Is this destiny?

~ Paris, France ~

After lunch JoAnna and Bridgette headed to Rue Saint-Honoré, advertised as a must visit shopping strip full of high-end brands and great boutiques.

Girls felt like they are in heaven while going though stores and it didn't take long until they requested service for their loot to be delivered to the hotel, so that they can continue shopping with free hands.

JoAnna was excited to find matching purses for herself and for her sisters. She also got accessories for Stella and Edward, Aiden and Felix, and she didn't neglect Elanor and Oscar either. Of course, Jeff got most of the things: numerous neckties, three jackets, wristwatch, cufflinks… She got few sets of couples-clothing, which even included riding suits. JoAnna was enjoying to the fullest.

She was hit with a realization when they were in a clothing store, surrounded with fancy gowns. "Bridesmaids…", JoAnna mumbled. "Bridgette? Will you be my bridesmaid?"

Bridgette's eyes sparkled. "Absolutely!"

JoAnna showed a wide smile. "I'm sure that Steve will accept to be one of the groomsmen. Maybe we can order clothes from here. These dresses are breathtaking…"

Bridgette shook her head. "I don't think it's convenient. There will be a need for fitting. Can we come to Paris when it's close to wedding?"

JoAnna thought for some time. "True… something closer to Los Angeles will be better. Oh! You are already very handy to have around, my assistant Bridgette!"

Both of them laughed.

Bridgette was much more conservative with shopping. She wanted to get things for Steve, but was not sure how much, so she ended up getting few accessories and few tops. She also got few things for Sophia, Felix, Sarah and Aiden and for Damien and his family.

JoAnna observed that Bridgette didn't get anything for her maman, but she didn't want to comment on that.

When they got tired, two of them took rest at one coffee shop. They sipped coffee and chilled beverages while snacking on a variety of freshly made macaroons and watching other shoppers pass by. After that they resumed shopping. They street is very long, lined up with numerous stores, and two of them would probably shop until the closing hours, but later in the afternoon they got texts from Jeff and Steve that they are done with work, so they headed back to the hotel.

JoAnna was surprised to see a mountain of boxes and bags in the middle of the room. When her hands were crowded with bags, she would get them delivered to the hotel suite, and she didn't realize how many things she bought. Until now. JoAnna concluded that she needs to buy few suitcases as well so that these things fit.

"I see you had a good day.", Jeff came out of the bedroom, freshly showered.

JoAnna shyly smiled, feeling a bit guilty. "I don't know how this happened…", she was pointing to the large pile of her afternoon shopping-loot.

Jeff laughed. "Did you have fun?"

JoAnna nodded.

"That is all what counts!", he pulled her in his embrace and kissed her.

She loves that he is indulging her. "How was your day?"

"In terms of work, good. But I missed you…", he tightened his hug. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course! I missed you so much that I had to fill that empty void with shopping! And macaroons!", she responded cheekily.

He laughed.

JoAnna went to freshen up, and when she came out of the bathroom, she found Jeff on the balcony.

"Lovely view.", she was talking about the Paris and Eiffel tower, and her man relaxing on the balcony. It all fitted into one postcard-perfect picture she took with her phone.

He pulled her to sit in his lap and kissed her. "Yes, the best."

Two of them enjoyed late afternoon with fresh fruits and cuddles.

As sun started dipping behind the city view, Jeff took JoAnna for a walk along Berges de Seine.

JoAnna thought how that was very romantic. They walked slowly, next to river Seine, holding each other tightly and kissing every few steps. They didn't stand out at all. There was a lot of couples walking or sitting on benches doing exactly the same thing.

Jeff stopped in front of a small dock, where a large boat-restaurant was docked. It seemed empty. Jeff led JoAnna inside, and they were welcomed by lined-up staff which showed them a way to one lonely table in the middle of the dining area.

JoAnna could tell that this restaurant should have many more tables.

She smiled when she realized, "You booked the whole place just for us?"

Jeff gave a small nod in response.

