Epilogue
Seems silly after living together for a year, but I’m nervous. I’m excited too, but nervous. I sit inside the bistro closest to our apartment. The waiter comes over and asks if I’d like to order coffee or wine. I order water and snack on slices of baguette and cheese while waiting.
Oliver is late, but that happens. His classes run late sometimes.
Fortunately he only has one more semester left before he graduates.
He wants to run a bed and breakfast in the countryside, maybe even start a winery on the property.
The challenge sounds daunting and equally wonderful.
I’m living an adventure I never dreamed possible and yet, it’s one that has made all the difference.
I see Oliver and smile. He’s so handsome, capturing more than just my attention. But he only has eyes for me. Who knew the playboy could be reformed into a loyal romantic. He says it’s because of me, but I think it’s because of us. We just work.
He leans down and kisses me. “Bonjour, Amour.”
“Bonjour,” I reply, smiling, wanting to do more than kiss him, but the kiss will have to do since we’re in public.
Sitting down next to me, he looks out the large window, then back to me and says, “You usually like to sit outside.”
“I’m chilly today. I think fall has officially arrived in Paris.”
The waiter arrives with another glass of water and Oliver orders a glass of red wine. “How was your day?” he asks when we’re alone again.
This scenario seems so perfectly normal, but I’m different and can’t keep the news in any longer, so I blurt it out. “I’m pregnant?”
After a long pause, he stares at me with his brow furrowed. “Are you asking me or telling me?”
“Telling.”
His eyes go wide and then something I didn’t expect happens. He tears up and his expression softens. “Really?”
“Really,” I reply, taking his hand.
As he tucks mine between both of his, he says, “I should ask you what you want to do, but I want this baby. It may sound crazy because we’re young, but we’re not that young anymore and I’m graduating soon.
I don’t know. This feels right.” Leaning forward, he kisses my temple and says, “You feel right. Tell me you want this as much as I do.”
My heart swells with love hearing him say what I’ve felt for so long. I love you’s came easy for us from the beginning, but this next level of security and commitment feels amazing. “Yes, I want the baby so much and I want you. I want the dream and the bed and breakfast. I want it all.”
“I thought you wanted to stay in the city?”
“I want to be with you and I can do the books and you can teach me to cook.”
“We can live on love.”
“And sex,” I say with a smirk.
He kisses me hard on the lips, then says, “Lots and lots of sex.”
~ Two years later ~
Oliver pokes his head inside the office and asks, “You ready?”
Looking up, I smile. “I’m ready.”
I get up and turn off my computer. I leave the books behind and check my appearance in the mirror down the hall on the way to the front door.
Then I join my husband on the porch. He’s holding Elizabeth and she’s waving excitedly.
My parents get out of the car and I hurry forward to hug them.
Our greeting is warm. “I missed you,” I say, embracing my mother.
“I’m here now,” she says in the most comforting of voices.
Standing back, she looks me over. “You are more beautiful than ever. France has always agreed with you.” When her eyes go up to the porch behind me, she smiles.
“Look at that gorgeous granddaughter and handsome husband.” She goes to them and takes Elizabeth as my father comes around to hug me.
My dad says, “I never thought I’d see you slow down.”
“I’m not sure I’ve slowed down by running a business, but I’m happy.”
“It shows,” he says.
We spend the day showing them the grounds of our bed and breakfast and the land that is being prepped for future grapevines. Elizabeth runs free in the field where we stand and I find peace in the sunshine.
Strong arms and a warm heart hold me from behind. Oliver whispers, “Je t’aime, Rayon de Soleil.”
“I love you.” Turning in his arms, I look up into the eyes that captured my heart the first time I ever looked into them. “We did it. We’re living the good life.”
“The best life ever.”
Tilting my head, I smile, then ask, “How are we this lucky?”
“The moon, the stars, the fates were all in our favor... and you have a very forgiving heart.”
“Eh, it was all about the great sex.”
He laughs. “Yes, that too. Now about that great sex... we have babysitters. Wanna go inside for a while?”
“Only a while?”
“How about the rest of the afternoon?”
“Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.”
“I’ve got a few others things I’m hoping you can’t refuse as well.”
“Lucky for you I’m in a very agreeable mood.”
Oliver kisses my head and says, “Yes, I most certainly am the lucky one.”
Walking hand in hand, we go back to the house, smiling like fools, and excited to see what Fate has in store for us next.
The End.