bed to the bathroom. He'd make quick trips down to the kitchen to grab us something to eat when our physical hunger outweighed our sexual one.

Some of his meals were consumed directly from my body, like I was his own personal can be quite inventive with food, let me tell you. He seems to especially like strawberries, and after this weekend, I've decided they're my favorite fruit as well.

However, mine is not the only food opinion that's changed this weekend. Carlos appears to have a new appreciation for chocolate. I'm pretty sure our home will always be stocked with Hershey's syrup, if the moans coming from him last night were any indication. To think, for years I thought that I couldn't marry Ranger because he wouldn't eat dessert, when all I needed to do was expand my definition to include him as dessert!

In the wee hours of Sunday, we'd made very leisurely love on the balcony outside the bedroom. We were both climaxing as the sun was peeking its head from the horizon of the ocean. I lay cuddled in Carlos' arms, a blanket draped across our bodies as we silently watched the sunrise together. When the sun had completely risen from the surface of the water, Carlos carried me back into the bedroom and lay me gently down on the bed, where I'd promptly fallen asleep.

This thought brings me back to the present and the question, where is my fiancée? I roll over to his side of the bed and notice a slip of paper resting on the bedside table. I reach for it, then read it over.

Babe,

Went for a run on the beach. You're absolutely beautiful in sleep. I'll be home soon.

Love,

Carlos

Had the bedroom exercise we've been performing the last 36 hours or so not given this man a day off from running? Geez. Good thing he didn't wake me to invite me along for his morning excursion, because that wouldn't have been pretty.

Nature's call had been ringing for awhile and I finally decided it couldn't be put off any longer. I crept to the edge of the bed and very, very slowly made my way to the bathroom. Carlos wasn't kidding on Friday when he said walking was going to be a problem for me today.

We'd definitely worked off a good chunk of our pent-up sexual frustrations that we've held in check over these past years. I had a whole body shiver when I thought back to all the things we'd experienced this weekend. Whew!

Finishing in the bathroom, I grabbed the robe hanging on the back of the door, tossed it on and tightened the belt at my waist. Feeling a little less sore now that I was up and moving, I decided to brave a trip down the stairs to wait for Carlos.

A beautiful day greeted me when I exited the house through the kitchen and onto the pool deck. The sight of the hot tub had my doodah sending an urgent message to my brain:That would feel really good right now! I didn't waste any time getting to the edge, where I dropped my robe and lowered myself into the hot, soothing water. Aahhh. I rested my head on the contoured pillow of the tub and drifted off into a peaceful nap, letting the hot water ease my soreness away.

I'm not sure how much time had past, when I suddenly felt strong arms encircle my waist and a soft kiss was placed on the tip of my nose. I opened my eyes to the sight of a sweaty and completely naked Carlos. What a good morning this was turning out to be!

"Morning, Babe. I was surprised to find you out here. Happy, but surprised. I didn't figure you'd stir until somewhere near noon."

"Good morning to you, too, Batman. It seems we're both surprised today. I can't believe you went running at dawn. Haven't you been getting enough exercise upstairs? I mean, I'm exhausted!"

Carlos' lips twitched up at the corners. "Steph, I've been running every morning for so many years, it hardly seems like exercise anymore. I mainly use it to collect my thoughts and plan out my days. It centers my mind, gives me focus."

"I'm not sure I'm ever going to see running as anything more than what it is…exercise, the next thing to torture."

"Babe, I thought you enjoyed our morning runs."

"Yeah, when you're along, it makes it easier, but I'm never going to be able to think of anything more than putting one foot in front of the other while praying for it to be over quick!"

He just shook his head. "When I was running this morning, I thought about Julie. How do you feel about seeing her today before we head back to Trenton?"

"Oh, I'd love to see her! Do you want to tell her about our engagement or are we keeping this between us for a while?"

"Steph, I want to tell the whole world that you're mine, but if you want to wait, it's okay."

"No, I don't want to wait. It's just; we haven't exactly talked about our plans. We have a lot of decisions to make in the next couple days."

