Chapter 15 — Unspoken things

Ramon:

Six years later…

I hated weddings. The people, the fake cheer, the noise. It all grated on my nerves. And this wedding wasn't exceptional. Evan and Gina were long-time friends of mine, and Aaro's too, that's why it made sense to be here. Also because I was one of the groomsmen, and also my best friend Quinn practically bullied me into coming.

I smiled dryly at the numerous familiar faces milling around, trying not to revert back to frowning. Quinn hung onto my arm, chatting lightly with some friends.

Quinn and I have been friends for the past five years. We were meant to be married as a merger between our two companies, but it fell out, due to my adamant refusal and Quinn's sexuality. Ultimately we decided to remain friends, growing closer and closer until she could practically read my mind. I brought her along as my plus one because she was the only person I could stand and she could give me moral support when needed. I blew out a sigh. Yes, I was back in England, after so many years away.

After that disastrous event.

Sydney.

I could still picture her beautiful face as clear as day. Her tinkling laugh, her soft shining blonde hair, her gut-wrenching eyes that never failed to make me short of breath, and her smile, the only thing capable of making my heart skip a beat.

I would be lying if I said I didn't miss her dearly.

I missed her every day and cursed myself for leaving her and for that stupid mistake.

Turns out Elise's child wasn't mine, it was for her current husband Humberto. I was shocked, relieved, and angry when I found out.

Angry that she would drive the only thing I desired more than my next breath away with a false alarm.

Needless to say, I wasn't over it yet.

Being back in England after so many years had put me on edge. Whenever I caught a glimpse of shiny blond hair, my heart started beating out of control and my hands started sweating.

I was a nervous wreck.

Just thinking about it made my arms shake.

"Monty, what's wrong? You're shaking" I heard Quinn ask beside me and I glanced down at her and flashed a small smile "I'm fine. I just need a drink"

She looked skeptical, her brown eyes scanning me intensely, she knew me too well "Thinking about 'the one who got away' again?"

She had tagged Sydney 'the one who got away' after I told her everything that transpired between Sydney and I when I was dead drunk a few years ago.

That was also when she gave me that annoying nickname 'Monty'

I nodded silently, Quinn always knew when I was lying and always gave me hell over it.

She sighed, "Come on, Monty, she can't possibly be here. You've been nervous ever since we landed here, going pale whenever a woman with blond hair walks by. Stop being such a pussy."

I blew out a breath, ready to reprimand her on her foul language when familiar shiny blond hair caught my eye.

God, it couldn't be!

She sat at a table near the dance floor, seemingly deep in conversation with someone I couldn't see. There was no mistaking.

Her hair was shorter now, brushing against her slim shoulders left bare by her royal blue halter dress that molded to her now fuller figure-like skin.

Fuck, she still looked like an absolute goddess.

Unknowingly, Quinn had followed my gaze to where Sydney sat. A slow smile spread over her face.

"Is that her?"

I nodded slowly, mesmerized by her sight. It had been six years since I'd last seen her and she still looked amazing. I frowned, was she single? Or had she gotten married already? Was the person she was talking to her husband?

I felt my fist clench at the thought.

"Wow! I never knew she was this pretty. She is definitely my kind of woman" Quinn said beside me. I could see the gleam of mischief in her chocolate eyes as she flicked her lavender-colored waist-length hair away from her face, a vicious smile on her face.

I knew what she was about to do and I felt my hackles rise.

"Quinn, don't even think about it" I hissed under my breath, loud enough for her to hear but she ignored me, adjusting her coal-black pants suit, straightening the collar of the white dress shirt she wore half unbuttoned.

"Quinn no!" I hissed as she flashed me another smile before moving away from me, straight in the direction of where Sydney sat, cutting a swathe through the crowd with her slim figure.

I made to follow her but my feet were glued to the floor. I couldn't go over there. What would I say?

I watched in horror as Quinn reached Sydney, her familiar charming smile on her face. I couldn't hear what they were saying but I watched as the guy with her disappeared into the crowd in the direction of the bar, Quinn probably ordered him to get drinks.

She has this authoritative air around her, probably inherited from her father, he is a terrifying man.

I watched as Sydney laughed at what Quinn said, notes of her soft laughter reaching me where I stood.

Fuck! I should stop being a pussy and go over there.

I managed to move a few feet, to within hearing distance before I became immobile again.

"A lawyer huh? That's really neat. I studied law in my first year at university but I was too busy get wasted I flunked out. Business was a much more better fit for me" I heard Quinn say.

Sydney laughed "Well law isn't for everyone"

Quinn smirked "So Sydney, bride or groom?"

"Bride, Gina and I are co-workers" I heard her reply

"Gina huh? She seems like a right giggle"

Sydney gave a soft laugh "She's a giggle alright, once she's had too many tequila sunrises"

"Speaking of right giggles, you have to meet my friend. He giggles too. Oh Monty!" She called, motioning at me.

Sydney turned just as I ducked down, out of sight, taking refuge in the milling crowd.

Damn that Quinn!

