“Nope, not one day without my little nugget,” Naomi said and held it up. “I even wear it to bed.”
“Thanks for the visual, Nugget,” Revan said drily. “Now my little man brain has something to keep it occupied for a while.”
“When she was a kid, Stella dressed up as Cinderella for Halloween several years in a row. It didn’t take long for Revan to pick it up,” Naomi explained.
“And Naomi thinks it’s funny to call me Shutterbug because of...well, take a wild guess,” Revan said. “Man, it makes me angry just thinking about my nice camera. I can’t believe I trashed it. I hope the other one’s still in one piece.”
David looked at Andrew, who sat across from him, and said, “You mentioned earlier you’re a doctor. What field are you in?”
“I’m a laryngologist and work with the Center for Music and Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Center offers music-related treatment to patients with Parkinson’s disease or dementia. If you’re ever in Baltimore, I’d love to give you a tour of the Center, if you’re interested.”
“I definitely am. I’ll call you and we’ll set something up. And I bet Stella would love to visit and reconnect with Sarah as well. Maybe we can make it a long weekend,” David winked at Stella.
Andrew handed him his business card after he wrote something on the back. “I included my private cell phone number. Call me anytime.”
“Thanks. I don’t have any business cards with me, but I’ll add your contact in my phone later and send you a message.”
After dinner, when Stella and Naomi said goodbye to Andrew and Sarah, David pulled Revan aside. “I’d like to go for a last walk with Stella, just an hour around the block. I know it’s a lot to ask of you, since you must be dead on your feet, but would you mind walking Naomi back to the hotel? I don’t want to impose on Julia and Alexander, they seem to need a little more time, too.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’ll feel good to move, and hopefully I’ll fall into bed and sleep through the night. So you’re gonna to be around again?” Revan asked.
“Yeah, and I know how incredibly lucky I am to have Stella back in my life.” He shoulder-slapped Revan, “Thanks for walking with Naomi.”
“I’ve got it, man. Don’t give it another thought,” Revan answered. “Nugget, come go for an evening stroll with me.”
“Why?” Naomi asked.
“Because our lovebirds need a few minutes alone to say goodbye. Which leaves you and me to keep each other company.”
“Since you put it so nicely, how can I possibly say no to such chivalry.” Naomi gave David a hug and whispered in his ear, “I haven’t forgotten about our little talk. Next time in Philly, buddy.”
He smirked and kissed her cheeks. “You tell me when and where. See you soon.”
As he watched them leave the restaurant, he heard her say, “The Troubadour’s still in hot water with me. I don’t forgive as easily as Stella.”
And David was very aware of it. If only he knew for sure Stella had completely forgiven him. He’d do everything in his power to prove she was his priority.
“Do you want to go to the Montparnasse Tower again?” he asked her when they started walking.
“Sure! I haven’t seen Paris at night from above yet.” She entwined her fingers with his.
For a few minutes they didn’t talk. He didn’t know what to say. He wanted to hold Stella in his arms, wanted to make love to her, wanted to show her what he felt instead of just saying it.
“Oh, good! There aren’t any lines,” Her voice interrupted his thoughts. He hadn’t even realized they’d reached the Montparnasse Tower and were standing in the foyer until she spoke up.
“Let’s buy the tickets.” She pulled him to the ticket station.
On the elevator, she wrapped her arms around him and asked, “What have you been thinking about? You’ve been quiet all the way over here.”
“Honestly? I’ve been thinking about what to say without making mindless small talk,” he admitted. “There’s so much I want to say, but we’re running out of time. I’ll miss you so much, baby.”
“I’ll miss you, too. But it’ll be Labor Day weekend in no time.” Her voice was soft, and he saw how she was trying to hold it together.
Stepping out on the observation deck, she said, “Now I can understand why Paris is called the City of Light. Not just all the streetlights, but the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks appear even more majestic with this light show.”
She stood in front of him, firmly snuggled into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and let his lips linger there. He needed to inhale her scent, to store it until he held her again.
She sighed. “Paris brought us together again.”
“I’m scared to say goodbye to you today, Stella. What if you change your mind and decide you can’t trust me anymore?”
He turned her around so she looked at him. She took his face in her hands and caressed it. “As long as we both want to make it work, we’re good.”
“I love you, baby. Never forget it.”
“I know, and I love you. More than words can say.”
When they kissed, his entire being began to sing, intensifying until his soundless love song reached an epic crescendo. He poured all his feelings into the kiss, and hoped she understood his silent message.
Later, when they stood in front of her hotel, he said, “Let me know what flights you want to book for September, and I’ll arrange the tickets for you.”
“Thanks, but
