Page 52 of Best Laid Plans

Indigo could barely believe it had only been two years since they’d first met in Italy. It felt now as though she’d known him forever.

Their wedding, a year ago, had been a joyous affair, with family and friends travelling from far and wide to the beautiful rural estate just outside Paris – which had been loaned to them by a friend of Julien’s – to celebrate with them.

Indigo had worried about how hard she might find it, not having either of her parents there to see her get married, and she’d shed a tear for their absence the night before, but she hadn’t allowed it to taint her happiness during the day. She knew they were there with her, in her heart.

And she’d had plenty of people who loved her there, rooting for her. All of her brothers had come along with their families in tow, which had made for an entertaining and raucous gathering.

She and Julien had loved every second of it.

Walking into the kitchen, she gave the food in the oven one last check to make sure it would be ready to serve as soon as Julien walked through the door. She’d been planning this special meal since this morning, wanting to mark the occasion with style.

Even though Julien had insisted on her teaching him how to cook so they could share the task and give her a break from it when she’d been on her feet all day, she still loved to make food for him, just to see the look of delight on his face when she presented him with one of his favourite meals. He was the perfect recipient, making sure to let her know just how much he appreciated her efforts, showering her with affection and love afterwards.

She couldn’t have asked for more.

Except for one thing.

She twisted the much-treasured wedding and engagement rings round and round on her finger as she waited impatiently for Julien to get back from work and walk through the door.

Since the wedding they’d tried and failed to conceive, each month bringing with it a sense of crushed excitement as the possibility of extending their family failed to come to fruition.

They’d stayed upbeat about it, but she could tell just how much Julien longed for it to happen. She knew exactly how he felt because she wanted it just as fiercely.

Her heart bumped hard against her chest as she finally heard the sound of Julien’s key in the front door, and she rushed to meet him, her blood racing with excitement to finally have him home.

He’d barely made it through the door when she launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly to her.

‘Whoa!’ he said, nearly losing his balance, only managing to keep them both upright by grabbing hold of the doorjamb. ‘That’s quite a welcome. What’s this about?’

Pulling away from him, and without saying a word, she reached into the back pocket of her jeans and brought out the little bit of magic she’d been checking and rechecking over and over again all day with a ceremonial flourish.

‘Ta-dah!’

He stared at it, perplexed, until the penny finally dropped. ‘What does it say?’ he asked, his voice shaking with anticipation.

She held it closer so he could read the words on the little screen.

‘You’re pregnant?’ he said, his voice lifting with excitement.

‘Yes!’

‘How long have you known?’

‘I did the test this morning.’ She could barely talk for excitement.

‘Why didn’t you call me?’ he said, grabbing her around the waist and lifting her up so he could swing her round and round.

‘I knew you needed to be able to concentrate on the meeting with your investors today,’ she said, laughing with elation at his reaction. ‘I was worried you might go to pieces, and they’d think you were a bit loopy and refuse to give you the money.’

He laughed and put her down, holding onto her until he was sure she had her balance, then flapping his hand in that Gallic way she loved so much. ‘Go to pieces! Me! Never!’ But there was a glint of tears in his eyes now.

Sliding her hands up to cup his jaw, she gently pulled him towards her so she could kiss his eyes, his nose, his mouth.

‘You’re a big softie really,’ she murmured, kissing away a lone tear that had escaped from his eye.

‘I’m just happy. I’ve wanted this so much.’

‘Me too.’

He stroked her cheek, looking deep into her eyes.

‘I’m so glad my child will have a mother like you.’ He kissed her, his touch firm and possessive. ‘Someone who is dedicated to bringing happiness to everyone she meets.’ He kissed her again, the urgency of it reminding her how loved she was, how wanted. ‘Someone who is full of love for others, no matter their situation.’ This time the kiss went on and on until she was breathless with joy.

She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have him.

With each other’s support and love they’d finally been able to close the book on the regrets of their pasts.

And now an exciting new chapter of their lives was about to begin.

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