"I know. I don't want you to feel rushed. Let's just enjoy ourselves for the rest of today. We'll have time to talk about the other stuff on our way back to Trenton tonight, okay?"

"Sure, but let's go ahead and tell Julie today. I know she's going to be thrilled. The last time I talked to her, she was asking all sorts of questions about our relationship. It seems she's very curious."

"Sounds like we've had similar conversations with my daughter. My last one with her was like an interrogation."

"When did you talk with her last?" Now I was the curious one, but as everyone knows, curious is practically my middle name.

"Wednesday night. Yes, I already had the ring and was planning to propose on your birthday." Carlos answered my question before I could even ask. Is his ESP great or what?

"Okay, smartass," I said, with obvious amusement in my voice. "Exactly how long have you been planning this proposal?"

Carlos attempted to give me his blank face, but I directed a big splash of water at his chest, stunning him momentarily and preventing him from slamming his blank face down.

"Answer the question. No evading, remember?"

"Alright, Babe, no need to get mean. I decided while we were in Bethesda; however, I've had the ring for a while." He gave me a look, shook his head when he realized I wasn't going to be put off and anticipated my next question before I could ask. "Two years, Steph."

Okay, that shocked me, so I couldn't help asking, "But, wasn't I with Morelli then?"

"Yeah, I thought I'd lost my mind, buying a ring for you when you were with him." Carlos pulled me onto his lap and I lay my head on his shoulder. There was a long, silent pause as he stared out at the ocean, lost in thought, and I waited patiently. I'm not normally a very patient person, but I know when Carlos opens himself up like this, it takes time. He's not used to sharing his thoughts with someone, even me, and I love the fact that he's making the effort for me. For us. He looked back to me, then continued in a low, serious voice.

"If you'd ever have gotten really serious with him, I would have stepped forward and laid my plans out to you, put my true feelings on the line. But, I really wanted to be clear of my contract with the Black Ops first. The assignments were just too risky and the odds of me not coming back too great. I didn't want to get together with you only to leave you alone, so I waited and prayed you wouldn't choose Morelli."

I lifted my head, placed my hands on both sides of his face and looked deep into his eyes. "I want you to know that I would have chosen you, I just never really thought you wanted a serious relationship. You told me so more than once. Until the night of your birthday, I wouldn't let myself consider the possibility of a relationship with you, even though all I ever really wanted was you."

Carlos pulled me into a kiss that had my body instantly humming with desire, and I ran my hand down his chest, quickly heading south. He stopped kissing me and started to rise from the hot tub, carrying me up with him as I started to whimper in protest. Hey, it was just starting to get interesting.

"Babe, you're as red as a lobster. If we stay in there any longer, you're going to be fully cooked."

He walked over to the pool, carrying me bridal-style, and descended the stairs into the water that wasn't nearly as warm as the hot tub. I gasped at the temperature change, and goose bumps immediately rose on my skin.

Carlos started kissing me again, using his tongue in a way that scrambled my brain waves, making me completely forget about the cold water. He ran his hands slowly down my body. The friction of his hands and the water felt wonderful as I wrapped my legs around his waist and floated weightlessly on my back. Carlos reached out and gently pinched my nipples, making me moan and grind my center against his rock hard shaft. That was all the invitation he needed. He positioned himself at my entrance, grabbed my shoulders from underneath and slammed his cock into me. I arched my back, pushing him deeper, and tightened my legs around him as I urged him to move faster, harder.

By now, our bodies were so in tune with each other that no words needed to be spoken. We both know what the other needs, we've learned where to touch, and how to move to give the most pleasure to one weekend, we've added intimacy, knowledge and passion to the foundation of friendship and love we'd already established.

As I was drifting down from my climactic flight, I floated on my side and watched as Carlos rose from the water like a Greek, or rather, Cuban, Adonis. The sight of his finely sculpted ass walking away had me quickly giving chase. When I reached the steps,Carlos was waiting with one of the fluffy beach towels he'd retrieved from the poolside cabinet. He had a matching towel secured around his waist, and as I rose from the water, he wrapped me in the towel, securing it tightly between my breasts. Carlos brushed the hair from my forehead and placed a soft kiss at my temple before reaching down to grab my hand, steering us back into the house.

