Page 21 of Pampered in Paris

“Every evening, the golden covering is adorned in sparkling lights as its beacon shines over the city.” I point to the top of the Eiffel Tower. “But it’s on the top of the hour. Which is how you may have missed it. It should start any second now.”

I have her stand in front of me, so I can point through the opening in the trees to ensure she has a perfect view.

She turns to face me. “I’ve accepted the spot atLe Cordon Bleu,” she blurts before putting a hand over her mouth. I can see the tower sparkling behind her, the beacon scanning Paris as I scan her face.

“You’re moving to Paris?” My head is spinning. She’s going to be here.

“I come back at the end of August and the course starts in September. I didn’t want to tell you since you seemed on the fence about Spain. I didn’t want to cloud your decision about accepting the role and moving.”

I can’t think of what to say.

“Alexandre?” She reaches out and strokes my cheek.

“If I stay in Paris, will you continue to see me?” They’re not the words I want to say, but I need to know how she feels about us.

“Yes. I’d love to continue this.” She rests her head on my chest. She’s missing the very thing she’s been determined to see. The Eiffel Tower is sparkling behind her, and when she looks up at me, her eyes have that same glint to them.

Truly, she is a work of art.

“I think I’m in love with you.” I tilt her chin up and lean down to kiss her soft lips. She leans into me, and I pull her closer. She wraps her hands around my neck. Everywhere our body touches, I feel like little jolts of electricity are shooting through me.

She pulls away. “Je t'aime aussi,” she says with flawless execution. As if she knew I’d say those three little words first and has been practicing how to reply.

“Words cannot explain how I feel in this moment,mon trésor.” I kiss her forehead.

“We have all the time in the world for you to tell me.” She grins wickedly at me. “Speaking of which, I never did get to stay at your place.”

“Anything for you,mon trésor.”

“I like the sound of that.” She turns to watch as the Eiffel Tower finishes its light show. “It’s beautiful,” she states as I wrap my arms around her.

I wish I could capture this moment in a way that I can look back on forever.

I found my heart in the city of love, in the form of a passionate, petite pastry chef.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Epilogue

Anne

After a few months of living in a short-term rental and both of us getting annoyed with trekking across the city to spend the night together, I moved into Alexandre’s apartment. Now we can cuddle together any night we’re both home. Our relationship may have started at lightning speed, but everything seems to have fallen into place.

It’s our one-year anniversary, and I finally figured out what to get Alexandre. It bugged me all month, but I settled on framing his favorite photo of us together. For Valentine’s Day, we went out for a romantic evening and Alexandre obliged my tourist side with a dinner on a boat cruise along the Seine. We got to eat dinner, dance, and see Paris all lit up at night. It felt like waltzing through a dream. It was a perfect night.

A waiter took our photo and it’s been pinned to the fridge. Alexandre has been on the hunt for a durable but nice frame so he can take it to work. While out shopping for ingredients I found an amazing wooden and gold frame at a little boutique. The coloring really makes the photo pop. Now Alexandre will be able to have it at his office in the restaurant.

I’ve just finished wrapping it when Alexandre pops in the front door.

“Close your eyes!” I cover my eyes and hear a loudthudbefore he curses in French. There’s a few words he uses that I’ve learned from being around all of his fellow chefs.

“I’m not looking,” I holler back. “Let me know when I can open my eyes though.”

“I can’t wrap your gift so I hope you’re ready to exchange our presents,mon ange.”

“I’m ready. Your gift is wrapped and on the coffee table.” I hear some shuffling sounds that I can’t figure out. He must be maneuvering whatever he has around the furniture.

“Okay, open your eyes.” He has a large canvas behind him with the back of it facing me.

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