Author's Note: Thanks so much for the reviews! Keep them coming!

Seven o'clock was nearing, and I had no idea what to do or expect. I knew I needed to go to the pier. Even if he was going to tell me that he was going to stay with Lauren, I had to hear it.

What do you wear for an occasion like this? I wasn't sure to dress up in the hopes that it was good news or to just wear the same old same old. I sighed. I decided on jeans and a shirt…that would have to do.

I paced around Weiss' apartment.

"Dude! Will you sit still? You're driving me crazy."

"Sorry. I'm just really nervous."

"How are you going to handle it?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I guess I'm just hoping that I'll see her and everything will come out."

"Maybe you should get her flowers. Chicks dig flowers."

I rolled my eyes. "That seems so cliché. Plus, who knows what her reaction will be. I don't want to be standing there like some idiot with flowers if she rejects me."

"She won't reject you, man."

"I wouldn't blame her if she did. After all the hurt I put her through."

"Sure, it may not be easy, but she loves you."

"I hope so."

I let out a huge sigh as I walked down the stairs of the apartments. I had decided to walk. It was a really nice night, and I needed to clear my head before facing Vaughn.

The pier was less than a mile away and it didn't take me anytime to get there. I slowed my pace to survey the scene. I saw Vaughn hunched over the railing staring out into the ocean.

I followed his gaze. It was twilight and the stars and almost set sun were glistening on the water. It was beautiful, and I couldn't help thinking that he wouldn't choose such a perfect time and place to give me bad news.

I took a deep breath and walked to the pier and to Vaughn's side. We stood there in silence, and for a moment I thought maybe he didn't even realize I was beside him. Everything was too quiet, and it would've been peaceful except for the fact that I felt sick to my stomach with worry.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

He looked up surprised, "What?"

"The sky on the water. It's beautiful."

Vaughn nodded, "It really is."

Vaughn looked back out to the water as if he was searching for the words to say.

I felt a sinking feeling in my chest, assuming that it was for the worst. "Vaughn, it's ok, just get it out."

He looked startled but then nodded. "I was trying to think of the perfect way to say this to you, but I think I should just do it."

I felt tears well up in my eyes as I focused my attention back out to the water.

"Lauren and I are getting a divorce."

"Wh-What?"

He studied my face, and brushed his thumb across my cheek. "Oh Syd."

I blinked harder and wiped my eyes not allowing the tears to come out. "I wasn't expecting that."

"It's always been you."

If my heart had control of my body then that's the point where I would've kissed him all over…but over the past year my brain has taken over once again.

"And so now you decide to tell me that, after it becomes convenient for you?"

Vaughn took a step back; obviously expecting me to do exactly what my heart wanted me to do.

"Well, I couldn't really tell you it while I was married."

"Do you not understand how hard this has been for me?"

"Syd…"

"No. Listen, Vaughn. There are some things I have to say before we can ever even think about being us again."

Vaughn nodded sadly, but looked somewhat hopeful at the mention of us.

"You have to understand what you being with Lauren did to me. It nearly killed me Vaughn. You were the most important person in my life and then suddenly you were gone."

Vaughn continued looking at me, as I searched for the point I was trying to make.

"I just need you to know, that my heart won't allow it's self to be broken in that way again. I need to know that I'm not just some rebound for your failed marriage."

That's when he took me in his arms and held me close.

"Oh Sydney," he murmured as he stroked my hair.

And that was it; I couldn't hold back my emotions anymore. Like I had so long ago in his presence I broke down.

I couldn't remember the last time I had cried like this, if ever. My body shook from the force of my sobs.

Vaughn held me closer and planted a few gentle kisses along my hairline.

"You will never just be some rebound," he whispered. "I am so sorry I caused you pain. I would never have married Lauren if I had known…"

I lifted my head to look at him, and saw the tears forming in his own eyes. At that moment that meant more to me than any words could. His tears showed that he really did care.

"I love you, Syd. God, I love you."

I searched his eyes. "I love you, Vaughn. I love you so much."

He looked hesitant for a moment as he leaned down achingly slow to kiss me. But when our lips met all hesitation was gone. It was as if no time at all had passed. Our lips knew exactly what to do.

The kiss never got overly passionate. There would be time for all of that later. For now our lips were reintroducing themselves; slowly, delicately. My hands found their way up to his neck as I gently caressed it. His hands wrapped around my waist pulling me closer.

Ever so slowly Vaughn pulled away but kept his arms tightly around me waist.

"You are so beautiful."

I pulled away slightly, and pulled a crumpled up piece of paper from my pocket.

"I wrote you a note," I said slyly.

Vaughn smiled as he took it from me and unfolded it.

-Wherever our paths may take us, I will always love you.-

He looked confused. "Did you have another note written?"

"No."

"How did you know that I was going to say what I said?"

I studied him for a minute, "I didn't. I guess I was just hoping for the best, but if not, the note would still apply."

Vaughn brushed a stray tear away from my eye. "Wherever your paths take you, I'll be there, Syd. You don't ever have to be alone again."

And with that our lips found each other again.