I wasn't ready for her to see me yet, I don't have the words to say to her yet. I'm still a nervous wreck, why can't she see that?

"Seems he's disappeared. He's very shy" I heard Quinn say.

I ignored the weird looks people shot at me and listened to their conversation.

"Well anyway, forget that. Let's get you a drink and you can finish telling me all about what I'm missing not being a lawyer" Quinn spoke, her voice receding. Seems they were going to the bar.

I sighed and straightened, trying to steady myself.

What is wrong with me?

I tore at the constricting bow tie, gulping down my glass of single malt whiskey all while keeping an eye on Quinn and Sydney gossiping like long-time friends on the other side of the bar. From my vantage point, Sydney couldn't see me but I could see her and I'd rather keep it that way. For now.

I gulped down the remnants of my glass and sighed. Imagine Ramon Camelio a nervous wreck over a woman.

Aaro would have a field day if he found out.

I turned to motion at the bartender for a refill but instead bumped into the last person I would have thought to be here.

My ex-sister-in-law, Astrid.

She looked amazing. Her brilliant red hair was extremely short, framing her pixie-like face perfectly, she wore a form-fitting black dress with shimmering fabric, but her green eyes showed a crippling sadness I had seen duplicated in Aaro's eyes.

Results of divorce.

But I don't blame her, Aaro is the cause of everything. Anger got the best of him one night and he shoved Astrid a little too hard, resulting in her miscarriage.

That was the last straw for her and as soon as she was well enough she filed for divorce.

Well after that I heard she went to different exotic countries, exploring for new animals. She has bounced back pretty well if I may say.

Currently she stood in front of me, about to take a sip of white wine, apparently deep in thought.

"Astrid?"

She turned to me, a huge smile splitting her face "Ramon."

We hugged for a while "It's been so long, Astrid," I breathed out, beaming down at her. I was truly delighted to see her.

"Too long, Ramon, How are you doing?"

I answered and she proceeded to ask some other pleasantries questions When I let it slip that Aaro was somewhere in the building, she immediately went pale.

"Are you okay Astrid?" I asked and she nodded slowly.

I suggested a glass of water and led her to a small balcony past the bathroom for some air.

I spotted Quinn standing where I was just a few minutes ago as I returned, a sour look on her face.

"Done chickening out yet?" She asked, her voice vicious.

"I am not chickening out" I answered softly, motioning the bartender over and ordering for some water.

"God almighty! You, Ramon Camelio, are like an earlobe, you're just there, wobbling." She paused, snatching the glass of water out of my hand and gulping it down in one swallow.

"There are two ways this is going to go down tonight. First, I continue flirting with her and eventually we head up to my hotel room for some fun"

Anger pulsed in my veins as I took in her words "You had better not do that Quinn, or I swear to God, I will kill you!" I hissed.

She wasn't fazed by anger, she merely rolled her eyes and continued.

"Or, second, you go over there, give her the overdue explanation for your actions six years ago, make the fuck up, have sex and make some beautiful babies. The ball is in your fucking court Monty"

I tapped my fingers against the polished wood of the bar. She was right. I need to man the fuck up.

"Thanks, Quinn" I muttered before stalking off, in the direction of the love of my life.

I watched her twirl the straw of her cocktail absently as I approached her. Internally I was giving myself numerous pep talks, trying to gather some resolve for the only woman that made me bare my heart.

I stopped in front her, a soft smile finding its way to my face as I took in her perfectly composed expression.

"Sydney, what a surprise"

She smirked "Ramon. Fancy seeing you here"

God, her voice sounded like music to my ears.

I missed it so much.

"You look absolutely beautiful" I breathed out, my arms itching to hold her.

But I can't, until I have said what needs to be said.

She smiled sadly "Is that all you have to say to me after six years?"

"No Sweetness. I have this big speech planned" I joked, trying to diffuse the tension.

"You've got jokes huh? That's interesting" she chuckled out, sipping her drink.

"Actually, I'm trying not to break out in a nervous sweat here."

She turned fully to me, pinning her icy blue eyes on me "So, isn't this conversation six years too late? Most people would have moved on with their lives, like me. You should take a leaf out of my book"

"I can't move on, Sydney, when I know this rift is still between us"

"I'm not complaining about the rift, Ramon"

"I know, but just listen to me"

"I don't want to do that, I'd rather finish my drink and go home"

"Sydney" I sighed "Please just don't be like this"

"Shouldn't you be at home with your kid or something? What are you even doing here? Hunting for your next victim huh?!" She hissed, her voice becoming bitter "The baby wasn't mine!" I yelled "But you fucked her!" She yelled back at me, her voice much louder than mine.

Few people turned to us but I ignored them, my attention on the furious goddess in front of me.

Her eyes blazed as she spoke again "That's what matters to me, Ramon. Not the baby but that. Were you just playing me? Was I just one of your numerous conquests? Was anything you said to be true?"

"Of course it was," I answered, my voice soft.

"Then why?" She whispered, her eyes gleaming with tears My heart constricted when I saw her tears. I didn't want her to cry.

