“I know, Mom.” Jaime rubbed her hands on her thighs. “I’ll admit it, I really wanted you two to get back together again too.” She turned her head. “Do you still love him?”

“I’ll always love your father.” Joy smiled through her tears. “He was my first love. And he’s the father of my beautiful daughter.”

Jaime smiled like a little girl again.

“But I don’t like him very much. I don’t like who he’s become, and that’s too bad.”

“Yeah. I don’t like him sometimes too.” Her frown revealed her feelings. “I really don’t like how he treats women.”

“Me neither.” Joy shook her head. “And I don’t like who I am when I’m with him. I lose myself. And I pretty much worship him. In fact, I worshiped him from the day I met him.”

“Yeah. I get that way, too, sometimes.” Jaime pursed her lips.

“I think that’s what I like about Alex the most. He is so kind and considerate. A very humble man. And he’s such a loving father too. His family has so much, yet they are so generous and welcoming. They embraced me like family—it was so amazing. I wish you could have been there.” Joy turned to Jaime. “You would have loved it there at the farm.”

“I hope I get to see it all one day.”

“You will.”

“And I can’t wait to see all your photos. We’ll make one of those photo books of your trip.” Jaime stood and kissed the top of her mom’s head. “Good night. I love you.”

Joy laughed. “I love you too. I’m gonna take a nice hot shower.”

In the shower, Joy let the water run down her face, hoping it would wash away the painful memories in her past. With soap in her hands, Joy scrubbed her face and rinsed.

Yet as painful as those memories were, they made her resilient and capable. Her painful experiences made her empathetic and compassionate.

As much as she’d hoped Tony would have been faithful during their marriage and after, Joy understood that it was better that they were no longer together. Tony would never change, and he proved that in Venice. But Joy knew those experiences, as painful as they were, helped her be a better mom to Jaime.

Pulling back the comforter of the bed, Joy listened to Jaime’s soft breathing for a moment before she climbed into bed with her. It was just like the old days when Jaime was little and Tony was out of town. Jaime would climb into bed because she was afraid or lonely, and they’d snuggle and tell stories. Joy was grateful that Jaime understood how important it was that she find herself and her purpose again.

The divorce was excruciating for them, and Venice had provided some semblance of hope for Jaime. But it wasn’t meant to be.

And that was okay.

Joy stared at the ceiling, praying to God. Releasing everything into His capable hands. “If Alex and I are meant to be, it will happen.” Her body relaxed, hoping everything would be okay.

CHAPTER 15

A few days later, at the diner in downtown New Rochelle, Joy and Jaime sat at a table, staring out the large picture window overlooking the busy street alive with tourists.

“Definitely summertime. Look at all the tourists.” Jaime sipped her coffee. “I love this place. They have the best coffee.”

“Maybe we should have breakfast here after the wedding. They have a back room where we could watch you and Michael open gifts.” Joy raised her eyebrows.

“That’s a great idea. I wonder if it’s available.” Jaime waved the manager over. “Hey, Betsy. How are you?”

“Good, Miss Bride-to-Be.” Betsy winked. “What can I do for you?”

Jaime scooted her chair out. “Well, we were wondering about having breakfast here the morning after the wedding. Can you accommodate that big of a party?” Jaime walked Betsy over to the counter, leaving Joy to sip her coffee and look for her friends.

The idea of the wedding breakfast in their favorite diner sent waves of happiness over her. This time the year before, Jaime had booked the hotel resort at the waterfront for the rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, and a fancy breakfast the morning after.

The morning after a wedding that never happened. Joy lowered her eyes and shook her head. What a disaster that turned out to be. When she remembered how shattered Jaime was, standing with her bridesmaids and wedding planner in the foyer of the church and looking for Carl to arrive, Joy’s stomach sank within her.

Yet here she was a year later, engaged to the man God meant her to be with.

God is so good. She smiled as Jaime and Betsy made plans.

“Well, this place is nice. Smells good in here.”

Joy recognized the voice and spun around. Edith and Martin stood next to Millie and Walter.

“There you are!” Joy shouted and raced over to them, almost spilling her coffee.

“We made it.” Millie held out her arms and hopped up and down. “Even Walter.”

Joy laughed as she hugged her friend. Rocking back and forth, they laughed heartily.

“You cut your hair!” Joy stared at Millie’s new look.

“I did.” She playfully flipped her shoulder-length hair with her hand. “It’s much easier for running.”

“I love it. It’s so good to see you all again.” Joy hugged Walter.

“What a thrill, huh? Jaime’s wedding. Such an honor. Where is she?” Millie asked, glancing left and right.

“Over there. Jaime!” Joy waved her over.

“Millie, Edith . . .” Jaime approached with a wide smile. “I’m so glad you made it.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Millie hugged her shoulders. “We were there when you two met and fell in love. We must be there when you get married.”

“My heart is full. Come in and have a seat. We were just about to order breakfast.” Jaime led them to the table. “I have to talk to the manager about a few wedding things. Be right back.”

“She’s radiant.” Millie sighed.

As they made their way to the table, Edith and Millie pulled Joy aside.

“And how are you doing, friend?” Edith asked with a furrowed brow.

“Good.” Joy’s upturned mouth didn’t fool them.

“No, really. How are you?” Millie asked with concerned eyes.

Joy laughed. “I’m fine. I really am. I had a good talk with Jaime, and it’s all cleared up.”

Edith squeezed her arm. “And Alessandro?”