Rekindled Love

The Reunion

In all these years, I've never thought I'd see my first wife ever again. Not since she swore she'd never want to see me for as long as we lived but here she is. Before my very eyes, the one and only Ruby Jourdan is standing a few feet away from me, looking as beautiful as ever.

"Ruby Jourdan, well I be damned! I never thought I'd see you again!" I smile, approaching her while she takes a cautious step back causing her highlighted curls to bounce.

"Nicolas," She breathes nervously as if I were to pounce on her at any second and harm her. I wouldn't hurt her — I know I did before but not anymore. "I can say the same thing."

"Uh," Albert clears his throat, "You two know each other? Why did you call her Ruby Jourdan? Isn't she a Ross?" I take a quick glance at them and notice Evangeline has the same facial expression as Albert does.

They're obviously confused about this whole situation between Ruby and I. "Of course we know each other, fils! She's Ruby Jordan," I say with enthusiasm, "My first wife!"

"Wife!?" Evangeline shouts, "What do you mean wife? As in you two were married once?" Albert furrows his eyebrows as Ruby shivers uncomfortably.

"Yeah, we were married before she married your father, Evangeline." I inform the little ones. It's then that it dawns on me; Evangeline should've been my daughter! She is the child we were supposed to create!

"I-I think we should go, Ev." Ruby states nervously, "Thank you, Nicolas and Albert for the invitation but I think we'll have to pass. Enjoy the cake!" I quickly take hold of Ruby's wrist and she glares at me; probably fearful that I'd hurt her.

"Albert, why don't you and Evangeline set the table up?" I suggest, "Ruby and I need to clear some things up before she decides to skip dinner." Albert doesn't say another word, he grabs Evangeline's hand out of her mothers and leads her toward the dining room.

"Ruby," I whisper whilst getting closer to her. "What's the real reason you want to go home? I was surprised to see you, too, trust me. Did I really make you that nervous?"

She yanks her wrist out of my grasp and glares through my skull. "Don't ever touch me, Nicolas. If I didn't say anything to you the second I saw you, it was for my daughter but since you kindly had her escorted out, I can say what I want."

I step an inch closer, "What is it that you want, mon amour?"

"I didn't want Ev to ever find out I married someone before Eddie, I had no idea Albert was your son but I don't want you or him near my daughter! If he's anything like you, he'd only hurt her!"

"Albert is my son but I guarantee you that he's nothing like me!" I argue but when I look into her eyes I take a deep breath in. "Why don't we just have a civil dinner with the children? After that, you'll never have to step foot in my home. Do you really want your daughter and my son to be curious as to why you want to bail on dinner with me?"

She stays silent for a minute before rolling her eyes, "No, of course not, but no shenanigans! I mean it, Nicolas."

I smile and cross my heart; "None."

Dinner is surprisingly quiet, I didn't think my beloved would ever step foot in this home. God, this is the perfect time! It's the universe telling me that I need to win her back, I need to fight for her. I can't give up. But how?