From Dream to Destiny

by Caddy Rowland

  She looked up at him and saw that he really did want her. “Oui! I think I am willing!” She paused. “Will you give up other women?”

  Gastien looked away. He took a deep breath. “Sophie, I have told you before my feelings on that. So far, I have not had another woman since you and I started up, but I can’t say I won’t. I am sorry. That is just who I am.”

  She played with his hair. “Gastien, you passed the test. I wanted to see if you would lie to me. I don’t like it, but I understand it. Why do you have to be so uncompromising in some areas?”

  “Because I know I can’t live up to the requested compromise. I don’t want you to think I am something I am not. I have a lot of warts, Sophie. The inability to be monogamous may be the largest in your eyes.”

  She kissed him then. “Something tells me that life married to you is going to demand a lot more flexibility from me than you. But, then, what woman isn’t that true for? I am strong enough to bend quite a way, Gastien. You were honest. Had you not been, that is where I quit bending. I adore you, my love. You are the man for me, just as you are.”

  “So you are agreeing?”

  “Perhaps. If you ask nicer,” she said coyly.

  Gastien smiled. He got off the chaise.

  “Come outside with me, Sophie. I want to go to the park.”

  “Now???? Weren’t we in the middle of something?”

  “Oui. Now, come.”

  Gastien held out his hand, a mysterious smile playing across his face. Sophie tucked her hand in his, letting herself be led out the door and to the Place du Tertre.

  XXXIV

  Place du Tertre was crowded with many of Gastien’s amis painting. Several people were standing around watching them paint.

  Walking up to Mic, Gastien tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Mic, will you get everyone’s attention, please? I feel a need for some drama.”

  Mic looked at him oddly and then just shrugged his shoulders.

  “HEY, EVERYONE! STOP PAINTING FOR A MINUTE!” He looked at Gastien. “Happy?”

  “Oui, I am! Happier than I have ever been in my whole life.”

  He got down on one knee, facing Sophie. Holding her hand, he asked, “Sophi-belle? Je t’aime with all of my heart. Will you marry me?” Gastien’s face was radiant as he gazed up at her.

  Sophie pulled at him to stand up. She was filled with so much joy that she was afraid she was dreaming.

  “OUI! Oh mon Dieu, oui! I will marry you, Gastien Beauchamp!”

  People started applauding. Gastien kissed her deeply. Mic was standing there with his mouth open.

  “You’re the best man, Mic. You, Cassie, and Vic will be our witnesses. By the way, shut your mouth. You look like the village idiot,” Gastien said, laughing.

  “But – “ Mic started.

  “Later. Sophie and I will tell you later.”

  Then he grabbed his bride-to-be and held her in the air, twirling around and kissing her.

  “Oh, mon Dieu,” he exclaimed, stopping. “I just realized…you are not going to be sick on me, are you?”

  “Non, I am fine,” laughed Sophie.

  Mic teased, “The rest of us might get sick!”

  Then he winked. He grabbed Sophie and kissed her. “Congratulations! This is just wonderful!” He put his arms around Gastien and kissed him. “I am happy for you, ami.”

  “Merci, Mic. We will talk to you tonight at dinner tonight. We will be going out to Le Procope to celebrate. I will buy. Can you invite Cassie and Vic, too? I want to get home with my fiancé.”

  Mic laughed. “Now, there’s something I never thought I would hear coming out of your mouth! I will get Cassie and Vic invited. How about if we see you two around eight o’clock?”

  “Oui.”

  They waved to the others, who demanded one more kiss. They kissed again; but this time Sophie bent Gastien over backwards, making his amis applaud once again. Then they went back home.

  When they got into bed, it was not to sleep.

  XXXV

  Later, while Sophie slept, Gastien moved down to her stomach. Running his hand tenderly over it, he tried to imagine the child inside. Would it really be a son? Who would it look like? He put his mouth close.

