He stared through her with those deep blue windows to his soul. It was as if he thought that keeping his attention on her would help her to calm the raging tide of anxiety that swirled within her.
“Anything? You’ll do anything?”
“Anything.”
“Even sweep her off of her feet, chartering a private jet to Paris?”
“That is only the beginning.”
Kate’s heart skipped a beat. She was not sure what to say next. Here was the man she loved, confessing he was willing to do whatever it took to have her. She knew that many women could not say they had heard that from another.
She knew she had to go along for the ride. Being in love had to be worth something. It had to be worth the risk she was taking.
*****
Touching down in Paris sent a surge of exhilaration through Kate’s body. Just to know she was in the City of Love with the man she loved was such a treat. Although there were many places she wanted to go and sites she wanted to see, the first thing on her list was getting to the hotel and taking a long hot bath so she could change clothes.
The car service did not take them to a hotel like Kate expected. Instead, they were taken to a private villa. The last time they were there, Bruce had booked a quaint bed and breakfast. She was growing accustomed to traveling with him and having all of the best that money could offer.
Rolling hills and the countryside were a picturesque backdrop. “This is breathtaking, Bruce. How did you find this place?”
He tried to appear nonchalant. “A friend of mine suggested we use his villa for the vacation. I took him up on the offer. We could always stay at a hotel in the city if you prefer that.”
“I appreciate the offer. But I think this will be perfect. A little quiet will do me some good I think.”
Bruce nodded as the car pulled into the crescent driveway of the villa. The landscaping was breathtaking and Kate could not wait to see the inside.
“We will have a chef and housekeeping daily, but otherwise, we are on our own. I thought that would be a nice difference to the bed and breakfast where there was staff swirling around all of the time.”
“Thank you for being so considerate.” Kate linked her arm in his as they went to the front door. Bruce used a key to open the door.
“I don’t think the chef gets back until early in the morning for breakfast, but there should be some food here in the refrigerator.”
“I’m not too hungry, but I know I could use a snack a little later.”
Bruce brought in their bags and sat them at the front door. Flipping a switch, the light gave way to an open space. The great room that greeted them was beautifully decorated with contemporary furniture that met an old world style.
Kate could not help but stare at the decorative crown molding as well as the gold trim that was infused. The kitchen reminded her of the pictures of country houses, a large island with a wooden counter and the pots hung above it on a rack.
“This is so gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the bedrooms.” Kate wandered off before Bruce could catch up with the bags in hand.
“I think this room here is perfect.” Kate flung the double doors open and there was a room large enough to be a small apartment. With a sitting area and an area where they could take their meals if they wanted, Kate thought the space was perfect. A brass four post bed furnished with a royal purple satin duvet, a flat screen television, and an enormous cherry wood armoire were among the décor in the room.
“Bruce, this is absolutely fabulous. I can’t believe this is where we will be staying.”
“I hoped that you would enjoy it. I, myself did not know what to expect, but I am impressed as well. Here, let’s put our things away and grab a bite to eat.”
“Why don’t you check out what is in the kitchen while I shower and change?”
“Sounds good.”
Kate found the bathroom which was filled with luxury soaps and exotic perfumes. A huge garden tub sat in the corner and she was completely ready to jump in, but decided to take a shower instead. She knew if she got in the tub, she would never get out and she definitely wanted something to eat.
The warm water felt amazing and when she used the lavender scented body wash, her mahogany skin felt silky smooth. All she wanted to do was put on her pajamas and get in the bed.
Her stomach growled, reminding her that she was hungry and Bruce would be waiting for her in the kitchen with something prepared. She slid on some comfortable clothes; a tank top and a pair of shorts, and went to the kitchen. She found it after getting lost down another corridor.
“This place is way bigger than I thought. I just got lost down a hallway I did not even see when we were looking around.”
“I’m so glad that you found me. Have a seat.”
There was a nook in the kitchen where the two of them could sit down to eat. Bruce already had it set.
“A little snack. Thank goodness the cabinets were stocked.”
“You pulled all of this together that quickly?”
“A little something for my love. Sit. Eat.”
Their meal was fresh fruit, a cut of ham, and an omelet. It was just what she needed to appease her appetite.
“What time is it?” Kate asked.
“It is practically daylight. I thought that before we get some rest, we could go out to the gardens and watch the sunrise.”
“That would be wonderful. Let’s do it.”
Leaving their empty dishes on the table, Bruce and Kate walked hand in hand out of the patio doors and out to the open. There was a fresh mist overhead and a warm breeze enveloped them.
Bruce pointed to a spot on the hill that seemed like it would be the perfect place to watch the sunrise. They traveled there hand in hand through the ankle high grass. Kate sat down first, beckoning for Bruce to sit near her.
He did, placing his arm around her shoulders. No words needed to be spoken as they sat there, staring ahead, waiting for the sun to rise. Kate simply leaned in and rested her head on Bruce’s shoulder as they relaxed in each other’s presence.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, Kate squeezed Bruce’s hand. The view was breathtaking. Being there with Bruce made it all the more special.
Colors of red and orange burst through, signaling daybreak.
“That was something I never thought of doing. This was… I don’t have the words to describe it.”
Bruce turned to her. “What if life was like this for you all of the time?”
Kate’s initial response was affirmative, but then she took a moment longer to realize what it was that Bruce was asking. Her heart almost leaped out of her chest.
All she did was nod.
Bruce reached behind him and pulled out a small, shiny thing.
“Kate Walker, I would like to ask you to marry me.”
The world started spinning. Kate could hardly catch her breath.
She closed her eyes, hoping she could still the emotions. She could feel Bruce taking her by the hand and slip the ring over her finger.
“Kate, I want to love you for the rest of our lives. And if you will let me, I promise to be there for you forever. Will you make me the happiest man on Earth by saying yes?”
She choked back the tears and blurted out “Yes.”
“Are you serious?” It was if Bruce could not believe her answer.
Kate wiped away the tears, which were now streaming down her cheeks. “I am so very serious. I would never want to lose you, Bruce. I love you and I take pleasure in saying yes, I will be your wife.”