Bad Seed

“I know, I know.” Julie groaned, but smiled.

She was just happy to finally be in Paris. We’d been talking about this trip for so long that neither of us thought it would actually happen. Every time I tried to book the flights and hotel rooms, something always came up. Whether it was my work or Julie’s, Josh’s recovery or his move to Ennis, something always got in the way.

“I can’t believe we’re finally here,” I said, staring out the window in awe.

“Me neither.” Julie laughed. “I was beginning to think it wouldn’t happen.”

“Life got crazy,” I said with a nod. “But we’re here now.”

“Finally.” Julie laughed again.

We spent most of the day just walking around the city. I hadn’t been to Paris in years. The last time, I went for business and didn’t get a chance to see the sights. With Julie by my side though, I wanted to see everything.

We walked through museums and shops, up and down streets and down deserted alleyways. We didn’t bother using a map or taking a tour. We just wanted to discover the city ourselves, in our way.

That was my favorite part of being with Julie. She and I could have adventures that no one else would understand. We didn’t care if we got lost or if we never made it back to our hotel. So long as we were together, the rest of the world disappeared, and our happiness was undeniable.

“Do you know where we are?” she asked as the sun began to set. “We should probably head back to the hotel soon.”

“It’s two blocks this way,” I said, pointing to our left. “Not far.”

“How do you know that?” Julie shook her head. “I’m totally lost.”

I shrugged. “I’ve been paying attention. Or maybe I’m just better with directions than you are.”

Julie glared at me but linked her arm with mine and let me lead the way. We got back to the hotel just in time to get ready for dinner.

“Where are we going again?” Julie asked as she climbed in the shower.

“It’s someplace by the Tower,” I said. “It’s supposed to have an amazing view.”

“Sounds perfect,” Julie said.

She disappeared behind the shower curtain, and I hurried back into the bedroom. I was already dressed and ready, but my palms were sweaty from nerves. I thumbed through my suitcase, frantically searching for the little black box I knew was buried at the bottom. When I found it, I tucked it safely in my coat pocket before Julie could see a thing.

My phone rang, drawing my attention away from my plans for the evening. I saw Josh’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey,” I said. “Everything okay?”

“I’m good,” Josh said. “Just calling to wish you luck.”

“Thanks.” I grinned and lowered my voice. “She’s in the shower.”

“I figured you guys were about ready to head out,” Josh said. “You nervous?”

“Yes,” I said. “That’s an understatement.”

“How bad would it suck if she said no?” Josh teased.

“Fuck you,” I said.

Josh laughed, and I quickly joined him. There was nothing like my big brother making fun of me to calm my nerves and get me ready for the biggest night of my life.

“You’ll be fine,” Josh said. “She loves you.”

“Thanks, man.”

Ever since his accident, things between Josh and I had changed. We weren’t just brothers who barely knew each other. We tried harder to stay close,