  “Hey, baby, this is your father speaking,” he said softly, careful not to wake Sophie. “I don’t know for sure what gender you are, or if you can hear me; but I do know you are going to have to be strong. We will be bringing you up in a very unusual way. I will be the best father I know how to be. I must warn you, that won’t be real great. I know that.”

  He stopped and traced his finger across Sophie’s stomach. “I am a strange man, baby. I am owned by a force outside myself. Because of that, I just can’t be what you will probably wish for. Still, I promise you this: I will love you and try to show it, even if I fuck it up most of the time.” He kissed her stomach gently.

  “And don’t you dare talk back to your mother! She is the one with sense in the family. Her love for you will be so immense, so strong, that you will be able to accomplish anything in life you wish to. You might have gotten a far less than perfect father, little one, but you got the best mother ever to make up for it. I love her a lot, so don’t ever let me hear you disrespect her!”

  He paused, thinking. “I won’t ever hit or kick you. That I promise. I had enough of that growing up. But I will come up with something for discipline if you hurt your mother. Maybe I will make you sit for two hours in silence watching me paint!” He chuckled. “I will try to be patient with you. I am not very good with children. You will find, though, that you will need to be much more patient with me. Just ask your mother.” Then he laid his head on her stomach carefully.

  Sophie smiled to herself. She had heard every word. It was obvious that Gastien was starting to love his child in his own unique way. Things would be unusual. They would have to work it out day by day. But, with Gastien already bonding to the baby, things just might work out better than what they first expected when they discussed this odd marriage.

  Sophie stirred and Gastien raised his head. “How are you feeling? Did I hurt you earlier?” he asked worriedly.

  “Oh, Gastien, non. I feel wonderful. I am going to marry you!” She laughed happily.

  “Oui, although I am not so sure that you will be all that thrilled with me once you have me,” he admitted. “It may be like having two children.”

  “Oh, I already know that. You know I wanted children,” she joked back.

  He moved up and pulled her to him. “Hmmmm. I don’t exactly think of you as my mother…”

  “Gastien, don’t worry about hurting me when we make love. I am only a wee bit over one month along! We can make love for many months yet. I will let you know if you hurt me. We may have to stop later on or be really careful, but I will tell you.”

  Gastien blushed. “I just don’t want to make you do things you shouldn’t be.”

  “Oh, like you could make me do anything! You sure don’t know me yet!”

  “Sophie, look at your size and then look at me. I could make you do lots of things if I had the desire to. I just may, too, five times a day to teach you a lesson!”

  “What a horrible lesson that would be! I dare you to find out who would last more days at five times a day!”

  “You are talking to a man at his sexual peak!” exclaimed Gastien. “No contest!”

  “But, you ARE a man. You have to be ready for it to work.”

  “Oh, it will work whenever you need it to. Speaking of disadvantages, someone told me you were pregnant.”

  “Awful how rumors start, isn’t it?”

  “Well, oui, it is. Damn! I was hoping it was true. Then I would not have to worry about making you pregnant, and I would take advantage of that. Quite frequently, actually.”

  “I don’t see you doing anything about it except talking,” challenged Sophie.

  Gastien moved her on top of his erection.

  “Have a seat, young lady. You will find th
at I can do quite a bit more than talk.”

  “Ohhhh. Gastien.” Sophie sighed. “This right here makes you being a pain in the ass most of the time worthwhile.”

  Gastien smiled knowingly. “I had to be blessed with something, didn’t I? Now, show me how much you appreciate that blessing.” He gasped as she moved on him. “Oh, Sophie, I do so love being inside of you!”

  XXXVI

  Later on they ate a light lunch. There was no sense putting it off, it was time to talk to Odette. They wanted to marry quickly. Sophie wanted to marry in the church, but she knew the church would not marry them because Gastien would not attend.

  Gastien knew how much it meant to her, so he suggested Father Fournier. He might agree to do it. He would check with him and see. If so, Gastien said he would like the ceremony to be at the station of St. Catherine, where he had hid out when first arriving in Paris.

