Chapter Twenty-Six
~Alexander~
I t’s two months later, and to say life couldn’t be any better would be an understatement. The first few weeks after I resigned were really rough for Summer. Although none of our pictures were leaked to any other source, rumors about my resignation ran rampant. Many assumptions were made, but because of Lily’s arrest a week later, some details about our relationship were revealed.
Those who paid attention to the news, or who listened to Lily’s crazy rantings, were made privy to some of the details of our romance. While some were kind to Summer, others were not. But she remained strong, and finished the semester with grace.
Surprisingly, Serena was quite instrumental in acquiring the evidence needed against Lily. When she suspected it was Lily who sent the photos to the University and Summer, she made an impromptu visit to Lily’s apartment. It was quite a revelation when Serena happened to stumble upon Summer’s stolen bag from the night she was mugged, in Lily’s bedroom closet. After one call to my friend Cameron, and some intense questioning by him while she was in custody, she was singing like a canary.
She’d been expelled by the school, ordered to serve ninety days for theft and assault, which was ultimately reduced to five days behind bars and then probation. One of the stipulations in her release, which Summer pleaded for, was that she receive mental health counseling. It was clear that was what she needed, not jail. And just another reason I loved my girl so much.
“Are you excited?” I ask the woman of my dreams who’s currently fixated on the view outside the plane as we descend into Paris.
“I can’t believe we’re going to spend six months here!” Her eyes twinkle as she shines a bright smile my way before returning her focus to the window. “It’s so beautiful.” She points, the tip of her finger poking against the glass. “It’s the Eiffel Tower!”
“I’ll take you there for dinner, Princess.” I squeeze her hand. “You’ll love the view.”
Yes, we’re staying in the city of love for the next six months. I took a job as an adjunct professor at Dauphine University teaching a mathematics course for one semester. I only have three classes a week. Which will leave plenty of time for Summer and I to spend together.
She’s taking the semester off. Her dream was to live, see, and experience the world, and I want to help her do that. Share every moment I can with her. I pat the inside pocket of my jacket, reassuring myself that the diamond ring I purchased over a month ago is still safe.
I’ve wanted to ask her to marry me every day since I bought it. But I also don’t want to rush her. I feel like our journey together has just begun. Forever waits for us, and putting this ring on her finger won’t change that. I know she’s mine. When the right moment presents itself, I’ll be ready though.
The plane bounces several times as the wheels make contact with the runway, our bodies surging forward a bit as the pilot brakes.
“We’re here!” She claps her hands with glee, bouncing in her seat. She’s never been to Paris before.
Our story is just beginning, and I can’t wait to show her the world.
And they lived happily ever after…
The End.