Chapter 7: From Paris, With Love

A/N: Special thanks to charakids for serving as the Beta reader for this story. Thank you all for the, PMs, likes, and favs...I never imagined this story attracting this many readers, and the reception continues to blow me away!

In the spirit of the Holiday Season...this chapter is pure, unabated, FLUFF. Charahkids said it best. We are turning into a couple of mushballs!

Enjoy!

Echo Park, December 25, 2010

"Chuuuuuck, pleeb leb me sleeb fibe more minebs…" Sarah muttered against her pillow.

Chuck cursed himself for waking the sleeping blonde, placing a gentle kiss on her temple. "Sarah, I'm sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep."

Sarah, with eyes still closed, rolled to her back, holding out her arms like a zombie, her Australian accent thick. "Neowwww….cuddle with me."

My God. Even the way she says words in her accent is sexy. What an amazing woman.

Chuck snorted, mimicking Sarah. "Neowwww…not until you kiss me."

"Chuuuuuck…stop making fun of me." Sarah whined, sounding almost like a child. Her face formed an adorable pout, and her hands motioned for Chuck to join her.

"Sarah, I like your accent. It's adorable. You can talk like that any time you want."

With an adoring look, Chuck laughed softly, and slid his long frame back into bed. Sarah's pout turned to a broad smile, as she snuggled against her warm boyfriend, tucking her arms against his chest. Chuck wrapped his arms around Sarah's petite frame, resting his chin against the top of her head. Looped a leg around his legs, pulling him close to her.

Sarah sighed in content, muttering against Chuck's chest. "Why do you have to wake up so early?"

"Well, after waking up before dawn every day for six years of my life, that's how I'm programmed." Chuck said, cocking his head to kiss Sarah on the head.

"The Navy is just mean." Sarah said, her accent still thick. Chuck noticed Sarah's accent thicken when she was tired, excited, or angry. Normally, only a few words Sarah spoke on a regular basis gave away her Aussie roots. Having lived in the United States for much of her life, her accent sounded more American, with a touch of Australian.

Chuck laughed softly. "It wasn't the Boy Scouts, that's for sure."

Sarah suddenly realized something important. Chuck spent his last Christmas Day in the hospital. The thought of Chuck lying in a bed, severely injured brought tears to her eyes. She clung to Chuck's shirt, not wanting to let him know she was crying.

But, this was Chuck that Sarah was trying to fool. "Sarah…why are you crying? Is something wrong?" Chuck said, his tone soft.

Sarah cocked her head, and kissed Chuck on his jaw, making sure to hold her breath. Morning breath embarrassed her. "I'm sorry, it's just…I was thinking about you being in the hospital this time last year."

Even though Chuck and Sarah were not an item when he was badly injured, his heart ached. He hates seeing her upset. If he can eliminate Sarah from ever feeling sad he would. He simply wanted her to always be happy, but he knew that would be realistically impossible. But, he can try, right?

"Sarah, don't feel bad about that. It wasn't grim by any means. The President visited Walter Reed while I was there. He presented me a Purple Heart Medal, and I got to shake his hand." Chuck said, his tone upbeat.

Sarah lifted her head, resting it on her hand, her elbow pressed to the mattress. She stared Chuck in the eyes, and smiled sadly. "Had we been together back then, I wouldn't have left your side. Chuck…I want to say something, and I don't want you to freak out, okay?"

"Sure." Chuck said, shifting his body to where he could give Sarah his undivided attention.

Sarah took Chuck by the hand. "I want you to know something about me that I have never told anyone. When I started modeling, my parents cut me off. They were two very ambitious people, and wanted me and my sister to be just as powerful as they are."

Tears trickled down Sarah's cheeks. Chuck smiled sadly, and gently wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry."

"The reason I'm telling you this is because I vowed to never rely on anyone else for as long as I lived. When…Cole and I were together, I ensured we didn't live together, not that he wanted to anyway. We were both independent people, and I believe now we dated more for the press it attracted than anything else. I…got attached to him because I wanted a normal relationship with someone so badly, and he took advantage of that by acting like we were getting serious, and then acting like it didn't matter after he got what he wanted." Sarah paused, when she saw Chuck's eyes flash with anger.

