“Thank you for this, Tony.” Staring into his eyes reflecting the late afternoon sunlight, safety rolled over Joy. Something she hadn’t embraced in many years. His relaxed countenance revealed total satisfaction in being alone with her. Joy hadn’t seen that look on his face in a long time.

“It was my pleasure.” Tony grinned. “I had fun. I especially enjoyed watching you shop.” The wind tousled his hair, making him laugh and make funny faces at Joy. To her, he looked a lot like that high school senior she’d danced with.

Holding up her phone, Joy took several photos of him to send to Jaime. “She’ll love these.”

He made several more funny faces and laughed each time. His nose was red from sunburn too. But it only made him looked even more adorable.

Joy lowered the camera and frowned.

“What’s the matter? Did the photos not turn out?” He stepped closer to her.

“No. It’s just not fair how you got better looking and I just got older.” She bit her lower lip. “So not fair!”

Tony nudged her. “What are you talking about? Did you see yourself in that dress the other night? You look fantastic for—”

“For my age.” She rolled her eyes and groaned. “Horrible words.”

“For any age.” Tony pecked her cheek. “You’ve still got killer legs.”

“Really?” She jerked around to face him.

“Ever since high school. Great legs.” He held her close as they headed toward the Piazza di San Marco, staring over her shoulder at the people darting in and out of their way.

Joy sent Jaime the various photos and videos of their day together.

“She’s going to love these.” Joy tapped her phone. “Let’s get a pic together.”

Tony asked the tourist in front of them to take a photo. He put his arm around Joy and hugged her waist.

She inspected the photos. “This will be Jaime’s favorite.”

“Seeing the two of us together again will be the best wedding gift we could give her, right?” Tony stared at the photo.

Joy looked up at him. “Yes. You’re exactly right. That’s what I was thinking.” She kissed his cheek. “To Jaime, this will mean everything.”

“Here.” He handed her a bag.

“What’s this?” Inside, Joy found a black box. When she opened it, she saw a black glass dragon inside. “Oh my goodness.”

“The glass blower made it for me while I watched.”

“Where was I?” Joy tilted her head.

“You stepped into the ladies’ room for a bit.”

Joy admired the little dragon then placed back inside the box. “What a thoughtful gift, Tony. Thank you.”

He stared deeply into her eyes and leaned in as if to kiss her, but paused and smiled.

Tony walked off ahead of her. Joy watched him for a moment, wondering.

He has changed.

Could she make a new life with him after everything that happened? She remembered what Millie, her friend from Rome, had told her about life.

Life is too short for regrets. You have to run the race that’s before you and finish strong.

“Ready?” Tony asked.

“I think so,” Joy replied. “I think so . . .”

CHAPTER 10

A week passed, and Joy had more adventures with Tony. Gondola rides, restaurants, a train ride to Milan, and shopping for Jaime and Michael. With each day, hope within her grew stronger. The hope that maybe they could get back together, leaving the past behind.

The next morning, Joy arrived at the flower shop wearing a white blouse and blue and white-striped capris that Tony had bought her in Milan. Her amethyst ring displayed nicely against her tan skin.

“How was your day yesterday?” Dina asked as she cut some flowers.

“We had a nice time together. We visited a carpet store in Verona and ordered three rugs for Jaime and Michael’s new place. When we visited the glass factory last week, Tony had them make vases for the kids and a dragon for me. It’s beautiful.” Joy tied the apron around her waist. “How has everything here been?”

“Occupato. More wedding orders for late summer, parties, and a graduation event.” Dina raised her arms. “I don’t know what we’re going to do. So busy.”

“I’m here to help.” Joy unrolled baby’s breath from wax paper and separated them from the ferns and other greenery that came wrapped as well. One by one, she placed them on the work table.

“Alessandro is on his way too.” Dina watched for Joy’s expression.

“Really?” She beamed. “That’s great. It feels like I haven’t seen him in forever. How’s he been?”

“Ask him yourself.” Dina nodded at the door.

With a box of roses in his arms, Alessandro pushed open the door. “Buongiorno,” he said.

“Buongiorno.” Joy rushed over to him and helped carry the box. “Come stai?”

“Bene. How have you been, Joy?” He smiled widely. “You look lovely and tan. Well-rested.”

“Thank you. I’ve been so busy sightseeing. But I am here today to help.” Joy wiped her hands together. “How are your children doing?”

“Very well. Both are here this weekend for a visit.”

“I’m so happy for you. I wish I could go see them—” She exhaled. “But I have so much to do before heading home for the wedding.”

His eyebrows rose. “The wedding. I almost forgot. How is the planning?”

For several minutes, Joy and Alessandro discussed the wedding plans, the gifts she’d bought for Jaime, and how excited she was to plan the reception.

“Did I tell you Gianna is engaged?” Alessandro asked.