It didn’t hurt that she also starred in one of America’s favorite reality shows. Match Made in Hollywood followed Ally’s career and how Diane and Gavin were handling love and fame.
And there was one episode where he and Brynn visited, and he’d hidden behind every bookcase he could when they were filming. Though Dolly and Duke were now famous on the Internet.
One year and a half with this woman, and it had been the best of his life.
One year and a half of getting to know her, falling in love with her, sharing his father’s last days with her.
She squeezed his hand and pulled him out of the path of the travelers around them. “Hey, are you all right? Because we can turn around and head back if you’re not ready for this. I can defer.”
He shook his head and moved his hand to her waist. “No. I’m fine. I was thinking about something your mom told me at the funeral.”
His father had had a good year and a couple of months. They’d gone to visit old friends, participated in every crazy Cajun festival they could find, and had one last amazing Christmas. They’d rented an RV and driven out to LA to visit Brynn’s parents, stopping at Roswell and the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. They’d spent long nights talking, allowing Brynn to really know his dad.
She’d mourned with him, holding him and taking part of his pain.
She’d cried for his past and given him a future.
“What did she say?” Brynn grimaced. “That was two months ago. How bad was it that you didn’t mention it until now? You know she doesn’t really mean half the things she says.”
He wasn’t so sure about that, but he knew she’d meant this. “She told me I always have a family with her. She told me she knew she wasn’t my mom, but if I needed one, she would always be there for me.”
Brynn sighed in obvious relief. “I’m glad. She means that. She adores you.”
He rather thought Diane adored how much he loved her daughter. Brynn had blossomed outside the bright lights. Diane had told him she was happier than she’d ever seen her.
Now they were headed to Paris for six weeks. Gavin had helped them get an apartment close to the Sorbonne, where Brynn would be studying. Armie had given him a two-month sabbatical. If she liked it, they would be moving here for the full two-year program.
“And I adore you.” He leaned over and kissed her.
Gavin was also expediting the process of bringing Duke and Dolly over, but it would take a little time. He was sure Duke and Dolly would be getting a lot of Match Made in Hollywood screen time over the coming weeks.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Brynn asked, biting her bottom lip. “I know it’s a lot.”
“It’s an adventure.” He would go anywhere with her. And it was time for him to see the world, to make more memories. Papillon would always be home, but it was time to explore with the love of his life before they settled down and raised crazy Cajun kids.
What Brynn didn’t know was that he had an engagement ring in his pocket. He was going to ask the woman of his dreams to be his wife right here in the City of Light.
After all, she was his light.
She nodded. “Then let’s get going. I’m ready. And I bet that limo has champagne.”
He took her hand, ready to start the rest of his life.