"What an ass." Chuck said, making no attempt to hide his disgust.

Sarah nodded in agreement. "Yes, he was an ass. He wasn't abusive or anything like that. He was just a guy who thought he was God's gift to women. My point is…after Cole, I made a lot of mistakes. The tabloids made me out to be nothing but a tramp, but the truth is…I only had two one-night stands. I was too drunk to remember much about either of them, but I did make them use protection. At least I wasn't a complete fool."

Sarah closed her tear-stained eyes. Chuck caressed her cheek, remaining silent to allow Sarah to finish.

Wordlessly, Chuck took Sarah in his arms, and she chocked back a sob. "It's okay, Sarah. I know that must have been hard for you to tell me."

Sarah took a steady breath to get to her point, not wanting the pain of what happened to cloud what she wanted to say. "That was hard...but my point is…you are the first person I have ever seen a future with, and it is so bright, and beautiful…I can hardly contain my excitement. Each and every day I ask myself…what did I ever to do deserve someone as handsome, funny, caring, and considerate as you. I wish we could have met a long time ago." And we are already married, and perhaps starting our own family.

Chuck took Sarah's hand, and placed a slow, gentle kiss on her palm. "I wish we could have met sooner too. But I don't think you would have liked the person I was back then. When I came home from Stanford, I fell into a pity-party. I sat around all day eating cheese balls, and moping like a child. I was out running errands one afternoon for Ellie, and I passed a Navy Recruiter's office. Instead of walking by, I walked in. The first thing I told the recruiter, is I just got kicked out of college. I'll never forget what he said when he saw my eyes. He said, 'Son, the Navy doesn't care about your past. The Navy only cares about your future. If you're looking for a second chance at life, you came to the right place. There's just one catch. Your success or failure after you sign up, is up to you.' I sat down, and said 'let's do this.' I left for Great Lakes a week later."

Chuck paused. "I signed up to punish myself. I knew it would be hard, and the irony is…the Navy is just what I needed to save me from falling into a funk. They taught me to take pride in myself, and there is nothing I can't do. Failure is not an option. It changed my life for the better, and I knew when I graduated from basic training, I made the right choice."

Chuck winked. "And, Ellie was highly pissed at me."

Sarah chuckled softly. "I'll bet. I would have been too. I respect men and women who serve in the military, but I'm a pacifist. Politicians never have to fight in wars, but they always start them. Sending brave men and women to die on some battlefield is tragic to me."

Chuck smiled. "Which brings me to my point. Our past doesn't matter. Our success or failure in this relationship is entirely up to us. As far as I'm concerned, I'm all in to make sure we succeed. You're worth the effort, Sarah."

Sarah smiled, practically melting. "I really want to kiss you right now…but we both have morning breath."

Chuck grinned, and burst into laughter. "Okay. Let's go sanitize our breath, Miss Hygiene."

Sarah got up, and threw a pillow at Chuck. "Come on. I want that kiss."

Chuck got out of bed, and joined Sarah in the bathroom. They stood side-by side, and Chuck handed her the toothpaste. Chuck smiled at Sarah. Even dressed in a tank top and yoga pants with messy hair, she looked beautiful. He chuckled when Sarah frowned taking in her own appearance in the mirror, and quickly pulled her golden hair in a ponytail.

"Spearmint okay? Normally I'm a peppermint man, but today, I'm living on the edge." Chuck quipped, handing Sarah the toothpaste.

Sarah gave a coy smile, and the couple began brushing their teeth, stealing glances and smiling at each other. After rinsing, Sarah snaked her arms round Chuck's neck, and pulled him in for a deep kiss. Chuck picked Sarah up, and sat her on the lavatory. Sarah smiled into Chuck's mouth, and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Ellie knocked gently on the open bathroom door, and gushed when she saw the couple kissing. "Sorry to interrupt guys. Is pancakes okay for breakfast?"

