Nadine said—”
He said a bad French word that even she knew. “Forget about her. I love your writing, and I love you.”
“Me.”
“Of course, you. I fell in love with you as soon as you bumped into me and asked me about your French accent. Madame Finch knew right away. When we were web chatting with her, she said our meeting was a true coup de foudre. Do you remember that?”
She nodded. “What is that—a lightning bolt, or something sudden?”
“It’s also slang for love at first sight,” he told her, a faint blush staining his cheeks.
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Oh, Jack, how romantic. I think I fell in love with you when you showed up clean-shaven and promised to act the gentleman with me.”
He groaned. “I failed on that part.”
“And I’m glad.” She tilted her face up and he accepted her invitation, kissing her. Their mouths met as they clung to each other under the shady tree. It was a promise of past, present and future intertwined together.
He finally broke their kiss. “You didn’t give me an answer.”
“About…?” she answered hazily.
“Marrying me, ma petite.” He traced his finger down her cheek.
“That? You were just saying that to get my attention.”
“No.” Jack shook his head. “I meant it then, and now that I am certain you love me, I mean it even more. We can fly back to Philadelphia and marry there so you can have your mother with you. Every bride wants her mother on her wedding day.”
“But, but…” she sputtered. “People like you don’t get married like that. Don’t you have to have a big, fancy wedding with the local bishop and invite every nobleman in Europe?”
“If you met some of those so-called noblemen, you could see why I wouldn’t invite them to a flea market. I will invite my best friends and they will be thrilled to come. And,” he added, “your cousin cannot travel for many months now and even until after her baby is born. You need her as your matron of honor.”
“Sarah.” Lily bit her lip. She had been Sarah’s maid of honor and Sarah had vowed to return the favor. “But wait! I haven’t even agreed to marry you. And you were already engaged to Nadine. What if this doesn’t work out, either?”
“She was the biggest mistake of my life and I thank my lucky stars I found out in time.” He dropped to one knee and took Lily’s hand. “But you, you are perfect for me. You are brave, honest and true, my Golden Lily. Be my bride. My wife.”
She stared down at him, her mind racing. Never in a million years had she expected to find anyone as perfect for her as Jack. “Yes, Jack, I’ll marry you.”
The joy that burst across his face was contagious, and she started to laugh. He jumped to his feet and pulled her into his arms. “Oh, Lily, sweetheart.” He peppered her face with kisses. “I am the happiest man in the world.”
“Me, too. I mean…” She laughed again, and he caught her up and twirled her around on the sidewalk.
He set her down. “Lily, would you consider living here in Provence for the next year or so? Jean-Claude and I have several new projects for the farm but he needs my help.”
“Hmm.” She pretended to think it over. “The south of France year-round? The fabulous food, beautiful views and great weather?”
“It does get chilly in the winter,” he warned her.
“Will you keep me warm?” She kissed his neck.
“Sizzling hot,” he promised.
“I’ll do it.” She stood on tiptoes and captured his mouth. “Oh!” She jerked her head back.
“What?” He looked as if he expected her to change her mind. Silly man. It was too late for him to back out now.
“A cookbook! Marthe-Louise and I can do a cookbook.”
“Wonderful.” Jack smiled down at her. “Cooking with the Comtesse de Brissard.”
“Good grief. I’m going to be a countess? What about your mother?”
“Sorry. It’s automatic when you marry a count. And my mother has been the Dowager Countess de Brissard since my father passed away, so you won’t take her title away from her.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I’ll introduce you to my friend George’s fiancée. It could be worse—she’s going to be a crown princess.”
“George is a prince? What’s Frank, then? A baron?”
“He’s a duke.”
“Jack!” She elbowed him in the side. “Any more surprises?”
“Only good ones.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll show you the family jewels later.”
“I thought you