We continued walking and stopped at a place that sold gelato. It appeared just like regular ice cream except it looked creamier and the flavors were different from what I was used to. I chose a tiramisu flavor, and Gray chose hazelnut. Mom decided to try the lemon gelato, and Dad got coconut. We ate while we walked back to our hotel, the moonlight illuminating the path in front of us.

  Once we reached our destination, Mom and Dad went up to bed. Gray and I lingered outside, neither of us wanting the day to end just yet. Gray peered down at me with tenderness in his eyes as he brushed my hair away from my face. Leaning down, he kissed me softly, gently, almost as if he thought I might break. But then he deepened the kiss and pulled me closer, his lips were warm and demanding. He smelled of sandalwood and pine and the scent of hazelnut lingered on his lips. It felt like I was spinning. Like I would collapse if he didn’t hold me up. My heart picked up its pace, and before I knew it, I was pulling away, breathless.

  My hand went to my mouth. “Wow. That was some kiss.”

  “Do you think you could get used to more of those in the future?”

  Butterflies erupted in my stomach. “Um…yeah, that’s not something I’d even have to think twice about. Sign me up.”

  He chuckled. “Because I’m thinking there’s a future for us. It’s soon, but I’m not twenty-five anymore. I tried to slow things down, but it’s no use. I know what I want.”

  “And what’s that?”

  He pulled me in close again, and it felt safe and warm in his arms. “You. I just want you. I want to come back here year after year, taking new pictures to remind us of the first time we came to Rome. And I want to show our kids those pictures one day.”

  My mouth fell open. Did he mean what I thought he meant? “What are you saying, Gray?”

  “I’m saying that I’m in love with you.”

  My heart expanded, and for a moment, I almost couldn’t breathe because I was so happy. “I love you too.” I peered up at him. “But are you sure you aren’t just taken in by this place? Everything here is so romantic. It would be easy to get caught up.”

  “Oh, I’m caught up all right, but it has nothing to do with this place, although I love every moment of being in Rome.” He smiled. “I can prove it.”

  I laughed. “You’re always wanting to prove yourself to me, but you don’t have to. I trust you.” And I really did. He’d shown me the kind of man he was.

  “Hey,” he said in a teasing voice. “Don’t spoil my fun.” He ran his thumb over my cheek. “I’m building up to something here.”

  “Oh. Well, don’t let me stop you then.”

  He dropped to his knees, and I gasped.

  “Lindsey Clarke, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  My hand flew to my mouth, and I stared at him, dumbfounded. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t even see it coming. But there was only one answer, and I didn’t need time to think about it. I loved him, and I couldn’t imagine a future without him. In fact, the idea of not having him in my future made me want to cry. “Yes. I can’t wait to be your wife. There’s nothing I would love more.”

  He pulled a black box out of his pocket and opened it. The ring was stunning. It was a princess-cut solitaire with tiny diamonds surrounding the perimeter. Diamonds covered the band half-way down, and it sparkled in the moonlight. Still, it was nothing compared to the way he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world. He slid it onto my ring finger and then stood, pulling me in for another kiss.

  “When did you decide?” I asked.

  “Right after I met your family. When I took you home that night, I knew in my heart you were the one for me. I went to a jewelry store the next day, and I was waiting for the best time to give it to you. Last week when you were upset, I almost gave it to you then, but I decided to wait for better circumstances. I didn’t want any negativity clouding our engagement.” He kissed me again on the forehead. “I’ve already spoken with your parents, and they gave their blessing.”

  The man was full of surprises. “Wow. I’ve never known anyone as decisive as you.”

  He laughed. “Some things take a while to figure out, but when it comes to the important decisions, I don’t waste time.”

  He walked me up to my room and waited until I was safely inside. That night, I went to bed thanking the Lord for His blessings.

  ***

  The next morning, Gray stopped by my room to escort me down to the lobby where Mom and Dad were already waiting. When we told them we were engaged, they both hugged us and everyone started talking at once.

  Mom was beside herself with happiness. “I knew your time would come, Lindsey. Gray is such a wonderful man. I’m so excited for you both.”

  Dad teared up. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.”

  I hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. “Not so little anymore.”

  He smiled. “No, not so little. Enjoy this stage of your life and make each day count.”

  “That’s great advice,” I said, wiping away a tear. I’d always been his little girl, but it was time to move into a new phase of my life.

  Mom and I walked arm-in-arm out of the hotel while Dad and Gray chatted behind us. The four of us stopped at a pastry shop to purchase authentic Italian donuts, and then we decided to make one last trip before heading back to the airport.

  We took a taxi to the Colosseum, and I had to close my eyes a few times when it seemed like we were about to crash. Gray was there, squeezing my shoulder and telling me it would be all right. I’d heard taxi drivers in Italy drove fast, but I’d had no idea just how fast. But it was all part of the experience, and I loved every second. Once we arrived, my eyes widened at the massive structure that enveloped the surrounding space. I’d seen the Colosseum showcased in documentaries, but seeing it in person was a completely different thing. Standing in front of it, a sense of awe filled me. It felt as if I was being transported through time, and I tried to imagine what it was like living in those days. Gladiators fighting each other. Exotic animals. Huge crowds of Roman citizens.

  The structure was beautiful, but I was glad I wasn’t around to see people fight each other to the death. Just the thought gave me chills.

  We toured the inside, and when I saw the space where prisoners were held, goosebumps broke out over my arms. It was said that Christians were put to death for their faith in this place, and I didn’t doubt it. As we toured the area, I took hold of Gray’s hand and thanked the Lord for those who suffered persecution, never backing down or turning away from Him at the end.

