Chapter XII: Parisian Revelations
Author's Note: I have a soft spot for this chapter. It's shorter than previous entries, but there's a satisfying feel to it. I would love to know what you think. Happy reading!
"Oliver, it's truly remarkable how you've outdone yourself at every turn."
Oliver had surprised Shane yet again. This time around it was a private yacht tour on the Seine! They drank a crisp Pinot Grigio as they took in the sights of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and the Ile de la Cité. Paris at sunset was a spectacle.
"What has been your favorite place so far, my love?"
"That's easy. Everywhere and anywhere, as long as I'm with you," was Shane's answer. It was simple, to the point and her words gave Oliver a rush of satisfaction.
"You're going to make me blush, my dear wife."
Shane chuckled. "I highly doubt it…especially after all our…amorous events… I think we're beyond blushing now!"
"I hope I can always make you blush, my love." Oliver said, huskily. He was holding her hand, stroking her knuckles with his thumb. The soft circles he was tracing had her skin prickling. Both shared a commiserating smile, as it was obvious their passion for each other wasn't dying down any time soon.
"For some reason Oliver, I believe you're going to give it your best efforts to keep me blushing forever."
"But only when we're alone, my love."
The smile he bestowed upon her was knowing, loving, mischievous, tender and caring all at the same time. She loved that smile and she loved him. Impulsively, Shane grabbed Oliver by the lapels of his suit jacket and gave him a quick hard kiss on the lips. "I, for one, Mr. O'Toole, hope I can keep surprising you at every turn. I need to keep you on your toes, you know?"
Smirking, Oliver replied, "I'm sure you'll approach that task with all the bravado in the world, my dearest Shane."
She took a sip of the wine and chose a piece of creamy brie from the cheese and fruit selection the crew had provided. She pondered Oliver's initial question, reviewing in her head all the places they had visited. After a bit of woolgathering, she answered. "There have been many moments I will treasure, but our dance date in New York and the Eiffel Tower at night were truly memorable."
Smiling, both fell into a peaceful contemplative silence. Oliver turned to face Shane and softly touched her cheek with the palm of his hand. "Shane McInerney O'Toole, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You bless me every day, my love, and I will treasure these days with you forever. I'm just happy it isn't over yet." His blue eyes twinkled mischievously.
Shane wrapped her arms around Oliver's waist and her head on his shoulder, absorbing the magic that was Paris at sunset. She sighed, feeling so happy and at peace. Her thoughts drifted to a replay of the pivotal conversation that had taken place the previous night.
"Oliver, I am so glad you brought us here. I have been loving every moment of our honeymoon, but there's something about this place… I can't quite put it into words."
It was evening and they were taking in the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower as seen from the Champ du Mars. The park had a long stretch of grassy field. They were laying on a blanket, sipping a rich Bordeaux and taking in their surroundings.
"I think I'd have to agree," Oliver said. Shane could tell he was deep in contemplation.
"I know what you're thinking, Oliver. Tell me what's on your heart."
"I don't want to ruin the moment." He replied quietly.
"When you speak from the heart and a loving place, you can't ruin the moment. You can share anything with me."
As if gathering his strength, Oliver took a deep breath. He spoke softly, looking at her lovingly. "I don't have any regrets, Shane. I said as much when we were on our way from London on the train. I meant everything I said. I wasn't going to rule out visiting such a spectacular place just because my ex-wife decided to move here. I have no misgivings and our time here has certainly been magical." Oliver took Shane's hand and pressed an ardent kiss on her knuckles. It always took her breath away.
"I feel like there's a 'but' somewhere, Oliver." Shane replied, along with one of her sweet smiles.
"It's not a 'but'. I think it's an understanding of sorts. I finally understand why she moved to Paris, but I don't know if I can explain it properly." Oliver paused, took a breath and continued. He thought he wouldn't be able to find the words, but as he spoke from his heart, the words ultimately came out as they bubbled to the surface. " I do know I can be here and fully enjoy Paris with you, but I know where our life ultimately is and where I want it to be. It's the perfect place for those in pursuit of love or even the whimsical. The French call it the 'je ne sais quoi'. And I believe it was that 'I-don't-know-what' she was seeking that led her here, the perfect place to look for it. I could never wish her any ill will. I just hope she's found her happiness as I've found mine with you."
Shane listened to Oliver's words, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't control them. She knew Oliver was finally at peace with that chapter in his life. She knew he had been healed for quite a while now, but at this very moment, she could truly feel his peace. And that was something that could only come from a place of forgiveness.
She threw her arms around her husband and hugged him with all her strength. "I treasure your kindness, your tenderness and I cherish your love. You make me so happy. Do you know what's been your biggest gift to me during these days?"
"The shoes?" he asked, jokingly.
"Those are amazing. But no."
"Do tell, my love."
"Knowing you're at peace." Shane said, her eyes misting over, her lips trembling slightly but still forming the curve of a small smile.
The joking grin he had on his face dissolved into a softer smile. The mischievous glint in his eyes softened into a tender gaze, as a slight trickle of a tear threatened to form in the corner of his eye.
"Shane," Oliver said, his voice slightly breaking, "I know I've said at times I didn't feel like I deserved you or this big love we have between us. I don't want to fall into a prideful trap by saying I deserve anything. But what I can proudly say is the following… our love is a beautiful gift and you are my precious gift. I accept you, I treasure you and I'll take care of you. Always. When someone as wonderful as you says she will love me forever, I have to trust God and accept and cherish that blessing until the day He decides to take me from this earth."
"Oliver I never knew that I could love this much, feel this much. The strength our love gives me lets me know we can face anything together." Her tears flowed freely, as she was overcome with emotion. His words, their surroundings, the awareness of her heart beating so strongly, made her feel such gratitude.
Oliver took her face in his hands and kissed away the tears from her face. With each kiss he said, "I love you. You are my gift from God. I will always protect you. I will always cherish you." His lips finally found hers. They both shivered as they tasted each other's tears mingling together. Oliver parted Shane's lips with his and the tenor of the kiss changed in an instant. Sighing, both fell back onto the blanket. They didn't break contact, as they continued to pour all the love they had for each other into the most beautiful kisses they could ever have. They were kisses that could only happen by the Eiffel Tower in the City of Love.
It was not unusual for couples to forget themselves for a bit in surroundings such as this one. Tourists and locals alike had witnessed couples like Shane and Oliver before and it brought smiles to their faces. One particular passerby stopped and could not tear her eyes away from the beautiful picture the two of them made.
About 100 meters away from the spot Shane and Oliver occupied on the Champ du Mars, a redhead continued to stand and watch. She noticed everything. The deep conversation, the tender looks, the sparks that flew when they kissed, and how obviously enthralled they were with each other. It had never been like that with her. She smiled regretfully, finally realizing what she'd had in her hands and let go. Her foolish dreams, along with her immature and selfish behavior, had paved the way for that amazing man's happily ever after. She was glad he was happy and so in love with someone who so obviously truly loved him. "Godspeed, Oliver. You are one of the good ones. She's one lucky lady." the redhead said quietly, her words fading into the breeze of one gorgeous night of springtime in Paris.