Epilogue
Candace
The rose-scented bubbles surround us as we soak in the marbled claw-footed tub. Our view looks over the most magnificent cityscape, bright lights twinkle beneath us, and it’s like we’re in a dream. Nat’s hair hangs off the side as she rests her head against the back of the tub.
We’ve been in Paris for less than twenty-four hours, and the jet lag is rough. Upon arrival, I had an ice pack attached to my eyelids, hoping to pump some blood into my face again. Looking like a raggedy old lady on my honeymoon wasn’t on my to-do list.
“So this is your idea of a fun night on vacation?” Nat asks, stretching her toes out to touch mine.
“Yes, can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing already? I massage the bath oil on my legs, relaxing into the movement. “What’s yours? A monster truck rally?”
“Yeah, I mean if you got tickets, I’d be down with that.”
“I don’t think Paris allows monster trucks. It’s the wrong aesthetic.”
“Hmm, yes, of course. Wouldn’t want all the pigeon shit to clash with the neon green of Grave Digger.” Nat moves her toes up and down my legs, soothing the sore muscles.
“It should really be a sign of how drastically my life has changed that my wife knows the name of a monster truck.” I shake my head, fully aware I’ll be attending one when we get back home.
“Oh, I think your wife can show other ways your life has changed.” She glides her hand up my thigh, slick with body wash.
“Mom’s come on, we were supposed to leave for dinner twenty minutes ago.” Kate bellows from behind the door.
We opted for a family honeymoon after the wedding. It was an intimate gathering in our backyard, up against the beach. Nat’s family and, of course, my sister were in attendance with my girls, and that was all the family we needed.
The ceremony was brief, yet beautiful, right as the sun set, changing the sky to a dark pink.
We made promises to each other that we’d remain still through any storm life throws at us.
Our commitment to each other was more than just a piece of paper.
We swore we’d put our friendship first above all else, promising to never forget why we chose each other.
Paris was a no-brainer when picking destinations.
Nat had access to the finest libraries in the world and could spend the day sipping cappuccino in the very place Ernest Hemingway did.
Of course, I wasn’t going to complain about the endless shopping available to me, and already had a few pieces lined up to try on.
“Stop saying moms, it’s weird,” Nat yells back to them. “I told you to call me by one name and one name only.”
“No. No way, we’re not calling you the Notorious N.A.T,” You can practically hear Madi’s eyes rolling.
“Well, I guess you’re stuck calling me Nat,” she says. “If you give me and your mom five more minutes, I’ll let you pick out my outfit for dinner.”
“Deal.” They yell in unison, running away.”
“Okay, Princess. How much trouble can we get into in five minutes?” She says seductively, moving her hand to my waiting sex.
We’re strolling the quiet morning streets of Paris, before the hustle and bustle distracts us from the scenery. It’s a foggy morning, and much chillier than when we left our home back in the States. We’re bundled in long beige coats, walking hand in hand, bickering over this morning's cafe choice.
The girls wander in front of us, window shopping and pointing out which restaurants they want to try for lunch.
Natalie’s black coat fits in with the high-fashion vibe.
Underneath ,she’s sporting her signature laced-up boots, and fits right in.
If it were fashion week, she’d be mistaken for a model.
As for me, I look like a typical American housewife.
White chunky sweater with a pink polo underneath, adding a pop of color, my coat accenting it perfectly, giving me both warmth and comfort.
“Oh, this is the spot, don't even try to argue with me, Prez,” Nat says, guiding me across the street to a dark cafe.
The door is open, leading to a gloomy hole in the wall that smells of freshly ground coffee beans and cinnamon. Antique frames line the walls, giving it an older vibe that's unique for this side of town.
We sit down with our drinks, and I feel a wave of déjà vu.
Across the way is a market stand just opening.
A woman’s placing fresh bread and jams out just as a couple walks by holding hands.
The husband reaches out to grab a loaf, giving his wife the first smell.
They’re laughing with each other as he pays, and they continue on their walk, unable to keep their eyes off each other.
Turning to my left, my beautiful wife is looking right at me, smiling.
It’s hard to believe this is the same girl I ran into that day, arms full of flowers, barely able to pay for her honey.
I was so nervous thinking she’d never want to hang out with me again, and here we are, in this beautiful city, celebrating our new life together, where we’ll get to hang out every day for the rest of our lives.
“So, the library after this?” I hear Natalie ask the girls, as I sip my warm drink, admiring all the love filling this street.