  They rode into the 6th, stopping at Le Procope. Gastien talked to his old boss, Maurice, about dinner that night. Maurice was thrilled about his engagement. He promised him an intimate table and the best service possible.

  Next stop was Notre Dame. Gastien found Father Fournier and introduced him to Sophie. When Gastien explained that the Catholic church where Sophie went would not marry them, because Gastien refused to attend, Father Fournier nodded.

  “It really is against church rules. You know that Sophie, even if Gastien does not.”

  Gastien looked at the priest, putting his hand on his arm. “Father, if this would get you in trouble, then forget that I asked; but it would mean a lot to Sophie to be married in a church. I would like to grant her that wish. And, it would mean a great deal to me if you personally would marry us. You are a dear ami. It just seems right to me.”

  Father smiled. “Well, it will not make anyone happy here, but I doubt I will get in trouble. I have been here for some time. I cannot do it in the main area, though. That would be flaunting it in their faces.”

  “Non , we do not expect that. We would like to be married in the area where St. Catherine is. She, as you know, is the patron saint of artists and where I had been sleeping at night. Could we do that?”

  “Oui. I think that will be fine. When do you wish to marry? Weekdays would be better as it is not as busy in the church.”

  “We would like to be married this Thursday.”

  “How about Thursday at six o’clock?” asked Father.

  “That will be fine, I think. Sophie?”

  Sophie hugged Father Fournier. “Oui, that is fine. Merci beaucoup for doing this. I know it is against what the church wants.”

  “What the church wants matters to me less than what God wants,” said Father, “and I know he wants you and Gastien to marry.” He blushed. “I did not mean that the way it must have sounded.”

  Sophie smiled. “It is fine. You are right. We are expecting a child.”

  “Well, then congratulations are doubly in order.” He hugged her again and then hugged Gastien, kissing him on the cheek. “I also consider you a dear ami, Gastien. I am thrilled for you, and I know you will be very happy.”

  “Merci, Father. Merci beaucoup for everything! We will see you Thursday,” said Gastien.

  XXXVII

  They then rode back to Odette’s house. Gastien hoped Odette would not ruin their happiness. He knew she would be less than pleased. As they came in the door, Odette was just walking out from the kitchen.

  “Sophie! What are you doing here? Oh! Gastien! I thought I asked you to not come into my home.” Odette looked at him coldly.

  Not a very good start, thought Gastien.

  Sophie spoke up, “Auntie, please. Gastien and I have something exciting to tell you. Can we please be civil? Let’s go sit in the front room.”

  Odette decided to keep silent and hear Sophie out.

  When they were all seated, Gastien cleared his throat.

  “Odette, I know you are less than thrilled with me. I can understand your concern for Sophie. You love her very much. So do I. That, at least, is one thing we have in common.” He smiled at her hopefully. She remained impassive. “Well, um, what we want to tell you is – “

  “Gastien and I are getting married,” finished Sophie.

  Odette was stunned. Non! Not to him! Oh, please God, not to him! She looked from one to the other. Sophie looked radiant, and he actually looked happy, too. Oh God, what did he have to offer her in the way of security? All he had was good looks and a penchant for passing time dabbling in paints! Oui, she heard he was very good. But what did that bring to the table? Non. Please. Not him. Not for her Sophie!

  “Sophie. I…well, I suggest you think this over. Gastien is not a provider.” Odette rambled on, “Give yourself some time. Take some time apart from him. He has you under a spell! He is handsome, that much I give him…but that does not give you security. He will be with other women! I know his type. Women will offer and he won’t say non.”

  Gastien raised an eyebrow. “Do you think I am deaf? I am sitting right here! Please don’t always talk like I am not here.”

  Odette looked at him coolly. “You aren’t, in my book. I don’t care what you think.”

  Sophie blurted, “Well, you better be glad he IS here, because I am going to have his baby.”

  There. She had said it.

  Odette looked like she was going to have a stroke.

