Page 35 of Keeping London (Flawed Heart)

“Probably right after they get back. I’m going to plan the wedding while they’re gone. Right, baby?” Maggie asks Cooper.

“Right, baby,” he replies from across the table, shooting Loïc a lighthearted look.

We’re having a last dinner out as a group. I love our little foursome and our weekly date night. I’m going to miss this. The guys leave in two days, so after dinner, Loïc’s going to come back to my place where we are going to be snuggling in bed, among other activities, for the next thirty-six hours until he leaves on Friday morning.

We had a fantastic time with my family in California—like, the best—but ever since we got back, time has been moving at triple speed, and I hate it. I try not to think about Loïc leaving. I mean, I know he’s going to, but I venture to remain in a state of denial. I can fall apart when he’s gone. But, right now, I just want to love him and enjoy every second.

“So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” I ask Maggie and Cooper.

Maggie places her glass of red wine on the table. “David’s family is throwing a full-day bon voyage celebration.”

“It’s more or less a day of drinking and shenanigans.” Cooper chuckles.

“From what I’ve heard, your family sounds like a lot of fun.” I grin.

“Oh, they are,” Maggie agrees.

“You have three sisters, right, Cooper?” I ask, wanting to clarify the details of a conversation I had with him one of the first times I met him.

“Yep, I’m the youngest of four. We’re basically all a year to eighteen months apart, starting with Kate—the oldest—then Becca, Jen, and finally, me. Kate has two kids; little Emma is four, and Jack is two. Becca’s pregnant with her first, and Jen might never settle down. We’re not sure. But Becca’s and Kate’s husbands are awesome. The whole family is loud and fun.”

“Yeah, and David’s the loudest,” Maggie adds.

“Well, when you’re born after three incredibly needy sisters, you’ve got to fight for your place in the food chain. I did that by being obnoxiously vocal and annoying—or so they tell me. But everyone took the day off tomorrow, and we’re just going to spend the day together. My dad will cook some good food. Mom will be scurrying around, making sure everyone has everything they need. I’m sure we’ll be playing some games. It will be a great day.”

“It will be.” Maggie looks to Cooper with a hint of sorrow in her eyes before her lips turn up into a smile. “I love David’s family. I definitely got lucky in the in-law department.”

“You two are welcome to come hang out.” Cooper motions his finger between Loïc and me. “My family is dying to meet you, London. They want to meet the girl who finally got under Loïc’s skin.” He chuckles. “Maggie’s family’s coming for part of the day, too.”

“Aw…we would, but—”

“We’ve got plans,” Loïc finishes my thought.

I smile warmly toward him. I know that he is looking forward to our marathon of alone time just as much as I am.

“We’ll make it for your welcome-home party. How’s that?” I ask Cooper.

“That’s cool,” he answers before shoving a huge forkful of noodles into his mouth.

“So, let’s talk wedding plans!” I exclaim with sincere excitement. There’s nothing more fun than planning an amazing party. I think I got my love of event-planning from my mom. “What are you thinking so far?” I ask Maggie.

“You know, you two are going to have a year to get together and discuss the wedding,” Cooper states.

“We sure are, but there’s no time like the present, right, baby?” Maggie asks.

“Right, baby,” Cooper answers with what I think is a bit of a forced smile.

I look to Loïc, and he’s just taking the whole scene in, a slight grin gracing his face.

Sometimes, like now, when I look to him, I can see the wheels turning in his beautiful brain. I can almost see his thoughts racing through his mind. Evident by the smile on his face, I know that they’re positive ones.

I also know that isn’t always the case.

My guy, he’s so stoic at times. There are moments when he has a far off stare, and I’m almost certain he’s remembering something troubling. He’s pretty good at sharing with me. He’s opened up so much over the past six months. But, still…what I wouldn’t give to be able to read his thoughts.

For all he’s shared with me about his tortured past and horrible experiences, I have a feeling that there’s so much more he hasn’t. Every now and then, when I think about the parts of his past that he hasn’t confided in me, I get nervous. A small voice tells me, it’s the secrets one buries the deepest that have the power to destroy them. And though I love to be right, when it comes to that, I hope I’m wrong.

After we get back from the restaurant, Loïc and I shower and climb into bed.

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