Thank you for all the reviews and support over the last almost year that it has taken me to complete this story. Sorry it has taken so long but this is what happens when I wing it. I'm definitely an outline person and I promise much more serious thought before my next attempt. Thanks again :) Happy Labor Day.

Chapter 33

Julie's POV

So Ella took us to this mall in New Jersey — about a half an hour away from Grandma's. It had everything: Bloomingdales, Macy's, Anthropologie, BCBGMax, Dolce & Gabbana, J Crew, , Madewell, Bebe, XXI Forever and lots more. We started out at Bloomingdales because Ella thought there might be more for me there. Turns out the racks were picked clean. Only a random size 2 or 22 remained in anything halfway decent. And Steph and I weren't even interested in the same thing.

We stopped at BCBGMax next, but the stuff was too fancy and it would give away the real intent of the party. Same with Dolce & Gabbana, although the I saw a dress there that I thought would be good for Steph. She passed on it because there was nothing for me. The styles were too sophisticated.

We finally went into Anthropologie and both of us fell in love with the same dress. Good thing it came in a couple of different color combinations. It was a simple sundress with spaghetti straps and a flowing skirt. I got mine in blue and purple and Steph's was off-white and pink. I thought she'd look better in the same dress that I got but I understood the off-white thing. It was her wedding after all.

Then we went to Neiman Marcus for shoes. I found a pair of gold Jimmy Choo sandals that I thought were the bomb but neither Ella nor Steph would budge on their not over 2" heel limit. These were probably 4" high and made me look really tall. I'd buy a pair with my own money when I got older.

I finally found this pair of platform wedge sandals that were a little more than 2" high but because of the platform Steph and Ella thought they would be ok. So we bought them. And Steph got the Jimmy Choos I was eyeing.

Lunch was a toss up between Joe's American Bar & Grill and Qdoba, this Mexican place. We ended up at Joe's for burgers and fries. Steph got a double cheeseburger with both onion rings and fries and I got a regular cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. Ella ordered a salad. Probably my dad's influence was rubbing off on her, although I did see her take a couple of French fries and an onion ring when Steph offered them around.

After lunch we headed back to Newark so I could drop off my packages and Ella could take a look at the backyard for the best place to put the tent and the dance floor she insisted we had to have. Since my mom's background is German and Italian and my Florida dad's family is French, I never learned any of the Cuban dances Grandma Manoso talked about this morning, but they sounded like fun and Grandpa Manoso promised to teach me enough to get by.

There were still lots of last minute things to do, so I opted out of heading back to Trenton for the rest of the afternoon. Actually, I was looking forward to my dance lesson with grandpa and I wanted to model my outfit for grandma. I'd see dad and Steph tomorrow anyway since they promised to take me to Point Pleasant for the day.

Grandma liked my dress and approved of my shoes, so that was one hurdle I got over.

I offered to help make dinner, which tonight was going to be cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries. I didn't have the heart to tell grandma that I had them for lunch since she seemed so happy with her choice. Little did she know I have quite a sophisticated palette and would eat most anything placed in front of me. She'd find that out tomorrow night though, as I already decided I was cooking dinner for the 3 of us. Ina Garten's Weeknight Bolognese was one of my specialities. Back home we owned the Barefoot Contessa cookbook and I've already made lots of stuff from it. I knew this recipe by heart.

As grandma and I made dinner she asked me about Ella. I told her what I knew, that her and Louis ran the building so dad and the men could concentrate on work. And that she was smart, talented and really, really nice. For some reason grandma seemed relieved. I knew my dad would only pick the cream of the crop for anything, so it didn't come as any surprise to me that Ella was perfect. Steph was a little less than perfect, but she was perfect for my dad. From what I could see, he needed a little shaking up to his overly-regimented life and I knew she would do just that. I smiled at thought.

Tank's POV

Seemingly out of the blue, Ranger asked me to stand up for him at his wedding. Of course he's a man of few words, so I didn't even know he was planning to get married this quickly...again. But of course, I knew to who. There was only one person who captured his eye and kept it for these many years. Bomber. The thought made me smile and I said yes even before I realized I was pissed at him. How could he have kept a big thing like that a secret from me? And it must have been something they'd been planning. Right? Weddings didn't just happen overnight. Or did they? I'd do some snooping around before taking him to the mats.

After giving it some thought, I called the first person who might have some inside information and someone who would be discreet in case I was wrong. Hector.

"Sorry boss," he told me. "I don't know anything about this wedding, but if I hear I'll let you know."

