Gabi’s words about them needing to say goodbye…they stand out, ringing through again and again, no matter what Antonio does to shove them away. He can’t say goodbye to Gabi, he hasn’t ever been able to, why would now be any different? He has to say something, anything. “Do you want to go first or should I?” The soft voice broke through her silent reverie, shattering the tense moment.
“I will.” Gabi whispered, clasping her hands together under her chin as she lost herself in thoughts of what she should say, thought of what she wanted to say. “Oh…what’s happened between us…oh…I just…I need you to know that it’s meant so much to me and that part of me will always belong to you. And tomorrow, when you marry Ricardo and me, I will be at peace with that because I love him and I’ll…I want to spend the rest of my life making…making him happy and honoring him because of his devotion for both of us.” She finished, speaking from the depths of her heart. She really meant that…she wanted to make Ricardo happy. She just couldn’t bear the thought of hurting Antonio in the process.
“We made choices, Gabi, both of us.” He reasoned, trying to make Gabi feel better about this, though he didn’t know how successful he was, especially since his own heart was shattering as he spoke. “And they were the right choices for all three of us.”
“I know…Antonio,” Gabi said, tears falling from her face. She stepped forward, reaching for him, needing to be close to Antonio this one last time.
“Gabi, don’t.” Antonio said, his shields rising. He knew that if he held Gabi, he might not be able to let go of her…but…but he couldn’t stand seeing her so sad, so lost and alone.
“Goodbye.” Gabi walked away from his, sobs making her shoulders tremble. Unable to watch her cry, Antonio came to her, held her gently. Gabi welcomed his strong embrace. She needed this strength; she would need it tomorrow, when she married his brother. “Oh…letting go of you…” She gasped for breath, her tears overwhelming, Quickly, she turned so he couldn’t see her tears. “Oh, I can’t do this! It’s so much harder than I ever expected it to be!”
“Gabi…” Antonio spoke softly, his words cutting through to her soul. “Gabi, Gabi come on.” His heart ached as he said these words that he wasn't sure he even believed. “Hey, I never could have made you happy. If I had left the church and my commitment to God, no matter what we found, it would have come between us.”
“You’re right, you’re absolutely right.” Gabi reached up to wipe her tears away, glad that at least one of them was staying strong through this.
“It’s because I love you…” Gabi’s breath caught and she moaned in frustration, why couldn’t she be hearing those words on better terms than this? “So much…come on, Gabi.” But she couldn’t’ stop her tears…she needed him to love her like this.” I want you to be happy, and I want you to be happy with Ricardo. If you ever…ever-“ He wasn’t sure how to convey his feelings, but Gabi understood. She always did…
“I know, Antonio, I know.” She looked up at him, stared into those warm chocolate eyes and felt her heart melting. He would always be there for her, that was one thing that would never change and she was grateful for that.
“Always, Gabi, okay?” She managed a shaky smile and wrapped her arms around his neck again. Antonio pulled her close to him, burying his face in her neck. He felt like crying himself.
“Oh this is so difficult.” Gabi whimpered in his arms. “I know I have to say goodbye to you, but I can’t…”
“Then don’t.” He pulled back a little and Gabi looked up at him, shocked to see tears shining in his eyes. “Gabi…I love you…”
“I love you too, Antonio…but…I have to…you said…” She was confused…didn’t Antonio want her with Ricardo?
“Forget what I said, Gabi. I love you.” He smiled softly. “I was wrong…when I said I couldn’t make you happy…” He leaned down and very gently pressed his lips to hers. She was trembling as she reached her hands around to his neck and pulled him in closer. When they parted, Gabi smiled.
“You were wrong, Antonio. You’re the only one who can make me happy…” And she reached up to kiss him again, her smile bright and wide. This was right; this was what they needed. Saying goodbye was a mistake; it wouldn’t happen because they could never lose each other, not with the love that they shared.