CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 1

Open windows let in light.

Open windows let in dreams.

New vistas and endless opportunities await through open windows…

The shimmering reflections in the windows whispered promises of untold adventures awaiting her wounded heart.

Joy stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Venice, Italy, with a wide grin that made passersby glance her way. The scent of the Venetian sea breeze and the echo of her past life clung to her like a fading dream.

Joy never realized she’d be taking chances at age fifty-six. She resembled a woman in search of something. But not a hotel room or lost purse.

No, Joy’s twinkling eyes revealed a woman in search of a new chapter filled with adventure and possibilities.

The possibility of rediscovering herself.

Of rediscovering romance?

Joy didn’t know. But one thing she did know was that Millie, the new friend she’d met in Rome, inspired her to try something new even at age fifty-six.

Fifty-six?

Could life begin anew after middle age? Joy could hardly wait to find out.

Outside of the Santa Lucia train station, Joy smiled at the distant sound of seagulls as well as the warm sun on her skin that late afternoon in April. Tourists scattered in all directions, making their way to water taxis, water buses, cafés, and nearby shops. As Joy headed to a vaporetto stop for a boat ride to the gardens near the Piazza di San Marco, her phone vibrated.

“Jaime?” she answered the call.

“Mom! We’re home now. How’s Venice?” The excitement in her voice was contagious.

“I’m so glad you two made it to New York safe and sound. I’m standing on the streets of Venice taking in the beauty. Jaime, I can’t believe I’m here.” Joy inhaled the sea air.

“That’s great, Mom! Michael and I are so happy for you. I’m glad you listened to Claudia and ventured off alone,” Jaime said.

Claudia, their beautiful, statuesque guide in Rome that the publisher had provided for photography contest winners, took Joy aside one night and whispered in her ear about how lovely Venice was and that it was calling to her.

“I don’t know . . .” Joy had grimaced at the thought of traveling alone.

“You must go to Venezia.” Claudia had clasped her hands to her heart. “It is the heart of Italy. The most beautiful city in the world.”

“I thought Rome was?” Joy had asked her.

But Claudia shook her head. “Venezia. It calls to you, Joy. You must answer.”

The memory flashed through her mind.

“Mom? Are you there?” Jaime’s voice jerked her out of the flashback.

“Yes! I’m here, and I agree. I’m glad I listened to Claudia too.”

“Guess what? The wedding venue we wanted is available.” Jaime giggled into the phone.

“That’s wonderful, honey. Now you and Michael can start planning.” Joy grinned widely.

“I’ll FaceTime with you later, Mom. I’ve got to get some sleep.”

Joy said her goodbyes, then ended the call. She exhaled and glanced upward. Thank you, Lord, for giving Michael to Jaime and vice versa. They are so good together.

The year before, Jaime had been left at the altar by Carl.

Carl. Joy shuddered just thinking about him.

She still couldn’t believe what had happened. But in the end, as painful and humiliating as that horrible experience had been, everything turned out for the best. Joy entered Jaime’s photo in the contest, Jaime won an all-expenses-paid trip to Rome, she met Michael there, they fell in love, and now they planned to be married in a few short months.

Joy sighed.

What a romantic story they would have to share with everyone. Meeting each other and then falling in love in the most romantic city in the world.