A groan escaped Cami’s lips. “How impossible and heartbreaking for both of you.”
“I’m still suffering from guilt over hurting her the way I did.”
Cami’s heart was pained for him. “You should let it go. Alain’s grandmother seems to love you very much.”
“I’m still in awe over her kindness to me.”
“She has to be thrilled you’re her grandson’s father.”
“I’m thrilled too. One look at him and I saw Antoinette in his features. It was like getting part of her back. The joy of knowing I had a son brought me alive again and I determined to be the best father possible.”
“I can tell you already are,” she said softly.
“Time will tell. Dominic married Nathalie and we both bought villas near each other. My life took on new meaning to plan a future around my son. Getting the villa ready, finding housecleaners so I could furnish everything meant the world to me. Now you’ve come into my life, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
She felt the same way, but couldn’t say it back. Not now. He didn’t need to hear about the state of her health. In a few more days she’d be away from his world, dealing with the crisis she’d been dreading.
He wouldn’t be there with her...
By now the waiter brought a bag with the food, which Raoul took. It was time to go. Cami got up and the two of them walked outside to his car. He put the bag of food in back before helping her. Again she felt his hand on her elbow. Before they got in his car, he pulled her against him and lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her possessively.
Cami moaned, relishing the taste and feel of him. She couldn’t get close enough. Every touch of his hands and lips electrified her. The sensual tension between them was so strong, she knew he felt the same way.
“I was dying to kiss you like this the whole time we were inside,” he admitted, then let her go because people were arriving, but there was a marked change in their relationship because she was totally in love with him.
They drove into town and looked at the illuminated buildings. At one point, he parked the car. “Shall we have our dessert now?” Raoul lifted the lid on the viol
ets and put the box in front of her. “Are you ready to enjoy the favorite treat of royalty that kept the dentists of the time busy?”
Cami broke into laughter. She couldn’t help it. “Have you ever tried one?”
“No. This will be my first time too.”
He reached for one and put it in his mouth.
She followed suit and sucked on it before chewing it. “Um. It tastes like a violet smells.”
“Agreed. I think I prefer chocolate.” His grin delighted her.
“I can’t wait to show these to Maman. I have to admit I’m curious to see if she’ll try eating one. It’s so odd to think of eating flowers.”
“Many violets are edible and can be sautéed or steamed. Some cooks stir them into soups as a thickener.”
“I had no idea.” His knowledge astounded her.
“Do you know our company makes a yellow-green liqueur called Fontesquieu Chartreuse? The secret ingredient includes carnation petals among the other herbs and plants distilled.”
“You’re kidding—”
“Not at all. Jerome originated the recipe. It’s in one of the journals and I have to get them back. One day I’ll take you to the winery again and you can test it out for yourself.”
“That would really be something. Imagine drinking carnations and eating violet soup. I feel like I’ve entered a world full of magic.”
“It was Olivarri who said, ‘Wine is the only artwork you can drink.’”
More laughter escaped as she studied him. “It’s so much fun spending time with you, I’ve lost all sense of my surroundings.”
“You’re not the only one,” he whispered and kissed her. They both tasted of violets. This evening had been heavenly, but there wouldn’t be many more of them. Though she was dying inside of love for him and wanted to pour out her love, she couldn’t do it. Until the operation was over, he was better off not knowing anything.