Sorry it's been a little while since I updated. I still wasn't all that pleased with the chapter but I hope it passable. The song is "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes.
The restaurant had closed an hour before but to the guests that occupied the back patio overlooking the Eiffel Tower the night was still young. It was eleven o'clock and aside from Karen's parents who left back to the hotel; the remaining individuals intended to make the most of the experience. After dinner they had cake and then watched as the bride and groom shared their first dance.
Music was played over speakers that served as a dock for an iphone as Karen had asked her friends to make sure they downloaded their favorite songs to play throughout the evening. They were drinking, dancing and sharing great conversation. For many of the young members of Hit List and Bombshell, it was an opportunity they weren't sure they'd ever get again. Derek was sitting at a table with his friends and the creative team of both productions; while Karen was with her friends.
Setting her shot glass down on the table Ana asked, "so; when you decided to let Derek walk you home, did you ever think it would lead to this?"
Karen smiled at the memory "not at all but I did know he could be someone special. When we got to the apartment, he was so nervous asking me out."
"Derek, nervous?" Tom injected as he joined the group, sitting next to Kyle. "I would have paid to see that." He chuckled.
"He was and it made him completely endearing." Karen beamed. "Agreeing to a second date was the best decision of my life. I've never loved anyone as much as I do him." She declared with a deep blush gracing her face.
"Well being in love agrees with you because you look radiant," Sam complimented.
"And may we add your husband looks dashingly handsome," Karen's friends Amy and Marlena stated.
"The whole wedding was so romantic," Kyle said in whimsical voice. "I never thought I'd visit Paris, much less to watch two of my closest friends get married."
Derek had been listening to Eric exchange stories with the group when he heard a familiar song begin to play. He couldn't help the smile that crossed his face when he remembered the night it was first heard. He and Karen were at her parent's house hosting a group of her friends. The men including Derek, had barbequed; a concept that prior to that day had been somewhat foreign to the director and were enjoying drinks when Karen heard this song. She commented how much she loved it and turned to her fiancé for a dance. Under an Iowan night sky, Derek learned how to two step.
He got up from his seat and after excusing himself walked over to his wife. "May I have this dance mam?" He asked his bride.
Laughing at his attempt at a country accent, Karen responded in kind "of course cowboy," she giggled. She took his extended hand and both made their way to the small dance floor. "You remembered?" She grinned as she relaxed into his embrace.
"I remember everything time I fall more in love with you, Mrs. Wills." He replied with a smug smirk. "How to two step, is a different matter all together though," he chuckled as he struggled to keep count.
"Who knew two simple steps could trip up choreographer extraordinaire, Derek Wills," she teased, sneaking her hands around his neck. "Just don't think about the steps, listen to the music. The words to this song are what I love." She offered leaning closer to her husband. Suddenly she heard the soft husky whisper of his voice.
You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
Makes sense when I'm with you
The words in his thick British accent against her ear sent shivers down her spine. "I can appreciate the words, Love. They describe how I feel about you." He informed as the music continued to play. "Especially the next verse," he sang in her ear.
'Cause I wanna wrap you up Wanna hold your hand forever
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted…
As the song came to an end Karen pulled her husband in for a slow lingering kiss. "Let's get out of here, I want my husband."
Derek smiled, his eyes a darker shade of green, "lead the way, Love." He held out his hand and allowed her to lead him back to the table she was sitting at.
"You guys really are sickening," Ana mocked. "You're already married; you don't have to keep giving each other eyes." Everyone laughed at the red-head's remarks.
"Well we won't subject you any longer because I have asked my husband to take me to bed," her best friend informed; much to the dismay of the men at the table. Derek merely gave a smug grin and held her even tighter. Each exchanged kisses and hugs with the young group and a promise to meet up the day. The newlyweds then did the same with the guests at the table Derek had been at.
Once all goodbyes were said they made their way to the waiting limo. Derek got into the car first followed by his wife. Making herself comfortable on his lap she spoke "you're stuck with me now Mr. Wills; there's no turning back." She finished laying her head on chest.
With his arms around her waist he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Mrs. Wills. One day I will get to brag to our children how mommy found daddy to be simply irresistible she couldn't wait to get back to America to marry him." He gave a goofy smug grin.
She laughed at his cockiness but inside she felt of rush of joy at the thought that Derek wanted a family as much as she did. The car pulled up to the hotel and once out of the car, the director lifted his bride in arms and carried her inside.
"Derek!" Karen squealed. "You aren't suppose to carry me yet, if anything its over the threshold of our room." Other guests smiled at the love reflected in the couple. It was everything Paris embraced. Her husband paid no attention to her feeble protest and continued to their room. When they reached the door he ordered Karen to reach in his pocket for the key. For once the young woman did as instructed and as soon as the door swung open Derek walked through.
"Welcome, to our temporary home Mrs. Wills." He said against her lips as he continued to their room where he laid her gently on the bed. Crawling into the bed next to her they laid in each other's arms for a few minutes enjoying being alone to reflect on the events of the day.
Karen was the first to speak, "I love you Derek Wills. Today you have made me the happiest woman." She leaned to capture his lips. When they pulled away for air Derek responded.
"I should be thanking you Love. I never imagined someone loving me enough to do what you did today. I am utterly and completely in love with you Mrs. Wills."
The rest of the night was spent re-exploring their love as husband and wife. For the night, they weren't concerned with Broadway lights, only the thought of a future as a family.