When Alex left for the gallery the next morning she made herself some coffee and sat down in front of her computer at the kitchen table. For the first time in nearly two years, she had the inspiration to write and when Alex arrived home at six o clock she was nearly finished with chapter four. 

He wanted to read her chapters,  but she promised him that she would give him the opportunity once she was done. 

Time flew by  in the next two weeks and she spent every waking moment writing and thinking while wandering in the garden. At the rate she was writing now, the book would be finished in six weeks and she would be able to send the manuscript for editing. 

Everyday she and Alex became closer and more connected. No one except Richard ever treated her in the same manner, but it was a different kind of love. She and Richard were very close, but there were kids involved and their lives revolved around the kids. They each had their own jobs and it was just different. With Alex she could be free to be herself, and there was no one to draw their attention away from each other. 

The night before the family were to arrive, he told her that he loved her. There was no doubt in her mind that she loved him too, and burst out in tears when he took out a ring and placed it on her finger. 

"Lorraine, I know we are in no rush, and we don't have to set a date or anything, but I want to know that you are mine....will you marry me?" 

"Oh Alex, of course ...of course I will marry you."

That night, he carried her upstairs again and they consummated the engagement. They were both very much in love and nothing that anyone could say would break them apart.  

They drove up to the airport early the next morning and had breakfast there while they waited for his daughter to arrive. Caroline's flight was right on schedule, and she was totally overwhelmed when she finally met Lorraine. She jumped up and down of joy, and couldn't stop babbling about Lorraine's movies.  She told her that Lorraine was her idol, and she was terribly excited that her dad finally met someone worthwhile. 

Caroline was a young and vibrant young lady and stepped into their lives like a breath of fresh air. Lorraine's family was only landing at five, and Lorraine and Alex had the whole day to spend with Caroline so that they could get to know each other better. 

They stopped at the gallery on Caroline's request, and Lorraine immediately caught the vibe between Caroline and Francois. They seemed to be totally intrigued with each other and Lorraine invited Francois to join them for lunch. 

They all spend a lovely day together and when they drove back to the chateau, Lorraine told Alex about her observation. He laughed, and told her that Francois had always been fascinated with Caroline, and that he actually hoped, now that she was older, that they would eventually end up together. They were a perfect match. Francois was the big drive force for her to come to Paris the next year. 

They stopped to get ingredients for dinner, and after Alex showed Caroline the chateau, Lorraine and Caroline went down to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. 

Lorraine started on the chicken while Caroline made salads and they were still busy in the kitchen when Alex excitedly announced that the rest of the family had arrived. He was looking forward to meeting the twins and knew that they would be just as awesome as their mother.  

Everyone was delighted to meet each other and it seemed like a whole reunion between people that have actually never even met each other. Everyone was absolutely fascinated and intrigued by the house, and Chloe chose the room closest to the stairs because of the cast on her leg. Alicia and her boyfriend took the room next to the master bedroom, and Jonathan took the room adjoining Chloe's room.

Lorraine decided not to wear her engagement ring, and they both decided that it would be best not to announce their engagement that weekend. Everyone settled into their rooms while Lorraine and Caroline finished dinner. Lorraine and Caroline hit it off straight away, and just before eight o clock everyone came downstairs for dinner. The table was set beautifully in the dining room, and everyone looked forward to a wonderful evening together. 

Caroline and Chloe sat together and seemed to get along, and Jonathan took a seat on the right next to Alex at the head of the table. They seemed to like each other a lot. Alicia and Henry were placed opposite Lorraine and a few minutes later when Francois arrived, he took a seat next to Caroline. They were a lovely group of people, and everyone seem to really like each other. Alex helped Lorraine serve dinner and afterwards all the woman helped to clean the kitchen.   

After dinner, Caroline and Francois were on their own mission, and took a walk down to the river. Alex wanted to stop them but Lorraine shook her head and told him to leave them.  They came back a little while later and after Francois left, Caroline went to find Chloe in her room and the two of them invited Jonathan to play some board games with them. 

The grown ups were all in the dining room, and Alex opened some more wine. Everyone was so relaxed and having a wonderful time catching up and getting to know each other. Henry and Alex stepped outside for a few minutes for a breath of fresh air, and while they were away it gave Lorraine and Alicia some much needed time to catch up. 

Alicia was extremely impressed with Alex and told Lorraine that she looked happier and more relaxed than she had in years.  Lorraine couldn't keep her engagement to herself anymore and she told Alicia about the engagement. Alicia was overwhelmed with happiness for her dear friend. She promised not to tell anyone and would leave it up to Lorraine and Alex to make the announcement. 

At one o clock that morning everyone seemed to have had enough and they all went upstairs to rest. Lorraine had a whole weekend planned and she couldn't wait to show them the gallery in the morning. She fell asleep in Alex's arms, and for the first time in years, she felt complete and content.  

-To be continued-

 

                           

                          

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