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.
“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.
