In Paris At Last
Late that Tuesday night, Sam and Josie arrive at the Hôtel Residence Henri IV, in the heart of the city of lights. Sam walks up to the front desk and in perfect French says,
"Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Colson, we have the 2 person apartment."
"Oh yes!! The newly weds. Welcome to Paris! Let me show you the way!" The older French women answered in her thick accent.
They walked up the marble staircase, of the 19th century home. The deep red coloured tapestries hung over them and Josie couldn't help but smile to the thought that she was actually here in the city she always dreamed of seeing, and to top it off she was with a man she never thought would want to be with her.
Josie held Sam's hand as they reached the room that would be their home for 2 weeks. The old women opened the door and stepped aside and let the young couple in. The room was amazing. The marble fireplace across from the king size four-poster bed. The ceiling was covered with painted frescos. Off to the right was a small kitchenette, with a French-press, toaster, bar fridge and stove.
"Is it to you're liking?" The kind old owner asked.
"C'est Parfect!!!" Josie sighed, with her American accent.
"Well if you have any questions just come and ask me, or Pierre! We are at your service." With that said, she turned to Sam and said in French so Josie wouldn't know, "The Surprise is in the living room!"
"Merci" Sam replied slyly.
And the Old woman was gone.
Sam took Josie in his arms, kissed her lightly.
"Are you happy my love?"
" More then I ever thought possible!!" they kiss again.
"What was all that hush hush about Sam?"
Sam new the time had come for his surprise he had called about days ago to set up.
"Well if you go into the living area, you'll see!" he said with his boy-scout grin!!
A smile of pure joy crossed Josie's small face. She walked as slowly as she could muster to the next room. There on a mahogany coffee sat two-dozen fire and ice roses with a beautiful note written in Sam's had. It read....
"When in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep MY outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my FATE,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured LIKE him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's ART, and that man's scope,
With what I MOST ENJOY contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on THEE, and then my state,
LIKE to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings HYMES at heaven's gate;
For thy SWEET LOVE rememb'red such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change MY STATE with Kings."
Sonnet XIX
"Oh Sam....." Josie could hardly speak, for the emotions moving through her. A single tear ran down her face. Sam rushed to her and wrapped his arms around her small frame, kissing the top of her head.
"Josie I love you so. Please don't cry!"
"I'm crying for love and joy, Sam. I love you completely."
They share a tender moment with each other and decided the time had come to climb into the striking bed and sleep. They now had tomorrow to look forward to.