***IMPORTANT***

Due to a busy schedule with work and buying my first house, updates will only be once a week most likely from here on out for a while. Typically I will try to post updates sometime midweek. So if you want to know the best time to check for an update. Check Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings. Just wanted to let you all know. :)

Okay, now that that's out of the way, thanks again to you all so much for all your continued kind support… and for especially being humored by Heather completely putting José in his place. Lol. XD I could just totally see José trying to make a move on Heather just to stick it to Alejandro… but not that Heather also gave any other impression to José beyond basically an FU to his ego. But, that's classic Heather for you! Lol. This chapter begins immediately after Heather and José's little exchange. Hope you enjoy!

(Alejandro's POV)

I went down the hall to check in since Heather still hadn't come to the living room yet.

She could just be organizing her things still, but considering I also have noticed another absence from the room as well… I figured it was worth a check.

Right as I was about to turn the corner, Heather and I immediately crossed paths.

I stopped immediately and tilted my head at seeing a slight smirk on her face, almost looking… amused?

"Oh, I was just coming back to check if you needed anything." I recovered, trying not make myself look completely obvious. Even though I was still very confused by her sudden change in mood from when I helped her with her bags 20 minutes ago.

She looked like she was about to respond until I heard a grunt mixed with a pained groan in the adjacent hallway, causing my eyebrow to quirk in utmost intrigue.

"Is there... something I'm missing?" I continued in a matching confused tone.

Heather was quick to shrug as she said, but still looking fairly pleased, "Not really."

My mouth opened to respond until I heard what was clearly José strain out, sounding almost pained and beyond aggravated, "Ay, fucking… puta loca…"

I gave her a look as I started, still trying to get a handle on what's happening, "Doesn't sound like 'nothing'."

She just continued to smirk as she said, putting her hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Just took the opportunity to introduce myself to your brother, that's all."

She walked past me as I gave her a slightly confused look and looked around the corner to see José looking just as fuming as he sounded and also doubled over against the wall with his right hand over his groin and his left hand tucked under his right arm as he proceeded to grumble out obscenities.

At least that's what most of the words coming out of his mouth sounded like. I was still processing and slowly but surely putting the pieces together on what probably occurred.

Well until I was pulled out of my thoughts when I felt my arm get grabbed and Heather direct, "Um, hello?! Are you going to walk in with me or not?"

She didn't even wait for my answer as she started just towing me along by my arm.

Eventually I couldn't stop myself from grinning as I responded, "Absolutely, mi ángel. You can always count on me to escort you. "

Well, looks like I had nothing to be weary of on at least one score.

We both walked into the room and the silence was almost immediately deafening as Carlos, Marisol, and my parents immediately turned their attention to us.

Fortunately father defused the situation as he started, "Ah, wonderful. Looks like our guest is finally settled. Please, make yourself at home."

I just kept looking around the room, mother was deciding to look elsewhere, but Carlos and Marisol were still looking at us.

I think Marisol in particular seemed to be in a state of shock since her brown eyes were practically so wide they were nearly about to fall out of her head. She even turned her head so quickly that some strands of her dark brown hair were still partially in her face as she kept her arm linked with Carlos's.

Luckily Carlos stepped in and Marisol reflexively followed him and still clung to his arm as she kept staring at Heather.

As I've said, Carlos never needed to say anything to have me know that he thinks I'm completely loco for how I feel about Heather.

So, I was mildly surprised to see him reach out his free hand to Heather as he started, "Nice to meet you. Carlos Burromuerto Ledvora, I'm Alejandro's oldest brother. And this is my wife, Marisol Paz Burromuerto."

At this point, I was just assuming Carlos was doing this to 'humor me' for my sake... which was better than what most people do honestly.

Then I went even more into a state of shock when Heather actually shook his hand and answered simply, "Heather Wilson."

They retracted hands as Marisol said, immediately changing the subject, looking like she wanted nothing more than to leave, "Does anyone want anything? You're probably thristy, sí, Caro? After all you've been carrying everything for us since we left."

This from Marisol… honestly doesn't surprise me.

She's always been one to avoid conflict.

Then again, for as long as I can remember, she's always been quiet and hardly ever leaves Carlos's side whenever they're together. But they've pretty much always been inseparable since I remember them calling or video chatting with each other at the very least once a day whenever we had to travel for father's work.

