Page 139 of Someone to Remember
“To my wife.”
“To my husband.”
We touch glasses and share a kiss before we each take a sip of bubbly. I’m so caught up in him that I forget to try to figure out where the car is taking us until we come to a stop half an hour later.
“Where are we?”
“Reagan National,” he says of the DC-area airport. “Come with me, my love.”
I’m giddy with excitement and buzzed on champagne as I follow him out of the car to realize we’re on a tarmac. A red carpet has been laid out, leading to a private jet. “Whatis happening, Mr. Collier?” He sold his company for a bundle, but he never flaunts his wealth or does crazy things like this. I suppose once in a while is okay, right?
I want to giggle at the direction my thoughts have taken. Yes, it’s more than okay.
He guides me toward the stairs. “Right this way, Mrs. Collier.”
In a million years, I never expected a private jet, but I probably should have. My husband doesn’t do anything halfway.
He has his hands on my waist as he follows me up the stairs. “I wanted you all to myself tonight, so I decided to splurge.”
I take in the luxurious accommodations. “Holy moly.”
We’re met by a steward with more champagne. “Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. Collier, and congratulations.”
“Thank you! This is so exciting!”
Gage chuckles at my enthusiasm as he helps me into my seat and buckles me in for takeoff.
“Now will you tell me where we’re going?”
He reaches into his suit coat and pulls something from the inside pocket that he hands to me.
I’m stunned speechless when I see the Eiffel Tower on a tourist brochure for Paris. I turn to him, mouth hanging open. “Paris?We’re going toParis?”
“No objections?” he asks, smiling.
I throw myself at him as best I can while buckled into my seat. “Best surprise ever. I can’t believe this is my life, that you’re my life and you did this and… I love you. I just love you so much.”
“Love you, too, babe. And my only goal in life is to make you and our kids happy.”
“Goal achieved times ten million today.”
His sexy grin is one of my favorite things. “My work here is just getting started.”
As we taxi for takeoff forParis, I hold on tight to his hand. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Neither can I.”
Epilogue
Iris
We’re in bed on the plane, an hour from landing in Paris, when I receive a text from Taylor with a photo of her and her newborn son. Her smile is big, but her puffy eyes tell the true story of how devastation is coexisting with elation.
Say hello to Deacon William Lonergan, seven pounds, twelve ounces, nineteen inches. Mom and baby are both doing well, all things considered. Hope you have the best time on your trip and come by when you get home to meet Deacon. Thank you for everything these last few weeks. I’ll never have the words to tell you how much you both mean to me and the kids. Much love!
He’s beautiful! OMG, well done, Momma, and we love his name! Can’t wait to meet him!!! So much love to you and the kids.
There’s more I want to say, but it’ll keep for another time. I share the photo and text with Gage, who smiles as he reads it. “What a cutie he is.”