We ambled into the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast, working together easily in the efficient kitchen. It felt great to share such a simple, homey chore with him, and I realized I might even come to really like mornings. Let's face it; I've never been much of a morning person.

We took our plates out to the poolside table to enjoy our last morning in the warm sunshine with the sounds of the ocean in the background. Tomorrow, it was back to gloomy Trenton weather.

"Babe, I'll call Julie after breakfast while you shower. How about we take her to lunch?"

"Sure, that sounds great. Someplace near the water, okay? I'm going to miss the ocean. I really love being here."

"I know just the place for lunch." Carlos grabbed my hand and rubbed gentle circles in my palm. "Steph, we can come back anytime you want. This is your home now, too. You don't know how often I've been down here alone, wishing you were with me. It feels great to know those days are over, that you'll be accompanying me here from now on."

"Carlos, with Rangeman headquarters in Trenton, we can't spend all our time here in Miami."

"That's one of the good things about being your own boss. We can change our schedules. Besides, I plan on doing some restructuring at Rangeman to cut back on my hours and yours."

"I really don't expect you to make any changes for me, Carlos. I knew what I was getting into when we started this relationship. I'm aware of the long hours you have to put in to keep your business successful. You've worked hard to build it up to where it is today. I don't want you to sacrifice that for me."

"Babe, I'd really like to enjoy my time with you. I've taken very little personal time since I started Rangeman. In fact, I've never taken a vacation. When I'm here, I work. I'd really like to do some traveling with you. I've been on assignments all over the world, but saw very little of the actual places, since most of my ops were quick missions, usually performed in the dark of night or in remote locations away from the local attractions. You haven't really taken a vacation since I met you either. How do you feel about traveling?"

"I've always wanted to travel, but never took the time or had the money to go, plus the whole flying thing..."

"Babe, flying is safer than traveling by car. I think we should talk about places we'd like to go some evening after dinner. We'll make a list and then start the research process. Does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah, it does. I think you're going to spoil me."

"That's the plan, Steph; you might as well accept it. I've waited a long time to have a 'normal' life and I plan on enjoying it."

"I'm not sure how 'normal' a life with me is going to be. I tend to attract trouble and the abnormal."

"Don't I know it, Babe?"

"Hey, it's not my fault!"

That got a laugh out of Carlos. "It's okay, Babe. I love you anyway. Our life together is going be interesting and never dull."

We carried our dishes back to the kitchen, loaded and started the dishwasher. I headed upstairs to shower and change while Carlos went into his office to call Julie.

I came out of the dressing room when Carlos entered the shower. I hesitated, taking in the sexy picture of my naked man. Yum! I forced myself to leave the room and go straighten the bedroom. Look at domestic Stephanie! My mother would be so proud.

Yeech!My parents! We'll have to put a stop by their place top on the list when we return to Trenton. News of our engagement will spread like wildfire through the 'Burg. Then there's Carlos' family, Lula, Connie, the Merry Men and oh God, Joe. Now I'm really dreading going back to Trenton.

Carlos emerged from the bathroom wearing casual tan slacks and a pale blue, loose fitting polo shirt. It was startling to see Carlos out of his usual black, but this color looked fabulous on him. The fit of the shirt quietly hid the toned chest that lies underneath. I discreetly checked my chin with the back of my hand for drool.

"See something you like, Babe?"

"Yeah, I do. But if we don't get going, I'll have made this bed for no reason."

"Steph, you didn't have to do that. Michelle would have taken care of it later today."

"Who's Michelle?"

"She's the Miami version of Ella. Her main responsibility is to Rangeman building. She's not here daily when I'm in Miami, since I spend most of the time at the office. I do have her open the house and stock the refrigerator with the bare essentials. On the day I leave, she returns to clean and close up the house."

"You just have women taking care of you all over the place, don't you?" I said teasingly as we made our way downstairs and into the garage.

