Austin and Ally the college years

Chapter 25: Paris Awaits

The days following Austin’s finals were a whirlwind of preparation and excitement. With each passing hour, the anticipation for their anniversary trip to Paris grew. Ally was completely oblivious to the surprise Austin had planned, which made his secret even more exhilarating.

Austin had spent the last few nights poring over travel itineraries, hotel bookings, and restaurant reservations. Every detail mattered, from the charming little café near the Eiffel Tower where he planned to take Ally for brunch to the romantic Seine River cruise he had reserved for their first night. He wanted everything to be perfect, not just to celebrate their anniversary, but to signify the new chapter they were entering together.

Ally was busy, too. With her finals now behind her, she was immersing herself in preparations for the end-of-semester concert at the music school, where she was performing several pieces she had been working on all year. She seemed more energized than ever, her excitement for performing shining through. But despite her busy schedule, she had no idea what Austin was planning.

One evening, as they lounged on the couch together, Austin glanced at Ally, who was animatedly discussing her concert pieces. She had just returned home from a rehearsal, her hair slightly tousled, cheeks flushed with enthusiasm. Austin couldn’t help but smile at her passion.

“You know,” he started, trying to sound casual, “I was thinking we should do something special for our anniversary this year.”

Ally paused, her brow furrowing slightly. “What do you mean? Like a nice dinner or something?”

“Yeah, something like that,” he replied, keeping his tone light. “But I was thinking maybe… something a little bigger.”

Her eyes widened in curiosity. “What do you have in mind?”

Austin hesitated, wanting to reveal just enough to keep her intrigued without giving away the surprise. “You’ll see. Just promise me you’ll keep your calendar clear for the weekend.”

“Okay…” Ally replied, a smile creeping onto her face. “You’re being so mysterious! I love it! What’s the occasion?”

Austin chuckled, feeling a flutter of excitement in his stomach. “Just trust me. You’re going to love it.”

As the day of their departure approached, Austin felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration. He wanted everything to go smoothly; he had dreamed of this moment, envisioning Ally’s face when she realized they were going to Paris.

Finally, the day arrived. Austin had arranged for a car to pick them up early in the morning to take them to the airport. He watched as Ally slept soundly beside him, her breathing steady, a small smile playing on her lips even in her dreams. He could hardly contain his excitement, knowing what awaited them.

“Ally, wake up!” he gently nudged her, his heart racing. “It’s time to get ready!”

She groaned, rolling over to bury her face in the pillow. “What time is it?”

“Early enough that we need to get moving!” Austin replied, laughing softly. “We have a flight to catch.”

Slowly, Ally peeled herself from the covers, blinking sleepily. As she registered his words, her eyes widened. “Wait, what? A flight?”

Austin nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “Yep! We’re going to Paris for our anniversary!”

Ally’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Are you serious?”

He nodded, watching her eyes sparkle with excitement. “I’ve been planning it for weeks. I wanted it to be special, just like you deserve.”

“Oh my god! This is amazing!” she exclaimed, bouncing out of bed and throwing her arms around him. “You’re incredible, Austin!”

The warmth of her embrace sent a rush of happiness through him, solidifying that he had made the right choice. As they got ready, Ally’s laughter filled the apartment, and he couldn’t help but steal glances at her radiant smile.

After a quick breakfast and final checks of their luggage, they were soon on their way to the airport. The car ride was filled with Ally’s excited chatter, her enthusiasm infectious.

When they arrived at the terminal, Austin felt a rush of adrenaline. The bustling atmosphere, the excitement in the air—it was all a part of the adventure they were about to embark on.

As they checked in, Austin glanced at Ally, who was practically bouncing on her toes. “I can’t believe you did this,” she said, her eyes shining. “Thank you so much! This is the best surprise ever!”

Austin smiled, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over him. “Just wait until we get there. There’s so much I want to show you.”

The flight was smooth, and as they soared above the clouds, Austin couldn’t help but feel that this trip was more than just a getaway. It was a celebration of their love, their shared journey, and a chance to create memories that would last a lifetime.

When they finally touched down in Paris, the city of lights greeted them with a soft drizzle that only added to the charm. The scent of fresh pastries wafted through the air as they stepped out of the airport, and Austin could see the wonder in Ally’s eyes.

“Welcome to Paris!” he said, taking her hand and leading her to their awaiting cab.

As they drove through the streets, Ally gazed out the window, taking in the sights—the historical architecture, the bustling cafés, the vibrant culture.

“I can’t believe we’re actually here,” she said breathlessly. “This is incredible!”

Austin squeezed her hand, his heart swelling with joy. He couldn’t wait to show her everything he had planned.

As the cab approached their hotel, Austin felt a surge of excitement. They were on the brink of an unforgettable adventure, and he couldn’t wait to experience it all with Ally by his side.

“Just wait until you see the view from our room,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I can’t wait!” she exclaimed, her eyes dancing with excitement.

They arrived at the hotel, and as they checked in, Austin couldn’t help but marvel at how far they had come. This trip was more than just a celebration of their anniversary; it was a new beginning, one filled with promise and love.

With their bags in tow, they headed up to their room. As the door swung open, Ally gasped. The view from the balcony overlooked the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower gracefully framed in the background.

“Oh my god, Austin! This is amazing!” she squealed, rushing out to the balcony.

Austin watched her in awe, his heart racing as he realized that he was ready to take the next step in their relationship. Paris was the perfect backdrop for what he had planned, and he could hardly wait for the right moment to make it all come together.

“This is only the beginning,” he said softly, stepping out to join her, as the magic of Paris enveloped them both.