The house- Chapter 16

    

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Matt and Sarah spent a wonderful night together and fell asleep in each others arms.  They had one more day to spend together before they had to go back to Chicago.  They woke up early the next morning, showered and then left the hotel in the little Renault.  They wanted to take one last drive through the country. 

Matt stopped the car in Rue Cler and asked Sarah to wait for him.  He came back with a basket full of surprises. There were some croissants that she loved so much and he also bought some brioche from Pralus, some cheese from La Fermette Fromagerie and a roasted chicken from Darius Rotisserie. Matt had a special day planned for them and he wanted Sarah to remember this day forever. 

Matt parked the car and they took a train from St. Lazare to Chars and then took a different train to Chartres. They had the most beautiful scenery on the train-ride and Sarah was excited all the way.  She couldn't believe that she could be so lucky and felt very content.  

They visited a beautiful old cathedral in Chartres and it was so much fun exploring the small medieval town with her best friend in the world.  She bought a beautiful old mirror in one of the local shops that would fit perfectly in her new house.  

Sarah was very quiet on the train-ride back and Matt tried to cheer her up by talking about all the renovations that they were going to do at the house. 

They were booked on a flight at nine o'clock the next morning.  Matt took her out dancing that night at one of the nightclubs and it was nearly one o'clock when they got back to the hotel.  Matt slept in his own room that night and Sarah sat in her favorite place for at least an hour before going to bed. 

She couldn't believe how much her life had changed over the last month, and she would be forever grateful for Rich making this all possible.  He was the closest to any family member she ever had and although she missed him she knew that he was looking after her from wherever he was.  

They had a quick breakfast in the hotel, paid their bill and then drove to the airport. When Sarah took her seat, she looked out the window and made a promise to herself to come back soon.  She had the most wonderful and enjoyable time ever and she had the best memories etched in her mind.  She would never forget her first trip to Paris for as long as she lived.  

They were both tired when they got off the plane and even though she asked him to stay the night, Matt declined and dropped her off at the house.  The house looked beautiful and when she switched on the lights she could see the beauty of the hallway for the first time.  

The kitchen cupboards were replaced and everything looked gorgeous.  The professional painters were going to start painting the following week and she reckoned that all the major renovations would be complete in the next two months.  

She planned on going to auctions to look for furniture and even if it took longer to furnish the house, she had all the time in the world to get everything in perfect condition. 

For the next few weeks the house transformed right in front of their eyes. Matt and Sarah spent every waking moment together and they became extremely close.  He nearly spent every night with her and after most of the painting was completed she asked Matt if he wanted to move in with her.  It was silly paying rent if he was never at his place and he told Sarah that he would consider it.  He didn't really want to rush things, but it was clear to see that their relationship was heading into something permanent.  

Wednesday night Matt showed up with a suitcase full of clothes. She smiled when she let him in and showed him where to unpack.  She was used to having him around so the adjustment would not be great.  They had the same ideas about the house and Sarah was happy for him to move in.  

On Friday afternoon Matt asked her to meet him at his apartment.  He still had to wrap up a few things, and he had some boxes to pack. He told her that he could really need some help sorting out some last stuff.  

He had a big surprise for her and he wanted to give it to her on neutral ground. 

They packed a few boxes in the living room and then Matt suggested that he finish up alone while she packed the glasses in the kitchen.  

She walked over to the kitchen and then saw the little box on the kitchen counter.  

She shrieked when she opened it and then Matt spoke behind her.  She turned around and found him standing on his one knee. 

"Sarah Malone, you make me the happiest man in the world. Ever since I met you I have not been myself. You are the most beautiful, exciting, intelligent and passionate person I have ever met.  These last two months with you, have changed my life completely.  Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Sarah started crying and accepted his proposal through the tears streaming down her face. 

- To be continued-