37
Ali
My heart beat faster than a zillion times a millisecond. Wearing a white dress made me feel bridal. I’d never imagined getting married, walking down the aisle, but next to Gerard, it was like I was someone else entirely, someone whose life included a limo waiting at the end of the dock when we left his yacht.
My new Louboutin shoes clapped against the wood. When we stepped onto the curb, the driver came out.
Gerard stopped him. “What’s this?”
I was confused, as I’d assumed he’d hired the limo all along. The driver gave him an envelope.
Gerard’s shoulders relaxed as he read the note then nodded. “It’s from Maman.”
“Really?” His mother was amazing and so open. She’d taken me into her house, dressed me, and it was clear Gerard was so sweet because of her.
He showed me an itinerary. “She made us a schedule, as Elon told her…”
My eyes widened. “Told her what?”
He blushed. A small giggle escaped my throat. I never thought he got embarrassed about anything, and honestly, whatever it was, I was sure it was fine.
Then he said, “That I was unsure what kind of date to plan for you. I had a few ideas, but I thought I’d see what you were up for.”
I glanced at the list. “Well, a palace sounds fun. Let’s go.”
We scooted into the limo, and the air-conditioning hit my skin. I hadn’t realized it was hot until then.
Once he closed the door, Gerard said, “The lunch here isn’t something we can blog about.”
I tapped his hand. “We’ll figure that out later. I can’t believe your mom put this together for us. Your family is so sweet.”
“I’m glad you approve of my family, then.”
This time, I let out my laugh and sat back as we drove up a hill. “They’re wonderful.”
“Maman likes you.”
In a small way, she seemed to have a spark of my mother’s soul inside her, in how she was so nice to me so fast. “Good, because I like her. She raised you right.”
“I like to think so.”
As we headed to a castle for a private tour and catered lunch, my heart stirred. Gerard deserved someone wonderful like he was. I wasn’t sure I would ever be that.
I gazed at his profile. “Can I ask about Ashley?”
He froze. ”What about her?”
He’d said their relationship hadn’t been like ours. “Were you sweet with her like you are with me?”
His lips curved higher. My heart fluttered like I needed his approval.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
I cupped his face. “I mean you’re gentle, kind, and patient, and I wondered if this was your usual manner with women.”
It was me who wasn’t his normal choice. I wasn’t sure how I would fit into his kind of life once we finished our journey.
He pressed his hand on my thigh. “Ali, you’re special. Ashley and the others… I wasn’t the same, because none of them were you.”
