The limousine crossed the Invalides Bridge, turned the corner, and headed toward the giant Ferris wheel that dominated the Parisian night skyline.  The Paris carousel was lit up like a giant chandelier that was turned on its side.

Earlier that evening, Bette and Tina had started their evening backwards.  That is, they went dancing before doing anything else.  Aaahhh, such is life in Paris, Tina thought, slightly buzzed from a couple of G &Ts and the small bottle of champagne Ric had sent over, and that she and Bette had shared.  Bette’s next surprise was a romantic cruise up the river, just the two of them on a classic speedboat Ric had sent over.  Tina learned another interesting facet about Bette.  Turned out the brunette knew her way around boats, particularly speedboats, and she expertly piloted them up the river on Ric’s wooden classic.

They neared the Eiffel Tower just as the LED lights of the Tower switched on, lending a magical sheen to the iconic steel structure.  It was hard to imagine an imposing tower that evoked such strength by day transformed into a delicate, almost sculptural object at night, Tina thought, as Bette pulled over to dock on the side of the river bend closest to the Tower.  They sat back and gazed at the Parisian landmark, awed.

“It’s magical Bette,” Tina said, just above a whisper, “Almost like Belgian lace…. just incredible, don’t you think?”

Bette nodded.  She glanced at Tina, and felt her throat go dry. There had been times over the past few days when the blonde’s beauty just made her heart stop.  Like now.

Tina turned to Bette, as if reading her thoughts.  “This has already been one of the most romantic nights I have ever experienced, Bette. I’m just sooo happy to be with you now… there are no words.”

Bette smiled, and nodded.“We’re lucky, T.  I feel lucky, at least.  To have been able to spend a day like this, here, with you.  And now, underneath this beautiful tower, and seeing you just, I don’t know, glow from something inside.  You’re right, it’s indescribable.”

Just then, other lights began to flicker around the Tower.  “I think a light show’s about to start!,” Tina said excitedly. 

Later, as the show ended, Bette checked her watch, and said something in French to someone at the other end of the call on the flip-phone Ric had given her.