"Babe, you're the only woman I'm interested in. Ella, Michelle and Cathy, in Boston, help make my life easier when I'm in their locations, but just with the domestic duties. All my other needs are exclusively yours!" He said the last bit with a raised eyebrow and wolf grin. He nearly growls out his last comment on the subject. "Let me tell you, you're doing a terrific job. I've never been so happy and satisfied in my entire life. I'm really looking forward to the next 50 plus years."

He pinned me up against the convertible with his hard body. I ran my hands up and loosely draped them around his neck. In my best sex kitten voice, I purred, "I'm really looking forward to those years myself." His lips crashed into mine, feeding on me like I was his last meal. I tunneled my fingers into his hair and rubbed myself against his obvious erection. He sucked in a breath, then whispered in my ear.

"Dios, Steph, I can't get enough of you." He kissed a path down my neck, and using his teeth, he slid the strap of my sundress off my shoulder, exposing my breast. He suckled me tenderly as I threw my head back in ecstasy, letting go of a moan I made no attempt to restrain. Carlos was reaching for the hem of my dress when his phone rang, startling us both, since it was a sound we hadn't heard in nearly two days. I recognized the ring-tone as Julie's. I pulled the strap back up onto my shoulder and smoothed down the skirt with my hands as Carlos answered the phone. The conversation was brief as he assured her that we were on our way. He closed the phone, returned it to his belt, then opened the car door for me. I lowered myself into the seat. He leaned across me to fasten my seatbelt, and as he straightened back up, he brushed my breast with his hand and gave my lips a quick kiss, before quietly saying, "More later, I promise."

The trip to the Martine's took about 30 minutes. They live in an upscale, gated community. Security is very strict and highly visible; without asking, I know that this was at Carlos' request. If they weren't living in this complex before Scrog, then I'm sure the move was made shortly after that horrible event. Carlos had barely brought the car to a stop in their driveway when Julie burst from the house, running at us full throttle.

"Dad! Steph! I can't believe you're here!" She charged towards Carlos as he exited the car. He grabbed her up as she launched herself into his arms. Julie gave him a big bear hug and a kiss on the cheek before she wiggled to be set free so she could move towards me.

I had to take a step back to keep us from falling to the ground when she crashed into me and quickly wrapped her arms around my middle.

"Hey, Jules! Are you excited to see us?" My voice was laced with amusement.

"No, not really. I greet everybody like this," she teased before smiling up at me. Her smile was so similar to Carlos' that it took me by surprise and made my heart soar. She's such a beautiful young lady and I briefly wondered what mine and Carlos' children will look like. I envisioned a little boy in a black Rangeman uniform, the spitting imagine of his father, except for blue eyes that match mine. Whoa!I gave myself a mental head slap.That's a long way down the road, I told myself. But just like the other night, the thought of motherhood doesn't fill me with panic. I realized the source of uneasiness I've always experienced when faced with the thought of motherhood lies more in the person who was going to be the father and knowing he'd be a part of the rest of my life.

After witnessing Carlos & Julie together, I'm confident in the fact that he'll play an active, supportive role in parenting our children. That makes the whole thing seem easier and less frightening.

When Carlos reached his hand out to grab mine, Julie noticed the ring.

"Oh, my God! Is that an engagement ring?" Julie looked from her dad, to me, then back to her dad. She shot a 'Ranger-worthy' stare at Carlos and waited, tapping her foot for a response from him.

"Yes, Carina, it is. Stephanie agreed to marry me on Friday."

"Aww, Dad…Steph. I'm so happy for you! I knew you guys would get it together one of these days." Julie wrapped an arm around both of our necks and pulled us all into a group hug. Carlos wrapped his arm around my waist, tucking me against his body, securing his daughter to the other side. When we looked up, we saw Ron and Rachel standing on the sidewalk. Ron walked up and extended his hand to Carlos.

"Congratulations, Carlos. You've got yourself a beautiful woman here."

"Thanks, Ron," Carlos said as they exchanged a handshake.

Rachel approached Carlos and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Carlos, you've been alone for too long. It's nice to see you so happy and content. You deserve it." Carlos whispered a 'thanks' in her ear as she turned her attention to me.

