Eternal Flame

Chapter 2

Aria's POV

I'm woken up by the voice of the flight attendant, informing us we're about to land in France. When I look at Ezra, still sleeping by my side, I think about how lucky I am for, after so many years, being able to call him my husband.

A few minutes later, when I look out the window and realize we're about to land, I decide it's time to wake him up. "Ezra." I whisper in his ear, "Wake up. We're almost there." I add and slowly caress his cheek in an attempt to wake him up. Soon his eyes are open and he smiles when he sees me, "Good morning, Sleepy Beauty," I playfully say and he laughs before pulling me closer and kissing me.

"Good morning, indeed." He replies, "Did you sleep well?"

"I did. These first class seats are way more comfortable than I'd imagined."

"They certainly are comfortable but there's nothing like our bed." He replies.

"So what are we doing today?"

"I don't have anything planned for today." He says, "It's already past 4PM here and we shouldn't be at the hotel before 6PM. I thought we could walk around, find a nice restaurant and then we'll see what we want to do."

"Sounds good." I say and rest my head on his shoulder.

An hour later, we're outside the airport and Ezra's helping the driver putting our suitcases in the trunk of the taxi. "Where to?" the older man asks once we're all in the car.

"To the marina, please."

"The marina? I thought we were going to the hotel."

"We are." He replies, matter-of-factly, "You'll see." He says just when I'm about to ask him what he meant.

Minutes later, the car stops in front of a small marina and Ezra gets out of the car to help the driver with our suitcases and pay him for the service. "Let's go." He says. He takes my hand in his and starts walking and I wonder how he knows where to go. The marina might be small but all the boats look the same to me.

We stop in front of what I think is a sailboat and, after greeting us, the captain helps us get on the boat and puts our suitcases in the back. I immediately go to the front part of the boat and sit down. A few minutes later, the engine starts and once Ezra's by my side, he wraps an arm around me and pulls me closer.

"I love this. I love the feeling of the wind in my hair, the scent of the salt water and the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. It brings back so many memories." I say and rest my head on his shoulder, "We used to go to Cape May when Mike and I were little. We would rent a boat and spend the days on the sea. I loved it. For years and it was the best part of my summer but then we grew up and apart and we just stopped doing it. I hate that we lost that tradition."

"We could always bring it back." Ezra says, "It could be one of our family traditions." But for that we need to have a family, I remind myself and sigh. As if reading my thoughts, he says, "Aria..."

"Don't." I say and turn around to face him, "Not now. It's our honeymoon, Ezra. I don't want to ruin it."

"But-"

"Please." I ask- more like beg-, cutting him off, and after looking at me for a while, he finally nods and kisses my head. "Thank you." I whisper and return to the comfort of his arms.

Ezra doesn't say anything else and I am grateful for that. We talked about this before the wedding but it's still a touchy subject to me. I know we still have a lot of things to discuss and that we have many options to consider but now is not the right time. Our honeymoon is supposed to be happy and I will do everything I can to make sure it is as happy as possible.

"I think it's time for the first surprise." Ezra says when we start getting closer to the chore.

I was in charge of the wedding so he took care of the honeymoon and, even though I told him there was no need for that, he promised me a surprise for every year we've known each other, "I could tell you what it is but I'm sure you'll know as soon as we get there. Plus, I don't want to ruin the surprise."

When the boat stops, the captain helps us get out and once we have our luggage, we thank him for the trip and say goodbye. Ezra tells me to follow him and I do. A couple minutes later, we're in front of a hotel and it doesn't take me more than a look to recognize it.

"Welcome to-"

"Hotel du Cap." I cut him off, and a huge smile spreads across my face, "This is amazing. I've always wanted to come here."

"I know. You once told me about an essay you wrote about it and how you'd love to come here if you could so here we are."

"You remember that?" I ask and turn around to face him. A few years ago, I had to write an essay about Tender Is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In the book, there's a hotel- the Hotel des Etrangers – that was inspired by the hotel in front of us. And, as if that weren't amazing already, Fitzgerald himself, as well as Ernest Hemingway and many other important members of society, used to stay here.

"Of course. I've always wanted to come here too so I thought it would be an amazing place to stay for a few days."

"It's perfect." I say, "Thank you."

"I'm glad you liked the surprise."

"I loved it." I reply, "And I love you."

"I love you too." He says and kisses me.

A/N
Hey guys!!
Hope you liked the chapter. Sorry it's not as long as usual but it's my birthday and I didn't have time to write. I hope it's good nonetheless.
Hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday.
Love you all💛😘