Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  The family members each have one gift, and everyone opens at the same time. We would be here until next week if we took turns. Sam and I bought Scarlett items for school, a gift card for the campus bookstore for her textbooks, as well as some clothes for the new semester. My gifts from each family member seem to have a theme. Billie and Peter gave me a winter coat with matching hat and gloves. Noelle and Cash gave me boots. I have winter clothes. Maybe they don’t think I have enough to live in Maine instead of New York. There are two more gifts for me, but only one for everyone else.

  Opening the box from Sam, I see the distinct logo of LaPerla. “Sam, I am not opening this with all these people around.”

  “Why not?” His tone is serious.

  I open my mouth to respond and everyone starts laughing.

  “Is this some first-holiday hazing?”

  “Maybe a little.” Billie smirks, taking the box from me and setting it atop the pile of everything else.

  The next gift is big. I have no clue what it is. Everyone is waiting with bated breath for me to open it. When I open it, I find a new set of luggage. Confused doesn’t begin to cover how I feel right now.

  “Sam?”

  “Open it, cara.”

  Unzipping the luggage, I find a book about impressionist artists with a bookmark. Tears start to fall down my cheeks as I realize what this means.

  “Sam. This is….” As I start to speak, I realize that his entire family is looking on.

  “It’s not. I’m taking you to see L’Etoile in person, along with most of the other works on your list tomorrow.”

  Scarlett shifts closer to me and whispers, “You deserve this trip and so much more, Savi.”

  Clearly she was in on this little secret with Sam and his siblings. I reach my hand out to Sam and lead him to the back porch.

  “Cara, why are you upset?”

  “I’m not upset. I’m shocked. I shouldn’t be, and you told me to prepare myself, but… nothing that I thought up would come close to this gift. Being in the same room as any of those works of art was never something I thought would ever happen for me. Thank you for making one of my childhood dreams come true.”

  “I’ll do anything for you. I love you, cara mia.”

  “I love you.”

  Following Sam, we rejoin the family and talk about our upcoming trip to Paris in less than a day. Shortly after, William, Kelsey, and their son join us. Cash and Scarlett are bickering about the football game again. She’s holding her own, and I think Cash is surprised.

  Auggie, Kelsey, and I set the table with plates and silverware for dessert. Hours later, after lively conversations, we head home to pack for our trip.

  Chapter 52

  Samson

  Savannah’s reaction to my gift was not what I expected. I tried to prepare her, but I truly stunned her, not only with my gift but the thought behind it. Billie and Peter agreed to stay at our new home and care for Emme while I take Savannah to Paris. So far our flight has been calm. Savannah is sound asleep next to me. Hours later and little sleep for me, we land and ride to our hotel.

  I chose a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d'Orsay because that’s where most of the paintings she wants to see are housed. Savannah hasn’t said much since we entered the opulent lobby.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Morgan. Miss Clemons. Your suite is ready. Jean will take your luggage for you,” the desk clerk states, handing me our room keys.

  Like at my penthouse, Savannah’s gaze is out the window as soon as we enter our suite. It makes me wonder if she’ll miss the city.

  “What shall we do first?” I slide my hands over the curve of her hips, setting my chin on her shoulder.

  “I wouldn’t even know where to start. You have been here before, what do you suggest?”

  “I don’t want to rush you at any of the larger museums. Let’s start with some of the exhibits in the smaller ones.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Savannah, please tell me.”

  “I’m still in shock that I’m standing here right now. I’m also trying to take it all in.”

  “Let’s go explore and see other things. This view will be more spectacular tonight.”

  After grabbing our coats, we pass through the lobby and stroll down the street toward the Arc De Triomphe. We take the obligatory photos and continue to the Luxembourg Gardens. Despite the cold temperatures, the garden is still beautiful, and the Medici Fountain is a marvel. The longer we’re here, the livelier Savannah becomes. I’m confident she isn’t angry with me. She simply never fathomed fulfilling this dream. She may not realize it yet, but I want to know the rest so I can make those come true too. We wind down our first day with the Atelier des Lumiéres display before a delicious dinner overlooking the Seine.

