"Hate To Say I Told You So", The Hives

"I am sorry, what?" I asked Carlos, my eyes wide open.

He ran a hand in his hair and smiled sheepishly. "I know, it's a bit sudden." He chuckled. "We've always been impulsive. One would say it didn't really work out for us. But I don't know. It's who we are."

I shook my head. "No, of course, I understand. Congratulations, then!"

I wrapped my arm around him and hugged him tightly.

Sonia walked towards us from the other side of the room and, since her expression was as stern as usual, I almost wanted to check if she was really in and that the poor Carlos had not misunderstood something.

She held her cigarette for Carlos to light it and looked me in the eye.

"Yes, I proposed," she said, as if she could read my mind. "There was none of the usual nonsense of course. It was to the point."

Carlos beamed. "She asked me this time."

I could not help but smile. "That is wonderful. I am so happy for you. Will there be a ceremony?"

"Yes," Sonia scoffed. "I want the dress and the ring."

"You'll have whatever you want, mi vida," Carlos said.

Sonia cupped his neck and pulled him towards her to kiss him ferociously.

I looked at them, stunned, and utterly entertained. When the kiss stopped and their focus was back on me, I coughed and asked if I could help with the wedding.

"We wanted to know if we could have the ceremony at the shelter," Carlos asked. "It is a beautiful place."

"And we've thoroughly protected it," Sonia added. "As you can imagine, we want to invite some of our friends, from the magical community. And it would be safer to be in a somewhat controlled environment."

"Of course. It would be my pleasure and honor to host this event at the mansion."

"Thank you," Sonia said, and as she took a step towards me to give me a brief side hug, I almost stepped back with the surprise. But I leaned into her embrace and put my hand on hers.

We talked about a few practical details, and they left together, Sonia leading the way by taking Carlos' hand.

I stood there motionless, until Aidan joined me, without me even noticing his approach.

"Is everything alright, El?" He asked. "You seemed stunned."

"I am. But good stunned, not bad stunned."

"What happened?"

I chuckled. "Sonia and Carlos are going to get married. For the third time. And that is not all. Sonia proposed. She kissed Carlos in front of me. And she side-hugged me."

Aidan gasped. "I understand that you are stunned."

"Right?"

"Those two are old film noir drama all the way."

"I know! At this point, it is more a soap opera than anything. But you should have seen the adoration in Carlos' eyes. He is so happy. And there was a spark in Sonia's. She tries to hide it. But I can see it."

"There is much love between them. It is obvious. They are just... explosive."

"That they are. And they are having their magical wedding at the mansion."

Aidan sighed. "It's going to be something."