They walked along the canal through Murano and took several photographs before settling at a restaurant along the water.

Joy ordered Spaghetti Bolognese, and Tony ordered ravioli and Moscato wine, chilled. They ate in silence, listening to the water and people walking by.

An hour later, they were back on the boat heading to Burano.

The small fishing village appeared in the distance with its colorful buildings greeting them.

“The fishermen would paint their homes in bright colors so they could spot them from the sea as they approached. It gave them great comfort to see home again,” the tour guide explained.

“Home.” Joy nodded. “It means so much.”

After they disembarked, they walked through the piazza in the middle of town.

“What do you want to do now?” Tony asked.

“Gelato.” Joy grinned widely.

They walked past the many vendors selling hats, scarves, and prints of Venice. Tony stopped to admire a hat.

“Want one?” he asked.

Joy tilted her head. “Do I need one?”

“Well, your nose is getting red from the sun.” He handed her a white straw hat and paid the vendor.

Joy placed it on her head, winked, then turned on her heels. “How do I look?”

“Perfetto,” Tony replied.

As they turned the corner, the main street came into view.

“Wow. Is this not the most quaint city you’ve ever seen?” Joy shook her head as she glanced around the brightly-colored buildings with windows filled with bright red geraniums.

Dozens of shops lined the streets, and more vendors displayed their wares. Dresses, skirts, hats, sunglasses, and prints of various scenes of Venice were all for sale.

“There it is.” Joy pointed past the vendors to a shop with a statue of an ice cream cone out front. “The Fancy Gelato Shop.” She scooted inside and stared at the containers filled with all flavors of delicious gelato.

“Can I help you?” the clerk asked.

“Si, prego. A cup of Stracciatella.” Joy hopped up and down on her heels in anticipation. She turned to Tony, who chuckled at her. “What? It’s my favorite flavor.”

With their cups of gelato in hand, the two strolled down the street.

“How’s your gelato?” Joy asked in between bites of hers.

“Fantastic.” Tony raised his eyebrows. “This pistachio is the best I’ve ever had.”

“Lace!” Joy almost dropped her cup.

Tony stepped back. “What?”

She pointed toward a small shop with lace doilies, tablecloths, and pillows in the window.

“I need to buy some. Here.” She handed Tony her cup of gelato. “Wait here.”

“Gladly.” He laughed.

“Buongiorno,” the shop owner said. A woman about the same age as Joy straightened out tablecloths and set out more designs onto tables.

“Giorno.” Joy offered her a warm smile. She selected a few doilies in different shapes and sizes, lace coasters, bookmarks, and pillows.

When her purchase was complete, she returned to Tony, who held out her melting gelato. He frowned.

“Oh, that’s all right. I’m just happy I found the famous Burano lace. They are known for it.” She held up her bags filled with her treasures.

“I suppose it’s time to head back to the boat now.” Tony motioned to the other tourists heading to the dock.

Joy sighed. “I guess you’re right.” With one final glance around, she followed Tony to the boat.

As she walked alongside him, listening to him talk about the town and their time together, her mind eased.

Being with him today was something she had never thought would happen in a million years.

Deep inside, she hoped it would last. Like those Da Vinci inventions, could this love story endure through time and be used to inspire others? With their history, Joy wasn’t sure. It would take a miracle.

God is a God of miracles. She took his hand into hers and squeezed it.

Back on the boat, Joy leaned against Tony, thinking more about their time touring Murano and Burano. “I’m glad we did this.”

“Mm-hmm,” he replied.

She glanced up at him and noticed his eyes were closed.

“Tired?”

“Exhausted.”

A grateful smile came to her lips. “Rest then.”

Using her phone, she shot several videos of the water and speedboats as they passed. But mostly she relaxed against Tony’s chest, listening to the rhythm of his breathing.

After their boat docked near the Doge Palace in Venice, Joy yawned and stretched.

“We’re here.” She scooted out of the seat and gathered her bags of lace.

“Already?” Tony stood, then stretched. “That was quick.” He gave her a side hug.