Melanie let out a chuckle and lifted her cup. “Hear, hear.” She sipped her café au lait. Why did everything taste better in Paris? It wasn’t her first time in the famed city, but each visit seemed to unlock more beauty. More delights. More delicious foods.
Her eyes drifted from their table in the small sidewalk café to the street. People greeted friends and hailed taxis. A large flower cart was situated on the corner, filling the air with the scent of hydrangeas and roses. A trio of women walked past, their chatter and laughter filling the café. Chaisley must be having a field day hearing French spoken properly. The language was like a song, lilting and rolling with fabulous flourishes. While Melanie was fluent, at times the appropriate emphasis on certain vowels andrs in the back of the throat were still a challenge.
“That was a happy sigh.”
Chaisley’s voice drew Melanie from her thoughts. She took another sip before responding. “There’s just something about Paris. The food, the culture, the museums. It’s my favorite city outside of London.”
Chaisley gave her a grin. “It’s good to hear the smile in your voice again, my friend.”
Itfeltgood to smile again. The last few months had taken a toll on all of them. Story after story. Face after face. Though a few had found freedom from Nazi terror, there were still so many who needed their help.
“For such a time as this ...”
The verse echoed through her again, now a part of the fabric of her heart. Her prayers. Never had she felt so honored to walk alongside others as she did in the work they were doing with Chaisley’s grandmother and Dr. Grafton. The Lord had been so good to them in the midst of danger and uncertainty.
And though He would undoubtedly bring others to them, the brief respite from logistics and Chaisley’s performances was a welcome one.
She drained the last of her coffee and settled the cup on the saucer. Looking at her friends with a smile, she leaned forward. “I think we should visit a few fun sites before going to thePalais Garnier. What do you think?”
Chaisley nodded. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here. It would be lovely to walk in a park or go to the Louvre. Even to walk around the base of the Eiffel Tower. I feel like it would do all of us some good.”
Rick tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “I agree. I’m sorry for my tense attitude of late—I know, it can’t be helped, but I do apologize for pestering you, Melanie.”
“I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have snapped like I did. The stress of it all has just been a bit too much, I guess.”
Chaisley’s grin was lovely to see. “It’s wonderful to hear my two favorite people getting along again.” She dipped her chin and leaned in over the table. “I know this hasn’t been easy. But thank you both for all you’ve done.”
Melanie winked at Rick and mouthedfavoriteas she pointed to him.
Rick’s eyes sparkled as he bounced his eyebrows up and down. “I’ll pull the car around. You ladies figure out where you want to go first.”
Melanie glanced at her best friend. A soft smile played at Chaisley’s lips and Melanie resisted the urge to chuckle.
“I can feel you staring at me.” Chaisley wiped at her chin. “Do I have croissant on my face?”
“Oh no. You just look ... besotted. That’s all.”
A rosy flush crept into Chaisley’s cheeks. “I do not.”
Melanie let her laughter out in full force. Her friend looked so bashful and adorable. “You do. And that is perfectly acceptable!”She grabbed Chaisley’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “If it makes you feel any better, Rick looks the exact same way when he thinks no one is watching.”
The dreamy look was back. “Really?”
“Would I lie to you? Oh, let’s talk about it later. Rick just pulled up.” Melanie stood and helped Chaisley stand from the table. “Fifteen paces to the curb. Then the same four-inch drop to the street to get in the car.”
They made their way to the waiting vehicle. Rick held the door open, aiding both women down the curb and into the car. Once everyone was situated, he turned and looked at them, his eyebrows high on his forehead. “Well. Where are we headed?”
Melanie bit her lip. “I liked Chais’s idea of walking around the Eiffel Tower. There are so many pretty spots with sidewalks, and that reflecting pool is lovely.”
Chaisley nodded, and Rick pulled into traffic.
Paris sped past her window, people and landmarks blurring as they navigated a roundabout. And then, there it was.
The Eiffel Tower, drawing closer and closer.
She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes for just a moment. When was the last time she felt this much peace? Wouldn’t it be lovely if she could capture this moment in a bottle, like one of those fancy perfumes sold in the high-end shops in their hotel?
It would be in a pale pink bottle, the color of a pink rose just as it blooms. It would have a crystal stopper and when she opened it, the fragrance of croissants and café au laits and roses would waft over her.
