Epilogue
Anne
After a few months of living in a short-term rental and both of us getting annoyed with trekking across the city to spend the night together, I moved into Alexandre’s apartment. Now we can cuddle together any night we’re both home. Our relationship may have started at lightning speed, but everything seems to have fallen into place.
It’s our one-year anniversary, and I finally figured out what to get Alexandre. It bugged me all month, but I settled on framing his favorite photo of us together. For Valentine’s Day, we went out for a romantic evening and Alexandre obliged my tourist side with a dinner on a boat cruise along the Seine. We got to eat dinner, dance, and see Paris all lit up at night. It felt like waltzing through a dream. It was a perfect night.
A waiter took our photo and it’s been pinned to the fridge. Alexandre has been on the hunt for a durable but nice frame so he can take it to work. While out shopping for ingredients I found an amazing wooden and gold frame at a little boutique. The coloring really makes the photo pop. Now Alexandre will be able to have it at his office in the restaurant.
I’ve just finished wrapping it when Alexandre pops in the front door.
“Close your eyes!” I cover my eyes and hear a loud thud before he curses in French. There’s a few words he uses that I’ve learned from being around all of his fellow chefs.
“I’m not looking,” I holler back. “Let me know when I can open my eyes though.”
“I can’t wrap your gift so I hope you’re ready to exchange our presents, mon ange .”
“I’m ready. Your gift is wrapped and on the coffee table.” I hear some shuffling sounds that I can’t figure out. He must be maneuvering whatever he has around the furniture.
“Okay, open your eyes.” He has a large canvas behind him with the back of it facing me.
“Do you want to go first?” I hand him the small package. His eyes light up with excitement, the laugh lines more noticeable.
“Yes, please.” He eagerly takes the package and opens it. He holds the frame and moves in, tilting it from side to side. “This frame is stunning, the way the gold highlights the lighting in the picture of us.”
“You like it?”
“ Mais oui ! It’s my favorite photo of us! And now I can take it to work and see your face anytime I want.”
He gently sets the photo down and turns around to pick the canvas up. I find myself trying to take a peek by leaning sideways. Alexandre turns around with the painting showing. It’s breathtaking. It’s a field of flowers under a bright sun. The colors remind me of a painting I saw forever ago. The flowers in both paintings remind me of Alexandre’s eyes.
“It’s beautiful!” I stand to get a closer look.
“I went back to that shop we looked at when you were here on vacation. They didn’t have the one you wanted, but I spoke to the shop owner and he got me in contact with the painter.” I reach out to touch the painting, the flowers are the same deep blue as the other painting.
“I love it. Thank you!”
“It’s an original. I told the painter you really liked the flowers in his other work, and then I filled him on the pieces you’ve talked the most passionately about, and this is his creation.”
“I love you, Alexandre.” I stand on my tip-toes to give him a kiss.
“I love you, too. Happy one year together.” He sets the painting down and cups my face in his hands. “I can’t even think about how I lived in Paris without you.”
He kisses me. His lips are soft and warm against mine. I wonder if the butterflies in my stomach when I kiss Alexandre will ever disappear. I will cherish every magical moment with this man. He makes everything sweeter.
“Paris is the city of love,” I murmur as I nestle myself into his arms. I can’t imagine anything better.
If you loved this story, find out more about Kastle Harbor in a four story series, Sugar & Steam from Tori Fields!
Be sure to check out all the stories in the Passport to Love series !
Up next is Dancing in Dublin from Ebony Snow!
A grumpy Irishman. A heartbroken American woman. What’s an older man to do when a firecracker of a young woman steps into his pub?
Lola
My life is on track. I just graduated from college. I’m living with my boyfriend of four years.
The world is at my fingertips.
Or is it?
Because the moans coming from my bedroom aren’t made by me.
So what’s a girl to do?
Spontaneously fly to Dublin, Ireland with no plans, of course!
Better yet, how about I find an older, grumpy Irish bartender who makes me wish he’d
stamp my passport?
Is it wise to fall for a man in another country after leaving a bad one at home?
Finn
It took me a while to overcome the fact that I’d had to retire from rugby and live my life managing the family pub.
Life has started to settle down for me.
Then, out of the blue, an impulsive American with the most succulent curves walks into
my pub drenched from the downpour, and my life gets turned on its head.
Lola’s young, spontaneous, and bound to turn my frown upside down.
But what am I to do with a woman who shows up for an adventure?
She can’t want to stay in a pub in Ireland forever, right?
Dancing In Dublin is a spicy, sweet, romantic novella that is bound to make you want to book the next flight to Ireland.
Get ready to jet set across the globe with the Passport to Love series, a collection of heartwarming and steamy romantic comedies. Follow strong-willed, confident women as they embark on international adventures and discover their soulmates in exotic destinations like Cairo, Berlin, and Madrid. Against the vibrant backdrops of these enchanting cities, love blossoms in unexpected and delightful ways.
Perfect for indulging your sweet tooth before bed, these short stories will leave you craving for more happily ever afters. With no cheating and no cliffhangers, this series guarantees a satisfying and uplifting read.