Chapter 281:

"Are you sure I look alright?"

"You always look alright, well actually more than alright. But yes, you look just fine, Seb. We told everyone to just dress comfortably." Lisa said, running her hand down his chest.

He had on a nice pair of blue slacks and a warm navy pullover shirt. She was wearing a pair of dressy jeans and a warm velour sweater since they would be both inside and out during the evening. It wasn't nearly as cold as it was last week and the snow had melted early in the week as the temperatures had risen. But, it would still be very chilly, especially after dark.

They were already at The Bastille, including the children. It was still early and they were going to include the children in some of the festivities and then Adrienne and Donovan were going to take the children, meet some of their cousins at the house, help get the children to bed and then go on to several other area parties.

The repairs at The Bastille weren't totally completed but, it wasn't anything that was going to stand in the way of them having a good time tonight.

The streets weren't crowded yet but there were already people strolling along the edge of the river looking at the boats that were quickly multiplying as they jockeyed for a good spot on the river to watch and light off fireworks.

Pierre and Claire arrived and brought the fireworks that Seb asked them to pick up on their way. He wanted to let the children see some fireworks before they went home to bed. Hopefully they would be sound asleep in their beds by the time the big displays were lit at midnight.

As soon as it had gotten just dark enough, Seb made sure the children were sufficiently away from where he was and then he lit of some firecrackers, warning Kayti that there would be a loud noise. Lisa hurried inside when Lauren cried at the loud noise. She took her as far into the back as she could to minimize the sound until Seb was finished with the loud fireworks.

Pierre had gotten several boxes of sparklers for the children to hold onto as they burned. After they were shown how to hold them, Pierre and Seb lit the sparklers. Seb sat right with Kayti to be sure she didn't try to grab onto the hot area. Sammy giggled as the sparks flew in all directions and immediately asked for another one when it had burned itself out.

Seb noticed Holly kind of dancing from foot to foot as she stood with her sparkler.

"Holly Sweetheart, do you need to go inside and potty? Papa will save you some sparklers for when you come back."

"No Papa."

"Alright, but if you do, just go inside and Mama will show you where to go."

"Okay."

Seb watched as she began her little dance a few minutes later.

"Holly, go inside and potty. I'll make sure the sparklers aren't all used up."

"Okay Papa."

So inside Holly went and then came back to get another sparkler.

"Did you go potty?"

"Yes Papa."

"Good girl."

Thinking she was all set, Seb didn't pay much attention for a bit then all of a sudden he noticed that she was still moving her feet from side to side.

"Holly, come see Papa....I thought you said you went potty."

"I did Papa."

"Then why are you still dancing around like you need to go?"

"I don't need to potty, Papa. My toes are all squished up."

"They're squished. You mean your shoes are too small?"

"Yup."

"Sweetheart, why didn't you tell Mama when she had you put them on?"

"I dunno."

"Probably because when our shoes were too small before, they would tell us we had to wait till it was time for everyone to get new shoes all at once before we could get new ones." Jeremy supplied.

"I'm sorry, Holly. If something doesn't fit, you tell someone and we will get you something that does, alright?" he said as he lifted her into his lap to take the pressure off of her feet.

"Okay Papa."

It was too cold outside to remove her shoes but, as soon as they'd finished with their fireworks, he carried her inside and took them off, telling Lisa about the incident. They realized then that it was still going to be some time before their children adjusted to having all of their needs met and most important were able to voice what their needs were.

*

Over the next hour, their guests arrived and at the same time, the streets slowly began filling up with New Year's Eve partiers.

Food was laid out along the counter and on the inside tables for people to help themselves. Champagne sat ready for their midnight toast. Vin Chaud, the hot wine, as well as coffee were in plentiful supply to ward off some of the night chill.

Several small trays of Lisa's new favorite treats, Papillottes, were set on the tables. These little chocolates that were wrapped and looked like tiny presents, were not only delicious but fun as well. When held at each end and opened, some of them had a little pop, like a small firecracker and others had an inserted piece of paper with a cartoon, riddle or famous quotation on it..

Of course the best part was eating them. They came with a variety of fillings such as, pralines, ganache, candied orange or marzipan.Lisa had yet to decide which flavor was her favorite.


*

It came time to say goodnight to the children. They had had plenty of attention from all of their guests. The older children had been showing off their French that they were learning. The guests were as sorry to see the children leave as the children were to go. Sammy especially wanted to stay but Seb promised that he would get them some more sparklers to light tomorrow.

“Thank you for taking them home.” Lisa told Adrienne.

“That's alright. We really don't mind and we'll still be plenty early enough to make the rounds at some of the other parties.”

The children were kissed and hugged and were told to go straight to bed when they got home. It was already well past their bedtimes by now.

Jessica and Lauren had been given plenty to eat so Lisa hoped they would both go to bed with no trouble for their sitters. They were rarely left with anyone that they weren't totally familiar with so it remained to be seen if this would cause a problem.

*

With the children on their way home, now Seb and Lisa could relax and enjoy their evening with their guests. Aunt Cecile, was ever persuasive and managed to get a lot of family here that normally wouldn't go out on New Year's Eve, preffering to stay comfortably in their own homes. Several of the older members said it was even past their bedtimes already. Even so, it seemed as if everyone was enjoying themselves.