Sarah turned her head, giving Ellie a smile. "Works for me."

Ellie smiled. "I also have strawberries."

Chuck sighed. "Sounds like a winner, El. Need my help?"

"Sure." Ellie said, then left the bathroom.

Chuck gave Sarah a quick peck on the lips, then lifted her off the lavatory. Once on her feet, Sarah gave Chuck a very wet kiss, and rested her hands on Chuck's chest. "Go help Ellie. I need to get dressed."

Chuck smiled, then limped toward the kitchen.

Sarah bit her lip, and walked swiftly to the bedroom. She knew just the outfit she would wear today. Once her clothing was laid out, Ellie slipped into the bedroom, and shut the door.

"Sarah, I have something to show you." Ellie handed Sarah a package.

Sarah removed the diploma, and letter from Stanford. Ellie waited until she finished reading it. Sarah's bottom lip was quivering. "If my hunch is right, you were the anonymous caller."

Sarah wiped her tears and nodded. Ellie grabbed Sarah into a hug. "Thank you."

"Ellie, I didn't do anything except ask about their academic forgiveness policy." Sarah said, confused as to why Ellie was thanking her.

Ellie broke the hug, wiped a tear, and gave Sarah a 'you're kidding me, right?' look. "If you hadn't called them, this wouldn't have happened. I wanted to sue those bastards, but Chuck talked me into letting it go."

That's, selfless Chuck. Sarah sat on the bed, and smiled at the degree. "Well, today is the perfect day to present him with this. What's the plan?"

Ellie smiled. "I want you to give it to him. Devon already knows."

Sarah looked surprised. "Ellie, this should really come from you."

"Sarah, you did this for him. I think it will mean a lot to him." Ellie said, then turned to leave, leaving no further room for Sarah to protest. Ellie winked before closing the door.

Sarah hid the package, and left the bedroom to get ready.

Chuck and Ellie were finishing breakfast, when Sarah exited the bathroom. She slipped into the bedroom to put the finishing touches on her look. Today was special, and she wanted to look her best.

Sarah stopped at the door frame to the kitchen, and smiled as she watched the brother and sister banter. Chuck turned with a plate of pancakes in his hand, and froze dead in his tracks. Sarah smiled the moment their eyes met.

Chuck's eyes started at Sarah's feet, and stopped at her eyes. Sarah felt like she was practically floating the way Chuck's eyes took in her appearance. Chuck cleared his throat. "You look gorgeous."

Sarah sauntered to her smiling boyfriend, and took the plate of pancakes from his hand, sitting it on the table. She snaked her arms around his neck, and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

Today was a simple family holiday, and Sarah went for a simple look. She wore the blue button-up blouse Chuck mentioned he liked, and a pair of designer jeans. Chuck stood in awe of the way Sarah's golden locks shined in the light.

Chuck took notice of the look Sarah and Ellie gave one another. Sarah smiled, and pulled Chuck wordlessly to the bedroom. Chuck looked at Ellie with a 'What's going on' look.

Ellie waved him off. "Shoo, follow your girlfriend."

Still confused, he obeyed his older sister and followed Sarah. Once inside, Sarah pointed to his dresser. "Notice anything new?'

Chuck looked confused. "No, not really." Chuck approached, and his eyes fixated on the diploma. He gave Sarah a surprised look, and picked up the degree.

Sarah noticed Chuck's breathing deepen as he read the letter. Sarah moved across the room, and rested a hand on Chuck's back.

Chuck took a steady breath, and spoke in a soft tone. "How?"

"I called them to ask about their academic forgiveness policy. This arrived in the mail yesterday, according to Ellie. Chuck, I can't take credit for this. You didn't do anything wrong, and they came to their senses." Sarah said, rubbing Chuck's back lovingly.

Chuck shook his head and stared ahead, his tone solemn. "7 years. It took 7 years to clear my name. Unbelievable." Can Sarah be anymore amazing?

Chuck sat the degree back on the dresser, and took Sarah in his arms. "Doesn't matter anymore. I won't deny that for a long time...it did, and this degree does mean a lot to me. I'm glad they found out the truth, and made this right. I can live with that. But now…I can't imagine anything else in my life having more meaning than you, Sarah."

