Reflecting their own light: Rory and Logan

Chapter 18.5

When we landed in Paris, we deplaned and headed for the car.  I had managed to get us The Penthouse at the Four Seasons.  I wanted our weekend to be unforgettable and that included our accommodations.  I led her to our room and the views were breathtaking.  It had a 360 degree view of the city.  I knew this would be extremely romantic as Paris was gorgeous at night.  After the short flight, I knew we'd be hungry by the time we'd gotten settled in our room.

"How about a little walk to find something to eat?"

"You read my mind, Logan," she replied.  "Let me change first!"

She found some casual clothes in her suitcase.  It seemed no matter what she wore, she looked beautiful.  I also changed into something more comfortable as well as finding my jacket.  I knew it was going to be a little cooler outside if we were walking.

"I'm ready," she announced on her way into the main room where I was waiting.

We started toward the Eiffel Tower.  I knew there were a few little cafes around there.  The towering iron structure wasn't much to look at during the day, but was still an amazing feat of architecture.  After a short walk, we arrived at a little café.  Later, we took the Metro to Sacre-Coeur and Moulin Rouge.  It was a little touristy, but Paris in November is fairly quiet.

We rode back toward the hotel and shopped along the Champs-Elysees.  I found the dress shop I'd planned to take Rory to.  I wanted her to have something special for our dinner tonight.  I picked out a few dresses online, but a royal blue dress caught my eye.  I handed her my choice.

"I thought you could use a little something special for dinner tonight," I said with a smile.

"Oh, I could, could I?" she retorted with a little laugh.

"We are going somewhere very special for dinner and I thought you might like a little something new to wear...."

"Well, if that's the case...." she replied, smiling.  "It's not like I'll be able to wear cute things like this dress for very much longer.  I might as well take advantage of it while I can."

She came out of the dressing room, and I felt the butterflies invade my stomach.  She was stunning and I knew the dress was meant for her when I saw it.  It was refreshing to know I hadn't lost my eye for dresses.

"Are we going shoe shopping next?" she asked with a smile.

"If I've learned anything from Honor it's that no outfit would be complete without a great pair of shoes," I said with a wink.  It was as if she'd read my mind.  I was hoping to get her into a jewelry store after that.

While I have an eye for dresses, Rory's definitely got an eye for shoes.  She found some to perfectly match her dress.  I couldn't wait to see the entire ensemble tonight for dinner.  Although, we may not make it out of the room if I don't control myself.  Upon exit, I noticed her upbeat demeanor begin to fade.

"Logan, perhaps we could go back to the hotel?  I could really use a nap before going out for dinner tonight."

"I think that could be arranged.  We have done a lot today.  I wasn't sure how long you'd hold out, knowing you've been pretty tired lately," I replied.  This was perfect because I could sneak out and pick out the jewelry for her myself.  I loved spoiling this woman, and she deserved every bit of it.

Within minutes of her head hitting the pillow, she was asleep.  I located the jeweler my father had recommended, and it wasn't too far from the hotel.  I debated between diamonds and sapphires.  I finally settled on sapphires to match her dress and eyes.  I chose a necklace and earrings.  Since this hadn't take much time, I returned to the dress shop and picked up a should wrap, just in case.

When I returned, I made some real coffee.  The smell wafted through the suite.  It had been a while since Rory fell asleep, so I figured she'd be up soon, and we still had plenty of time before our reservation tonight.  As if on cue, she came padding into the main room in her robe.

"That smells wonderful, Logan," she said as she continued to take in the scent she loved dearly.

"Thought you could use a little bit of coffee before we go out, and yes, it's real coffee," I replied.  She wasn't very along in her pregnancy, but I think reducing the amount of regular coffee she consumes might be her biggest challenge to date.

"Oh, this is wonderful, Logan.  You are the best," she said with a little squeal.  "What time is our reservation tonight?"

"It's in an hour, so you have plenty of time to get ready," I replied.  I loved seeing her giddy like a kid on Christmas who got the one thing they'd been begging Santa for.

I walked into the bedroom after a few minutes.  She'd already managed to put on her dress and had her hair up.  She was seated at the vanity, and I stood behind her holding the box containing the jewelry I'd found earlier.  I set it in front of her.

"Open it," I directed.

She took the box, untied the bow, and opened it.  "Logan.....this is beautiful!  You didn't have to....when did you do this?"

"I snuck out while you were taking a nap.  I want to give you everything.  That's all I've ever wanted, Ace," I replied from behind her.  I took the necklace out and put it on her.  She put on the earrings and looked at herself in the mirror.  I felt like I was standing behind my very own princess.  She was beautiful inside and out.  I was, by far, the luckiest man on earth.

I disappeared into the next room and reappeared with the black wrap I'd bought earlier.

"We should get going if we want to make our reservation," I warned.

She slipped on her shoes and moved toward me.  I placed the wrap around her shoulders.  She didn't know we were going downstairs for dinner.  When we got out of the elevator, she tried to head toward the front entrance of the hotel.  I redirected her to Le Cinq.  I placed my hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the entrance where they were waiting to seat us.  I'd reserved a romantic table for two in the corner.  I didn't want us to be caught in the middle of the restaurant, lost in the crowd.

I watched her as she drank in the details of the restaurant.  She'd been much more observant lately.  Something, or someone, must have caught her eye.  She was locked onto someone.  I wasn't sure who she was looking at because there were so many people in here.

"Who are you looking at, Ace?"

"I can't place that blonde-haired woman over there," she said nodding in the woman's direction.  "She looks kind of like.....Shira," she finished her thought as my mom faced us.  "But who is the brunette?"

I felt the color drain from my face.  What.....the......hell.....I thought.

"What is it, Logan?"

Are you fucking kidding me, mom?!  I thought this mess was over, but I was wrong.  I didn't want to deal with my mom or my ex on my honeymoon.  I certainly didn't want to put any extra stress on Rory.

"That's......Odette....."