Page 65 of All the Gossip from Paris
Out of the corner of his eye, Liam caught the look which his brother and sister in law exchanged.
“Right, now for the next present.” Ryan picked up the gift Liam had made for Sophie. Liam didn’t know where to look. She’d bought him an expensive designer scarf, while he’d been a dumbass and gone with what the internet had suggested.
A thoughtful handmade gift.
Never trust AI. That should be his mantra.
“Sophie this is for you, and it’s from Liam,” said Ryan.
She gave a squeal of delight and leapt off the couch, grabbing hold of her present, before returning to her seat next to Liam. If he hadn’t already been embarrassed enough, having to sit next to Sophie while she unwrapped his gift would have finished him off.
Like her sister, Sophie tore at the paper. The printed book was quickly revealed. He sat with bated breath as she turned the first page. He caught sight of the photo he’d taken of her standing on the box in the atelier.
Sophie’s long stunning tresses were tumbled down her back. She was smiling. He’d been there that moment. Had captured it on film. And yet it still took his breath away.
She was beyond beautiful. Beyond words.
“How did you manage to get the photos printed into a book in time for Christmas?” she asked.
Liam glanced over at Camille. Sophie’s sister had known someone who could do a quick but quality job on the prints. She was able to make sure the book was bound and express couriered to the Royal family home in the nick of time. He’d never have been able to get it done on his own.
“I had help,” he said.
As Sophie carefully turned each page of the book, taking time to look at the pictures, Liam sat nervously waiting for her reaction. Had he gone too far in letting someone else see the final images before she did?
She finally closed the book, and sat quietly for a moment. When she turned to him, there were tears glistening in her eyes. “You are amazing,” she whispered.
He forgot that his brother and sister in law were in the same room, as he reached for her. Cupping her face in his hands, Liam bent and kissed Sophie.
Sophie thought he was amazing. He couldn’t begin to put what he thought of her into words. What he felt.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
New Years Eve.
It had been quite a few years since Sophie had last been in Paris for New Years Eve. It was odd to be dressed in thick woolen leggings and a warm winter coat. She could admit to missing her bikini, along with the flowy sun dress she liked to wear over the top.
But if she’d been in the Caribbean this year, she wouldn’t have had this precious time with Liam. These days with him had come to mean more than she had anticipated they might. After her misstep with the bracelet, then him giving her such a thoughtful gift, they had somehow managed to find their feet.
They’d spent the days after Christmas pouring over recipe books in the kitchen. Cooking up a storm.
The only thing which surpassed Liam’s skill when it came to making delicious food was his mastery of lovemaking. Sophie had lost count of the hours he’d kept her awake. Night after night he brought her to earth shattering climax after earth shattering climax. He was insatiable. And so damn good.
This morning, she was utterly exhausted. She’d kicked Liam out of bed in the early hours. Told him to go join Ryan as he took Rollo for his morning walk. It was important that Ryan and Liam got to spend this time together. Soon travel and a new baby would keep them both busy, and worlds apart.
The second the bedroom door closed, Sophie rolled over and went back to sleep. An hour and a half later, she finally flung back the blankets, and headed for the shower.
Dried and dressed, she wandered down to the kitchen in search of coffee. Pushing open the door, she spied Camille standing in front of the coffee machine. Her sister had her back to her. But from the way Camille was hunched over, Sophie feared something was wrong.
The baby?
Camille had a cell phone to her ear. Her other hand was resting on top of her head, a clump of pale blonde hair clutched tightly in her fingers. When she let out a sob of distress Sophie’s blood turned to ice.
Something terrible had happened.
“We will be ready within the hour. Is there anything you need us to bring from home?” asked Camille, her voice raw with emotion.
Sophie hurried to her sister’s side. Her worst fears were confirmed when she caught sight of the tears which rolled freely down Camille’s face.