Sarah's eyes welled with tears. "Chuck, you mean everything to me. You may have had to wait 7 years for your degree, but you will never have to wait for me. You have me." Forever, Chuck. You have me forever. I know that without a doubt.

Sarah pulled Chuck into a hug, and Chuck spoke softly. "I can finally put that chapter of my life behind me now. I'm happy Stanford made things right. But Sarah...I'm even happier that I have you." What did I do to deserve this Angel? I love you, Sarah.

Sarah tightened her hold, and smiled through happy tears. "Oh, Chuck. I couldn't imagine my life without you." I love you so much, Chuck.

Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris France, December 27, 2010

Sarah could not stop giggling. Sure, she was giddy about a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, but she thought it was cute how Chuck tirelessly tried to communicate using a translator book.

"Uh…excuse me…la zone…des…bagages…Mademoiselle?" Asked Chuck, eliciting a giggle from the brunette airport employee. Sarah noticed how the employee sized Chuck up like a piece of prime rib.

Sarah took Chuck by the arm. What is it with the damn brunettes? "Let me, sweetie. Où est la zone de récupération des bagages?"

Chuck looked at Sarah in awe. "You know French?"

The attendant pointed to a sign. Sarah nodded, and pulled Chuck along. "Oiu, oiu, Monsieur."

"You are so awesome, Sarah!" Chuck declared in awe.

Sarah kissed Chuck on the cheek, and whispered in his ear in a seductive tone. "Ce soir, je vais déchirer vos vêtements, et de faire de mad, amour passionné pour vous...mon cheri."

Chuck's eyes widened in shock. "Uh…I have no idea what you just said…but I'm definitely on-board. Even if you just asked me to plunge a toilet. That was totally hot!"

Sarah laughed, and rested her head on Chuck's shoulder. "I said…tonight, I am going to tear your clothes off, and make mad, passionate love to you, my...my sweet." Sarah caught herself from saying "love."

Chuck gulped as Sarah kissed him softly below his ear, her hot breath sending chill bumps down his spine.

Chuck yelped. "Yep! Definitely hot…is it…hot in here to you?" Chuck smiled sheepishly, while tugging at his collar.

Sarah stared at Chuck through her eyelashes. "Definitely."

Sarah kissed Chuck on the cheek, and wrapped herself in his arm. After retrieving their bags, clearing Passport Control, and finding a taxi, the couple were on their way to their hotel.

Chuck and Sarah walked into the lobby of the Hotel Eiffel, located across the Seine River. Sarah hand-picked this hotel for its famed views of the Eiffel Tower from across the river. The suite Sarah booked, even had a complimentary telescope, and a balcony, for a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.

Chuck stared at the decorative lobby, ornate furniture, and paintings in the hotel lobby in awe. "Wow…"

"You like it?" Sarah asked, swaying their interlocked hands as Chuck took in the view.

"Do I like it? I love it! Sarah, this is fantastic!" Chuck declared, resembling a kid in a candy store.

Sarah noticed the attendant smiling at the two of them, and pat Chuck on the shoulder. "Wait here. I'll check us in."

Sarah kissed Chuck on the cheek, and giggled as he moved across the lobby to admire the aesthetically pleasing scene.

Sarah approached the attendant, and handed her a printout of her reservations, and passport. The attendant smiled. "American, Madame?"

"Yes. Sarah Walker. I have reservations for two." Sarah said politely.

The attendant typed on the keyboard, and smiled. "Ah, yes. You have the Executive Suite, and your payment has been processed. I will just retrieve your keys."

Sarah noticed that while the attendant was processing their arrival, she was stealing glances at Chuck...and Sarah didn't like it. Not one bit.

What the hell is she looking at? Better not be Chuck.

She was looking at Chuck.

After retrieving the room keys, and handing Sarah papers to sign, she motioned to Chuck. Looking him up and down. "His first time in Paris?"