"Stephanie, I knew when he had you help him get Julie back that you were very important to him. Carlos doesn't give his trust or ask for help from just anyone. And well, it's pretty obvious how Julie feels about this. So, my best wishes to you both." Rachel gave us a brilliant smile and returned to Ron's side.

"Rachel, Julie, keep this quiet, please. Steph and I haven't told her family, or mine, yet."

They both agreed to keep our secret and, after a short visit, Julie jumped into the backseat and we made our way to the restaurant by the sea. We had a great fresh seafood lunch that everyone enjoyed. When our meal was over, Carlos suggested we take a stroll along the boardwalk and take in the sights. We wandered in and out of several shops, then stopped at an ice cream stand. Julie could barely keep her cone from melting as she asked us a million questions about the wedding. Most of her questions, well actually all of them, we'd yet to discuss. Finally, Carlos held up his hand to stop her questions.

"Carina, Steph and I haven't talked about any of these things yet. We'll tell you as soon as we've made some decisions, okay? Don't worry, you'll be one of the first to know. You are the first one to learn of our engagement."

That seemed to pacify her as she gave us a huge grin and finished her ice cream cone. All too soon, it was time to take her back home and get ready to return to Trenton. We delivered Julie to the door with kisses, hugs and promises to call her when we got home. She told us she wanted to discuss coming to Trenton and the wedding plans. She had stars in her eyes as she talked about our wedding, telling us she just knew it was going to be so romantic, and after my birthday, I had no doubt she's right. Carlos wouldn't have it any other way.

Returning to the house, Carlos told me to gather anything I wanted to take back to Trenton, while he went into his office to call the airfield to have the plane readied and arrange for someone from Rangeman to go get the car from the hanger after we left.

I sat the small duffle bag by the door, then made my way to the pool deck to wait for Carlos. It was just a few minutes until he arrived at my side.

"Ready to go?"

"Back to reality, huh? I guess I'm ready. It's been so nice and quiet here with just us. I'm going to miss it."

"Babe, we'll still be together back in Trenton. In fact, that's probably the first decision we need to make…where to live and where we'll stay tonight. Do you want to go to Haywood or your apartment?" He paused and pulled me tight into his chest before he whispered into my hair. "Please tell me we'll live together until the wedding, because I really don't want to sleep without you now that you're mine."

"I want that too, Carlos. Can we stay at my apartment tonight, one last time?" I asked, and he raised an eyebrow as he gave me a small nod. "First thing in the morning, I'll go talk with Dillon. Since my lease is up at the end of the month, we'll have time to move my stuff out."

"Steph, do you want to live at Haywood or should we look for a house away from the business?"

"I love the guys, but it would be nice to have something just our own, ya know?"

"Sure, Babe, I agree. How about I call the realtor tomorrow and we can start looking at properties?"

"There's no rush, Carlos. Let's take our time in choosing a house. I wish we could pick this one up and take it back to Trenton. It's so perfect and I love everything about it."

"We could build something similar to this, if you don't mind waiting, instead of looking at a pre-built house."

"Let's just see what's available first, then decide. Alright?"

"That sounds great, Babe. Now, let's get to the airfield. It's getting late and tomorrow will be busy for us both."

Carlos wrapped his arm around my waist as we left the pool deck, heading for the garage. He grabbed the bag by the door and tossed it in the trunk after he helped me into my seat. He slid behind the wheel, started the car and reached over for my hand, setting it gently on his right thigh. Carlos traced patterns on the back of my hand with his thumb as he drove.

In no time at all, we were pulling into the airfield. I had a big smile on my face when I saw Jim exiting the small office that adjoined the hanger; he was walking quickly towards us. I knew what his presence meant for the flight home. Yep, I was going to be sufficiently distracted from any worries regarding the return trip to Trenton.

Jim greeted us, stating the plane was ready when we were. I think I did a good job keeping myself calm and collected as we buckled ourselves into the lounge of the plane, even though my hormones were screaming in anticipation of what lay in store. As soon as we reached cruising altitude, Carlos unfastened my seatbelt and pulled me to my feet, taking a direct route to the bedroom in the back.

"Babe, about your membership to the mile-high club…"

Oh, boy!

TBC

Carina, translation-Sweetheart