"I'm fine, Mari. Besides, I should be the one doing things for you considering." Carlos started as they walked off toward the kitchen and immediately switched to Spanish where I froze up as I immediately overheard Marisol ask Carlos, 'What's she doing here? Isn't she the girl who shoved Alejandro off that volcano on the show?'

But, not wanting to give myself away, I straightened up and tried to ignore it.

Even though I know it was absolutely stupid to not expect this to happen. Just because Heather and I were past it doesn't mean that everyone else in my family was going to be quick to ignore it.

Also, as much as I love her and know what she's really like when we're alone, Heather wasn't exactly helping the situation either since 'playing nice' isn't exactly Heather's usual go to in most situations… if in any situation honestly for the most part.

It was almost like my point was proven as Heather started, "So, is this a whisper party or is someone actually going to say something already?"

I could see mother looking ready to respond as my stomach clenched in anticipation until we heard Carlos comment, "Oye! Bromigo, what happened to you?"

We all looked over to see José holding a bag of frozen vegetables over his groin as he gave Carlos a defensive glare before he spat through his teeth, "None of your business."

Carlos shrugged and said, "Alright then, suit yourself. Have you met Alejandro's novia yet?"

José rigidly turned his head before just glaring at Heather and all I saw was Heather giving him a satisfied smirk as she said, not even batting an eye, "We've met."

"Unfortunately." José practically grumbled in displeasure as he kept giving Heather a confused, infuriated, yet embarrassed look as she just kept smirking in satisfaction, knowing she had him.

José looked at me but I couldn't help myself from smirking either.

If I was certain about what occurred between Heather and José; which I most definitely was sure about what happened, then honestly… I couldn't be anymore pleased.

Sure there's still the issue of mother and the inevitable and high probable tension from the rest of the family at the party tomorrow evening, but as far as Heather's handling of my brother is concerned; I have never felt more relieved… or satisfied.

The next morning

({No POV})

It was the morning before the Burromuerto's anniversary party and everyone was going about their business.

Even though it was the first week of December in Ottawa, it was surprisingly a pretty mild morning despite the snow still present on the lawns.

Carlos and Marisol went on a morning walk and were now relaxing on the back deck together. Then José left to go to the gym to do preparations for defending his title later in the next coming week. And Alejandro and Heather took the opportunity to go on a morning run.

Gerardo was finishing his coffee at the dining room table until he looked up from the newspaper he was reading only to see his wife looking out the front bay window at the driveway.

Elena kept looking out into the front with her arms crossed slightly as an agitated, scornful, yet perplexed look continued to overtake her.

Curiously, Gerardo quirked up an eyebrow as he stood up and looked out the window over her shoulder to see Alejandro and Heather doing a cool down in the driveway after just getting back from their jog.

Immediately Gerardo got a knowing look on his face as he inquired, approaching his wife before putting a hand on her shoulder, "Anything on your mind, mi amada?"

Even though it was blatantly obvious, Elena kept looking out the window before starting, "What does Alejandro see in her… aside from looks?"

Gerardo continued to give her a look but this time smirked slightly before responding playfully, "So you admit that you can see an 'appeal' to her now, hm?"

"I can admit that she at least has looks as one 'redeeming quality'... considering she has nothing else remotely 'appealing' about her and our son could clearly do much better than some overtly unpleasant shrew." Elena retorted spitefully as she continued glaring out the window.

Gerardo gave his wife a hard look this time as he started, almost like he was calmly talking his wife down, "Elena…"

"No, Gerardo. What is it about that little… bruja that gives her the ability to have her hooks so deep into our son?!" Elena practically growled in frustration.

Gerardo stroked his goatee for a moment in deep thought, looking frustrated himself but still tried to remain calm, "Elena, you seem to forget the old saying that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and that Alejandro has more than a physical attraction toward her. That and we can't pretend the two don't have much in common from the surface level alone? Both her and Alejandro come from very similar backgrounds and her birth is very respectable. From what I've seen and looked into, her father comes from the line of a wealthy Canadian railroad tycoon and her mother is the daughter of a wealthy Korean manufacturer who only expanded more on his wealth when he immigrated to Canada. After all you and I came from a similar social class as well. So lineage definitely does play a role."

Elena, still infinitely frustrated, retorted, "Lineage is one thing, but NOT everything. She is not what Alejandro needs."

