When Marlena asked to talk to him alone he had prepared himself for the deep sting of rejection once again. It was always the same, she always chose John over him. Then Roman noticed John lean down to kiss Isabella, maybe this wasn't what he thought. Making small talk, they headed to a bench where no one would hear them chat. He didn't know how to start or what this was really about, but Marlena took the initiative.

"Roman, I've wanted to talk to you for a long time now."

"What is it, Doc? You know you can tell me anything."

"I, well, in the last few months I've been feeling... what I mean is, I know you're married to Kate, but..."

"What are you trying to say, Marlena?"

He tried not to get his hopes up, it would just make things worse, but she was making it difficult to keep those thoughts in control.

"John's going back to Isabella and I want to give us another shot."

He felt his heart sink just a little, why was it she only wanted him when she couldn't have John. She thought she could just say she wanted him back and he would come running! She thought he was so pathetic that he just sat around waiting for her to request that he come back to her. He wanted her back, but not like this.

"Who do you think you are? You think you can just snap your fingers and I'll come running! I'm tired of being second in everyone's lives. I was second to John in my children's lives and then you put him before me, your husband! I will not be your backup anymore!"

Roman was so absorbed in his righteous indignation he didn't see Marlena's horrified expression at his tirade; he didn't see the tears threateningto spill. He jumped off the bench, preparing to stalk off, but a small hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"That is not how I meant it. Roman, I love you, I always have, I always will. You are the father of my twins and Carrie is like a daughter to me. I have actually enjoyed these last few months here because of you. I've wanted to tell you for so long how I've been feeling, but I had to get things out of the way with John. I'm not choosing you because John needs to be with Isabella, I'm choosing you because I love you."

She moved closer to him, and to prove her point kissed him. When they broke away, he touched his forehead to hers and whispered "I love you, too, Doc. You know you've always been the one."

She smiled at him and he thought his heart would burst, but as if a dark cloud had covered the morning sun, her smile dimmed suddenly.

"Roman, what about Kate?"

Taking her hand, he led her back to the bench.

"This is going to be hard on her. I wish there was some way everything could work out, without anyone getting hurt. But, there isn't a way to do that. I love Kate, just like you love John, but you never left my heart. Deep down, Kate has always known that. I feel terrible even thinking of hurting her. Just imagining it makes me feel guilty, but she wouldn't want me to stay with her out of guilt. Let's not think about this now, we still have to get home before it's even an issue. Let's focus on the positive."

"The positive? Oh, do you mean a certain daughter of ours who is going to be saying 'I told you so' for the next month at least." She teased.

Her good mood was catching, not that he needed any incentive to be happier. He now had all he had ever wanted from life.

"I think suffering through a few 'I told you so's will be worth it to see the smile on her face. Maybe she'll even be able to forget about Lucas for awhile."

"If she does, it won't last for long. Oh, Roman, I hope we get off this island soon. I don't know how much longer everyone can handle it."

"We will get home, I promise you. It will happen."