Chapter 5
Her hand in his, Kate and Bruce sat with each other as the sun hung high overhead. So very symbolic of the new beginning the couple now shared.
“This is all so surreal. I really can’t believe we are getting married,” Kate exclaimed.
“You can’t believe it?” Bruce asked.
“You say that as if you had some inside track on where our relationship was going.”
“Well, I knew where I wanted it to go and that I am in love with you, so I thought that would always be enough.”
Kate nodded. “That makes sense. Can I tell you something?”
“Anything,” he replied, staring into her eyes.
“I always knew the two of us would be together too.”
Bruce laughed and held her tightly in his arms. “Let me see that ring, woman.”
Proudly displaying her ring, hand in the air, fingers spread, Kate showed off the princess cut diamond. The more she looked at it, the more she realized the ring was the companion to the earrings that he gifted her.
“Yep, that looks good on you. Almost like it was made just for you.”
“I agree.”
The sun began to warm the earth, breaking the mist that was there earlier.
“What do you say we get back inside and get our day started?” Bruce proposed.
“I think that is a great idea. Wait. Do you have something else in mind?”
“I can’t tell you.”
Kate shrugged. “Alright. I’ll just go with it.”
They walked arm and arm back to the villa.
“So what did you have in mind as far as a wedding date?” Kate asked.
“Kate, I want to get married as soon as possible. Woman, I would marry you today if you would say yes.”
“Yes.”
Bruce turned, looking at her with surprise.
“What did you say?”
“Yes. Let’s do it today.”
“Let me make sure I heard you correctly. You, Kate Walker said that you will marry me, Bruce Stanger today.”
“I did. I mean, I do. Or whatever. Let’s do it today.”
Bruce stopped walking and turned to her. “But what about your family? I thought you would have wanted your family and friends to be here.”
“How many times do I have to remind you that I’m not as conventional as you would believe? And since we are in the mode of being spontaneous, let’s continue. We can make this about us right now, and then celebrate with friends and family once we get back home.”
Bruce thought about it, then lightly touched her on the nose. “I think you have a great point. I have an idea. What if we exchange vows at the Eiffel Tower?”
Kate practically jumped up and down. “That sounds amazing! Oh my goodness, what am I supposed to wear? I have to find something special. I mean, I don’t need a wedding gown, but I have to look perfect.”
The words flowed so quickly, Bruce did not have a chance to get the words in edgewise.
“Why don’t we take this time to go shopping? Then, we can go and exchange vows, and go out to dinner and a night on the town.”
Kate threw her arms around Bruce’s neck. “Mrs. Kate Stanger. Has a pretty decent ring to it.”
“Mmm. I like the sound of that too.”
*****
Kate threw on a pair of jeans and a simple white tee shirt. She wanted to be comfortable while she shopped. The car service arrived and took them into the city. First stop was a small bistro for breakfast. Kate was so full of energy, she did not even realize that she had not gotten any rest since they arrived.
Her mind was solely on becoming Bruce’s wife. Eating at the bistro was exactly what she always wanted to do in Paris. The maitre d’ served them outside as they people watched. Paris had such a beautiful flow; people strolling leisurely, the gorgeous architecture, and the fashion of the natives.
Sitting there, Kate fell in love with the city all over again. This time, it was an entirely different experience. The last time, her schedule was filled with work. The only time she got a chance to site-see was when she sat at a local café with her client and grabbed a bite to eat, and when she was in the car going from one celebrity event to another.
Now, she was one of those who took a leisurely stroll and got a chance to take a look at the city from a visitor’s standpoint, and enjoy it. The best part, walking hand in hand with Bruce, taking in all of the sites with the man she loved. They finished their meal and the car service took them to an exclusive shopping district. Kate had no clue what kind of attire she wanted. Maybe a dress, maybe a pant suit. Bruce told her to get whatever she wanted, because he thought she looked sensational in whatever she wore.
After trying on clothes at three different stores, Kate found a boutique that spoke to her. The first thing that she tried on was a black one piece pantsuit jumper that was strapless. The beading on the bodice was intricately appliquéd, and the cut of the piece fit her curves perfectly.
When she walked out of the dressing room to model for Bruce, he jumped up out of his seat.
“That is most certainly the right outfit. That is the one.” His eyes drank her in.
“Are you sure? I have a pair of strappy heels I could wear with this.” She twirled around in the mirror, all the while relishing in the fact that Bruce could not take his eyes off of her.
“No. We are going to buy you all you need while we are out. When we return to the villa, we will be Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stanger.”
Kate did not fight the demand. She started browsing for a pair of shoes to go with her new outfit. It took her a moment to find just the right ones, a strappy pair of red high heels. She threw in a purse to accessorize. Just as she placed everything on the counter, Kate recognized the beauty in what was happening. One of her bucket list items was that she wanted to afford to shop on Rodeo Drive back at home. What a surprise to know that she was able to now shop in one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world, in France.
“You ready to go?”
“Just a moment. Why don’t I just dress here before we leave?”
Bruce agreed. “I think that is a great idea.”
Kate excused herself to dress. As she spruced up her makeup, it dawned on her that Bruce had not gone to get something special to wear. He looked good in his jeans and white button down shirt, but she thought that getting married was such a special occasion that maybe he should wear something else.
When she left out of the dressing room, Bruce was on the phone, wrapping a phone call.
“You look sensational. Are you ready to go?”
“I am. But I thought that maybe you would want to wear something special too. So we can take some pictures or something when the ceremony is over.”
“Great idea, my love. I know just the right place.”
A few doors down was a men’s shop. Once they entered, Kate immediately began to browse. Her full instinct to style was in effect. She pulled a few things for him to try on.
After trying on three different colors of shirts, Bruce settled on a pale yellow dress shirt that made his blue eyes stand out. Kate paired it with navy blue slacks and a pair of navy loafers. It was the perfect casual look for the day. And it was nice to see that he was wearing something out of the ordinary.
“Now who is looking fabulous?”
Bruce smiled shyly. “It is different. But I could come to like it.”
“I think we are ready now.” Kate slid her hand in his, looking him deep in his eyes.
“So you are ready to become Mrs. Bruce Stanger? No turning back?”
Kate reached up and kissed his lips. “I am so very ready. And no, there is no turning back.”
*****
When the car pulled up to the Eiffel Tower, Kate was amazed. The sheer height of it was a marvel.
“This is absolutely amazing,” Kate spoke, more to herself than to Bruce.
“Come on over here. We have the justice of the peace waiting for us.”