"Yes." Sarah said politely, and a little pissed. "It's a dream of his to see the Eiffel Tower." You're not going anywhere near him, bitch! I should have checked myself in using your face on the keyboard!

"I admire his enthusiasm." The attendant said in a sultry tone, taking in Chuck, as he moved excitedly around the lobby. Hmmm...what I'd do to him. Thought the attendant.

Sarah was no fool. She may be a blonde, but not a dumb blonde. What is it with these brunettes going after Chuck? First that bimbo at the airport, and now this...this skank!

Sarah knew then and there she had to keep an extra eye on Chuck from these...these...women. That's right, honey. He's all MINE. My Chuck!

Sarah caught herself and smiled. Did I just call my wonderful boyfriend "My Chuck"? Yep, I guess I did.

Sarah was interrupted from her musings by the porter that appeared next to Sarah, and retrieved the luggage. Sarah thanked the porter, and the skanky attendant, before turning around to admire her excited boyfriend.

Sarah took this moment to simply watch him. It still amazed her how she was so lucky to have met him, and especially, to be in a relationship with him.

Sarah's mind drifted to the most important topic of discussion for this trip, and it was a big step for the both of them.

Sarah had never lived with anyone since her parents cut her off years ago. Her father was a major businessman on Australia's Gold Coast, and her mom was a respected solicitor in Sydney. The couple married for convenience rather than love, and for power and prestige.

Sarah was always a bit of a rebel. Instead of following her parent's career paths, as they pushed her to do, Sarah aspired to other goals.

Growing up, Sarah's parents hired private tutors for her, and her younger sister Molly. She learned French, Spanish, Russian, German, and a variety of other languages. They were both required to take dance classes, and learn the piano. Social graces, as her mother described it. If they were to be ladies of high society, they should be smart and clever.

When Sarah attended Harvard and began modeling, that's when the trouble began. Her parents ordered her to quit, and forbade her from accepting her first major modeling contract. When she accepted against her parent's wishes, that's when they cut her off. She still kept in contact with Molly in secret.

Staring at the man before her, Sarah yearned to spend as much time with him as she could. She missed him when they slept at their own places. To cure herself of her longing, and take their relationship to the next level, Sarah planned to ask Chuck to move in with her on New Year's.

Sarah never considered herself a "mother hen," but it brought her joy to help Chuck. Most activities Chuck could do himself, but he still had problems putting shoes and socks on his bad leg, and had a small amount of difficulty dressing himself below the waist. The VA removed the leg brace bolted to his femur a few months before they met, but she could still see the pain it caused him from time to time trying to do normal activities. The physical therapy was paying off, but slowly.

Sarah glanced at Chuck, and smiled, whispering softly to herself. "I love you, Chuck Bartowski. I truly love you."

And Sarah did love Chuck. She was deeply in love with him, and decided in that moment, to begin working on building not just tomorrow, but the rest of their lives together.

Sarah wiped away a stray tear, and moved quickly across the room to retrieve her excited boyfriend. When she got close, Sarah wordlessly grabbed Chuck by his jacket, and crashed her lips into his. After a hot kiss, Sarah winked. "How's that for a...French kiss?"

Chuck forced air into his lungs, stunned from the hot kiss. "Wow."

Sarah turned, and winked at the attendant, who looked like she was about to faint.

As the couple entered the elevator, Sarah silently mused. This is the happiest I have been my entire life. Maybe one day…just maybe…I can change my name to Mrs. Bartowski.

Paris, The Next Day

Chuck and Sarah greeted the next day to a light snow falling on the iconic French capitol. The scenery was breathtaking. The couple ordered room service, and sat next to the large window in their suite, eating breakfast, and enjoying the scenic view.

"Talk to me, Chuck. What are you thinking?" Sarah asked, as she rested her face in her hands.

"I'm sitting in a beautiful room, looking at a beautiful city, in the company of a beautiful woman. I'm just trying to figure out what I did to deserve being this happy." Chuck said with conviction, as she stared lovingly into Sarah's blue orbs.

Sarah smiled happily. "Oh, Chuck. How is it you always make me feel like I'm floating on a happy cloud?"

