AN: A very short chapter again, I know, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. One more chapter left. You are all the wind beneath my wings! Especially when you review!

Chapter 49. Contentment

Slow songs began.

I held my breath when, during dinner, I saw the maids and hired hands for the day begin lighting up candles at a rapid pace. Now, being helped to my feet by Christian, I felt as if stuck in some magical place to find the garden that we sat in to be filled with a slight illumination.

Every bush, tree, and plant was filled with small candles, all lighted up to cast a hazy light across the garden, as if stuck in this permanent, enchanting light. A slow, sultry melody was being played as Christian twirled me around, ready to dance the rest of the evening away. Resting my head against his chest, I smiled at hearing his beating heart. How much more perfect could the day get?

My eyes diverted to Cecille and Gregory. Though engaged, they were in no exact rush to get married. Cecille, her unreserved personality shining through, had her and Gregory prancing about as her laughter became almost as loud as the music that filled the air. Never had I seen her so completely happy as she did now, knowing that Gregory finally loved her.

It was surprising how time brought us all together. Though many people that danced around us were complete strangers, it seemed as if Christian and I were dancing alone alongside Cecille and Gregory. In the span of time we have spent together, we have already undergone more than most people will ever experience in a lifetime, and all because my mother had decided to send me to the Moulin Rouge until my eighteenth birthday. Although I did not want to fully admit it back then, it is because of my mother that I now have what is present in my life today.

"What are you thinking about?" Christian asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful song that had enchanted all of the dancing couples around us. "Anything… improper?"

"I was thinking of my mother," I answered. "All that I have is because of her. I just wonder if my mother realized what her actions might produce by her sending me to live with Ziddler."

"Don't trouble yourself, mon amour." Christian kissed my forehead. "Whatever reasons your mother had for sending you to the Moulin Rouge, I am sure she will be happy to find you so much in rapture."

"Only because I met you."

"And I you."

"Don't ever let me go," I told him, closing my eyes to the steady beat of his heart.

"I never intend to."

Hearing his reassuring words, I sighed in contentment.

"Look at that," Cecille laughed, seeing her best friend almost falling asleep in Christian's arms. "She sure is something, isn't she?"

"She has certainly changed so much since I first met her." Gregory admitted.

"She is coming out of her shell," Cecille grinned. "And I think today is truly the first time she has done it."

"She's never looked happier."

"Neither have you," Cecille teased, a hand fumbling with his tie again.

"That is because I have you in my arms," Gregory responded, helding her discard his tie.

"You know exactly what to say to make my day." Cecille kissed him. "I love you."

"And I love you," Gregory smiled, picking up Cecille in his arms.

"You swept me off my feet, sir!" Cecille exclaimed, giggling. "How romantic. Especially because every single person is now staring at us."

"We are from France," Gregory shrugged. "That should be explanation enough."

"As Isabel says," Cecille waved to the crowd's stares as Gregory and her kissed, which had everyone stop dancing to behold the couple that did not want to waste a moment of their time together. "Being French and in love is reason enough for us to show the world how much we love one another."

"Perhaps we need to find a more private facility?" Gregory suggested, putting Cecille on the ground and holding her hand. "Before we end up doing something that we will not be able to excuse."

"I accept your invitation, monsieur…" Cecille grinned wickedly as they ran off to their room.