Chapter 23
Aurora
Leaning against the entrance to my walk-in closet, Sky shakes her head. "I mean, I was prepared for a lot, but this? Never in a million years."
I can't help but grin. Not only because her shocked expression is incredibly amusing but also because I feel free for the first time since being with Maxime.
Finally, I don't have to lie to her anymore. We don't have to lie to anyone. Maxime and I are officially a couple. A pregnant couple.
I still don't know what to make of it. Too many conflicting emotions overwhelm me, and countless questions remain unanswered. Maxime's positive reaction helps me feel better about it. But will his idea of merging dance and family actually work?
What if one day I have to make a choice? Which dream will outweigh the other?
"I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed," Sky interjects, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"You understand why I couldn't tell you, right?" I ask, feeling guilty. Our friendship is too important to me for something like this to come between us.
She taps her chin with her index finger. "I wouldn't have done it any differently." Her azure blue eyes scrutinize me. "You two are head over heels for each other, aren't you?"
"It was love at first dance." I pull the wine-red sweater out of the compartment.
"Sigh," Sky says gloomily. "Love..." There's a hint of sadness in her voice, and her shoulders slump.
"Yes, love. And it will find you too," I quickly say because that's just a matter of time. Sky isn't just incredibly beautiful but also the most generous and kindest person I know. Why she's still single is a mystery to me.
She fiddles with the hem of her long-sleeved shirt. "Mm-hmm," she murmurs.
I hurry to her side to give her a hug. "Sometimes it takes a little while for the right one to come along."
She's only twenty, and spending so much time training probably doesn't help her meet someone.
She nods against my shoulder. "It's not that important."
The doorbell rings. I can practically feel myself glowing from within. "He's here."
"Well then, we shouldn't keep him waiting." Her sadness seems to vanish instantly, and she grins mischievously at me. "I can't wait to see with my own eyes what you've been hiding from me."
Laughing, we rush to the door, where Maxime stands with a single red rose.
She's perfect. And so is he.
Despite my perpetual fatigue, I feel light as a feather as I snuggle in his arms. "I missed you so much," I murmur into his jacket, which smells wonderfully of him.
His laughter makes his chest vibrate softly. "We were apart for an incredibly long time."
A whole five hours! With a grin, I pull away from him. He hands me the flower, the color of which probably transfers onto my cheeks now.
"That's just disgusting," Sky says lovingly.
"I'll just put them in some water, then we can go," I say to Maxime, giving him a meaningful wink.
For Sky's sake, I try to maintain a composed expression as I turn around to look for a vase in the kitchen.
She doesn't let me pass. "I'll do that," she says with that warm expression that makes her so special and takes the rose from me.
I thank her, put on my jacket and shoes, and step into the hallway. "See you later," I call out to Sky, and then we set off.
Hand in hand, we stroll visibly through the late autumn streets of Paris. Our destination is the Marché aux Puces, the oldest flea market in the city. We take Metro Line 4 and immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle upon arrival.