Chuck took Sarah by the hand, and smiled. "Being with you is like being in heaven, Sarah. Thank you for this. I never imagined I would feel this…happy being here. And I am still pinching myself every day that I have the most beautiful and amazing woman I have ever met by my side."

Sarah lifted herself, and gently sat in Chuck's lap, making sure she wasn't hurting him. Chuck wrapped his arms around Sarah's waist, as she snuggled her head into Chuck's chest, sighing contently.

"Are you still up for the Eiffel Tower today? We can wait until the weather improves, if you like?" Sarah asked softly.

Chuck was already on his phone, checking the weather forecast. "Light snow all day, all night, all day tomorrow, and the day after that…let's go for it."

Chuck glanced out over the city landscape. "Looks peaceful."

Sarah sighed. "I could stay like this all day."

Chuck smiled, kissing Sarah on the top of her head. "Mmm. I agree."

Sarah smiled when Chuck took in Sarah's scent. "I switched shampoos. Do you like it?"

"Yep. Sarah, you could wash your hair in vinegar and still smell sweet to me." Chuck said, tickling Sarah quickly on her ribs.

Sarah squirmed, and laughed softly, before scrunching her nose. "I don't know about vinegar. That sounds kind of gross."

Sarah raised her eyes and met Chuck's smiling face. She traced his jaw with a finger, and cupped his face for a soft kiss. Sarah smiled, and gently turned her body, facing Chuck, resting her arms around his neck.

"You look happy." Sarah said, smiling at Chuck.

"I am happy. I have my degree now, so I can put Stanford behind me. And, I have the most beautiful woman in the world sitting in my lap at the moment, so yeah. Life is good." Said Chuck, placing a gentle kiss on Sarah's lips.

Sarah bit her bottom lip, and smiled mischievously as she untied the belt on her robe. Chuck cleared his throat nervously, as Sarah got up, and quickly closed the blinds. She turned, and let the robe drop to the floor, before taking Chuck by the hand, and leading him to the bed, left in only her satin camisole top, and lacy boy shorts.

Sarah sat Chuck on the bed, and scooted him to the center. She stripped herself from the waist down, and quickly did the same to Chuck. Sarah climbed in bed, and sat in Chuck's lap, scooting her legs behind him, so they were facing each other.

Sarah's breath grew ragged. Sarah latched on to Chuck's head, as he attacked her neck with soft kisses. Sarah arched her body, and let out a loud moan.

30 Minutes Later…

Chuck hugged Sarah close. "That was…wow."

Sarah smiled, as she hugged her boyfriend. "That was my favorite so far. I love being so close to you like that."

Sarah glanced at the bathroom as a mischievous thought entered her mind. "Let's take a shower."

Chuck nodded. "Yeah, you go first. We should probably get moving."

Sarah swatted Chuck playfully. "I meant together."

Chuck's eyes widened. "Really?"

Sarah nodded. "Mmmhmm."

Chuck glanced at his leg. "Sarah, I'm not sure if…"

Sarah didn't bother responding, she helped Chuck to his feet, and cupped his face. "Do you trust me?"

Chuck nodded. "Sure, but…"

Sarah silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Shhh. No buts. Just…trust me. Okay?"

Chuck smiled, and Sarah pulled him gently to the bathroom.

Minutes later, Chuck's voice echoed through the room. "Sarah, Sarah, what are you…uh…I didn't know you could do that…OOOOOOHHHHHHH!"

Eiffel Tower, Later that Day

Sarah ensured she and Chuck were properly bundled up for today's adventure to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The light snow and wind turned the city into a winter wonderland.

Sarah decided on a plaid wool skirt, with opaque tights and black suede over-the-knee boots to keep her legs warm. She also wore a black turtleneck sweater, and a black peacoat. She pulled her hair into a knit slouchy beanie.

Chuck wore a blue sweater with a polo shirt underneath, jeans, hiking shoes, and a navy blue lined trench coat from his time in the Navy. Chuck also wore a LA Dodgers ball cap to shield his head from the snow.