Either he was lying or Ranger hadn't gotten to him yet. I thought about asking Lula, but she was anything but discreet so I called Ella next.

"I could be deceitful and tell you that this is news to me but they called me earlier this morning," she told me, giving me the details that she was privy to.

I knew Ranger told me to keep it to myself but I didn't realize how few people really knew about this. And I didn't realize how spur of the moment this ceremony actually was. I then wondered if they'd have enough time to get in the paperwork or would I be hearing from Hector before tomorrow? If I was a betting man, I'd bet on Hector. Stephanie wasn't a morning person and the bureau of records was already closed for today.

I also knew I had to feel out Lula.

"Baby," I began when she answered her phone. We were better than tight at this point but it was always good to coddle Lula. "Do you know anything about some men being invited to Steph's shower on Sunday? I got a call from Ranger that he'd like me to come. Do you know if I'll be the only one there?"

"I don't know nothin' about no men being invited but that's not gonna turn out so well for our future bride seeing as I bought her some things that no man other than Ranger should be looking at. Know what I mean?"

I didn't but I had my ideas. This little conversation also told me that Lula didn't know anything.

"Do you have plans for a ride with any of the other women?"

"Say again?"

"I guess I'm asking if you'd like to go with me? I can pick you up around noon."

"Sure Tankie, that would be great. And we're still on for dinner on Saturday, too? I mean I never see you two days in a row. You're always so busy."

That was going to change.

"Yeah baby, we're good for Saturday, too. Would you like to...um, maybe have dinner at my place and stay over? I was thinking we could make some whisky grilled baby back ribs with spicy collard greens and black-eyed peas? I convinced my mama to hand over some recipes."

"You wanna cook for me?"

"I do baby. I'll vacuum and put the cats downstairs..."

"I can take an allergy pill."

"Ok. We can do both. Pick you up around 6?"

"I can drive, Tankie. Especially if you're cookin'."

"I don't mind Baby. The ribs gotta slow cook in the oven for a few hours and it'll give us some more time together." Yeah, I knew what I was saying but it was time to move this relationship forward. If Ranger got over his fear, so could I.

Lula's POV

Something was up with Tankie. He didn't sound like his normal self. And if I could read between the lines, something else was going on, too. He mentioned Steph's shower so as soon as we hung up, I gave her a call.

"Hey girlfriend, do you know what's up with Tank? He just called me. He wants to take me to your shower on Sunday. Men just don't go to these things..."

"Carlos invited him and a few of the other men. Looks like they're crashing our party."

"And you're ok with that?"

"We're having it at his mother's. Seems to me, there's very little I can do to keep him out. But I don't think they'll interfere too much. Gloria's got a huge backyard. And he said he ordered a tent because it's going to be hot. We can keep our party in the air conditioning."

"Now you're talking. So I can still bring the present I got you? I mean, this ain't for nobody's eyes but that man o' yours. Know what I mean?"

"Don't worry, everything's the same. There will just be some of Ranger's friends hanging around."

I hung up with Steph. Now I absolutely knew that something was happening. Something she wasn't talking about. I could wait this out for another 60 hours or I could call the man hisself. I paced for a few minutes deep in thought—must have picked up that habit from white girl. I don't pace.

I was about to call Ranger's cell, when something flashed through my mind. I didn't need to call him after all...I could call his daughter.

Of course I didn't have her number but I bet Ella did. Me an' Ella weren't exactly friends but she knew who I was and she'd take my call. Problem was I didn't have her number either.

"Tankie, baby, do you have Ella's phone number?" I asked all sweet as pie when he answered.

"And you need her why?"

"She's helping Julie organize this thing and I don't have Julie's number either. I was gonna offer my help tomorrow seeing this is turning into a bigger affair with you men and all."

I hope he believed me.

"Hold on a sec, I'll text it to you."

"Thank you Tankie and I'll see you tomorrow night."

Sometimes it pays to be sneaky.

I called Ella right away. She must have had my cell programmed into her phone because she answered with my name. Rangeman was all kindsa stealth that way.

"Hi Ella, sorry to bother you but I'm getting kinda desperate here."

"What can I do for you, sweetie?"

Sweetie?

"Something's up with Tank. He's not his normal self. First he's voluntarily going to a bridal shower and now he volunteering to drive me there without me asking. This ain't no normal Tank behavior. And something's up with our party lady, too. I was wondering if you or Julie knew what was going on?"

"I do, but I can't tell you. I've been sworn to secrecy...but I guarantee you'll be happy."

And then she hung up.

I seemed to be getting nowhere and I had no one else to call.

