Show Me

20.

Paris was the most romantic city on the planet and it wasn't until he was back, smack dab in its midst that he fully understood the true magnificence. Twenty years ago, it had been about traipsing around, barely making it to class in the morning after a night of drinking the cheapest Parisian beer he could find with his buddies. He could appreciate it ten times more when he was sober; the culture, the food, the scenery.

But it wasn't until he was there years later with Stefani that he could truly see Paris for what it was; magical. There was something to be said about sneaking a kiss in front of the Eiffel tower or strolling hand in hand along the banks of the Seine. Perhaps he was going soft in his old age or perhaps it was just because he was deeply in love, but he was on a cloud the entire short trip.

It was slightly difficult to carve out time to spend with the three of them, in between rehearsing, performing, and interviews, but somehow, as usual, Stefani made it a priority to be as present as she could. They had all meals together and spent a day at Disneyland Paris, but he saw to it that both of his girls rested when they could, often walking into the bedroom of the boutique hotel they were staying at to find them fast asleep, Stefani curled into Lea's back. The sight brought tears to his eyes.

On their very last day there, before it was time to go to London, Ashley and Bo were set take Lea for the afternoon; shopping and the playground at Jarden de Luxenborg and Lea, having come to adore both women, had agreed without too much of a fuss. They left the suite early that morning, his daughter filled with excitement for the day.

"I wanted to surprise you," he explained as they enjoyed a light breakfast on the terrace. "You up for a little adventure?"

She laughed, sipping her coffee. "I'd go anywhere with you, you know that."

"Mmhmm, so you're not going to ask me where we're going today?" He picked up her hand across the table and kissed it.

"You know me too well," she grinned. "Okay, I'll bite. Where are we going today?"

"You'll have to wait and find out." He winked, chuckling when she groaned.

"Bradley!" Teasingly, she moved the plate of croissants out of his reach when he went to reach for another one. "Uh-uh, sir, not until you tell me where you plan on taking me today."

"Okay," he relented a little, "we're going to take the ferry somewhere...about forty minutes from here, give or take."

Her eyes lit up. "The ferry?"

"How would you feel about going to one of my favorite villages in France? I learned how to make a mean eggs Orsini there."

"I'd absolutely love it." She rose from the table, planting herself in his lap and throwing her arms around his neck. "I've loved every minute here and this is the perfect ending to our stay."

"Ferry leaves in twenty minutes," he brushed his lip against hers."It really has been amazing, Stef. Thank you so much for inviting us. Lea had a wonderful time, too."

"You don't have to thank me. Having the two of you here is having a piece of my heart with me. I wish we could've spent more time together, the three of us, but things were hectic..."

Her words ebbed and he circled her waist, squeezing her gently to him. "No apologies. You're here to work and we're just lucky enough to be along for the ride."

"Thank you, baby." She grabbed a croissant from the platter across the table and handed it to him. "Peace offering?"

Breaking it half, he handed a piece to her. "Only if you'll share."

After a scenic private ferry ride to Giverchy, Bradley picked up their rental car and when they stepped outside of their intended destination, Stefani held her breath, marveling at the beauty around her; lush trees, flowers blooming. "This is where Monet lived," she turned to him. "When I was a kid, I wanted to live inside of his paintings. Now I feel like I am."