“We are well. And you’ve a job. Oh,ma chérie, that makes me happy for you but, Chloe.” Vivienne cleared her throat. “Albert and I want you to visit. We’ve something very important to discuss with you and it must be in person.”
“I can’t, Vivienne. Maman—”
“Could not your mother do without you for a few days? Please, Chloe,chérie. We have something from Jean-Marc. For you.”
“From Jean-Marc? What could you possibly have from him that I don’t know about?”
Vivienne was quiet for a long moment. “Jean-Marc had a surprise for you and now it is time.”
“What?” What sort of surprise? Chloe pictured her handsome adventurer heading out of the house for the trip that took his life. She’d been so angry at him—a regret she’d carry to her grave—but he’d smiled his charming smile and said, “Chère cœur, you will love me for it in the end.”
She remembered thinking,What does that mean?And now Vivienne held the key.
“Come,ma chérie, and you will see.” Vivienne’s voice pulled at every heartstring. And with that, Chloe knew she was going to Paris.
She’d have to check with Maman, and the bakery staff but… “I’ll text you the details.”
“God, are you there?” She raised her hand again, but this time felt nothing. This journey had to be done in faith. “So what do I do? Do I really just go to Paris?” An image of her daddy came to mind. He was hunched over her, his hands over hers, helping her swing a bat and hit the ball off the T.“See, you can do it.”
Her six-year-old self had collapsed in his arms and cried because she’d done it. They’d done it. He hadn’t given up on her. She was the best T-ball player that year because her daddy believed in her. If her daddy could be a loving father, even if he had disappointed her at times—welcome to the human race—then an eternal Father had to be good.
“I’m going, God, okay? Want to come with?” Chloe laughed through a wash of tears. Better get going on reservations. She needed to tell herboss, Sam, and make sure Mom was okay for her radiation appointment, and get through the Tuesday evening town council meeting on Donut Heaven.
Then she’d go to Paris. The swirl in her middle told her whatever awaited her in Paris with Vivienne and Albert would somehow determine her future. Of that she was certain.
Hearts Bend, RU ready for some salted caramel deliciousness? Donut Heaven will be serving these and more when we open!
– @DonutHeaven on Instagram
Where can you get coffee and crullers served by an NFL superstar? Haven’s, that’s where! Come by M/Tu/Th 3-6pm to see @SamHardyQB15 in an apron.
– @HavensBakeryHBTN on Twitter
Bruno called just as Sam pulled into Dr. Morgan’s for his Monday afternoon therapy session. He’d been lost in thought, thinking about a strategy for the town council meeting tomorrow. Rick had offered to come but he’d turned him down. He didn’t want to look like a brute force coming in to cause trouble.
“I think Chloe and I can play on their heartstrings.”
“Hey Bruno, I’m about to go into my therapy session.”
“I’ll make this quick. The Raiders are serious about you. They’ve got a state-of-the-art training facility and the best sports medicine doc. Tailor-made for you.”
“I know all about their facilities. But they’re still in Vegas. I don’t want to move.”
“I know and I’ve tried with the Titans’ front office, but they’ve gone radio silent on me. We’ll know more after the draft but Sam, if the Raiders want you, I think we have to take this. I’ll tell the Titans you want to go free agent and I think they’ll agree.”
So, just like that, he was out. The rumors and tweets had all come true. When he hung up, Sam leaned back in the car. Dad used to talk about God, about trusting Him. Chloe mentioned feeling God’s hand or something. Then Gabe mentioned prayer, which was just talking to God.
“Okay, God,” Sam said toward the Range Rover’s roof. “Show me what to do and I’ll do it.” Starting with the town council meeting regarding Donut Heaven. Then about his career. Was it time to hang up his cleats? Had he been hanging on too long?
Maybe the ring he needed now was not a Super Bowl ring—but a wedding ring.
Titans today announced the release of franchise star quarterback Sam Hardy. No word from Hardy camp so far.
– @MasonDelroySports on Facebook
Chapter 15
Amidst a leaking roof, a dead and now new oven, cake testing, and a trip to Paris in the works—they all suddenly took a back seat to the town council meeting.
