Page 67 of It Happened In Paris

“Okay,” she licked her dripping ice cream, on the verge of dousing the front of her dress in another minute.

“I would very much like to marry your mommy. Which means we would be a family.”

“But we’re already a family.”

“Well, yes, but the wedding makes us officially a family. Would that be okay with you if we have a wedding tomorrow? I’ll buy you and Mommy pretty dresses. I’ll wear a tuxedo, and we’ll all say ‘I do’. But only if you agree, if that’ll make you happy because we both love you, Paris. We want to raise you together and… maybe someday have a brother or sister come along, too.” I winked at Vivian. She squeezed my arm beside me as if in agreement.

Paris’ eyes sparkled as she gasped, “I want a brother!”

“So is that a yes? Can I marry your father tomorrow?” Vivian asked her.

Paris wiped her chin with the back of her hand, and in the periphery, I noticed the nanny reaching for a tissue in her bag. “Okay, that sounds fun. But can we still go on safari to Africa someday?”

Our laughter mingled with the warm afternoon air. “Yes, of course we can—as a family, the Buchanan family,” I said. “Because you’re a Buchanan now, right?” We still had some paperwork to get through back in the states to make it official, but in my mind, she was all mine.

She beamed proudly. “I am. Paris Buchanan.”

“So the next step is to make mommy a Buchanan. We do that by getting married tomorrow. And I can’t wait.”

The very next day,before we knew it, we arrived in Denmark. My assistants helped arrange everything remotely from New York. With kisses and hugs, I dropped Vivian and Paris off at adress shop. The next time I’d see them would be in a quaint town hall, all dressed up and ready to marry. In the meantime, I found the nearest suit shop and purchased the perfect black tuxedo that spoke to the joy of the day.

Sitting alone in a small room within the town hall building, I waited to be called up to the judge who would officiate our wedding. I let my mind wander through the past—to the night I met Vivian, then forward to the disastrous day I was to be married to Janet. I shuddered at the thought of the horrible plans Janet and her lover had plotted. My life could have ended at their hands, and Paris would never have known the love of her real father.

That part of my life was in the past now. Today, I had a second chance at marrying, and Vivian was the love of my life. Out of the blue, she and Paris burst into my world, overwhelming me with emotions. The moment I saw Vivian, I knew I wanted her. Through Paris’ time in the hospital and the revelation that she was my daughter, I fell for them both.

Life gave me a second chance. It gave me a chance to save my daughter. Another chance at love. Today, I’d take every risk with my heart and say ‘I do’, fully aware of how precious and fleeting life could be.

A knock at the door announced it was time for the ceremony, and I more than was ready. I took a deep, steadying breath, filled with calm and happiness to begin this new chapter.

When I opened the door, it turned out to be Rex standing there. “Hey brother.”

“What are you doing here?” I held the door aside and let him in.

“Surprise! As soon as Vivian texted us about your wedding, Chelsea and I dropped everything to come.”

“And so did I.” A familiar female voice called out from behind him—a voice I would recognize anywhere. Rex steppedin, revealing Miriam behind him, accompanied by Mr. Astor. “Hello, son.”

“Mother, um…” Was she here to ruin our plans?

“Relax. I’m happy for you and Vivian.” She touched my cheek. “If marrying the mother of my precious granddaughter makes you happy and you’re doing it today, that’s all that matters.”

“Are you sure you won’t hold it against me forever for not letting you plan a huge wedding?” I side-eyed her skeptically.

“Are you kidding? Rex’s wedding planning took a year off of my life—no offense, Rex.”

“None taken.” He shook his head.

“I wouldn’t miss either of my sons getting married for anything, no matter where it is,” she admitted.

“Thank you, Mother.” I drew in a shaky breath as I fought back tears. This was my big day and my heart overflowed with every emotion. I grabbed her in a hug and whispered, “I love you.”

“You and Rex have been the best sons I could have ever hoped for,” she cried as well.

Rex cleared his throat. “It’s about that time.”

“We’ll be downstairs wishing you well, and watching your nuptials.” Tears filled her eyes and spilled over as she gently cupped both of our cheeks, switching her gaze between Rex and me. “I love you both. Your father would have been immensely proud of the choices you’ve made. Now, I need to fix my makeup before things start. Come along, Mr. Astor.”

On his way out after her, as an aside, he said, “Good job, men. I’m not sure I could have survived another year of wedding planning with my wife.”

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