  After a full night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set our agenda for today. As much as I want to rush to the Musée d'Orsay so she can see the paintings of her childhood dreams, I want her to experience as much of Paris as possible. As we arrive at today’s first stop, sheer joy and surprise cross my beautiful girlfriend’s face. Today we’re learning to make macarons. Thankfully, our instructor was available to assist me. What enthralls Savannah literally confused me to no end. Luckily, my woman is willing to share her decadent creations with me. Next we stroll through the market and along the streets, stopping along the way to eat crêpes. We wrap up our day at the Eiffel Tower with a ride to the summit to see the City of Lights in all its shimmering glory.

  Staring out at the gorgeous city, I draw Savannah into me, her body molds against mine. Her signature scent surrounds me.

  “What are you thinking, cara mia?” My voice so low only she can hear me.

  “This is beyond words. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Tomorrow will beat today, I promise.”

  “We’re going tomorrow.” Sheer giddiness materializes in her eyes. I’ve never met anyone like her, so unassuming and grateful for even the smallest gesture of love and kindness. Little does she know that she gave me the most significant one ever possible by accepting my daughter.

  “Yes. We have the entire day for you to explore the museum. We can spend as many of the remaining days of our trip there if you wish.”

  “We should hurry to sleep then.” A small, sly smile graces her face. Sleep is the last thing on her mind right now.

  “As you wish.” I press my lips to her temple before offering her my arm.

  Looping her arm in mine, we hurry back to our room and dance to the huge bed overlooking the city.

  When I wake the next morning, Savannah’s side of the bed is already cool. Turning over, I find her sitting with coffee in hand by the French doors in our room. Her feet are tucked under her, her wet hair falling down her back in my favorite silky robe.

  “I can feel you staring at me, Samson.”

  Rising to my feet, I move behind her without of word. “You’re beautiful, of course I’m staring.” I plan to do it for the rest of my life. Even her reflection shows her cheeks pinking up from my compliment. “Do you want to order breakfast or eat downstairs?”

  She turns to face me. Without question, her cheeks are redder than usual. “Let’s eat downstairs. If we eat here, we’ll never get to the museum.”

  Can’t say she’s wrong. Before showering, I steal a sip of her coffee. Unfortunately, when I finish in the bathroom, Savannah is dressed and ready to go. Either she’s hungry or excited.

  “A tad excited, cara?”

  “No, I’m over the moon excited.” She steps into my open arms and kisses me fervently.

  “I’ll be ready as fast as I can.”

  Instead of walking, we take a cab to the museum. Savannah is literally the second patron through the front door, her fingers intertwined with mine.

  “Where do you want to start?” I wonder if she will go straight for her mother’s favorite or save it for last.

  “I want to save L’Etoile for last.”

  “Lead the way.” I
didn’t get into insuring priceless pieces of art for any reason other than I preferred it over ordinary insurance. It’s simply more interesting. Savannah has a deep-rooted love for impressionist artwork started by her mother but fostered by her professor. Watching her face light up as she wanders through these galleries is extraordinary.

  As she approaches the Degas, her steps slow. The sheer awe in her eyes is more than I’ve ever seen before. Her hand reaches for mine as she stands before the priceless masterpiece. Sliding my fingers between hers, I stand beside her, marveling at her more than the painting.

  “Sam, it’s breathtaking.”

  “It is.”

  We stand before the painting she’s dreamed about seeing from an early age. I’m confident she could recreate from memory. “What are you thinking right now, sweetheart?”

  “I feel oddly calm and I wish my mom was here.”

  I inhale sharply and turn her gaze to me. “Savannah, most people think my life has been as smooth as a freshly paved road. They would be wrong. While my family’s wealth made some things much easier, others were harder. I have been taken with you since the moment you stepped into my office. Since then I have learned so much more, and that impression pales to what I see now. You willingly accept me and every single fault I possess. You stand beside me every single day and help me raise Emerson—an honor I’m not sure I deserve.” I lower down onto my knee and pull a ring out of my pocket.

