Hey, guys, it's Hazel. We're about to head out to the airport for our trip to Paris. What I hadn't anticipated is that the girls aren't too happy, and all three are clinging onto my legs, all telling us not to go. I bend down and scoop them all up as best as I can manage and say, "Hey, it's okay. We'll be back in 7 sleeps and while we're gone, you can play and have lots of fun with Auntie Kait and Uncle Isaac."
Really, I shouldn't be surprised. This is, after all, the first time they'll be separated from us, and it isn't long. When you're little, though, a few days can feel like an eternity, and I'm not exactly sure how to comfort them. Augustus has my answer. He takes Ramsey off my leg and tells her not to worry, that we will come home soon and that we'll call every night around bedtime to say good night and tell them a story. I nod and tell Abby and Zoey the same, then smile and say, "We'll bring you back a present from Paris."
This turns the tears to giggles instantly, and I laugh. So does Augustus, and Kaitlyn comes over and says, "Promise them anything and you'll get out the door. " She giggles and gives me a huge hug "Darling, I know you'll have a fabulous time in Paris. Try not to worry too much. Isaac and I will look after your ladybugs for you."
I smile. "I know you will."
Isaac comes up and hugs me, too, then claps Augustus on the shoulder. "Go have a good time, and don't obsess too much," he says to us, chuckling. "I know you might be nervous, but it'll be fine. It's just a week, and me and Kait will take good care of them."
Augustus smiles and claps him back. "I know you will. We trust you."
We give them one last kiss and hug and promise to call soon.
When we get to the airport, Augustus hands me a small bag and says, "For dinner in Paris, Hazel Grace."
I smile and take the bag. Inside is a pretty yellow dress with a sunhat to match with a white belt. I grin and say, "Thank you, Augustus. I love it."
He hugs me and tells me he thinks it will look very pretty on me.
After the flight, we unpack, and I change into the dress.
His eyes twinkle when he sees me in the dress.
"You look ravishing, Hazel Grace," he says, making reference to our first date.
"I know, right?" I reply, giggling. "Thank you, though. Where will we go for dinner?"
"We're having dinner at the top of the famous Eiffel Tower, Hazel Grace."
"Of course." I smile as I realize some things will never change.
Half an hour later, we're sitting at the tip top, and there's a table tucked in. I don't know how they've done it, but there's a candlelit dinner waiting with champagne on the side and in the middle is a blue velvet box. I look down at it, curious,
Augustus flicks his eyebrows at me as if to say "Open it."
I do after we've eaten, and inside is a pretty blue ring. I tear up and tell him, "Augustus, it's beautiful. Thank you."
He kisses me and says, "Hazel Grace, will you marry me all over again?"
"Yes, of course." I kiss him back. "Okay?"
He raises his champagne glass and I raise mine. We clink, and he replies, "Okay." We sip, and after we put them down, he takes my hands and says, "I love you, Hazel Grace."
"And I you, Augustus."
