They laughed as Thea told him more about the first few months of their dating life.
"You really did change me", he suddenly said.
Thea didn't know how to respond.
"In a bad way, or good?", she asked.
"In a great way", he replied.
She blushed. He admired her smile and realized he had seen it before, in their daughter.
"You really do have a beautiful smile", he added.
"Thank you", she replied.
"Joey has that smile.", he said.
"Everyone says that, but I don't see it. I always thought it was your smile. She has your eyes and hair.", she said.
"No. Her smile is definitely yours", he replied.
It was like falling in love with him all over again. The way he looked at her, the sweet words he said. She couldn't help it, but she was also scared.
What if he left again? She would have to pick up the broken pieces again, and not just hers but Joey's also.
No, the way he was with their daughter, he wouldn't leave her. She was his world, and also Dean would never let him abandon her.
"Thea, you okay?", he asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Oh, um, yeah, sorry", she replied.
"What is it? You looked, sad", he said.
She swallowed.
"No matter what happens between us, you wouldn't leave Joey. Right?", she asked.
"Hey, of course not. She's my daughter", he replied, reaching over and taking her hand, squeezing it.
She nodded.
"I knew that, I just needed to hear it I think", she replied.
He smiled.
"And I wouldn't take her from you either. You're a great mom and I would choose you to raise her, always", he added.
She smiled. He leaned over and kissed her. She tasted sweet. He could kiss her all night if she let him.
He slowly pulled away.
"Sorry, its just that, I've been wanting to do that all night", he chuckled, licking his lips.
"Its okay, I would be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it too", she replied.
He sighed.
"I'm sorry, you know", he suddenly said.
She was confused.
"For?", she asked.
"Leaving the way I did. Truthfully, I was scared. Then my family kept getting in my head that you could do better and I started to feel like a burden to you.", he said.
"But you weren't", she replied.
"Thea…", she cut him off.
"Really you weren't. Even if you never get your memory back, I would have never seen you that way", she added.
"I'm sorry you had to raise Joey without me for a bit. It sucks I missed those first few years with her", he sighed.
She squeezed his hand.
"You're here now", she said.
Roman watched as his brother in law's backyard filled with family and close friends.
Well, Thea's family. Only his twin cousins and Dean were here. Dean being his best man.
"I'm making this promise now, out of earshot of my beautiful new wife. If they don't show, I am done. I won't put her through it anymore", he said to his brother.
Dean nodded.
"Agreed.", he replied.
Roman shrugged.
"Did they mention anything before you left the house?", he was curious.
Dean shook his head no.
"But I did.", Dean replied.
"Look how handsome you are", Nia, Roman's cousin and one of the few to accept Thea, said.
Roman smiled. She never failed to support him and Thea. As much as his parents tried to brainwash her into thinking Thea was no good.
She had a mind of her own.
"Ready for this Uce?", Jey asked.
"Been ready from the second I laid my eyes on her", he replied.
Jimmy fixed his tie.
"Are we having a wedding or not? She's ready for you", Naomi said, walking into the room.
Roman nodded.
"Lets do this", Roman said.
As they made their way outside, Roman spotted his mom and aunt. Dwayne as well. His dad followed a minute later and taking a seat beside his wife.
They took up seats in the back. Dean had gestured to the front row, but they declined.
"Its fine. At least they came", Roman whispered to his brother.
Dean squeezed his shoulder. He wouldn't admit it, but he was happy they came.
She filled him in on so much of their life. A life he wanted back.
"Can I ask you something?", he asked.
"Of course", she nodded, before taking a sip of her wine.
"If I took the job with Ric, would you not take me back?", he asked.
She bit her lip before meeting his eyes.
"I love you, I always have. I would take you back no matter what.", she said.
He nodded.
"Although, the you before would never go back, no matter what. Can I ask why you are even thinking about it?", she asked.
"I know the me you knew was okay with struggling to keep us afloat, but this me isn't.", he said.
She nodded.
"I want what's best for me and my family. We have a kid now, Thea. We need to do what's best for her", he said.
She understood his point. She could barely put food on the table and pay her bills.
"I get it", she said softly.
"But if you are still uncomfortable with him, I can find another law firm. Maybe one close to town so we don't have to move", Roman said.
"I want to do what's best for Joey", she replied.
But yes, she was uncomfortable if he chose Ric.
Thea was so happy for her husband. His parents were here. That's all she wanted for him.
"I'm going to use the restroom, be back in a bit", he said to her.
She nodded and watched him walk inside. She looked over at his parents again. Finding her courage before walking over.
"I'm so glad you could make it. We really hoped you would come.", Thea said.
Nia walked over in case Thea needed back up.
"Just as long as its clear we came for him and not you.", his dad said, rolling his eyes.
It hurt Thea to hear, but she nodded and continued to smile.
"As long as you're here and he's happy", she replied, before excusing herself and walking away.
Roman stopped her.
"What did they say to you?", he asked.
"They just congratulated us", she replied with a smile.
"Baby, when will you stop lying for them? They don't deserve it", he said.
She gently touched his cheek.
"Are you happy they're here?", she asked.
He nodded.
"Good. That's all you need to know. Not today, okay", she said.
He nodded and kissed her.
"I love you, my wife", he smiled.
"Love you more", she replied.
"I believe that, if you can put up with them", he said, before kissing her again.
Someone cleared their throat. They pulled apart to see his parents.
"I like the suit.", was the only thing his dad said.
"You look handsome.", his mom added.
"Thanks to my wife", Roman said, squeezing Thea to his side.
She smiled as she looked up at him.
"Sasha would have looked better", his dad mumbled.
Roman was going to reply, but Thea stopped him.
"We should go say hi to everyone else", she said.
Roman nodded as he glared at his dad. Thea gently guided him away, but he stopped.
"I think she looks beautiful, and that's all that matters", he said.
Thea smiled.
"We're home", Brie announced as they walked in.
Thea and Roman were still at the table.
"We hope you aren't naked", Dean called next.
"Hey, my kid", Roman said.
"Relax, she's asleep. After the movie we hit up pizza and played games. She's gonna be sleeping till morning", Dean chuckled.
Roman smiled.
"We'll put her to sleep, don't worry", Brie said, tugging on Dean to follow.
After a moment.
"You are still my date this weekend? My families party", Roman said.
She nodded.
"If you still want me to be", she replied.
"I do.", he nodded.
"Then yes", she replied.
"Thea", he said softly.
"Yes?", she asked.
"I think I'm falling in love with you", he replied.