However Gerardo was quick to counter as he stated, very matter of fact, "She is exactly what Alejandro needs."

Elena looked at her husband incredulously with wide eyes before responding, completely confused and displeased, "Gerardo, why do you encourage our son with her but you have never given me any reasoning behind this absolute lunacy. Why do you even like her?"

Gerardo and his wife are in a slight stand off with each other until Gerardo folded his hands behind his back and let out a sigh before saying, "Elena, as much as I do not wish to insight conflict on today of all days between us, I see now I must be honest. I do have my reasons behind my approval of Alejandro's pursuit of Heather and those reasons happen to be quite simple. And the fact of the matter is… Heather is precisely the kind of young woman that a young man like Alejandro needs in his life."

"Oh, so a young lady with a hideously abhorrent personality that shoved him off a volcano after kneeing him in his groin is what you think our son needs, is it?" Elena spat in displeasure.

Though Gerardo immediately countered, still trying to keep his tone even, "Everything else aside and I already explained my view on said things to you regarding Alejandro's actions on the show… It is precisely her 'personality' why I feel she is right for Alejandro, but not for your reasoning. As I have said in the past Elena, you and I have been fortunate enough to have three well rounded and high achieving sons; however, those talents and achievements have also unfortunately produced a byproduct of arrogant overconfidence and inflated egos. And that is something that can create laziness and complacency if not handled properly… as I should know from being an arrogant fool myself when we were young. And thus bringing us to that young lady out there. Heather is a very calculated, competitive, and strong young woman. From the beginning, Heather has never let Alejandro have anything easy despite their feelings for each other. She provides Alejandro with the challenge that he needs to keep his ego in check and will keep him from developing that complacency. Something I wish Carlos would have thought through before deciding on marriage."

"Why do you dislike Marisol?" Elena countered immediately.

"I never said I dislike her. If I am giving the impression that I am insulting her then I apologize. She may be a nice young lady from a respectable family who happen to be friends of ours as well, but you can't deny that perhaps Marisol isn't a bit too enamored with Carlos in a way that isn't standard." Gerardo replied, almost as if he was stating a plain fact.

Elena crossed her arms and immediately responded, "And what is wrong with that? A wife should hold a high regard for her husband. Just as you and I have for each other."

Gerardo straightened up and said, "Holding one in high regard is one thing, worshipping your spouse is another. Marisol sees practically zero fault in Carlos and practically kisses the ground he walks on. She always has since they were young. Fortunately for her, Carlos is at least good natured enough to not take advantage of that fact. However, that worship will only make Carlos complacent and lazy later on and give him little to no desire in trying to improve himself further. But, Carlos is a grown man and his life is own affair. And after how long we've been married, I have learned that a lasting and growing relationship isn't supposed to be easy and should require a certain amount of work and a need to challenge each other to be better and grow with each other. And that is the same potential I see with Alejandro and Heather."

Elena continued to look progressively more and more frustrated at her husband skillfully talking his way through their disagreement and looked as if she was grasping at straws for anything at all.

"Yes… But, would you like to know what Marisol hasn't done? SHE HAS NEVER SHOVED CARLOS OFF A VOLCANO! Oh Gerardo! What is it about her that you remotely like at all?! She's just such a brash and cold little…ugh, she's just absolutely repugnant!" Elena finally exploded in frustration.

Then to her surprise, her husband smirked and shrugged slightly before elaborating, "Well, I'm not saying she's perfect. No one is. Granted I will concede that she is a bit of a rough diamond so to speak. But, that's where Alejandro is good for her as well. Heather is quite a dark horse with a tough exterior and a bit of a temper when she doesn't get her way. Whereas Alejandro has always been fairly even keeled and isn't afraid to challenge her from getting her way completely. They're still young and just getting serious, but I believe that in time and with the right approaches… Alejandro can help her learn how to compromise in a way and relax her tough exterior. Perhaps not by much, but that's all for them to figure out together and find that balance as equals."

At that moment they looked out the window to see Alejandro and Heather doing push ups across from each other in the driveway. Both of them doing a traditional style push up with their palms flat to the ground to start.

They kept it up until it looked like Alejandro went into doing military style push ups on his knuckles, giving Heather a slightly challenging smirk.

Heather glared at him for a second before giving him an equally challenging smirk back and started clapping her hands together between push ups, clearly trying to one up him.

