Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
JEMMA
“It’s finally snowing,” I exclaim, twirling around Luca as we stroll along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower emerging as a frosted silhouette against the dusky sky.
“It’s a rare Christmas miracle.” Luca smirks. “I haven’t seen a white Christmas in”—he rubs his chin, his eyes drawn to the sky—“gosh, fifteen years.”
“That’s crazy. It’s not Christmas without snow,” I respond, a fluffy snowflake landing on my cheek.
Paris feels alive in this moment, as if it’s a real being with a heart, beating with happy souls experiencing this Christmas magic as one.
Luca takes my hand in his, leading me toward the edge of the river, positioning us perfectly to face the snow-dusted tower.
Facing forward, he wraps his arms around me, drawing me into his chest. I can’t control the smile stretching along my face.
This has been the best Christmas I’ve had since I lost my mom.
“You know, my dad loved you.” Luca leans forward, pressing a soft kiss on my cheek.
This morning, Luca took me to meet his father.
The visit started off wonderfully, and at first, I thought Luca had every right to be mad at his sister.
His father was funny and charming, just like his son, but as the morning progressed, so did signs of his illness.
It was hard watching someone shift like that.
I know Luca’s heart breaks each time that happens, but he’s in a good facility, and he’ll get the care he needs.
The wounds his sister caused will take time to heal, but Colette did the right thing.
After that, the rest of the family gathered at Henri and Mia’s for a feast fit for royalty.
Colette stopped by with her family, and it was lovely to finally officially meet her.
I even told her the story of how I thought she was Luca’s girlfriend—I swear the woman didn’t stop laughing for ten straight minutes.
Then, I video chatted with my dad. We reminisced about my mom—something we’ve avoided for a long time. Or maybe my dad always wanted to, but I skirted around it. Either way, it felt good, like we were keeping her memory alive. I promised to come see him when I get back, and this time, I mean it.
“My phone’s buzzing.” I pull away from Luca, my hand sliding into my purse.
A photo of Gretchen and Suzy with wide smiles lights up my screen.
Gretchen: Santa was really good to me this year . . .
Pinching the screen, I zoom in. Gretchen’s hand is splayed out with a striking diamond wrapped around her ring finger.
Gretchen: I said yes!! Getting married next Christmas!
I bounce up and down, happy tears coating my eyes. “Suzy proposed!” I flash the photo at Luca.
“Tell the happy couple congratulations,” Luca says.
Jemma: Luca and I both congratulate you! This is the best news ever!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it! You deserve all the happiness in the world. Love you both!
“Today is absolutely perfect,” I say, falling back into the comfort of Luca’s arms.
He squeezes me tight and kisses the top of my head. “It’s almost time,” Luca whispers.
My eyes are trained on the tower, waiting for it to erupt into the sparkling icon that I’ve fallen in love with, when I hear a man’s voice coming from beside us. “Would you like me to take your photo? It’s a stunning backdrop for such a beautiful couple.”
“That would be wonderful. Merci beaucoup.” Luca reaches into his jacket for his phone and passes it to the man standing next to us.
When my eyes reach the man, my jaw drops. I nudge Luca. “It’s him.”
Luca flashes me a puzzled grin, his eyebrow cocked.
“The elf man,” I whisper into his ear as we shift around for our photo, positioning the Eiffel Tower and the Seine behind us.
Luca shakes his head. “C’est impossible.”
“So was us running into each other over and over again,” I remind him.
“Smile,” the man calls out as the tower behind us bursts into a radiant golden glow, reflecting like stars in the man’s already sparkling eyes.
When he hands the phone back, Luca and I stare at the image. Goosebumps prickle my skin, and my mouth drops.
Behind us in the photo is a man wearing a tattered red Santa hat. My heart races. Could it really be the same guy from New York? What are the odds?
My gaze drifts over my shoulder.
He’s gone.
“What?” Luca questions, curiosity lighting up his blue eyes as he stares past me.
I let a soft chuckle release. “Nothing.”
That’s a story I’ll save for another time.
Luca smiles, his dimple flaring as his fingers gently cradle my chin, drawing my mouth toward his. When our lips finally meet, the entire world around us fades away. Pulling back, his fingers brush my cheek as he tucks my hair behind my ear.
For the millionth time, I wonder, how did I get so lucky? It turns out that losing my job and getting scammed was the best thing that could have happened to me. But how can we make this work? I live in New York, and Luca lives in Paris.
Tears prick my eyes as Luca wraps me in his arms, drawing me closer. I sink into his warmth, leaning my head against his chest, hearing his heart beat—for me.
“I can’t believe I leave in the morning.” My chest aches as the words leave my mouth. “I don’t want this vacation to end. I love you, Luca.”
“Stay,” he whispers.