Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
The evening progressed with a smooth, languid pace. Toasts were made. Homemade ice cream was devoured.
Then, like a rogue wave crashing over me, a sudden surge of emotion hit. A baby. Régis was going to have a baby. And that baby would be my niece or nephew. I sucked in a breath, the realization stealing the air from my lungs. I had to force myself to stay composed, gripping my wine glass so tightly I feared it might shatter. Growing up as an only child, I never thought this was something I would experience. Tears pricked at my eyes, hot and insistent.
"Excuse me, please," I managed to choke out, my voice embarrassingly thick. I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the stone terrace, and hurried around the side of the house. I needed a moment to privately process everything, away from the warm glow of family and laughter.
First hysterical laughter, now unprovoked tears? They were going to have me committed if I wasn’t careful.
This was ridiculous. It wasn't my moment. But it still felt special to me, like a gift I never expected to receive. A week ago, I had no family. I was alone in the world, adrift. And now—now I had all of this, as crazy and broken as it all was. A sudden sob escaped my lips, the sound raw and primal. I slapped my hand over my mouth, but I couldn't hold it back. Before I knew it, tears were cascading down my cheeks like summer rain, and I was choking on my own breath.
"Elodie—what's wrong?"
I snapped up, sucking in my breath with an undignified hiccup. Remi was standing there in the moonlight, holding a bottle of wine like some sort of vinous knight in shining armor. The pearly glow of the moon cast dramatic shadows on his angular face, catching the glint of his blue eyes. He wore slim, faded jeans and a simple T-shirt, the fabric stretched tantalizingly across his broad shoulders. It was an effortless look, but so impossibly sexy all at the same time.
I swiftly wiped the tears away with the back of my hand, no doubt smearing my mascara in the process. "Sorry. I'm fine," I lied, my voice betraying me with its tremor.
"You don't look fine," he said, his brow furrowing with concern. "Why are you in hysterics on the side of the house? What happened? Is it that asshole Evan again?" He stepped closer.
I laughed through my tears, the sound watery and slightly hysterical. "No, not Evan. I really am fine. These are sort of tears of—I guess, overwhelming happiness."
He looked completely lost. I doubted Remi was the type to break down into hysterics about a baby announcement.
"It's Régis," I explained, hiccupping slightly. "He—well, he's going to have a baby."
Remi blinked, processing this information. Then, with perfect deadpan delivery, "They finally figured out how to impregnate him?"
A laugh burst out of me like a cork from a champagne bottle. "Not quite. But he figured out how to impregnate Danielle."
Remi half-laughed and shook his head. “I always figured that would happen one of these days. The way Régis carries on. Only a matter of time."
"I didn't realize my baby brother was such a playboy," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Ruthlessly so. So—that's why you're crying?"
I nodded, feeling heat creep up my neck. "I know, it's ridiculous. I just—a week ago, I was a siblingless orphan with no one. Not even a boyfriend. I grew up with just my mom. I never thought I'd have all this. Have a niece or nephew. It's just a little overwhelming, I guess."
Remi watched me with compassion as I spoke, his eyes soft and understanding. Then he smiled lightly and reached out, touching my cheek. The feel of his fingers against my skin made me shudder, a jolt of electricity racing down my spine.
"I would cry, too. Like a little baby," he said, his voice teasing but gentle. I inhaled deeply, the scent of his cologne—earthy and intoxicating—helping to calm my frayed nerves.
“That’s reassuring.”
"So wait," he continued, "Régis is having a baby? That's a bit insane. He's still a baby himself."
"That seemed to be his sentiment as well," I agreed. "But he's come around in the last couple of hours. Wait, why are you here?”
"I need a reason now?" he teased.
“I thought you were caught up with the bottling.”
“I was. But we finished early. I wanted to bring you this," he explained, gesturing with the bottle. "It's the grenache I've been saving, and I think it's ready to drink. Thought you might enjoy it."
My stomach fluttered as he handed me the bottle, our fingers brushing. The glass was cool against my skin as warmth bloomed in my chest.
"Thank you," I said softly. "That was—really thoughtful. I suppose tonight is a night for a special wine. Although, it's possible I've already had enough."
He flubbed his lips, the sound comically dismissive. "There is no such thing. But please don't share the good stuff with those plebs. They know nothing."
I laughed and tucked the bottle close, cradling it like a precious gem. "Then you'll have to stay late so we can indulge." Something flashed in his eyes, dark and promising, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kick myself at the implication or congratulate myself. My cheeks reddened annoyingly, the heat rising to the tips of my ears. I must look quite the sight—bloodshot eyes and beet-red cheeks.
"Lucky for you, I don't have a curfew tonight," he said, his voice low and husky.
"I'm glad you're here," I admitted, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
He smiled easily, the expression transforming his face. “ Moi aussi . Can't have you crying all by yourself."
I scrunched my face, mortification washing over me anew. "I'm so embarrassed."
"Ahh, don't be," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "It is okay to be emotional about things like this. I mean, not for us French, of course. But for you overly emotional Americans. Indulging in your sensibilities."
He grinned, the teasing glint in his eye unmistakable. I playfully slapped him, my hand connecting with his shockingly firm biceps.
"Come," he said, offering me his arm like a gentleman from another era. "Let me congratulate the papa-to-be."