Warning: If you cry at weddings, you might want a tissue handy.

Tying the Knot

There was a flurry of activity around Rangeman. Ella and Louis had arrived. There were a million things to do to get the building ready for a wedding.

Stephanie had shopped tirelessly and had found the perfect dress. It was an ivory floor length off the shoulder with a straight bodice. It was simple but extremely elegant. Mary Lou had come to town. Lenny was looking after the boys until Friday when he would arrive. Lula was also in town.

The thermal three blew through the doors of Rangeman Friday morning. They were carrying bags and bags of purchases. Stephanie was regretting having only five days to plan the wedding. There was so much to do. They had their dresses and shoes. The hair salon was booked. Ella and Gabriella were making the cake and all the food. Louis and Zeke had transformed the largest conference room into a wedding chapel.

Ranger had booked the Justice of the Peace and he had booked tickets for the honeymoon. He had refused to tell her the destination, but had mentioned that the little string bikini in her drawer would look good on the beach. It was hard to find beach wear in the winter. Everything was decorated for Christmas.

Ranger and Tank were locked in meetings all day, every day.

Stephanie had put her beloved townhouse up for sale. She already had a deal pending. The furniture had been moved out and put into a Rangeman storage room. Ranger had arranged for her Harley to be brought from storage and it was sitting in the Rangeman garage. Beside her bike was his Screamin Eagle Softail Springer Harley. Ranger had arranged for it to be shipped from his parents' house in Miami. Come spring, they hoped to take some short trips together. Unfortunately with his new appointment, Sturgis would have to wait.

Carlos and Stephanie would fall into bed each evening, exhausted from the activities during the day. They would cuddle in bed and discuss everything. They would then start with a kiss, a caress, and progress to fondling and nipping. Sleep did not come soon. They would wake up in the morning tangled together. Stephanie had been cleared for all exercise some time ago and they were making up for over a year of absence.

Q was still complaining at the locked door at night. Whoever came through that door first in the morning got an earful every day. Unfortunately for Ranger, he was the usual sounding board. He would bend down and scratch her ears and under her chin. She began to purr. He had a way with women!

Saturday arrived. The ceremony was to take place at 2 pm. Contract workers had been called in at most of the offices so that employees could attend. Trenton was coming almost to a man. Hotel rooms all over Boston were booked.

Miami had also sent a contingent. Raoul had offered to stay back. He and his family were planning the after wedding reception in Miami upon their return from their honeymoon so he had sent Silvio in his place.

Only Raoul knew that Silvio was being offered a new job. Ranger wanted him on his personal staff in Washington. He planned on doing some serious re-vamping on information gathering and interrogation practices after going through Stephanie's horrible experience. Silvio would be training the staff and overseeing the operation.

Ranger had already spoken to Patricia. He had also offered her a job. He had been in contact with some of his fellow operatives and knew her real story. He remembered her as Linda Spencer. He had been a brash, new Black Ops commander. He had never met her but her resume was very impressive.

She had been a top notch interrogator. Her skills bordered on psychic and Ranger had heard from more than one operative that she had a spidey sense that bordered on phenomenal. Many people had wilted under her scrutiny and figuratively hung themselves.

She had left the program when her cover had been blown. All he knew was she had been given a new identity and had been spirited away in the dead of night. Nobody had heard from her for over 10 years. He hoped that she and Silvio would make an unbeatable team.

Ranger was in Tank's apartment. They quickly changed into their tux's. No words were spoken. This was not the time for advice.

Tank finished dressing first and checked his best friend over. He still had his back on this most important day.

Ranger stood calmly by the door. He was ready to get the show on the road. He was ready for his Someday.

Before stepping out the door, they silently shook hands. They both realized that this was the end of a stage of their lives. Both knew that their friendship would remain strong, but it was no longer just them.

Ella was in the apartment with Stephanie. She and Louis were giving her away.

Stephanie stood by the mirror. She was pleased with her choice of dress. Ella had gasped. She had provided outfits for Stephanie for years but this was without a doubt the most stunning.

It was almost time. Stephanie checked her make up one more time and slipped into her sandals. Mary Lou had her bouquet in hand. They were pink baby tea roses. Mary Lou was carrying ivory baby tea roses. There was a knock on the door and Louis was standing outside. He would walk her down the aisle.

They moved to the elevator. It was open and waiting. Travelling down to two they looked at each other. The entourage was calm. This was a happy time and it felt right.

Standing outside the room, Ella and Louis each gave a cheek kiss to Stephanie. Ella was then led into the room. Taking her hand, Louis put it over his arm. He looked at her, "Ready?" Stephanie nodded.

The door opened. The music started and Mary Lou walked down the aisle. Louis and Stephanie stepped to the door. Everyone in attendance was now standing. Louis slowly walked Stephanie down the aisle. There were excited murmurs as they saw the gorgeous bride.

Carlos and Tank were standing by the alter. They were both dressed in dark suits with tea roses in their lapels. Carlos took in his bride-to-be coming toward him. He could barely take a breath. She was absolutely stunning.

Finally, Louis walked her the final few steps. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. He took her hand in his and put it on Carlos' arm. He softly spoke a few words to Carlos and Carlos nodded. Louis walked back to Ella and sat down. She put her hand on his arm and wiped a small tear with a tiny hankerchief. He kissed her cheek.

The Justice stood patiently. He waited for the noise to cease. He started his sermon. "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered her to witness Ricardo Carlos and Stephanie Michelle join their hands in matrimony. They have written their own vows and would like to speak them now.