Once the couple reached the top of the Eiffel Tower, Chuck's eyes and mouth widened in shock. "Oh man! This is crazy, Sarah!"

Sarah, awestruck by the view, gasped. "It's gorgeous!"

Chuck pointed off to the side. "That's Notre Dame!"

Sarah, now infected by Chuck's enthusiasm, pointed in another direction. "Look at how beautiful the city is in the snow!"

Chuck smiled, his eyes fixated on the view. Sarah took a moment to stare at him, quickly removing her Iphone from her pocket. "Come on. Let's send Ellie a picture."

Sarah looped an arm around Chuck's neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. The two smiled bright for the picture. Sarah glanced at the picture, and put a hand to her mouth. "I'm making this my wallpaper."

Sarah set the picture as the wallpaper on her phone, and texted the picture to Ellie.

Sarah stared at Chuck through her eyelashes, grabbed him by the lapel of his trench coat, and crashed her lips into his. Sarah held her phone at arm's length, and snapped another photo.

Chuck heaved in laughter when Sarah started giggling against his lips. She broke the kiss, and held up the picture for Chuck to see.

"That's cute." Chuck grinned. "Hey, I want one on my phone."

Sarah held out her hand. "Okay."

Chuck handed Sarah his phone, and she kissed him again. She didn't realize she forgot to take the picture, when Chuck's tongue grazed over her lips. As the couple kissed softly for several moments, the world disappeared around them.

As Chuck slowly ended the kiss, the two stared longingly in each other's eyes, just as Sarah took the picture. Sarah blinked, then distractedly checked the phone. She cast her eyes at Chuck and put a hand to her mouth at the picture of the two of them staring in each other's eyes.

"We look so…happy." Sarah said, giggling in delight.

Chuck brushed Sarah's hair behind her ears. "Yes, we do."

Sarah spun herself around and grabbed Chuck's arm, pulling it around her stomach. She leaned into Chuck's shoulder, and Chuck rested his face on Sarah's shoulder. Sarah raised the phone, and took another picture.

After several more minutes, and several more photos, the couple rode the elevator to the bottom of the Eiffel Tower.

Sarah, unable to contain her giddiness, pulled Chuck toward the Seine River. Satisfied there weren't many people on the walkway, she turned around, grabbed Chuck behind the head, and kissed him. Several minutes passed, and after the kiss ended, Sarah felt eyes upon them. An elderly couple out for an afternoon walk, stood there smiling at them.

Chuck laughed softly, and pulled Sarah close, hiding the crimson rising in his cheeks. Sarah chuckled, resting her head on Chuck's shoulder.

The couple began clapping. "Bravo!"

Chuck bashfully waved at the couple, who proceeded on their way, but not before the woman gave them both a kiss on the cheek, and the man pat them both on the shoulder.

Chuck laughed. "Well, apparently we're a big hit around here."

Sarah giggled. "That was cute. I hope we're like that when we're old."

Chuck smiled, and gently brushed Sarah's cheeks with the back of his fingers. "Me too."

Sarah's eyes glistened, as she stared longingly in Chuck's eyes. Chuck, don't take too long. And if you were to ask me, it...it would be yes!

Sarah's hopeful thought was interrupted as her phone signaled a text. She glanced at the text, and giggled. It was Ellie.

I am so jealous! You two look ADORABLE! Give Chuck a big wet one for me! Love you guys!

Sarah showed Chuck the text, who chuckled heartily. Sarah cupped Chuck's face, and grinned.

"Well, the lady said give you a big wet one. Let's not disappoint her."

Sarah crashed her lips into Chuck's, and giggled when he lifted her by the waist. Sarah curled her legs, smiling against Chuck's lips.

Paris, New Year's Eve

Sarah was both excited, and a little sad. The couple would be flying back to Los Angeles the day after New Year's. However, Sarah would never forget the last several days in Paris, with the man who held Sarah's heart in his hand.

Chuck and Sarah decided to watch the fireworks instead of attending any parties. Sarah wasn't much for big parties these days.