Steph's POV

Ella told me about Lula's call. That must have frustrated the hell out of her. She was probably used to the hanging up part though, I was pretty sure Tank did it all the time.

I kept to myself all day Saturday since I knew that I'd cave under pressure. The only thing I went out for was a mani and a pedi in Newark with Julie. Our day at Pt. Pleasant totally destroyed the pedicure I had been rocking. And a girl can't get married with ugly feet, now can she?

I took my time getting ready. I wanted to look nice, but not so nice that I gave it away. I got the hair to behave and put on a little BB cream, some mascara and my favorite bright red lipstick. Its promise to bring a strong man to his knees was lost on Carlos this time, since he'd already done that part. Now we were doing the follow through.

I slipped the dress over my new Victoria's Secret splurge, put on my heels and I was ready to go. Carlos was dressed in a pair of charcoal-colored, light linen pants with a short-sleeved white shirt. A couple of buttons were left undone at the collar. He looked totally edible with all that mocha showing. God, was I really marrying this man?

"You don't have to go through with it if you don't want to, Babe."

"I said that out loud, didn't I?"

He smiled. "I'm not going anywhere. We can do this another time. The license is good for 30-days but Hector can alter that, too..."

"No, I'm good. Would hate to waste a good hair day. I'm ready when you are."

We went down to the garage and got into his turbo. I was thinking about taking my red car but then I'd have to drive and I wasn't sure about an hour at the clutch in these heels. I'd show my independence in other ways.

When we got to Carlos' parents' house, people were already there. All 5 of his siblings, their husbands, wives and older kids were mulling around in the back yard with Julie. My sister and her first two children were there as well. Mary Alice was twelve and occasionally still did her horse thing. She was neighing now and people were staring. Good thing they weren't looking around for a strait jacket...she was a little unusual. Carlos and I were doing the kissy-kissy dance with everyone when my mom, dad and grandma showed up. They were followed shortly by Lula and Tank. Then it was Lester, Cal, Hal, Bobby and Mary Lou and Connie...and then I stopped counting.

Julie seemed to have this all under control and was ordering the wait staff around.The wait staff? I thought were doing a barbecue? I caught her eye and drew her away from the crowd.

"Who are they?" I pointed to one of the servers dressed in black and white.

"Grandma insisted. She said we needed help serving and she wasn't going to give up being a part of the party to do it. They come with the guys who are manning the grills. Grandma's paying so don't get upset."

I wasn't upset. Just shocked. But then again what did I expect over a hundred people to do? Serve themselves? Yeah I guess I did. But that probably would have turned chaotic so I was actually glad Carlos' mother had the forethought to bring in some help. I'd thank her later.

Someone put a glass of champagne in my left hand and offered me hors d'oeuvres to the right. Oooooh. Pigs in a blanket. Obviously someone knew me.

I guessed the majority of our guests were here since Carlos took a spoon to his champagne glass to get everyone's attention. He'd promised to make a quick speech.

"Thank you everyone," he began once a hush settled over the crowd. "Thanks so much for coming out here this afternoon at my daughter's request, to celebrate Stephanie's decision to marry me. We very much appreciate you taking the time out from your weekend on such short notice. And as you can probably tell, this party seems to have changed its focus. It's no longer a traditional bridal shower since it's been opened up to the men in our lives, too. Please mingle and enjoy yourselves and I promise a surprise a little later on in the afternoon. And Lula," he pointedly looked at my friend. "Case closed. Do not even try..."

Tank was shaking his head in silent laughter. Ranger called her out in what was probably revenge for her once comment about 'his mysterioso, silent shit'. Don't ever say he doesn't get even.

Connie's POV

I looked over at Tank during Ranger's announcement. I didn't know him well, but I could tell that he was nervous about something. He had Lula's hand in his and was squeezing almost hard enough to break it. And he was sweating profusely. Yeah it was hot...but not that hot. If I had to bet, I'd bet he knew the surprise Ranger was referring to. And if I knew Lula, Ranger's secret wasn't going to be safe for long. Whatever this surprise was, it had better happen soon or it wouldn't be a surprise any longer. I caught Ranger watching me watching Tank and our eyes met for a second. He knew Tank would cave soon, too.

Ranger's POV

Steph and I had planned to let everyone eat, drink and enjoy themselves for about an hour before we moved out of the crowd with the judge, Julie and Tank. But seeing the look on Lula's face and the confirming look I got from Connie Rosolli, I knew we needed to act sooner.

"Babe, I think we should get the judge now. Tank's not going to make it," I said turning to the curls to my left.

