“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.
Joy’s mouth dropped. “No. I didn’t know. That’s so wonderful, Alex.” She reached out and embraced him.
Dina grinned as she watched them.
“I’m so happy for you and for Gianna. Congratulations.” Joy pulled away and turned to Dina. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“We are so happy,” Dina said.
“I can imagine. Will they be married at the farm?”
Alessandro nodded. “Yes. In the garden.”
Joy’s smile faded, and her eyes welled with tears as she pictured the scene. Their time sitting in the garden remained the highlight of her trip. The idea of missing such a beautiful sight of Gianna in her flowing wedding gown and marrying in that lovely garden made her heart ache. “That is so perfect, Alex. The garden. I can just imagine her walking through the garden in her gown.”
“Yes, she specifically asked to be married there. We are so excited.” He leaned against the counter. “I am so proud of her and Matteo. He is a good man for her.”
“He puts up with her craziness.” Dina chuckled.
Alessandro rattled off a few words in Italian to Dina, and she waved him off, never taking her eyes off the cut flowers in her hands.
Joy giggled at their interaction. “Well, I look forward to hearing about the wedding and the reception and . . . everything.” Joy touched Alessandro’s hand. “I really mean it.”
“And you will. I promise.” Although he smiled, Joy saw regret fill his eyes, and she wondered if he could see regret in her eyes as well.
Regret for what could have been.
But Jaime . . . Joy sighed. She’s all that matters now.
Hours later, after finishing their work, Joy washed her hands in the sink as Dina wiped the countertop.
When the tiny bell atop the door jingled, Joy craned her neck to see who had entered.
Her eyes widened at the sight of her friends from Rome. “Edith!” Joy raced over to her. “And Martin.”
“So good to see you again, Joy.” Martin kissed her cheeks and squeezed her shoulders.
“Hey, friend.” Edith gave her a big hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good. And I love seeing you two again. What are you doing here? How did you know where to find me?”