"Why Ramon?" She asked again, her voice stronger now.

"I was confused" I finally said "I was confused. After meeting you my feelings were all over the place, I had never felt that way about anyone and the intensity scared the shit out of me. I couldn't control how I felt about you and I didn't like it. I wanted to feel in control so I went to see Elise. Immediately I realized what I did, I regretted it" I sucked in a breath, reaching out to cup her elbows "I knew I had made a huge mistake and that if you found out you would never forgive me, but I never knew it would escalate like this."

She stared up at me, a few tears sliding down her cheeks. Seeing her like this, made me feel absolutely terrible.

Suddenly, she wrenched out of my hands and sped away, her steps fast.

I followed, trying to catch up with her as she exited the hall, heading straight for the entrance of the hotel.

"Wait Sydney!" I called out, managing to grab her wrist just before she went out of the revolving door.

She whirled, her other hand raised. In a flash, it cracked over my face. I didn't even register the slight sting, all my attention was on her.

She pounded at my chest with her fists, crying hysterically.

I stood there, taking every one of her blows silently.

Finally she calmed down and I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her to me.

" I'm sorry" I muttered into her hair "I truly am so sorry, for everything"

We stayed like that for a while, silently holding onto one another, trying to overcome six years of separation in this fleeting moment.

"I'm sorry for hitting you like that" I heard her say, her voice muffled against my chest.

I chuckled "I deserved it, I was a complete idiot"

"Still am" she added and I smiled.

Suddenly I remembered.

"There was something I had for you back then. I was just about to give it to you before the shit hit the fan, but I never got the chance"

She leaned back and glanced up at me "What is it?"

I reached under the collar of my shirt and extracted the chain I had worn every day for the past six years. I ripped it off and slid off the pendant before sinking to my knees in front of her, holding the diamond-crusted band out in front of me.

Now was a good time as any.

Her watery eyes widened as she tried to understand what was going on.

"Sydney West, I know I've been a total thick idiot and probably don't deserve even a smidge of your love but I love you with all of my heart and I don't think I can live any longer without you being with me. I'm not pressuring you into anything, you can reject me if you want but I just want you to know that I'm serious enough to go through with this" I paused, trying to still my rapidly beating heart "so what do you say? Will you marry me?"

She didn't speak for a while, she stood, staring at me with this shocked look on her face.

She's going to say no.

Until she beamed. She leaned down to my level and pressed her lips against mine in a soft, passionate kiss. She drew back, her breathing erratic, her forehead against mine.

"You silly, silly man. Ask me again, exactly like that in six months."

And I did.

And this time she said yes.

A year after…

I tried not to groan as Luca's shrill cries echoed round the house. I kicked my brother who laid asleep in the hammock beside me, tapped out from a night of changing diapers and rocking little Luca to sleep "Wake up, your son needs you" I hissed at him.

Aaro groaned, scrubbing a hand over his very tired face "Oh God no!"

I snickered "Perks of having a baby"

We were laying in identical hammocks, on the back porch of our summer beach house in Sicily, taking a much-needed family vacation.

Oh yea, after a resolved rough patch and tons of therapy, Astrid and Aaro remarried and honestly I couldn't be happier for them.

A few months after my wedding to my very beautiful wife, they welcomed a new addition to their family, little baby Luca.

He was a spitfire like his mommy, inheriting her brilliant red hair but paired with his daddy's eyes.

Although he won't admit it, I knew Aaro was extremely happy, why wouldn't he? He had Astrid and Luca now. He was lucky.

Speaking of my beautiful wife. I turned to the beach, where she laid in the sand with Astrid, trying to tan.

Fuck, she looked amazing in that tiny blue bikini.

Her soft laugh reached me from where she laid and I burst into a huge grin.

We were happy and as of yesterday in the upstairs bathroom, our happiness had multiplied.

But Aaro and Astrid had yet to know yet.

God, I loved her so damn much.

"Who left baby Luca crying? Such a good father you are Aaro," I heard Quinn's sarcastic voice say and I turned back to the open sliding doors.

She stood, her now peach-colored hair in a ponytail. She held baby Luca against her, staring disapproving at Aaro.

"You weren't the one awake all night with him" Aaro retorted, frowning with annoyance.

"It's your job, you're his daddy. You want Astrid to come change his diaper after pushing him out of her vagina? Wow! Aaro, you're such a gentle man."

I chuckled under my breath as they continued to bicker back and forth until Aaro stomped off, Luca in tow.

Quinn adjusted her Versace shirt and shorts before jumping into Aaro's hammock, smiling mischievously.

"I love rattling his cage" she admitted, beaming at me and I chuckled.

A soft familiar hand slid over my bare chest and my smile brightened.

"What are you two up to?" Sydney asked as she stretched out beside me, her warm, soft body pressing into mine.

"Nothing, just trying to drive Aaro bat shit crazy," Quinn replied, grinning.

"That's Astrid's job."

I chuckled and leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to her fragrant hair.

I was the happiest man alive right now.

~Fin~