“She brought you all here,” Eveline whispered. “She planned this.”
“Would you have expected less from Emery?” Maya said softly. “Always going for the grand gesture.”
Before Eveline could respond, the announcer's voice rose with dramatic flourish, and Eveline heard the words she'd been waiting for: “Le Prix Littéraire de traduction de Paris est décerné à… Emery Parker pour 'La Libraire'!”
Cheers erupted as Eveline's hand flew to her mouth, tears threatening to spill. But whatever Emery had planned, it was only just beginning.
Applause thundered through the hall as Emery made her way to the stage. Eveline watched, heart racing, as her typically clumsy partner managed to climb the steps without incident, though she did nearly drop the crystal award when the presenter handed it to her.
Emery approached the microphone, her blue eyes scanning the audience until they found Eveline's. Even from a distance, Eveline could see her take a deep, steadying breath.
Then, to Eveline's complete astonishment, Emery began speaking in French.
“Merci beaucoup pour cet honneur incroyable. Je suis profondément touchée…”
Eveline's mouth fell open. Emery, her Emery who had once asked how to say “bookshelf” in French after six months together, was delivering a not-quite-flawless speech in Eveline's native language.
Behind her, Eveline heard Domi whispering a translation to the others. “She's thanking them for this incredible honor. Says she's deeply touched by the recognition.”
Emery continued, her pronunciation remarkably accurate despite the slight tremble in her voice. Eveline could hardly believe what she was hearing.
“Ce livre est très spécial pour moi, car il raconte l'histoire de deux personnes qui se trouvent quand elles ne cherchaient pas l'amour.”
“The book is special to her,” Domi murmured, “because it tells the story of two people who found each other when they weren't looking for love.”
Emery's gaze stayed locked with Eveline's as she spoke, the words flowing more confidently now.
“Je dois remercier mes amis qui m'ont soutenue dans les moments difficiles et qui sont venus ce soir pour partager ce moment avec nous.”
“She's thanking her friends who supported her through difficult times and who came tonight to share this moment,” Domi translated.
Emery gestured toward their section, and suddenly spotlights illuminated their row. Eveline felt her cheeks flush as several hundred pairs of eyes turned in their direction.
“Mais surtout,” Emery continued, her voice softening, “je dois remercier la femme qui a inspiré non seulement ce livre, mais qui m'inspire chaque jour, Eveline.”
“But most of all,” Domi whispered, “she must thank the woman who inspired not only this book, but who inspires her every day, Eveline.”
Tears blurred Eveline's vision as Emery set down her award and pulled a small piece of paper from her pocket.
“Eveline, tu te demandes peut-être pourquoi j'ai disparu si souvent ces derniers mois. J'apprenais le français en secret. Je voulais te parler dans ta langue maternelle, pour te montrer à quel point je t'aime.”
“You might be wondering why I've been disappearing so often these past months,” Domi translated. “I was secretly learning French. I wanted to speak to you in your mother tongue, to show you how much I love you.”
Emery suddenly switched to English, her voice carrying clearly through the hall.
“But for this next part, I want to make absolutely sure you understand every word.”
She stepped away from the podium, moving to the edge of the stage, closer to Eveline.
“Eighteen months ago, I made the biggest grand gesture I could imagine to win you back. It involved rain machines, a flash mob, and a very theatrical Abe with a carriage.” Laughter rippled through the audience as Domi hastily translated for the French attendees.
“Today, I want to make another grand gesture. One that I hope will be the last one we ever need.”
Emery reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Eveline's heart stopped.
“Eveline Auclair, you taught me that real love isn't found in the pages of books, but in the small moments we share together. In morning coffee and evening walks. In reorganizing bookshelves and arguing about poetry. In honesty and forgiveness and second chances.”
Emery opened the box, revealing a vintage ring with a sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds.