She glanced over to where Tank and Lula had been standing.

"You're right. Lula's close to rhino, he's going to cave. Let's find Julie."

"She's over there with the caterers. She's taking this very seriously."

"I'll get her. Try to pull Tank away from Lula," she told me walking quickly towards Julie. Like getting Tank away from Lula was going to be an easy feat.

Actually, all it took was a look in Tank's direction. He said something I couldn't hear to Lula then met me on the back porch.

"That was easier than I thought. What did you tell her?"

"I said I had pee and that I'd be right back. She wouldn't follow me to the bathroom."

Wrong.

"Tankie?"

"Baby. Go back to the party. I'll be right out," he told her opening the door and heading inside.

I went out into the crowd and found Steph and Julie. I quickly explained to Julie that we'd have to step up the ceremony to keep it a surprise but Steph had already told her and she had already texted the head caterer to be on standby with the champagne. I hoped Tank found Judge Mahoney as easily as I found the two most important women in my life. At that moment I saw him coming out the back door with Julianna Mahoney. Lula saw it too-and I had I a feeling, like it or not, Lula would be joining us at our makeshift dais. There was nothing I could do about that short of shooting her, which I momentarily did think about, so I did nothing to stop her approach. The ceremony would be over before she even knew what was going on anyway, we were keeping this short and sweet.

I handed Julie the ring intended for me. We hadn't had any kind of a rehearsal for this but I figured she'd know what to do with it. According to Ella, my daughter was very up on bridal etiquette. Tank had the one I was to put on Stephanie's finger in his pocket. Out of nowhere a bouquet was placed into Steph's hands. She looked over at Julie who shrugged sheepishly, obviously flowers were something Julie wasn't going to let slide.

Mendelssohn's Wedding March sounded over the loudspeaker system and the four of us, plus a very confused Lula, walked towards the designated area.

People started staring and walking towards us. Pretty soon, everyone was nearby.

"We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Carlos and Stephanie," Judge Mahoney began. "To acknowledge and strengthen this bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and it is my honor and privilege to preside over to this event today.

"Carlos and Stephanie, do you, with your family and friends as your witnesses, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?

Stephanie and I answered in unison. "We do."

"Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?"

Again, we answered together. "We will."

"Carlos, please repeat after me.

I, Carlos, take you Stephanie, to be my lawful wedded wife.

I promise to stay by your side,

In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow,

as well as through the good times and the bad.

I promise to love you without reservation,

comfort you in times of distress.

Encourage you to achieve all of your goals.

Laugh with you and cry with you,

grow with you in mind and spirit.

Always be open and honest with you,

and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

I repeated the oath to the best of my ability. I may have only gotten as far as "I, Carlos, promise to take you, Stephanie, as my lawful wedded wife", but that was all I needed.

"Stephanie, please repeat after me," the judge began again.

"I, Stephanie, take you Carlos, to be my lawful wedded husband

I promise to stay by your side,

In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow,

as well as through the good times and the bad.

I promise to love you without reservation,

comfort you in times of distress.

Encourage you to achieve all of your goals.

Laugh with you and cry with you,

grow with you in mind and spirit.

Always be open and honest with you,

and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Stephanie got a little further than I did before looking over at me and simply saying "yes".

"Carlos, take this ring, place it on Stephanie's left hand and repeat after me," the judge continued, taking the ring that Tank offered her.

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."

I did as I was told.

"Stephanie, take this ring," she said, taking the ring that Julie offered up, "and place it on Carlos' left hand, then repeat after me.

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."

Steph did this with tears in her eyes.

"By the authority vested in me by the constitution of the United States and the laws of New Jersey, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I bowed my wife back and kissed her, reminiscent of the famous Times Square V-J Day kiss close to 70 years earlier, both our inhibitions long gone.

People were applauding and someone was whistling but I didn't give a shit. Kissing my wife was the most important thing to do at the moment.

We finally broke for air and champagne was being served around us.

"Was this everything you wanted, Babe?"

"Yes. Thank you. But when can we get the hell out of here and really celebrate?"

"I think we need to stay for at least an hour, but ask Julie," I whispered back to her.

And yes, my wife actually asked my daughter, both of us trusting her diligent researching.

"Julie says we can leave as soon as her and Tank decorate your car."

"They are not touching my Porsche.."

"Sorry, Julie says it's tradition."

And that is how we headed out to the airport-beer cans, streamers and pink and blue paint all over my car. Embarrassing, to say the least.

Tank had some serious payback coming his way.

The End :)