  Her hands cover her mouth, and a single tear slides down her cheek. A small crowd has stopped to watch us. There are hushed whispers and bated breaths. I couldn’t control this part of my plan.

  “Savannah, will you spend the rest of your life with me?”

  She exhales sharply before whispering, “I have one condition.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “What might that be?” She could ask for the North Star and I would find a way to get it for her.

  “I want to adopt Emerson.”

  I’m dumbstruck. As if she knew the one thing I want more than her—to officially be a family.

  “Aside from you saying yes, nothing would make me happier. Savannah, will you marry me and officially adopt Emerson?”

  “Yes.”

  Rising, I slide a pear-shaped diamond with a split eternity band onto her finger and kiss my fiancée breathless. The onlookers ooh and aww, clap, and wish us well before continuing their tour of the museum.

  “Can we stand here a little longer?”

  “Of course, Future Mrs. Morgan.” I lift her hand to my lips and kiss it before tucking her against me.

  We take a cold but leisurely stroll back to our hotel and spend the evening and the next day in bed celebrating.

  Epilogue

  Savannah

  It has been three months since Sam proposed. Within days of our return, Sam started the adoption process for Emerson. Soon I’ll be able to say my daughter and not have to explain the entire story of Emerson’s life—a story that Sam doesn’t like to relive each time we’re out as a family. I’m rushing through my work to get to the shop to pick up my dress for Billie’s wedding.

  Tomorrow she’s marrying Peter at the ViewPoint Hotel. Tonight, we’re meeting everyone for the rehearsal dinner.

  “Are you finished yet?” Sam sticks his head into our office with a babbling beauty with dark hair and hazel eyes on his hip.

  “You’re back already?”

  “Noelle had Emme ready when I arrived. I think she wanted some extra girl time at the shop before the rehearsal. Whatever work you have left can wait until Monday. You should get going.”

  “Are you going to be like this when it’s our turn to get married?”

  “I’m sure it’ll be worse.”

  I smirk, close my laptop, kiss Sam thoroughly, and rush out the door. Parking in the lot behind the shop, I round the building. I can hear the roar of my friends before I even get in the door.

  “Yes! Finally, my future sister-in-law is here!” Billie is off the charts excited. I can’t blame her.

  I’m sure my levels would be as high if I were marrying Sam tomorrow. The entire girl gang is here, plus a few women I don’t know. Right away Scarlett squeezes me tight.

  “Hi, sis.” The move here has been great for her. School is going well, and she started working for Kelsey after the new year. I’m enormously proud of her. I hug everyone, including Maggie, Norah, and Caro. I’m glad she was able to accompany Auggie. A glass of champagne slides into my hand, and I take a seat next to Kelsey.

  “Quick introductions. Del, this is Sam’s fiancée, Savannah. Savannah, my bestie and half sister, Della. This is her mom, Camille. I think you know everyone else.”

  “Pleasure to meet you both.” As I lift my glass to my lips, Kelly motions me into the office.

  “Hey. Good to see you. Do you want to try this on again?”

  “No, I’m sure it’s perfect.” I take the garment bag with me back to the consultation area. This time I take a seat next to Caro. She’s beautiful with long, dark hair and a gorgeous hourglass figure.

  “Hey there! I’m surprised you aren’t with Auggie working on last-minute food details.”

  “Hey. I was there, but he sent me here so he could finish on his own. Sometimes I don’t understand that man. He may be my best friend, but he’s a big pain in my ass.”

  “Most men are.”

  “Ha, says the girl with the perfect fiancé.”

  “No way, honey. Sam isn’t perfect; no one is. His imperfections simply work well with mine.” I watch Caro process my words. Maybe these two will come clean about their feelings soon.

  “Time’s up, ladies,” Peter announces, followed by a host of obscenely handsome men. He slides his arms around Billie and kisses her softly.

