“Absolutely.”
“What’s he going to say when he grows older and finds out I was your cleaning lady?”
“By that time he’ll discover his brilliant mother is a Renaissance woman who’s part of the vital financial team at Gaillard’s.”
“Now I know I’m dreaming. Oh, Raoul—” Cami’s throat swelled. “I want so much to be the perfect wife and mother.”
“My mother already likes you.”
“Mine adores you. She’s not going to believe it when I tell her where we’re going to be married.”
“Maman is sorry she wasn’t kinder to you that day and is looking forward to getting to know you.”
“Thank you for telling me that. I want so much to be the perfect mother and wife. But I know your father won’t be happy.”
“Not at first, but hopefully in time he’ll come around. Just remember that part of life is getting hurt and we’ll deal with it if and when it happens.”
He reached out and drew her into his arms. “You and I have both found that out in the past. But instead of dwelling on the dark side of everything, why don’t you start chasing after the sunshine? I think my fortune cookie was meant for you,” he whispered against her lips.
“Raoul.”
“Mon amour. It’s been too long. Kiss me so I can believe you’re back in my arms, alive and well.” He ran his fingers through her shoulder-length hair. “You don’t know long I’ve wanted to do this. You’re so breathtaking I’m never going to be the same again.”
Raoul clasped her gently, but her shopping bag and purse fell to the floor. “I can’t believe it’s you. You’re the most beautiful sight this man has ever seen,” he cried before covering her mouth with his own. In a heartbeat they were devouring each other.
When he couldn’t get close enough, he removed her coat, then carried her back to the love seat and caught her against him. They clung, trying to show each other how they felt. “I love you so desperately, Cami.”
She kissed every inch of his face. “I wanted to come the day I woke up in recovery, but had to wait a few days.”
“If you only knew what I’ve been through since you said goodbye to me.”
“I’m so sorry, darling.” Tears poured down her flushed cheeks. “You know I didn’t mean it. In the beginning I was just so afraid I couldn’t be the wife you wanted, or the mother Alain needs. I was afraid to let things go further, but somehow they did.”
Raoul groaned. “You think I don’t know that?” He started kissing her again until neither of them could stop. “Are you ready to marry me now?”
“You know I am or I wouldn’t be here. The doctor told me I could get back to real normal in another two weeks.”
“Then that settles it. Stay right there. I’ve got something for you.” He kissed her long and hard before hurrying over to his desk. After reaching for something inside the top drawer, he rushed back to her and got down on one knee.
“Camille Delon, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Oh, Raoul, yes!” she cried. More tears ran from her eyes. He caught hold of her left hand and pushed a gold ring with a large violet-blue stone onto her ring finger.
“You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.” He pulled her down gently and they ended up entwined on the floor. “I love you, I love you.”
“Darling—”
The world reeled away as they got lost in each other’s arms. So deep was their rapture, Raoul didn’t realize there was a knock on the door.
“What is it, Delphine?”
“Your son wants to say good night.”
“Come in.”
She opened the door. Alain stood there clinging to her hand. Raoul didn’t know which of the four of them was the most surprised.
“Cam!” It took his son a few seconds to recognize her with flowing hair.