Stay [a Roman Reigns story]

8 Getting hitched

After I quickly packed a bag, Roman took me by the hand and then led me to his car. I was anything but sure if this was a good idea. But Roman was right. It was worth a try. Maybe it would buy me the time I needed. I was desperate, and desperate times called for desperate measures. Only I wasn't sure of Roman's motive.

There had to be more to it than my friendship with his sister and the fact that he would not let my ex destroy my life. I was determined to ask him about it. During the flight we had enough time. Or at least that's what I thought. However, he managed to constantly change the subject and to bombard me with questions. He also told me a lot about himself. About his family and his job. All the little things.

The first flight from Pensacola to Atlanta went fast, so I didn't have time to ask or sleep for that matter. Even though I was damn tired. After all, it was already 5 a.m. and I hadn't slept a wink.

"So now please tell me where your accent comes from? After all, as your husband, I should know." Roman babbled on.

"I'm surprised Summer hasn't told you yet. I actually expected her to, since she already told you my name." I replied as we got comfortable for the second flight from Atlanta to Vegas.

"Don't be mad at her. I tricked her into telling me so I could ask you properly." he said in a low voice so as not to disturb the other passengers.

"Hang on... Does that mean she knows?" I wanted to know.

"God no! Like you said... she would kill us. But now stop changing the subject." he replied.

"Alright. I'm from Germany. My parents and brother still live there. Near Berlin to be exact. Gabriel worked at the Berlin office for a short time. That's where we got to know each other. And after a while, I transferred to the States. In retrospect, not my smartest idea," I explained to him.

"Hey... don't beat yourself up. You couldn't know what kind of guy he is. We're going to fix this. Don't worry." said Roman, taking my hand in his.

"Speaking of this... Why exactly do you want to do this? And don't tell me now that you want to do the right thing. I'm not stupid, I know there's more to it than that." I replied as I turned my head in his direction.

I saw how his eyes avoided mine. And his cheeks turned red. Patiently I waited for him to answer me, but it took a while. But finally he sighed deeply and looked at me again.

"Okay... here's the thing. I... so.... when I first saw you... I don't know, I just felt like I had to protect you. And that I was attracted to you. When I said you were family, I meant it. I didn't want you to leave the country before I had a chance to find out how... how I feel about you," he murmured softly.

"And you thought marrying me was the right way to go? Don't get me wrong. You're a fantastic guy and I like you. And I'm very grateful to you for this. But I'm not myself right now. I've been through a lot of shit in the last couple of weeks. I don't want you to regret it. I-" I replied as I fought the tears again.

"I know, DJ. That's why I'm not going to force anything. I will not regret it. You don't owe me anything. And by the way, just because it may not be the right way doesn't mean it's not the right thing to do. Don't worry about it so much. At least not for today. Oh, and one more thing... since your stuff's all packed, you're moving in with me in Tampa. That'll help us with the USCIS. Would be weird being married and not living together. And then we'll get you a new job. It's going to be okay, baby girl. Trust me." he explained to me.

God, he was such a good person. What had I done to deserve this? How could I ever show my gratitude to him for what he wanted to do for me? As I looked at him, I realized that I also felt something for him, and it wasn't just gratitude. There was only one explanation for what I had felt when Roman had kissed me earlier.

"So...how do we do this after we land?" I asked after nodding and clearing my throat.

"I figured we'd go shopping first. We need rings and outfits. Then we'll go to the hotel to freshen up. After that, we'll find a nice chapel to get hitched." he explained as he lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to the inside of my wrist.