After learning that Ricardo is doing better and heading back to Florida with Sofia, Paige decides to stay in England with her family for a few days. She wants to see him but it's been so long since she'd visited with all of them that it's a much needed break for her after so much tension and drama.
Ricardo sits on the beach and hugs his knees to his chest, watching the waves lap against the sand with a small smile on his face. Between getting to see his family, and meeting Sara Louisa, he feels a lot better. Things are still rough, he feels strangely emotional now and again, but he's much more secure in his place in things.
He's still sitting there when Alberto joins him, handing him a bottle of water. "Gracias," he says softly, sipping from it. Alberto sits down and nudges him, winking when Ricardo looks up. "Are you going to be alright, El Patron?"
On Smackdown this week, the League of Nations had finally imploded. Leaving Alberto at a crossroads for where his career will go from here. Ricardo wishes he could help him figure it out, but he has so much going on, he can't even think about WWE, much less really consider anything significant.
"Si, I'll be fine," Alberto says, squeezing Ricardo's shoulder. "Don't worry about me, amigo. I'll probably be better without those other perros holding me down. How are you doing?"
"I'm better," Ricardo sighs, laying back against the sand. "It was just... all too much. I'd been ignoring it for too long and I guess I just crashed. But you, Paige and Sofia working together to make sure I had some time to spend with my sister and mother and the babies helped. A lot. I owe you all a lot."
"You've given us plenty," Alberto sighs, settling down next to him. "You owe us nothing. Don't worry about it. We all love you and we just want you healthy and happy, mi amigo."
Ricardo smiles. "I know. But thank you anyway, El Patron. It means a lot to me." They stare up at the bright blue sky overhead before Ricardo turns his gaze onto his best friend. "I doubt I need to ask but I will for the pure tradition of it all."
Alberto hums under his breath, turning to look back at Ricardo.
"You're my best friend, Alberto. Like my brother. When I marry Paige, I can only picture one man by my side, supporting me and helping me to stay strong as I dedicate myself to her forever. Will you be my best man?"
Alberto smiles, his eyes misting over as he considers everything they've gone through. "Si, mi hermano, I would be honored."
Ricardo beams and leans over, hugging him. "Gracias."
Alberto squeezes him back. "I wish you every happiness, mi hermano. Anything you need, you come to me. I'll ensure you get it."