  “You filthy libertine! What have you done to my Sophie? I TOLD you this would happen! I told you! You should be ashamed of yourself, taking advantage of someone so innocent!”

  Gastien had had enough. “You know, Odette, you assume a lot. Sophie can make her own decisions. And, even though you seem to find it hard to believe, I do have feelings! Right now, my feelings are telling me two things: first, that I love Sophie as deeply as I possibly can. Second, I would very much like to pop you in the mouth. How unfortunate that it is inappropriate for a man to do so to a woman! Stop deciding for us what we need or want!”

  “Don’t you talk to me like that in my own house – “

  “THEN STOP PROVOKING ME!” Gastien yelled.

  Then he said quietly “Just stop for five minutes! Is it too much for you to try not to ruin one of the most important days of both of our lives? We are both happy about the baby! We both want to be married! Do you have to ruin it for the girl you say you love so much?”

  Sophie was crying. Gastien looked furious. “Now look what you have done!” he stormed. “I will not have you upset her! She is carrying my baby. You must not treat her this way!”

  Odette sighed. He was right. What was done was done. She didn’t like him any better, but why ruin it for Sophie?

  “Sophie?” Odette got up and walked over and put her arms around the girl. “I am sorry. I just wanted more for you. I am sorry that I have upset you. If this is what you want, then I will not try to make things unhappy.”

  She took a deep breath. Turning to Gastien she said quietly, “I hope you realize what a wonderful woman you will have for a wife. I hope you treat her the way she deserves to be treated.” She did not touch him.

  Moving back to her chair, she sat back down. “So when is the wedding? When will you be leaving me?”

  There was dead silence. Curiously, Odette looked from one to the other. Finally Sophie spoke.

  “Well, that is the other news. I won’t be leaving you. At least, not forever. I will be coming back here to live once it is time to have the baby. That is, if you will have me.”

  Odette said nothing for several seconds. Then she understood.

  “Oh, I see. Gastien wants his studio, so that he can entertain women during the day! Then he expects to come home here at night to play house. You all expect to live here. Non. I will not have him lie with you in this house! Not treating you like that.”

  Gastien spoke up. “I won’t be living here Odette. I will be living in my studio. Sophie and the baby will live here, though, if you give your blessing. My studio is no place for a child. It is full of strong smells and poisons.
It is my home, but it is one big room. If I buy another home for us, you are right; I cannot provide for her. I have no skills, other than painting and picking cauliflower. The painting I am quite good at. The cauliflower, not much good at all.”

  “Why does THAT not surprise me,” Odette interrupted. “What would you possibly know about doing an honest day’s work?”

  Gastien said quietly, “I will pretend you did not say that. You have no idea how much or little I have worked in the past. Please let me continue. I cannot provide for us unless I sell my studio and, for me, that is not an option. I have spent my whole life trying to get a studio. It is what I am supposed to do. I can’t give that up and survive.”

  “If the studio meant that much to you, why didn’t you keep it in your pants?” Odette spat.

  “Because I am human, male…and this time I fell in love. I have no better excuse than that.”

  Odette sniffed. “Well. Sophie, I would never turn you away. You are a damn fool if you accept this living situation, but I won’t turn you away. Gastien, as for you…I will not ever have you living here. I do not want you having your way with Sophie in this house. You both figured out how to do that before, you will have to continue to find your marital bliss elsewhere.”

  ‘Merci. I am glad that you will have my wife and child here. I know you will treat Sophie kindly. I hope you treat our child that way as well. This child is just as much Sophie as me. Please keep that in mind,” implored Gastien.

  “I love children and I love Sophie,” said Odette. “I am sure I will love the child.”

  Sophie looked at her aunt beseechingly. “I certainly hope you understand that I want Gastien to feel he can come here as often as he wishes. We want to see each other a lot. It will be easier on me, and on the child, if he can visit here. And, please, Auntie, do treat Gastien civilly. It would not be fair to the child to see its father being held in a bad light.”