Alejandro then continued to smirk as he put his right arm behind his back and started doing his push ups one handed.

Heather gave him another hard glare until she smirked back at the idea she had in her head as she slowly went up into a handstand and slowly but surely started doing her push ups inverted.

She gave him a smugly satisfied look, thinking she beat him and there was no way he could top it. Until Heather's whole expression dropped as Alejandro also went up into a handstand as well only to lift his left hand off the ground and started to slowly do the inverted push ups one handed with his right arm.

Alejandro just flashed a victorious grin as Heather just looked at him wide eyed.

Eventually Heather went back to her feet as she glared at Alejandro before pushing him over and calling out in frustrated annoyance, "Show off!"

Once he got back to his feet, Alejandro just laughed as Heather started stomping off.

Well until he got a slightly deviously playful grin on his face and went after her as he grabbed her from behind before throwing Heather over his shoulder, causing her to immediately protest as she pounded her fists on his back with a beyond flustered and pissed off look on her face.

"UGH! Will you put me down already, you?!…" Heather exasperated until Alejandro put her down just as swiftly as he put her over his shoulder.

Heather looked like she was going to proceed to give him a piece of her mind until Alejandro just pulled her in for a kiss to immediately silence any of her reprimanding and to change the subject.

Heather's eyes went wide for a moment until it looked like her expression slowly relaxed as she gave in and started kissing him back slowly but surely.

Gerardo had an amused look on his face at Alejandro and Heather's exchange just now that only proved his point further, and Elena also seemed to simultaneously get more and more agitated by the same fact.

Gerardo noticed it and set a hand on his wife's shoulder again before saying, "And you can't deny at the very least, mi cariña… they are also quite the handsome couple."

After that Gerardo gave his wife a kiss on the cheek before saying, "Just leave them be, mi amor. This is our day after all. Enjoy yourself. Perhaps I'll have Isobel put the kettle on for some tea for you, sí?"

Gerardo then proceeded to walk off out of the room while Elena got a progressively frustrated and irritated look on her face as she proceeded to watch on out the window.

Wow! That's a lot to unpack. Alejandro having a rare moment of not knowing what to say when it came to his family with Heather. Although he did at least seem pleased by Heather's handling of José that to him might as well have been an ultimate act of loyalty. Plus it looks like Heather created an enemy out of José as well. Lol. XD I also hope you enjoyed how I decided to have Gerardo FINALLY explain why he approves of and respects Heather as a 'suitable match' for Alejandro. Gerardo, much like Alejandro, is a calculated man of mystery who always has a reason behind everything he says and does. And I could see him looking at Alejandro and Heather's relationship in the same way. Mainly that I thought it would be fitting that despite him also agreeing with his wife that Heather is a bit of a 'rough diamond', I could see him also having a respect for her 'strong personality' and competitive nature. Mainly that he sees Alejandro and Heather of having good potential of being able to provide each other with a good balance… if they could only figure it out themselves. Lol. XD I also wanted to give Carlos and Marisol a differing dynamic as well with them being a more clingy kind of couple with Marisol being that way with Carlos. Don't get me wrong, Marisol isn't a crazed and obsessive stalker type level lady like Sierra is with Cody. Oh, poor Cody… I used to not like him in Island and yes Sierra did help him A LOT. But… are we just not going to talk about that time Sierra practically drugged Cody?! Even watching that whole situation 10 years later still disturbs me. 0_0 But with Carlos and Marisol, I mainly just wanted to show a dynamic with a couple that has a bit of idol worship going on. Not speaking against it, but I do know couples who do have an either one or both sides idolization where they believe their spouse/significant other is perfect and can do no wrong. Which is where I personally respectfully disagree personally since I think part of a relationship is accepting someone for their flaws and acknowledging them. But, again, just trying to show a full spectrum of different relationship dynamics for couples. And I thought it would be funny to have some member of Alejandro's family just be terrified of Heather. I mean, c'mon… she is our favorite 'Mean Queen'. Lol. XD Anyway, next chapter begins with the party! Oh the possibilities of what might ensue! ;) And something fun for you guys, next chapter I will be introducing another member of Alejandro's family and I'll leave it up to you all on who you think it might be. *Hint: This character was mentioned in TDWT.* Thanks a ton as always for reading and constructive feedback is most appreciated as always. :)

Stay classy, safe, and healthy everyone!

Dexter1995