Carlos turned to Stephanie. "I met you in a little diner so many years ago. You were afraid of what you were about to attempt, but you bravely took on the future. I admired your tenacity, your resourcefulness and your loyalty. You achieved what many have failed. At the same time, you wriggled your way into my cold heart. I had lost the true meaning of life. You warmed my heart and made me feel again. I tried to push you away so that you would not get hurt if I did not return from a mission. You refused to stay away. When you were shot my heart stopped. I had only just found you again. I knew then that I could not live without you. I give you my heart, my soul and my love freely for as long as I shall live. "

Stephanie handed her bouquet to Mary Lou. She turned to Carlos. "I walked into that diner so long ago. I saw a terrifying bad ass who tried to dissuade me from my mission. I had luck on my side and with a lot of help from you I am still here today. I could sense when you were headed on a mission with an unclear end date. I could tell that some of the missions were almost doomed to failure, but each time you returned. My love for you never wavered. I would take what I could get. We both had serious commitment issues and I'm sure our friends and family groaned each time we wavered. When I was injured I knew that you would be there to save me once again. I give you my heart to hold. I can think of no better place."

The Justice cleared his throat. "May I have the rings?" Tank took them out of his pocket and he handed them to the Justice. He held them out. Carlos took one and gently placed the ring on her finger. "I will love you forever and one day more." Stephanie took the other ring and held Carlos by the hand. She put the ring on his finger and said. "I will love you forever and one day more."

The Justice looked at the pair. He smiled. "By the power invested in me by the State of Massachusetts, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." There were war whoops and whistles. There was hand clapping and crying. Carlos and Stephanie heard nothing. They were in each other's embrace. Their kiss was full of promise.

They turned around. Taking her hand, Carlos walked her down the aisle. People were clapping. Tears were flowing. It was a happy occasion.

There was a flurry of activity. The room was being changed from a chapel into a banquet room. Tables were brought in and the food started to arrive. On a table at the front stood the wedding cake. Ella and Gabriella had literally outdone themselves. It was five tiers high.

The atmosphere turned into a party. Everyone was having a wonderful time. There was no formal seating. It was a splendid buffet. There were many requests for the couple to kiss.

Tank stood up. The room quieted immediately. He took his wine glass. He cleared his throat.

"I have known Carlos for over 20 years. We started out as punk kids and got ourselves into trouble more often than we care to remember. The Judge gave us a choice. Head to jail, or join the Army. We chose the Army and never looked back. We had fun and got to destroy things, all under the umbrella of serving our country. We started Rangeman and were prepared to give our lives to our missions and our company. One day a certain curly haired brunette showed up and our lives have been in a state of flux ever since. We tried to remain calm as she blew up car after car. We patched her up when she got scraped and bruised. We cheered her on as she maintained a successful capture record second to none. We watched as she and Carlos came together then moved apart. We hoped that they would see the light and finally admit they were a pair who should be together. Today is a day to rejoice in the union of these two lovebirds. May you have children with the same attitudes. We at Rangeman are very experienced with childishness, temper tantrums, the art of hide and seek, moodiness, simmering anger, absolute terror, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the belief that we would not give it up for anything. I propose a toast. To Carlos and Stephanie." There was a roar of approval and glasses clinked.

Mary Lou stood up. She too had a glass in her hand. She looked at Stephanie and Carlos holding hands.

She started to speak. "I have known Stephanie for 29 years. We met in Kindergarten. The very first day we connected. A boy took my chair. Stephanie stepped in and pushed him backwards out of it. She was the first kindergarten student to be in the principal's office on the first day in the history of the school. We were friends from then on. As we grew up, we kept each others' secrets. We cried together when some tragedy would befall us. We may have taken different paths in life, but we remained best friends. This past year was one of the hardest I have ever had to endure while my friend was under the radar somewhere and I was unable to connect with her. I knew when Carlos came to visit me upon his return from a mission that he would move heaven and earth to find his Babe. Imagine his surprise when she was right under his nose! She could always hide in the best places. I never found her when we played hide and seek. I see two people so very in love with each other. May they have many more adventures as they take on marriage and a new direction in life. I propose a toast. To Stephanie and Carlos." There was another round of applause and more glasses clinked.

Carlos and Stephanie stood up and moved to the wedding cake. He took out a knife he had in a scabbard at his ankle. There was a roar of approval. He placed the knife on the cake. Stephanie placed her hand over his. They cut the cake together. They fed a little piece to each other.

They then moved away from the cake. Carlos had Stephanie's hand in his. He addressed their friends. "Thank you for coming and being a part of our special day. This is a new chapter in our life. We intend to take it together and never look back. The past is what made us realize our love for each other, but the future is ours to explore. "

Stephanie reached up and gave him a gentle kiss. Carlos spoke again. "Thank you for coming. Unfortunately, we have to leave. We have a plane to catch."

They headed to the door. People were congratulating them as they moved through the crowd. Tank was waiting at the door. The elevator door was open. He escorted them to the limo waiting in the garage. Their bags were already stowed. He shook Ranger's hand and gave Stephanie a hug. He stepped back. They climbed into the limo. The garage door opened and the car drove out. It was headed to the airport where a private jet was waiting to spirit them away.

Stephanie sighed. She was glad it was over. She was with Carlos. They had found their Someday. Now they were heading to tomorrow and to all the tomorrows in their future.

Thank you for all the reviews and personal messages. I hope to return soon with another story. Myrna