AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh!” she utters, like she just figured something out. “So this trip to Paris is because you’re going to propose her?”
“Yes,” I reply, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I intend to do so tomorrow afternoon, actually.”
She gasps, but then her expression softens with a grin. “This is wonderful news! Oh my goodness! I must say, I never thought Roxanne would find a man like you. The fact that you know everything about her previous job and have decided to accept her and her past, that is very kind of you, indeed.”
“I’m afraid it’s not a matter of kindness, Ms. Feng, but of love.” I pause for a beat, her eyes lingering on me. “I might despise the industry she worked in, but I also understand her circumstances weren’t the most favorable. She wanted so much to help you and Lili.”
“I know, Roxie would go through hell for us.” Her gaze drops as she thinks something through. “I was mistaken about my daughter. And I regret the fact I wasted so many years holding a grudge against her for what she did.” Her expression is taut with what looks like regret, and I can sense that she truly means it. “I hope that you and she can build a life together. I’ve never seen her so happy as she is with you.” That’s all I need to hear. A smile breaks out over my face I can’t control. I have to hug her, knowing that she just gave me the blessing I was looking for, even if she didn’t come out and say it.
“Thank you. You won’t regret it.”
When I reach back to the suite, Roxanne is still in the bathroom, so I busy myself choosing a new shirt and checking if my new pair of pants have a good crease. When she opens the bathroom door and sweeps out in her dress, her hair hanging down and still damp, my pants immediately twitch. God, she’s gorgeous.
What her mother and sister don’t know is that Roxanne and I have planned one stop before we head out for dinner. The restaurant is strategically located nearShakespeare and Company, one of the most iconic bookstores in the world. It’s a place I know Yao and Lili will love, and the great thing is it also represents a large part of myself and Roxanne. Since we first kissed in a bookstore and bonded over our love for literature, it is something that will always hold a special place in our relationship.
Arriving at the store, Yao’s eyes are wide and Lili squeals, walking in and perusing through the bookshelves. The store is so massive and full of incredible out-of-print copies that is hard to know where to even look. There’re old editions of some incredible books behind glass that are available for purchase. For a while, we are all caught in enjoying the smells and sensations of everything around us. I knew that it would thrill all of them to see it, just as it always thrills me.
Walking through the stacks, I’m holding Roxanne’s hand when her phone chimes with a notification. There’re not many people that know she’s here, so when she stops to look at it and I see her face fall, I know it can’t be good news.
“What is it?”
She looks at me, her gaze filled with apprehension. “It’s about Karl. The verdict came in.” I can see her take a deep breath as she reads the news. “Guilty.” There’s a rush of breath that escapes me.
“So what are you upset about? That’s great news, no?” Since Roxanne hesitates, I peer at her screen and start reading the article itself. “What?” I utter in disbelief as I read Karl’s sentence. “Just three weeks in jail and a ten thousand euro fine?” The sentence is nothing. A token really, considering what he was accused of. Roxanne’s testimony and how she went easy on him probably had something to do with that, but I brush those thoughts immediately aside as they’ll only ruin our romantic getaway.
She squeezes my hand in reassurance. “I know. It’s not fair. Honestly, it’s a perfect example of what we want to get away from, right?”
I nod, trying to focus on the positive side; Karl was at least found guilty and that should be enough to ruin his reputation and also cause him all sorts of business trouble.
On that somber note, I know it’s time we head to the restaurant to forget about what Roxanne just discovered. We quickly find Yao and Lili and I tell them we need to head out to make our reservation on time. Neither of them buy anything, but both of them vow to return later in the trip and I can see them pointing out things the bookstore that have given them ideas for their own store. They could turn it into the type of iconic place that this store has become.
The restaurant isn’t far, and its refined atmosphere makes the place even more special. Since I speak fluent French, they realize we aren’t the typical tourists and so we actually get good service. We decide to go for the tasting menu so we can taste several French specialities.
As usual, there are several plates on the table before we know it. The server pours the wine, and we all have a toast. “To our trip to Paris. And may it not be the last,” I tell the table. I know Roxanne has probably been here dozens of times, but she was always on the clock or likely having to impress someone.Meaning she was not being herself. I want her to know somehow that she doesn’t need to be anybody except the woman she is anymore.
The conversation flows since everybody is excited to be here and is in a good mood. We spend a lot of time talking about the bookstore of course. Lili really wants to expand, and I know that Roxanne is excited to see what they will do with the place.
With everything up in the air regarding my family, I don’t know what I will find when I get back. Will they ever talk to me again when they find out I’ve asked Roxanne to marry me? What would our wedding look like? It sounds silly, but even just planning the event would be something that I could get excited about. Not a grand extravagant affair like so many of my family members have done, but something low-key, between close friends and family. A quiet party at my grandmother’s estate would definitely fit the bill.
I’m getting ahead of myself of course. Refocusing on the present moment, I stand up, take a sheet from inside my inner pocket, and after clearing my throat, the three women stop talking, their attentions shifting to me, as they wonder why I’m standing in front of my seat, a paper in hand.
“I hope you’re all enjoying the evening,” I say, looking at Yao, Lili and Roxanne. “I’ve written a little something that I wish to share here in this joyous environment.” Looking at my girlfriend in the eye, we exchange a complicit smile as if she knows what I’m about to do. “Roxanne,” I begin.
“The choices we make shapes our existence
“And you went above and beyond the distance
“To keep me close and in your heart
“I'm thankful we're now ready for a fresh start
“My gratefulness is overflowing
“Wherever you are, I'll be going
“As my past, present and future is how I see you
“In your soul I found a love that's true.”