  After everything she has been through, I’m truly happy for them. Each man pairs off with one of the ladies here, except for Scarlett and Caro. Until now I’ve never seen Della’s husband, Brant. He fits right in with the others from looks to his devotion to his wife.

  We ride to the rehearsal and dutifully follow the planner’s instructions about where to stand and how fast or slow to walk. Soon thereafter, Auggie executes a perfect dinner service. Billie and Peter opted for comfort foods for their rehearsal. Auggie’s spin on macaroni and cheese is simply perfect, and the pulled pork sandwiches are delicious even if a touch messy. I notice him hovering near the kitchen door during most of the rehearsal dinner with a beer in his hand.

  Della, Billie’s matron of honor, gives a short, sweet speech, including anecdotes about designing their wedding dresses when they were seven. Tommy, Peter’s college roommate and best man, shares a few inappropriate stories about Peter before we end the night.

  We’re almost the last to leave. Caro is waiting on Auggie to verify that the kitchen is spotless.

  “Hey, I can take care of him. You can head home. We’ll see you tomorrow.” She peers into the kitchen.

  “Are you sure?” Sam asks with a slight note of concern in his voice.

  “Yes. I’ll make sure he gets to Cash’s safely. I haven’t had anything to drink, and I still have his keys from earlier when I drove him here.”

  “Let us know if you need assistance. We live nearby.”

  Caro nods. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”

  With that statement, I head home with Sam to prepare for Billie’s wedding day.

  Caroline

  The Morgans have been part of my extended family for most of my life. Auggie has been my best friend since boarding school. He’s finishing up the rehearsal dinner cleanup for his sister’s wedding tomorrow.

  “Hey there! Almost ready?” I lean against the kitchen door.

  Even tired and at the end of a dinner service, he’s affable and better looking than most men.

  “Yeah, I need to recheck a few spots, and then I’ll be set to drive home.” He wavers a bit, his balance off.

  Rarely does Auggie drink too much. The meal he prepared was off-the-charts delicious like all the others. I’ve ne
ver eaten a bad meal he’s prepared. “No worries. I’ll drive when you’re ready.”

  Auggie shakes his head and makes one more sweep around the kitchen. “Let’s go. Billie is getting married tomorrow.”

  “I’m excited for her. Aren’t you?”

  He hasn’t mentioned any issues with Peter. “Of course. Peter is great.” His words come out a bit overexaggerated when he describes his future brother-in-law.

  “How much have you had to drink?” I’m slightly more concerned now since I’ve only seen him overindulge twice. The first time was at a winter formal in boarding school when Jenny Fordham stood him up and the second was after Billie’s accident.

  “Two beers, but that isn’t the problem. I didn’t eat enough during service.”

  Now that makes more sense. I loop my arm around his waist and escort him to the car. Leaning him against the rear door, I open the passenger door and help him settle in.

  “You smell tempting, Caro. Always have,” Auggie mutters softly after I secure the seat belt.

  My heart seizes in my throat. He’s drunk. He doesn’t mean that. Does he? I have wanted to take my friendship with Auggie to the next level for the last few years. The most recent time we discussed it was almost two years ago after the gala for the arts. I don’t want to ruin our friendship for anything less than everything. His position is that he isn’t ready to focus on anything other than opening his dream restaurant. Tonight his words strike a nerve. Always have.

  Rounding the car, I inhale deeply to calm my heart rate. The ride to Cash’s is silent in words but not actions. Auggie takes my hand in his and draws circles with his thumb across the top of my hand. That feels…. Stop, he’s your best friend. He’s had too much to drink.

  After shushing Auggie, I help him upstairs to his guest suite. Unfortunately, he can’t put himself to bed. I step into his room and guide him to sit on the edge of the bed. He immediately grips my hips. His hands are… perfection. Shaking my thoughts away, I focus on at least removing his shoes and shirt. Crouching before him, I untie his shoes. As I rise, he takes my hands in his.