The couple dressed, and ate dinner before finding a romantic spot to watch the fireworks. It was a cozy café not far from the Seine, and offered a perfect view of the night sky.

Around five minutes before midnight, Chuck and Sarah walked to the River, and huddled together to watch the display.

Sarah, still nervous for the question nagging away at her, decided the time had come.

"Chuck…I need to ask you something, if that's okay?"

"Sure. Ask away." Said Chuck, as Sarah moved to stand in front of him, taking his hands.

Sarah took a steady breath. "I've been thinking a lot about us…and how far we have come as a couple. We're perfect, and every day just keeps getting better and better."

Sarah paused, and glanced at her feet. Chuck lifted her chin gently, and placed a gentle kiss on Sarah's lips. "I feel the same way. It's okay, ask your question. You don't have to be nervous."

Sarah chuckled, and bounced on her heels. "It's just…I hate being away from you. I know that sounds kind of needy…but I need you with me. What we have is…amazing, and I want us to be together as much as possible."

Chuck blinked curiously. "What are you saying?"

Will you marry me? "Will you move in with me?" Sarah sighed, then schooled her expression to a bright smile.

Chuck smiled. "Okay. Let's move in together."

Sarah's eyes brightened. "Really?"

Chuck looked concerned. "Well, why wouldn't we? I mean, we practically live together now anyway. For the record…when I'm not lying next to you…I miss you."

Sarah smiled, and hopped up and down excitedly. "It's settled."

Bystanders began counting down the time, and Sarah took a breath, glancing quickly at her watch.

Chuck took a step forward, cupped Sarah's face, as the seconds counted down. Sarah stared in Chuck's eyes, and as the city greeted the New Year, the couple's lips met. Sarah felt her whole body go warm, as Chuck's lips softly caressed her lips. Sarah molded her body into his, and snaked her arms around his neck. The kiss lasted for well over a minute, as the fireworks boomed across the night sky. Finally coming up for air, the couple stared in each others eyes, smiling.

Chuck's eyes glanced at the fireworks. "We're missing the fireworks."

Sarah turned coy. "I saw plenty of fireworks from that kiss."

Chuck shook his head, and laughed, before turning serious. "You're right. That was pretty explosive."

Chuck brushed Sarah's hair behind her ears and studied her eyes. "Thank you, Sarah. Thank you for this trip, thank you for being you, and thank you for making me the happiest I have ever been in my life. I cherish you, and I will never take you for granted. I promise."

Chuck paused, his eyes welling with tears. "You have given me so much...peace of mind since we've been together. It's like every bad thing that's ever happened to me in my life doesn't matter anymore. You have helped me in so many ways...and Sarah...I...lo..."

Sarah's eyes shined expectantly as Chuck almost spoke the three words that meant so much to her. She turned her head when a loud explosion filled the air. Startled, she clung to Chuck. Chuck's eyes glanced at the sky, and smiled. "It's okay. One of the fireworks blew up prematurely."

Sarah sighed. That damn firework! "That was some explosion."

Chuck studied Sarah's eyes. "I'm sorry that scared you."

"Chuuuuck, stop apologizing for other people's screw-ups." Sarah said, her tone playful. She kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "Let's go back to the hotel."

Chuck winked. "I agree. Your nose feels like a Popsicle. As your boyfriend, I feel it is my duty to warm you up."

Sarah smiled, and pulled Chuck close. "And such a considerate boyfriend you are. Nice thinking, Chuck."

Chuck brushed Sarah's face gently with the back of his fingers. "You look beautiful when you're cold."

Sarah blushed, and stared at Chuck through her eyelashes. "Charmer."

Still lost in Sarah's eyes, Chuck mused. I love you, Sarah.

Sarah smiled, and took Chuck by the arm, leading him back to the hotel. Sarah glanced at Chuck, silently musing. I love you too, Chuck. You didn't have to say it. Your eyes said it.

A/N: I have never been to Paris, but there is a really cool website that offers a panoramic view from the Eiffel Tower. Just Google it, and check it out. Yes, I do research for stories!