a/n: So I couldn't resist, so here's a surprise/bonus for you all! the end of Chapter 10 from Ron's POV and then some! Thank you all for following and reading! Until next time!

Ron

"Ron." I felt my skin prickle when I heard her say my name.

I'd come outside to get some fresh air, and to get away from all the sickening love. I was happy for my sister, really I was, but having Hermione so close was a constant reminder that I'd ruined whatever chance at happiness I could have had with her. If she even wanted that. The way she'd looked at me during her speech had me reeling, and I didn't know why. The hopeful part of me was convinced she was trying to tell me something, but the realistic side reminded me that that ship had sailed.

I turned around slowly to see if she was really there, or if I was just hearing things. It was real; she was there.

"You don't have to do this," I told her, not wanting to deal with any pity she might be feeling for my sorry arse.

"Will you just let me talk for once? I couldn't get a word in edgewise last night, so I think it's my turn now."

I wasn't expecting her to want to talk to me, but I stopped myself from whatever I was going to say next and waited for her to continue.

Hermione went on."I've been waiting my whole life for the right person to come along and sweep me off of my feet, and I was even convinced for far too long that it was supposed to be a man who is clearly not meant for me."

I squinted my eyes and furrowed my brow in confusion as I tried to wrap my head around what she was saying. She was supposed to ream me out for what I'd done with the article, not tell me that she'd gotten over Harry. I mean, that was all well and good considering he'd just married my sister, but still. I didn't understand what would have caused a change of heart so quickly… I let those thoughts go as she continued. I needed to focus on what she was saying.

"And then you walked into my life, helping me when I'd gotten knocked out and half trampled all over a stupid bouquet, and it was the last thing I was expecting. You're pessimistic and cynical and irritable, and you drive me absolutely crazy." I opened my mouth to interject, but she wouldn't let me.

"But arguing with you has given me more life throughout this past month than I can remember. And I know when all is said and done, that article wasn't the worst thing that's happened to me. I just thought holding onto the anger would ease the pain of being lied to. I've been absolutely miserable this week and I think I finally figured out why."

What in the bloody hell was she on about? I'd humiliated her in a fucking newspaper. For all of the UK to see. Why else would she be miserable?

"Do you know how many times I picked up my phone to call you last night? I still can't get your voice out of my head about letting myself love and be loved. You're right. I want that more than anything, and I'm terrified."

Well, at least she finally listened to something I'd told her. Even if it wasn't what I'd—

"Because I think I'm falling in love with you."

She—Hermione was falling in love with me? I was completely frozen, letting her words soak in. After everything I'd put her through, she still felt something other than hatred for me? But after we'd gone to bed in that dingy room at the inn she didn't seem to want anything to do with me. Nothing was making sense.

Apparently, I'd taken too long to process what she'd said because Hermione spoke as she started to turn away.

"Okay, I'm sorry, I'll just—"

No. There was no way I was going to let her walk away. Even if I didn't understand it, I couldn't let her walk away without knowing for sure. I practically lunged forward to close the distance between us and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards me. It was probably a little too forceful considering she was now close enough that her arms wrapped around my neck. I allowed mine to settle on her waist.

"Ron, I—"

"Are you sure?" I asked her. I searched her eyes, willing to find sincerity in the answer I hoped she was about to confirm.

"More than anything," she said breathily.

One thing was certain. I wasn't going to let this chance go. This was the last thing I was expecting and yet here she was, confessing that she was feeling the exact same way I felt about her. Maybe she'd felt more last weekend at the pub after all. She must have.

I didn't hesitate as I leaned in and kissed her hard. I could think about this more later, but right now I needed to show her I wanted this just as much as she did. Her body pressed into mine as she returned the kiss eagerly. I finally felt better for the first time since I realized the article had been published Sunday morning.

Eventually, we broke apart, though I really didn't want to. I looked up to see my entire family standing in the doorway behind Hermione. I was so embarrassed when I realized they were all cheering. Well, at least they weren't holding a grudge at what she'd done last night.

