Second Chances

by Nicole Andrews Moore

  “Well, actually, Jack. I think the more pressing question is how much do you value your freedom?” He reached into his pants pocket. “You see, I didn’t bring my check book. I didn’t have to. I brought this instead.” He pulled his hand out, grasping a recording device. Jack’s jaw dropped. He tried to think of a way out.

  “I think you may have misunderstood me,” he blathered. “I never meant...”

  “Sure you didn’t,” Gabriel cut him off. “But it isn’t up to my discretion. I would have to leave that in the hands of the district attorney.” He waited to let his last words sink in. “Is it really worth all of that? Tell her you’ve had a change of heart. Sign the papers, Jack, before I lose my patience.”

  Jack’s shoulders sank. Gabriel relaxed. He knew he’d not only won the battle, but also the ultimate prize: Bella.

  The last few weeks of school flew by. And while her workload at the studio had increased tremendously due to senior portraits, her pain had been lessened by Gabriel’s continued presence in the home. He and Maggie had all of the domestic chores divvied up so that Isabella only had to eat, sleep, work, and make a feeble attempt at putting her show together.

  “I could get used to this,” she warned Gabriel one evening as he brought her a mug of hot tea to help calm her nerves while she finished pouring over yet another set of proofs.

  “I want you to. I want it to always be like this. I like taking care of you, looking out for you.” He settled on the couch next to her and reached over to stroke her back.

  She smiled warmly at him. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

  “You know,” he responded, tweaking her nose, “I ask myself that same question about you every day.” Then with a quick kiss, he left her to her photos.

  On the last day of school, the last night before she and Gabriel departed on their summer vacation, Isabella returned home bursting with good news. “Guess what!” She screamed to Gabriel from the driveway.

  He looked puzzled but pleased. Isabella was positively glowing. “I can’t even begin to imagine what has made you so happy. I suppose it could be any number of things. Why don’t you just tell me, eh?”

  Isabella leapt onto the porch to stand before him giggling. “Well, let’s see. I’m taking my first summer off in forever. We leave tomorrow for our own little European vacation, although I still don‘t know how you managed to convince Christopher to hold my job. I can finally stop neglecting my children, and you.” She reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed both cheeks before planting a warm kiss on his lips. “Oh, and my divorce is final,” she said in a manner that would suggest this was the least important revelation she had shared. She turned her face skyward, lips puckered, and pretended to be awaiting another kiss as she allowed the words to sink in.

  Gabriel picked her up and whirled her around. “Final! Wow!”

  She looked at him suspiciously for a moment. He didn’t seem quite as surprised as she expected him to be. “I don’t suppose you had anything to do with that?”

  “Me? Oh, no. Must be Jack just had a change of heart.” He looked away.

  “Funny,” Isabella began. “That is exactly what he told my lawyer when he returned the signed papers.”

  Gabriel, Isabella, Maggie and the children piled into the BMW to drive from Plattsburgh to Montreal, where they boarded a plane to New York City, then made a connection there which took them to Paris. By the time they left the Charles de Gaulle airport with luggage in hand at just after eight thirty in the morning, they had been traveling almost twenty-four hours. No one slept well on the plane. Everyone appeared exhausted, but brimming with excitement. After they checked into the hotel, took a quick nap and an even quicker shower, they were out and about sight seeing before lunch.

  They visited the Eiffel Tower. From up there, the entire city looked as though it radiated out from the tower. “I have so many places I want to take you,” Gabriel whispered in Isabella’s ear. “I want us to see and do everything together. There are museums and shopping, and real castles. There is Notre Dame Cathedral, cafes,...just everything. We should go to Mont Martre. We could purchase some landscapes from the next Monet. Oh, and there are vineyards...” The more he spoke, the more excited he became.

  Isabella turned in his arms and placed a finger over his lips. “Relax,” she murmured. “We have all the time in the world, right?”

  He nodded, blushing. “Of course, darling.”

  They stayed in Paris for a week. In that short period of time they had accomplished all Gabriel had hoped and more. Isabella felt tireless, discovering she could go on forever with Gabriel by her side, urging her on. She seemed to have little need for sleep when each day dawned with so much to see and do. Her eyes sparkled constantly with excitement, and she felt as though she could burst at any given moment due to being so overjoyed with her life. Europe had inspired her. It showed in her work. She snapped roll after roll of film and ended each day happily exhausted and completely fulfilled.

  Maggie had made their life so simple. She quickly offered to take the children back to the hotel when they began to show signs of exhaustion. They loved being with her and never grumbled about missing out, as they knew Gabriel would never prevent them from partaking in anything they would truly enjoy.

  On their last night in Paris, they dined at a cafe, then grabbed a taxi to the train station where they caught the sleeper train to Nice.

  “Do we sleep on the train, really?” Rebecca queried. “I’ve never slept on a train before. How does that work?”

