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“I guess,” I mutter. I’m not convinced. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve handled everything past Bella telling me she was pregnant badly. Last night was no different. Maybe I should tell her about the money. I need to be honest. But I can’t handle the thought of her being angry at me again, not to mention the grief it will cause for her family. She would kill them if she knew the truth. She’d kill me too.
**
Walking out of the airport in Paris, I can feel t
he excitement bouncing off Erin. I don’t doubt for a second that this is what she’s been waiting for this whole trip. Everything comes down to this. This is what she’s dreamed of since she was a little girl—seeing Paris.
I just hope I can do her dreams justice.
We head to the hotel first, just to drop off our luggage. Neither of us want to waste a minute of our time here, because four days just doesn’t feel like enough. I have a quick shower, aware that I still stink, and then I quickly text Bella to tell her I’m okay.
Cade: I hope we can still be friends, Bell. I’m sorry you had to go through this alone.
As I press Send, it’s like a weight lifts off my shoulders. So that’s what keeping the peace feels like. Maybe I should try that with my family.
While I wait for Erin I have an idea—probably the best idea I’ve had in my life. She wants this to be special, so I’ll make it special. I’ll make sure this night is one she will never forget.
Leaving her a note that I’ll meet her in the bar downstairs, I sneak down to the front desk and ask to speak to the manager. He wanders over, and smiling widely at me he takes my hand in his, nearly crushing it in a firm shake.
“Can I help you sir?” he asks in a strong French accent.
“I hope so.” I grin. “I’m here with my girlfriend and I want to make this special for her.”
It feels both strange and nice to call her my girlfriend. Even though we haven’t had that conversation, it’s easier to use the term than explain our complicated relationship.
“She’s dying, and this might be her last trip,” I explain.
His eyes turn sad and he frowns.
I quickly continue, not wanting this to be about her illness. “What I’m wondering is if while we’re out you can do something for me? We have two rooms which I would like to upgrade to your best suite—preferably with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. I have plenty of cash to cover the cost.”
Anything he can do to make this special for her will be appreciated, and I’m more than happy to pay for the privilege. I’ll spend my entire savings on her if means I can make this memorable. The money doesn’t matter anymore. The money stopped being important the second I realised it was her. And the more I got to know her, the less it mattered—if that was even possible.
“Of course, consider it done.” He nods and pats me on the arm. “Come here when you arrive back to collect your key. We will move your luggage and take care of everything. You just take care of that girl.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Where you want to go first?” I ask her. “The Eiffel Tower?” I know that’s what she wants to see most, so I’m sure that’s where we’re headed.
She shakes her head vigorously.
“No?” I’m confused.
“It’s so much prettier at night. I want to see it in all its glory. I want it to be perfect.” She flushes. “It sounds silly, doesn’t it? God, I feel like such a girl.”
I laugh and put my arm around her shoulder. “I hate to break it to you, but that’s exactly what you are.”
She pushes me away, laughing. I love seeing her so happy. “How about we get the touristy things out of the way, like the Louvre and the Notre Dame?
“Sounds good.” I grin.
The Louvre isn’t far from the hotel, so we head there first. It’s busier than I was expecting; there are people everywhere. We move through the museum slowly, looking at the different artworks. We can’t get up close due to the crowds of tourists, but I can tell Erin is loving it. I can’t help but think about what I have planned at the hotel. I hope she likes it. She’s such a romantic that I want to give her one perfect night. Just one night where she can forget everything. This not only for her, but for me too. I want one night that I can look back on whenever I feel like my world is spiralling out of control.
“I want a baguette.” She grins, clutching my arm as we leave the Louvre. She points to the small stand opposite the river.
I laugh and nod.
“No wait, a brioche. I want a brioche.”
