I take a step into his space and watch as his eyes widen with surprise.
“Fuck. Sylvia was outside and wanted to know why I didn’t have a date. I told her I did, and I’d introduce her later.” He tugs at his hair, which has started growing back—thank God.
“I don’t see the problem. I thought she was into Eric.” I’m confused. I seriously don’t see a problem with what he’s saying.
“She is, but I hate that I have to tell everyone. Why can’t we just be together and be done with it? Why does it have to matter what the fuck others think as long as we’re happy?”
“You are over thinking. I hear what you’re saying and I agree. If the people in question didn’t mean something to you then I’m guessing you wouldn’t give a shit, but because they’re family and close friends, you have to spill your guts. I wish I could help, but I’m certainly willing to be with you when you do.”
He smiles and starts to relax. “Shit, I didn’t realize how stressed I am.”
“Feel better now?” I raise a brow.
“For now, I do.” He glances around again. “Have you spoken to Mateo and Caprice?”
“Not really.” I grab a glass of wine from the passing server and take a long sip, which I prolong when I see the intense need on Ramon’s face.
“You?”
He clears his throat. “That was unfair…and no. She tried to flirt with Sebastian when she first arrived.” He chuckles. “Sebastian couldn’t get away quick enough. He’s keeping his distance.”
“I seriously don’t know why he’s with her,” I comment.
“Their wedding has been postponed, so maybe Mateo is having second thoughts.” Ramon shrugs. “Anyway, the wedding is starting soon.” He chuckles. “Ruben looks ready to hurl.”
“Ruben doesn’t look the nervous type.”
“Oh, he’s nervous all right. Rosie is the only one to ever get that reaction out of him.” With all amusement leaving his face, Ramon adds, “He loves her, and she loves him. That’s all there is to it.”
Is Ramon telling me that he loves me and that’s all that matters?
Going with gut instinct, and quickly making sure we’re not being watched, I take hold of the bottom of his vest and pull him closer so that I can whisper into his ear, “I’m not exactly sure what you’re saying, but you’re mine, and have been since we first met.”
Straightening, I walk away to cool off. Being close to him and inhaling his scent…and the whole situation I find myself in with Ramon is starting to get to me—more than I thought it would.
Chapter Eleven
Ramon
Weddings, when they involve one of my brothers, always have me catching my breath. Watching my brother, Ruben now has me fighting back my emotion. Most people, when the bridal music starts, turn to the back of the room to catch a look at the shining bride in all her bridal finery. Not me. I watch my brother’s face when he catches a glimpse of the woman he loves. I’ve done this with Michael, Sebastian, Lucien, and today, with Ruben.
I watch as Ruben swallows back his emotions while he watches Rosie as she walks toward him and then she’s in my line of sight and she’s breathtaking. Wiping at a stray tear, I rapidly blink to prevent the others from falling.
Noah nudges my hip, offering me his hand. Without any hesitation, I entwine my fingers with his and hold tight.
When Rosie is standing beside Ruben, his eyes shining with love, I really look at the dress, which was rushed to get finished in time. She’s beautiful. The bodice of her dress is like a corset in the same deep purple as our cravats with tiny cream and gold flowers all over. The skirt is gold chiffon and floats around her legs. Rosie didn’t want to do the traditional white dress, and seeing her in the dress she chose, I’m glad.
With Dante welcoming everyone here today, I let my mind wonder.
I imagine it’s Noah and myself getting married. I smile at the thought. I really want that and I’d had no idea that I’d wanted a marriage and the whole exchanging of rings until today. It kind of popped in my head while I was watching Ruben fuss and worry about Rosie. The thoughts made my heart ache. Never before have I thought about marriage. I thought it was something for my brothers only. But no more. It’s something that I want—eventually. Gay marriage in the state of Kentucky is still illegal so we’d have to go out of state…but it would be worth all the hassle in the end. We could go to New York. The company keeps an apartment there and it’s registered in all our names. I cast a look at Noah from the corner of my eye and decide that after today, I’m no longer going to bother worrying about what the hell anyone thinks about us. We still have to tread carefully on the site until the whole fucking mess is sorted, but after today, no more hiding.
Noah tugs on my hand, which brings my head around to meet his gaze—one of humor.
“I can’t believe you switched off in the middle of your brother’s wedding,” he whispers, chuckling.