  “Well,” Gabriel started with a laugh, “the seats fold into three bunks on each side, with very little room in between. We will be quite cozy tonight.” He smiled at Isabella, then leaned over to whisper in her ear. “We will have to sleep separately tonight I’m afraid. I will sleep right across from you so that I can reach out and touch you as often as I need to.”

  “Can’t stand to be away from me?” Isabella asked, jokingly. Then she saw the serious look on Gabriel’s face and found her words to be true. He couldn’t stand being apart from her. He always did like having her around, but now their relationship had grown more intense. She leaned into him as she thought about it. They had been together now for an entire month, between the three weeks at her apartment and now the week in Paris. They were so compatible that she hadn’t even noticed. In fact, she had grown accustomed to Gabriel’s need to be constantly touching her. She didn’t shy from it, or his declarations of love. Instead, she now snuggled in closer, perfectly happy.

  By morning, Isabella grew impatient waiting to disembark from the train just to get a nice shower in. Gabriel watched her playing with her hair, trying to make it presentable. “Troubled, Beautiful One?”

  “I feel greasy and gross. I can’t wait to shower. Please tell me I get to do that before we go sight seeing?”

  Gabriel hugged her close. “Of course, darling. I want you to be comfortable. That is why I have booked us at a marvelous hotel with a three bedroom suite.”

  The hotel was everything Gabriel promised and more. The rooms were lovely, light and airy. The balcony came furnished with a patio set for six. The living room held a fireplace, sofa, and two chairs. The artsy decor showcased paintings, clay pots, and sculptures. Isabella danced around enchanted. “How perfect! I’ll just use our bathroom to freshen up, then we can leave. I’m dying to see the Mediterranean.”

  She rushed through her cleansing ritual, barely daring to savor the much needed shower. Just as she finished up, she felt arms around her wet waist. Gabriel leaned over her shoulder to kiss her cheek.

  “I thought I probably could use a spritzing, too.” He paused before adding, “And I love showering with you. We haven’t done it in so long.”

  Isabella, now done, leaned against the back wall of the shower admiring Gabriel’s naked form. Her smile gave her away, for moments later he queried, “What are you thinking?”

  She blushed. “Well, I was just thinking we still don’t know so much ab
out each other.”

  “What are you talking about?” He asked dismayed. “I know all about you. I know your moods, your likes and dislikes. I know as much as you’ve ever let me know, maybe more.” He looked hurt.

  “No,” Isabella responded shyly. “That’s not what I mean. I was referring to...” She inhaled, trying to sort her thoughts so she might begin again. “We’ve never...” She shook her head flustered.

  Gabriel understood her now. He smiled as he watched her struggle to explain. Isabella turned to sprint from the shower and cover her embarrassment by getting ready. That wasn’t to be, however, as Gabriel caught her arm before she could make a clean getaway. She turned to him, blinking as sprays of water hit her face.

  “What were you going to say, Bella?” He queried, smirking.

  “Umm, I...” She fumbled for words, looking devastatingly uncomfortable.

  Gabriel took pity on her and spoke to the deeper concern that she clumsily alluded to. “I haven’t wanted to push it, Bella. I want to know you. All of you. I long to be a part of you. And maybe someday you will allow a part of me to grow within you?” He searched her face for a reaction before continuing. She continued to look at the floor while she pondered his words. “I love you.” The words were spoken softly, intensely.

  Isabella smiled to herself, still focused on what he had said only moments before. Imagine. He wants us to have children some day. She climbed out of the shower in a daze and readied herself for the day.

  The next morning Isabella awakened to an empty bed. Happily, she threw on her robe and prepared to follow a trail of deep red rose petals out to the balcony. She stopped before she reached her destination, however. Somehow this time felt different than those past mornings and not just because the kids and Maggie were present on the vacation and the balcony. The first to notice her lingering outside of the French doors, Maggie smiled and motioned for Isabella to join them.

  Still Isabella paused. There were more roses on the table. There seemed to be roses everywhere. Gabriel came to her, grasped her hands in his and led her to the covered silver platter. He pulled out her chair and motioned for her to be seated. Suddenly, Isabella feared even sitting in case she must run, bolt through the French doors to...where? Why run? What must she run from? She knew what she would find under the lid.

  Gabriel lifted the silver cover, silently without even banging it against the plate beneath it, exposing breakfast, a red rose, and the black velvet box. This time he didn’t wait for her to reach for the box. This time he took it from its spot, propped against the rose, and held it in his hand as he lowered himself to one knee.

  Isabella’s heart beat rapidly. She suspected he could see it through her flimsy nightgown since he currently knelt at eye level with her heart. Gabriel passed her the box, slowly, lovingly. Her hands were visibly shaking now. She could scarcely breathe.

  She began to push back the top when Gabriel stopped her. “Do you know what today is?” He asked in a gentle low voice. She shook her head. “Today we celebrate the anniversary of the day you gave me your phone number and changed the course of my life forever.” She started to smile and blush remembering how cautious she had been about giving out her number.

