Chapter Two

Zoey Simmons set her tripod up in the square.  She had spent several minutes trying to find just the right angle to get the picture she imagined in her mind. This was the third stop on her assignment from her publisher. She was putting together a photography book of the greatest churches in the world. They had chosen fifteen with the most beautiful architecture and interesting history.  Her first stop had been Notre Dame. She had always dreamed of going there and the beautiful cathedral did not disappoint. Then she had visited Saint-Chappelle in the center of Paris. It was an incredible sight. The medieval architecture was exquisite. The stain-glassed windows were breathtaking.

“Zoey, I have to go,” said Parker, sliding his cell phone back into its holster and quickly packing up pieces of equipment.

“What do you mean? We just got here.”

“That was a call from home. The baby is coming early. I have to go.”

“Stop that,” she said placing a hand on his shoulder. “I can get this, go. Go.”

“Zoey, I’m so sorry to leave you here.”

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. Go.”

Parker slid behind the wheel of their rental car and, with a wave, was gone.  He was a very good assistant, but this trip had been extra hard for him.  He and his wife were expecting at the end of the month. This was early, but not too early, just a couple of weeks. He had been getting calls from Elizabeth more often over the last couple of days. He had begun to get anxious. Zoey hoped the long plane ride home was not too much for him.

She decided to put some of her gear away and continue taking pictures when she realized she had no car.  She let out an exasperated breath. At least, this was a popular enough tourist attraction that she would have no trouble getting a cab. She stood back and admired the church’s towering turrets.  From where she was standing, the morning sun was just starting to peek out from behind them. It seemed to create a halo around the church. It made a fantastic picture.  She continued to snap shots of the church.  She had never seen such color and character in a building with such history.  She stepped back and bumped into someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said and turning around to apologize, she stumbled slightly. A pair of large hands steadied her. She gasped slightly.

“I am sorry. Did I scare you?” said a deep voice.

Zoey looked up and felt her heart jump in her chest. She gazed into the most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen.