I glance out the window and smile up at the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been to Paris a few times but love it a bit more every time I come. It isn’t as nice as the pictures make it seem but it’s not the worst city and I always get cute pictures.
At the reminder, I turn to Liam. “I hope you know we’re not leaving until we get the best pictures.”
We haven’t posted each other on social media, and August had the idea of taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower as our hard launch. Of course, I loved the idea and forced Liam to agree. He caved pretty fast and even got us a photographer.
Liam doesn’t reply, and when I turn to him, he only smiles, but I swear his cheeks blush, and I don’t tell him because he’ll look away, and he looks so freaking cute when he’s nervous.
“They’re just pictures, Lee.” I laugh softly and kiss his red cheek. He nods in response and rushes out of the car. I watch him carefully, and he seems to take a deep breath before running his palms on his pants and getting the door for me.
When I step out, I steal a quick kiss, but when I grab his hand, I feel how sweaty they are. “Are you really nervous about these pictures?” I laugh again. “It’s not like an actual photo shoot, Lee. It’s just to post on Famoura.”
“I’m not nervous.” He swallows, and it seems nervous to me, and I feel bad for laughing. If he’s nervous about these pictures, he won’t last a day as a model.
He pulls my hand, and we walk in front of the Eiffel Tower. I glance around, and it’s weird to see the place so empty. Liam got them to shut the street down because there was no doubt that everyone would be swarming me, especially since I’ve been on every TV and billboard in the city for the whole week.
“Did the photographer call you?” I don’t see anyone, but Liam only shrugs.
“Maybe she’s late.”
I shake my head and bite back anI told you so.He was adamant on hiring someonehewanted, and I tried telling him I knew plenty of great photographers, but he didn’t listen. I don’t care enough to be upset, so I watch the Eiffel Tower as the lights turn on. I let out a gasp when they shimmer a beautiful emerald green because the lights are never green but it’s so pretty and reminds me of why it’s my favorite color.
“Look at that.”
I turn at the sound of Liam’s voice, and when I see a few fireflies lighting up the night, my jaw drops. “Oh my God! I’venever seen fireflies here before.” I watch them in awe as more and more fly around us.
A quiet violin starts, and I recognize the song far too quickly. “Okay,whatis happening?”
Ma Belle Evangeline starts playing, and there's no way it’s a coincidence that this song starts when a bunch of fireflies appear, but it feels like I’m right in the middle of my favorite scene inThe Princess and the Frog.
“Maybe it has to do with that?” Liam points behind me, and when I turn to the Eiffel Tower, a poster unrolls, and my jaw drops with it when I read the hugeWill You Marry Me?sign.
“Sage.”
I squeeze my eyes shut before the tears can start, and when Liam takes my hand, I shake my head, more to myself.
“Beloved, please look at me.”
I pull in a deep breath and force the tears at bay, but the minute I turn to Liam and find him on one knee, I’m a mess.
“Sage–” His voice breaks, and he squeezes his eyes shut before looking down. “Fuck, I bet your sistertenthousand dollars I wouldn’t cry.”
That sounds just like Lisette. I let out a laugh and pat my cheeks, trying not to ruin my makeup, and I’m so glad I let Vidia and Hazel convince me to wear waterproof mascara.They knew? How long have they known?
Liam pulls in a deep breath before trying again, and when his eyes meet mine, I barely blink. My favorite part of the song comes and he says the lyrics just in time, “I adore you. I love you, Sage.”
I let out a soft laugh, which turns into a soft cry as he continues.
“You light up my life, Sage. I used to crave being alone. I don’t like people, but then… you fucked up my brain chemistry, and I don’t ever want to be cured.”
I blink away my tears to clear my vision and wipe his cheek as he continues.
“Mysoulaches to be in your presence, and I don’t justwantto spend the rest of my life with you, but I need to. I need you to be my wife. I need you to be the mother of my kids. I need you, Sage, and I need to be everything you want me to be.”
“Every cell in my body calls for me to give you what you want. Whether that be three nasty cats from the shelter or letting you call me Leslie so you could fucking smile.”
I break into a laugh, and he kisses the back of my hand.
“Say yes, Sage. Let me make you my wife, and I’ll make you the happiest you could ever be. Or the proudest. Anything. Anything you want is yours, my offer to mop the ocean and sweep the sand off every beach is still standing but say yes. Marry me.”