JoAnna didn't complain. She knows that Jeff likes to go over the top for her, and she decided, long ago, not to deny him that pleasure.

He pulled a chair for her to sit. As soon as both of them were seated, boat started gliding over river.

Jeff saw JoAnna enjoy the view of Paris at night and needed to confess. "I must admit that I did this based on a recommendation."

"Oh? Who is mighty enough to give you an advice which you will follow?" It's not unusual to get ideas from different sources, but she found it interesting that he was willing to admit that.

Jeff laughed at her choice of words. "My brother."

JoAnna's expression showed that she has difficulty believing him.

Jeff explained. "He booked this place when he was courting your sister, and he said that it worked like a charm."

JoAnna laughed. "I struggle to imagine Aiden as a love expert."

Jeff could not deny it. "He is much better in romancing a woman than me. He also gave me few good tips before I decided to go after you."

'Go after me?' JoAnna had difficulty digesting that expression. But she focused on another part of his sentence. "Few good tips?"

"Yes. He told me to be myself."

"That is actually a good tip.", JoAnna laughed. "And this dinner on a boat, just the two of us… it's very romantic. I love it."

Jeff showed a big smile. He was happy that JoAnna approves.

JoAnna thought about Jeff's words and for a moment her thoughts wondered toward Sarah, remembering that she is on her date with Aiden. The words how Aiden is much better at romancing a woman bothered JoAnna. 'Is he a player?' JoAnna knows that Aiden is faithful to her baby sister, but Jeff's words implied that Aiden has experience-filled-past with girls. Knowing Sarah, she will not like it if she finds about that. Who would? JoAnna did her best to suppress those thoughts, for now. She is in the city of love with the man she loves… she will think about her potential brother-in-law some other time.

...

Later that evening, JoAnna had a video chat with Sophia and told her about a lunch-talk she had with Bridgette related to Bridgette's and Felix's mother. Sophia was conflicted while listening.

"How much I got, it's not a good idea to invite her, big sis.", JoAnna advised.

"I hear you." Sophia dryly responded.

"But you still want to invite her?", JoAnna observed.

Sophia gave a small nod. "No matter how much I don't like her, and she does not like me… she is the mother of the man I love. I feel guilty for being a reason that two of them are not on good terms. Even if he didn't like her previously, they were at least speaking. I know he cares about her. He bought her a house. He would not do that if he does not care… And if we go with this wedding without inviting her, I know that this gap between them will only widen."

JoAnna felt sorry for Sophia. "Whatever you decide, know that you have my support. And I'm sure Sarah feels the same. If you invite his mother, and she comes, there will be more people than just two of us who can help to keep an eye on that woman, and make sure she does not cause trouble."

…

Jeff and JoAnna were getting in bed, and Jeff noticed that JoAnna's mood is low.

"I'm sad because Sophia has issues with Felix's mother." She responded when he asked what is going on.

"Issues?" He was curious what got JoAnna upset and hoped that he can help. Or at least listen.

JoAnna didn't want to repeat everything that Bridgette said, but she summarized. "Felix's mother had intention to match him with some girl. And then he showed up with Sophia. His mother didn't approve of his choice, and Felix obviously ignored her objections about Sophia. Bridgette thinks that she will not let it go and that she will seek to get her revenge if she gets a chance… and Sophia wants to invite her to their wedding."

Jeff understood. "You think she will cause trouble at the wedding?"

JoAnna nodded.

"I can get increased security… We can say it's for two of us, and they can keep an eye on that woman."

JoAnna looked at him and smiled.

He saw that she approves and continued: "Also, there is Eve, and your mother is not a simple woman… and with all six of us there, she will not be able to move a finger without us knowing about it. If you are so worried, just inject her with one of your magical mixtures and paralyze her." He laughed.

JoAnna's face lit up as she was listening to him. "That is not a bad idea… Let me text Sophia…", she took her phone.

Jeff was not sure which part of what he said she liked, but he saw that her mood improved.. That was all that counts.

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