“What is that?”
“One of my favorite desserts. It was named for a bicycle race between those two cities.”
She smiled. “Now I understand.”
“It’s a wheel-shaped pastry, made with a praline-flavored filling.”
“Umm. That sounds delicious. When I cook for you, I’m afraid I won’t be making anything so exotic.”
“You like to cook?”
“I love it when I have the time. I’ll fix you some American dishes I know you’ll like.”
“Abby—” Emotion made his throat swell. Instead of talking, he kissed the palm of her hands before letting it go.
“I’m so excited to become your wife, Raoul. Everything that other wives have been doing since time immemorial, I’ll be able to do for you. For the next three days I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”
“Don’t plan on getting any after we’re married.”
She answered back with fire in those gorgeous green eyes. “I was going to tell you the same thing.”
“Chérie—I know you don’t want me spending money on you, but since your family isn’t here, will you at least let me buy you a dress to wear on Thursday?”
“Yes.” Her answer surprised and pleased him. “I’ve seen a few bridal shops while we’ve been going in and out of buildings. Will you have time tomorrow to drive me there?”
“What do you think. Speaking of driving, we need to talk about a car for you.”
“I left my old Honda at home in my parents’ garage.” Abby finished the last of her pastry. “When we get back to my apartment, I’ll call my folks when we can talk to dad. I’ll add that they can keep the car. They’ll want to talk to you.”
“I’m looking forward to telling them that they’ve raised the loveliest woman on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I need to take you home where we can be alone. When are you going to tell your friends about us?”
She gave him an impish smile. “After the deed is done.”
Raoul burst into laughter, loving this woman beyond anything he thought possible. On the way home he clung to her hand. It was still hard to believe she’d agreed to spend the rest of her life with him. That’s what he told her parents when they called them later that night on her phone.
To Raoul’s surprise her father was friendly and made him laugh. “I’ve never been able to afford the Decorvet Pinot Noir. It’s too high-end for anyone I know. My daughter has come a long way,” he teased, emphasizing the long.
Raoul said, “I’ll send you a case.”
“If you’re trying to win my approval, that’s the way to do it. But seriously, our daughter has never sounded happier in her life.”
“You have our blessing.” This from her mother.
“Thank you. Later on, we’d like to have a church wedding where you and your family can come,” Raoul interjected. “It will be my pleasure to fly you over and back.”
“We’ll look forward to that. Be sure to send pictures as soon as you’re married in Dijon.”
“It’ll be the first thing we do, Mom,” Abby spoke up. “Give my love to everyone.”
When they hung up, he wrapped her in his arms. “They’re incredibly nice for two parents who couldn’t possibly think this will work. The first thing I’m going to do tomorrow is send a shipment of wine to them.”
“They’ll love it. I love it. They’re already so impressed with you, and I’m so madly in love with you it’s pathetic, even if your phone is ringing.”
Raoul pulled it out of his pocket. “It’s my father.”