Dinner was an unusually talkative event that evening. Jesse watched as Winnie sat on the floor, facing the Tucks and their questions.
"You lived by your lonesome all those years?" Mae asked incredulously, staring at Winnie.
"Mostly," Winnie answered. "I went in to visit my parents two or three times a year," Winnie busied herself with her food, not looking at any of the Tucks. "They both died within the same year. Three years ago, now," she said quietly.
Jesse knew this was hard for Winnie, knew she loved her parents very much. And he knew he had hurt her, making her wait all those years. "Winnie--" he began.
She shook her head, smiling unconvincingly. "It's alright. It's part of the Wheel, after all." Winnie stood and went into the kitchen to wash her dishes.
Tuck and Miles looked at each other, and Mae gave Jesse a sad look. He couldn't stand the awkwardness that hovered still in the room, surrounding them. He followed her into the kitchen. She was standing at the sink, her shoulders shaking. He went up behind her and carefully slid his arms around her waist. She turned around, and hugged him, crying into his chest.
"Come on," he said, taking her hand and leading her out the door. Tears were falling freely down her face as he led her through the forest. He squeezed her hand tighter as he led her down the path, through the woods. He could tell Winnie knew where they were headed because soon, they were walking side by side, taking the twists and turns of the forest path at the same time.
Jesse stopped, he could barely see, but he knew they were there; he had the footsteps counted out.
"Eiffel Tower," Winnie whispered, looking up.
Jesse watched her features. The moon made the tear stains on her face glisten. She looked at him and he smiled. She gave him a small smile and started climbing. He followed right behind her, keeping a hand on the small of her back at most times, ensuring her safety. They grabbed rock after rock, and soon Winnie had climbed over the edge, out of his sight. He hoisted himself up, and over and got to his feet.
She was at the edge of the cliff, looking out over the trees. Jesse breathed in the fresh breeze that was causing her hair to blow softly behind her.
"Paris sure is beautiful at night," Winnie said, watching the horizon where the endless night sky met the tree tops.
Jesse stepped up beside her, watching her fingers as she played with the fabric of her dress. "Not the most beautiful thing, though," he said softly.
He looked up, she was staring at him, looking deep into his eyes. She smiled softly, and looked out at their Paris. They stood in silence for a while, breathing in the damp air and letting the wind rustle their hair.
"Marry me, Winnie," Jesse said so suddenly, she jumped.
She looked at him, rendered speechless for the second time that day.
"Winnie, please," Jesse said urgently, taking her hands in his. His eyes searched her face. "I've waited thirty-five years to ask you this. We're meant for each other, us being separated has shown me that."
He watched her, desperately.
"Of course I'll marry you," Winnie said, laughing, hardly able to contain her excitement.
A grin wider than any other, spread across Jesse's face. "Really?" he said eagerly.
"Yes!" she said, smiling just as wide.
Jesse gave a yell that echoed for miles. He swept her up in his arms and twirled around and around. She flailed her arms in every direction, laughing harder than ever. They spun and spun under the starry sky. Jesse slowed down and Winnie wrapped her arms around his neck to assure her safety in his arms.
"I'm not going to drop you," he said softly.
"I didn't want you to let go," Winnie said, just as quietly.
"I never let you go, Winnie, over all these years you've been just as close to me as ever, always in my heart. I'm never, ever gonna let you go, Winnie Tuck."
Her heart melted, the same as it had those many years ago.
"Winnie Tuck, huh?" she said thoughtfully, keeping her eyes locked on his.
"You prefer something else?" he asked, grinning, as he set her back on her feet.
"Definitely not," she said, shaking her head.
"Then, do you, Winnie, promise to marry me?" Jesse asked, bending down on one knee and looking up into her face with earnest.
"I do," Winnie said quietly. "And do you, Jesse Tuck, promise to marry me?"
"Absolutely," he grinned, rising to his feet.
She stepped closer to him, and slid her arms around his neck, she kissed him. Her lips felt soft and warm on his, but all too soon, she pulled away, resting her head on his shoulder. He rested his face by her neck, and she hugged him even tighter. He kissed her neck, her cheek, and finally her lips. And there, on top of their Eiffel Tower, under the starry night sky with its swirling constellations, they kissed a kiss sealing the promise that they would live the rest of forever together. And for these two certain people, that was a promise that was not made lightly.
