Chapter Sixty
Rylee
Love is a basic need.
Luc: Good morning, Bebe. Are you awake?
I smile at his text, the warmth of it spreading through me. I’ve been awake for about thirty minutes, debating whether I should text him first. But he beat me to it.
Me: Yes.
I expect a reply, but instead, his caller ID pops up on my screen. My heart skips a beat as I sit up abruptly, fumbling to answer.
“Good morning,” I say, unable to stop the goofy smile that stretches across my face.
“Good morning, Mon Soleil.” His comforting voice comes through the phone speakers, and it feels like he’s right next to me. “Would you mind going outside? I have a surprise for you. Make sure you wrap up and put on a coat—I don’t want you to get sick.”
“Okay.” My smile widens. The way he fusses over me touches something deep inside. I’m not used to someone worrying about me like this.
“Grab your coat,” he reminds me, as if he knows I might rush out without one.
“Okay, okay.” I try and fail to mask the excitement in my voice.
I glance down at my long-sleeved pajamas but throw on a thick robe and grab my coat from the chair by the door. I pull on my boots before hurrying downstairs.
When I step outside, the crisp morning air kisses my cheeks. The cold is forgotten as my eyes widen. There, parked in the driveway, is a car. Bertrand stands beside it, holding an enormous bouquet of pink and white roses. My breath catches.
“Bertrand—is that a Bentley?” I ask, taking a step forward.
“Yes, Mrs. Kingley,” Bertrand replies, his professional tone betraying a hint of amusement. “The newest model.”
He hands me the flowers and a small box with a key inside. My hands tremble slightly as I accept them, staring at the car. It’s stunning—the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
“You bought me a car?” I ask Luc over the phone.
Luc’s chuckle flows through the phone with so much affection. “Merry Christmas!”
I shake my head, my gaze glued to the car. “Luc, this car must cost over $200,000. I can’t accept this.”
“It’s already yours, Mon Trésor,” he says softly.
“Thank you! It’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. You deserve it.”
My heart stutters. “What about you? Are you spending Christmas alone? Since Sophie and Luna are here.” The idea makes my chest ache.
“I’ll be okay, Mon Soleil.”
I blink back tears. “Luc…”
“Yes, Mon Trésor?”
“Thank you, and Merry Christmas.” My chest brims with emotions I can’t put into words.
“Merry Christmas,” he says softly.
I glance at Luna and Ruby, who’s watching me. His words echo in my mind: Love is a basic need. For so long, I’ve denied myself that need, too afraid of being shattered. But now? I crave it. Crave him. To love and to be loved.