“I’ll go find him. But, Joy . . .” Angelina began. “What is the real reason why are you leaving?”

“I told you. I have to meet Tony tonight and—”

“I mean, why are you not staying? I can see how you love Alessandro.” Angelina took hold of her shoulders. “There’s no denying it any longer.”

“No. I care for him, that’s true. I didn’t come to Venice for romance. Don’t you understand? Romantic love is part of my past. I’m too old for that nonsense. Romance and love and—all that.”

Angelina smirked.

“Tony and I and Jaime are a family.” Joy pointed to the family out back. “Family is everything, right?”

Angelina lowered her hands and crossed them. “You are right. Family is everything. I’m sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean to.”

“You didn’t.” Joy blinked away a tear.

Angelina hugged Joy tightly to her, taking her breath away. “Arrivederci, my friend. I hope we meet again.”

“Arrivederci.” Joy smiled through her tears.

“Go home and make your family. But remember, you’ll always have a family here in Italy, capisco?” Angelina winked.

“Capisco.” Joy laughed.

“I’ll go find Charlie.” Angelina walked off. “Do you want me to get Alessandro to come say goodbye?”

“Sure.”

As she waited, Joy looked around the farmhouse, the furniture, and rugs. The paintings and vases of flowers resting on antique tables revealed much about the personalities and styles of its inhabitants. Her eyes settled on the many framed photographs on the wall by the stairs.

A smiling Alessandro with his children stared back at her. Her throat tightened. With arms around each other, they looked so happy. Content. A family.

She decided to wait outside. Giving her surroundings one final glance, Joy drank in the view of the property one last time.

The sunflowers swayed in the breeze.

A few sparrows shot out from nearby bushes.

And the sound of the wind animating the cypress and olive trees resembled the sound of the ocean.

Joy closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, hoping to never forget the lovely view.

“Joy?” Alessandro approached with Charlie close behind. “You need to leave so soon?” He clasped his hands together.

“Yes. I’m afraid so.”

He gently kissed her on both cheeks and squeezed her shoulders. “I understand. Dina and Vito need to head back as well.”

“Oh, all right.” Joy smiled at them as they passed by.

“Prego. Andiamo,” Charlie ordered.

Joy held out her hand. “Alex, grazie for your hospitality and kindness to this American.”

He laughed and held her hand in both of his. “Mille grazie, Joy, for your friendship and kindness . . . and friendship.” He cleared his throat.

Joy looked down at their hands intertwined and swallowed the growing lump in her throat.

“I wish we had more time together. There is still so much of Italy I would have shown you,” Alessandro said with shiny eyes.

“I wish you could come to New York for the wedding. Wouldn’t that be fun?” She laughed.

“Yes. I would love that.” He squeezed her hand. “It has been an honor to spend time with you, Joy.”

“I won’t ever forget it, Alex.” Joy looked into his eyes one last time. Convince me to stay! Say the word, and I’ll drop everything to be here with you. She winced. No. When will I learn not to think that way? Jaime’s right. I need to stop putting everyone and everything ahead of my own needs.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Yes. Just sad about leaving this lovely place.”

The corners of his mouth rose into a sad smile.

“Well, I’d better go now before . . .” She knew if she didn’t leave now, she’d stay forever.

“Joy, it’s time. Andiamo.” Dina waved.

When she released his hand, Joy’s heart sank. “Time to go.”

“Time to go.” Alessandro stepped back and placed his hands in his pockets, awkwardly shifting his weight.

Joy rushed toward the waiting van and quickly sat down by the window, waving to Alessandro as it backed away from the house.

In her heart, she said goodbye to the farm and farmhouse, the acres of flowers, and the crisp sea air. To Angelina, Alessandro’s children, friends, and family.

Finally, she said goodbye to Alessandro and what could have been.

The ride gave Joy plenty of time to think about what transpired and why.

“Your purse,” Dina said, interrupting Joy’s thoughts. “It’s back in the shop.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me.” She moved her bangs out of her eyes.

“You’ll be all right, Joy.” Dina patted her leg.

Joy smiled. “I will.”

The van sped along the highway toward the coast.