  “About thirteen months ago I ran into the most beautiful and intelligent woman I had ever met in the unlikeliest of places. I didn’t think I would ever see you again. Then, through a chance meeting later that same night I was able to discover your name. After some convincing, you took a chance on me.” He smiled at her lovingly, and pulled her closer. “A month later I had finally earned your trust and your phone number. As I grew to know you better, I found that your outer beauty was only exceeded by your inner beauty. You have the strongest, truest, warmest heart of anyone I’ve ever known.” Isabella looked down, blushing.

  Gabriel lifted her chin and gave her a brief gentle kiss on the lips before continuing. “Then, I didn’t think you would ever let me into your heart, but at Christmas you made my dreams come true when you told me that you love me. Naturally, soon after, I blew it by lying to you and my father.” He looked ashamed at the memory. “I swore to my father that if I you ever let me back into your life,” he reached out and touched her chest, “if you ever let me back into your heart, I would never let you go. And so here I am, kneeling before you with but one wish left.”

  He leaned in to kiss her neck now, deeply breathing in her scent. Isabella sat rigidly, nervously, yet couldn’t help but respond to his affection. “My wish, Bella, one that I wish with all my heart, is that you would do me the great honor of becoming my wife. I don’t want to spend another night, ever, without you by my side. Please,” he said barely audible now, “say ‘yes.’”

  At last he removed his hands from the top of hers and allowed her to open the box revealing the most breathtaking ring that had ever existed. The twelve channel set diamonds formed an eternity symbol in the platinum band, and where the never ending line crossed itself, a large circular cut diamond stood in a titanium setting. Everything about the ring screamed forever, but Isabella resisted removing it from the box, afraid to try it on and break the spell. She knew the true test of the ring could be found in the fit. And if she and Gabriel weren’t meant to be together...she gulped just thinking about it.

  But Gabriel could wait no longer. He pulled the ring from the box, and before Isabella could object, slipped it over her finger, again asking the question that she feared. “So, will you be my wife?”

  Instantly, she realized the ring fit perfectly. She gasped. Then grasping his face in her hands, Isabella looked him in the eye, and said with certainty, “Yes, Gabriel. I will be your wife.” She leaned toward him and kissed him with more passion than she ever had before. Suddenly he found himself wiping tears from his face. And for the first time in their relationship, they weren’t his.

  “Bella,” he managed dumbstruck. “I’ve never seen you cry before.”

  “I’ve never been this happy before,” she explained.

  The kids and Maggie were cheering, reminding Isabella they had an audience the entire time. Even now she barely noticed, however, as her new focus involved leading Gabriel back to their bedroom.

  They reached the door and she dragged him over to the bed. He sat down on the edge with a furrowed brow. “What are you doing?” He asked curiously.

  Isabella ignored the question. She crossed the room, closed the door, and locked it. Then she turned and let her robe fall to the floor. His mouth opened slightly. She turned again, and removed her gown with her back to him. Slowly she turned, hands covering her breasts as she studied him. She could practically watch his mind racing. She smiled shyly and let her hands drop to her sides. She walked over to him now, wearing nothing but a silky red thong. His hands were gripping the sheets. She uncurled them from the linens and placed them around her waist.

  Suddenly she found herself kissing him with all the pent up love and desire that had been yearning for an opportunity to be unleashed. She slid his robe off his shoulders, then reached for his boxer briefs, which had a considerable rise in them. Obviously, he wanted her as well, but he stopped her.

  “Bella, what are you doing?” The words were emitted in one long moan as he gently, but firmly pushed her hand aside. “Wait. Please wait.” His eyes were filled with a tormented look as he tried to capture her attention.

  “But...I don’t understand,” she whispered, sinking onto the bed next to him and covering herself, instantly embarrassed by her nudity.

  “We’ve waited this long. What’s a little while longer? I want it to be perfect. It will be perfect once we’re married.” He looked at her lovingly, longingly. “Please understand. I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone. You can’t imagine the control I have had to exert so many nights. I watched you lying there, naked with me. I watched you sleeping, or dressing, uh or undressing, or showering, or...never mind. This is torture, but it will be over soon.” He kissed both of her hands. “Promise.”

  Isabella shuddered.


  Little more than an hour later, they broke into groups, only not the groups Isabella expected. “Bella, darling,” Gabriel began, “you are to go off with Maggie today. She has the instructions. I have appointments with Rebecca and Kyle. We’ll meet back here for dinner.”

  Suspicious as always, but knowing better than to question him, Isabella gave him a kiss, then turned to smother her children with affection before exiting their hotel. As they stepped out the door, Isabella began pressing Maggie for information. “So, what do we have on the agenda for today?”

  “Shopping,” Maggie said mysteriously.

  They moved from shop to shop trying on simple dresses, sophisticated dresses, until Maggie stopped and gasped before one store window.