I was going to suggest finding a more private area, but Hermione simply smiled at me and leaned in for more. Maybe my family would go away eventually. They'd left the doors wide open and a familiar song began playing over the speakers. I heard Ginny squeal and I reluctantly pulled away.

"You told her, didn't you," I asked.

"Not intentionally, no," Hermione said sheepishly.

It didn't take long for Ginny to drag us back inside. "It's your song!" she said excitedly.

"How do you know? You weren't even there," I argued, but one look at Hermione's face and I knew Ginny was right.

'Take a Chance on Me' was officially our song, and I wasn't complaining.

The rest of the night flew by in a blur. I was pretty sure that Ginny rigged the bouquet toss because Hermione caught it this time and she didn't even get knocked over or trampled in the process. I swear when Hermione bit her bottom lip and looked at me after she caught it I was going to come undone.

Unfortunately, I also knew that she wouldn't leave until the end of the night because part of her duty as the maid of honor was to make sure all loose ends were tied up. At least there was only a half hour left. The DJ played a slower song next and she nestled into my arms as we swayed on the dance floor.

"Will you come home with me tonight?" she asked with an air of caution in her voice.

I didn't even know that was going to be a question. I leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Yeah, was planning on it," I told her as I pulled her closer to me.

"You know, I've never left a wedding early...except for the last one," she observed.

"Yeah? Is there a reason you're telling me this?"

"Well, I have the strong urge to leave this one early too, and I can't help but think it's because of you." There was a glimmer of playfulness in her eyes.

"I think my family could be persuaded to make sure things are in order, and I sure wouldn't complain if you wanted to catch a taxi back to your flat," I suggested.

A broad smile graced her lips and we both moved off the dance floor before the song had ended. I thought it was going to be impossible to leave unnoticed, but Hermione talked to Lavender and she helped us make a clean escape.

We hailed a taxi and climbed in as Hermione gave him her address. "Oi! It's you two again!"

We both looked up to get a better look at the driver, and I realized it was the bloke who Hermione had paid to take her back and forth to the two weddings a month ago.

"Seamus!" she exclaimed.

"What, no second dress this time?" he asked interestedly.

She let out a chuckle. "No, not this time."

I couldn't help but add, "Sorry, mate, but that's for my eyes only now."

I hoped she knew it was meant to be a joke, even if I was completely serious. Luckily, the look on her face told me everything I needed to know. Her eyes were conveying the same want and desire that I was feeling, and I was relieved to know we both wanted the same thing.

When we pulled up to her place, Seamus turned around and looked at her. "So, am I waiting to take him somewhere else this time or…"

"No, this is his final stop tonight," she said as I handed money over, leaving him a generous tip.

We were barely inside the door when Hermione kicked off her shoes and jumped into my arms. I was thankful the skirt of her dress was loose enough so that she could wrap her legs around my hips. I managed to slide out of my own shoes without my lips leaving hers. Our journey to the bedroom wasn't exactly perfect, given that I was a bit preoccupied and didn't know the layout of her apartment. I only remembered where her bedroom was because of the one evening we spent talking about her involvement in weddings.

As I began unzipping her dress, a distinct thought crossed my mind, and it passed my lips before I could stop myself. "If I have my way, the next dress I see you in will be white," I murmured against her lips.

She froze and pulled away. Fuck. Was it too soon? Did I say the wrong thing? I should have kept that in my head, I knew it.

I hesitantly met her eyes as she searched my own. I was holding my breath as I waited for her response, exhaling only slightly when I saw a small smile crest her lips.

"I think you've got a strong chance of that coming true, since I'm done with Wilkins Weddings."

"Wait, what? Really?" I couldn't believe it.

Was she actually implying that she wanted that, too? With me? I guess it really shouldn't be a surprise considering everything we'd gone through tonight. Bloody hell, I loved her. I really, truly did.

She was nodding vigorously as her eyes were watering up. I didn't wait any longer as my lips crashed into hers again. I knew this time would probably be frantic, but I swore to myself I'd show her all the love she deserved now, and every time that followed. We had all the time in the world.