Seb turned on some music, loud enough to be heard out on the patio so people could dance if they wished.

As Lisa mingled with these people that she was just getting to know, she was filled in on a lot of family history as well as being informed about France's St. Sylvestre, which begins on the first of January or janvier and ending on the first of February or fevrier. They told her that at the stroke of midnight, bises or small kisses on each cheek as well as wishes of Bonne Anee are given to everyone. Also, cards and gifts are given throughout the month in celebration.

Lisa laughed and told them that the children would love to hear that they could get more gifts and for a whole month too.

Lisa moved on to speak to other guests and stopped to enjoy her surroundings. She was still so excited at now being the owner of The Bastille. She almost didn't want to go home since she would miss the reopening in a weeks time. But they did need to get home. Il Divo had to get back to their promotions for The Promise and their new tour. As she stood there she thought about all the changes in their lives since this time last year.

There were new children, her new husband and in turn all of his extended family which she could now call her own, she had new friends and her life felt so full.

“You looked sad and far away for a minute, Baby. Is everything alright?” he asked Lisa.

“Oh yes, Everything is great. I just had a thought about last year.”

“Well, this year will start off much better than last year. I can promise you that.” he said and kissed her temple and hugged her tightly to him.The accident had almost put an end to their wedding plans.

“I know and I really would like to forget about that and have a good time tonight.... There is such an amazing view from here.”

From the patio, they could see the Eiffel Tower and The Seine that was now becoming very crowded along it's banks and in the water. Boats would have had a difficult time trying to move now that there were so many in the water as far as the eye could see. The grounds under and around the tower were also crowded. Occasional sounds of fireworks being set off could be heard over the noise of the crowds of people.

Many of the other establishments were also having parties, either private ones like the Izambards or were open to the public and serving meals and drinks to the partiers.

Lisa waited what she deemed a sufficient amount of time, when she thought the children should all be in bed, then called the house to check and make sure there hadn't been any problems. She was told that they were now all in bed. The babies were asleep as well as Kayti and Holly. Jeremy and Sammy were in their beds but not quite asleep. She was told to go enjoy the party and not worry about the children any more tonight.

“Is everyone settled?” Seb asked her.

“Yes, I was most concerned about the babies with strangers but they are just fine. Let's dance.”

Seb took her hand and led her to a spot on the patio that they had cleared for dancing and they danced close together, each holding the other during the slow number, not feeling a need to speak with words. Just looking into each other's eyes spoke volumes of the love they shared.

Maman and Aunt Cecile stood close together watching the couple and smiling knowing smiles. Both had thoughts that this was one love that would last an eternity.

They continued dancing when the next song began. It was a more upbeat number and helped to warm them up against the growing cold as they moved to the music.

Periodic sounds of fireworks being set off had been heard but soon one of the relatives announced that it was only ten minutes to midnight. So Lisa and Seb went inside and brought out the champagne and plastic flutes for the New Years toast. Soon the big fireworks display would be seen. Chairs were arranged on the patio, facing the tower that would have a dazzling display at the stroke of midnight.

Most everyone had brought some sort of blanket to wrap up in while they watched the fireworks. Couples could be seen all over snuggled together and wrapped up in one large blanket. After seeing that everyone had their champagne or whatever else they wanted to drink, Seb wrapped he and Lisa in a heavy woolen throw they had brought. She sat in his lap as they carefully held their drinks. Their closeness helping to keep the chill away.

Seb took advantage of the lull in converstaion to capture Lisa's lips in a slow kiss that quickly had her squirming in his lap. He had started next to her ear and she could feel his warm breath on her skin and into her ear as he lingered there. Then he had laid kisses across her cheek until he barely touched the corner of her lips. She had eagerly turned her head so that he hadn't much choice but to kiss her there.

“Alright you two, the kissing doesn't start until after midnight.” Someone shouted cheerily, making everyone laugh.

Just then down the street, someone began the countdown from ten to one, signaling the arrival of midnight.

“Dix, Neuf, Huit,”

The countdown had begun and people's attention turned solely to the tower now as they waited for it to light up.

“Sept, Six, Cinq, Quatre,

The excitement kept building as everyone that could be heard had joined in on the countdown.

“Trois, Deux, Un”

At the count of one, the tower lit up in a spectacular and beautiful display of multi-colored and multi-designed fireworks that lasted over thirty minutes.


As well as watching the display, many people were already kissing and drinking their toast to the new year in hopes that the coming year would be a good one bringing joy and happiness for everyone.

As Lisa snuggled in his arms watching the fireworks, Seb had secret thoughts, hoping that the coming tour and the long separations they would have to endure would not cause any harm in their relationship. He made a resolve right there and then that he would do whatever was necessary to keep his family together and happy. He would just have to work hard to be sure they had all they needed, not just financial and worldy things but emotionally too. He would try to get creative when they had to be apart in showing them all what they meant to him.

Lisa turned and looked into his eyes and saw a desperation in them. She didn't ask what was on his mind. She only touched his face, pulling it to hers and kissed him with a kiss that at least for the moment, calmed all of his fears. This kiss was full of all of the love and promise she had to give him.