She unwrapped it to find a sapphire-blue perfume bottle. She gasped when she saw it.

“You said there was one you wanted, but when you went to get it the shop was closed. It was closed too when I went back that day I found you in the Gardens. But I returned again the next day and bought one for you. I hope it’s like the one you had your sights set on.”

“It’s gorgeous,” she said, cradling the small and elegant bottle.

“Beauty for beauty’s sake. Love for love’s sake,” he said. “I was looking for the right time to give it to you. This seemed to be the right time.”

“Did you really resign?”

He nodded. “I want you to go to Paris. I want you to take the job.” He reached for her hand, clasping it tenderly.

“You do?”

“Yes. More than anything. Well, there is something else I want.”

“What is it?” She didn’t want to assume anything. She wanted to hear it all from him.

“What would you think about taking me with you? I’m no longer the CEO of a sex toy company. I’m just a man in love with a woman, and willing to go anywhere for her.”

Her heart flew out of her chest. It soared on new wings, flying with radiant joy and happiness. She’d never expected to feel this way. She’d never expected a love like this. And she’d never imagined that a man would give up his business to be with her.

“You gave up your business?”

He nodded. “My business caused all the trouble. You could barely do your job here, given the job I had. I want you to have a private life, not just a public one. So I gave up my job to be with you, and you’re worth it, because you’ve given me everything. You’ve given me love. I didn’t even know that I could love, and now I know I can. Because of you. I just hope you don’t mind dating an unemployed man.”

She laughed, and shook her head. “What are you going to do in Paris?”

“Love you,” he said, confidently. “Take me with you. You haven’t said yes to me yet. You’re toying with me, right?” he asked, the corner of his lips quirking up in a smile.

“I’m not teasing you. I’m just shocked. I didn’t think you’d make this kind of choice. Isn’t it an impossible choice?”

He shook his head. “It’s not an impossible choice. It’s the only choice.”

She felt as if she were dreaming. As if this moment was going to slip away through her fingers. She wanted to grasp it forever, to hold onto it for the rest of her life so she’d never forget how she felt.

“You still haven’t told me if you want me to go with you,” he said, reminding her. Then, only then, did she look away from him to take in the scene unfolding before her. All her friends, her family, her brother, the man she once loved, they were all here, and they were all watching her and Jack. Everyone was waiting for her answer. They were all witnesses to her incandescent happiness.