  Maybe it was that reminder of courage that helped me do what I did next. My fear of Mom and Dad’s disappointment was nothing compared to the many people who had lost their lives and suffered bravely, but hearing about the things that had happened back then made me realize something. Dad was right. I had to make each day count. I enjoyed working in the restaurant, but it wasn’t my passion. I wanted to help people. To make a difference in their lives. The medical field had always had a certain draw, and even though I was already thirty years old, it was never too late to return to school.

  I took both of my parents’ hands and stopped them before we hailed a taxi. “There’s something I need to say.”

  They looked at me in surprise. “Sure,” Mom said. “What is it?”

  “I know both of you are counting on me taking over the restaurant, but, to be honest, it’s not what I want to do.”

  They both exchanged a glance, but their expressions were unreadable. I peered over at Gray and he winked. It was nice having his support while I did this.

  “I’ll always treasure the time I had working with you both, but my heart keeps pulling me towards the medical field. I want to be a nurse. I’m not sure which area yet. Maybe it’ll be intensive care, or perhaps I’ll want to work with the babies. But either way, it’s something I feel compelled to do.”

  Mom placed a hand on my forearm. “Sweetie, we didn’t know you felt that way.”

  I nodded, feeling at peace about my decision. “I should have told you a long time ago, but I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

  Dad pulled me into a hug. “You could never disappoint us by desiring a different career, honey. If you want to be a nurse, we’ll support you one hundred percent.”

  “So, you’re not upset?”

  “Actually, I’m a little relieved,” Mom said. “Running a restaurant can be very time-consuming. Your Dad and I did it together, and we had each other to fall back on. We loved it, but I think you’re smart to pursue a nursing career.”

  “But you always used to brag to Aunt Marsha and Uncle Bob about how I would take over when you retired. Are you sure you’re not just the slightest bit sad?”

  Dad chuckled. “We’re fine. Now we can brag about you becoming a nurse. Besides, I get the feeling Wyatt would love the opportunity to take over. He’s had some great ideas, and there’s a fire in his eyes that reminds me of myself when I first got started.”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” I said. “The restaurant will do well in his hands if he decides to take over.”

  After the conversation concluded and Mom and Dad stepped a few paces away, Gray walked over and put an arm around my shoulders. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thank you for supporting me. You honed in on my interest in the medical field way before anyone else did.”

  “I want to be your number one supporter. Don’t worry about money. I’ll fund your education and anything else you need.”

  “That’s kind of you. I have savings I can use as well.”

  “We’re a team now.”

  I linked my arm through his. “I like the sound of that.”

  Chapter 21

  Lindsey

  Dad had been right. Wyatt was thrilled to find out Mom and Dad were willing to leave him the restaurant once they retired. It wouldn’t happen for a few years since he wanted to finish college and my parents weren’t ready for retirement just yet, but I was happy it all worked out.

  I was just leaving work when Wyatt caught up to me. “Hey, have you spoken to Destiny?”

  It had been almost two weeks since we’d gone on the trip to Rome, and I’d been putting Destiny off. My shoulders slumped. “No. I know we need to straighten things out.”

  We had unfinished business to deal with, and I couldn’t push it to the side any longer. Destiny had left a few messages for me, but I hadn’t returned her calls. I was still upset with her, but it was time to forgive.

  About ten minutes after I’d settled in at home, I got a surprise visit from her. She stood in the doorway with a large grocery bag full of supplies.

  “Can we talk?” she asked.

  I hesitated.

  “Before you slam the door in my face, I’m here because I want to apologize.” Her eyes pleaded with me to hear her out.

  “What do you have in the bag?”

  “Everything we need to make rice crispy treats.”

  A pang of sadness washed over me. We’d been close when we were younger. It was too bad things had changed along the way. I was about to ask how rice crispy treats were supposed to fix our relationship, but I bit my tongue just in time. She was at least trying. I opened the door and stepped aside. “Come in.”

  She carried the bag to the kitchen and set it down on the counter. She turned to me, and as she did, her eyes flickered with so much regret and remorse, I felt it in my gut. I wanted to remain angry with her, but I wanted us to reconcile even more. And besides that, every time I prayed, I felt the Lord moving me to reach out to her. Unfortunately, I hadn’t heeded His guidance, so now He’d brought her to me.

  “I’m sorry about everything,” she said.

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “Let’s start with Ethan. What were you thinking?”

  Tears slid out of her eyes, and she ducked her head and wiped them away. For a few moments, she just sobbed. I reached out and pulled her into a hug, not having anything to say, but still wanting to comfort her. After a couple of minutes passed, she pulled away. “Can we sit down?”

  “Sure.”

  We took our places on the couch, and Destiny cleared her throat. “I want you to know that I fell in love with Ethan. Honestly, marrying him knowing it hurt you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

  I tried not to roll my eyes, and she must have sensed that because she put a hand on my arm. “No, really. I’m telling the truth. It hurt me to see you sad, and I tried to walk away from him, but I loved him. I wish I’d been stronger.”

  “If you loved him, why aren’t you still with him?”

  More tears slid down her face. “Because after we got married, he changed. He said he didn’t love me anymore. Said he wished he was with you instead. He said it in the heat of the moment during an argument, but it still got to me.” Her chest heaved. “Everyone thought our divorce was a mutual decision but it wasn’t. He left me.”

  “Destiny, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that. And if it’s any consolation, Ethan never contacted me after the divorce. I think he was just saying that to upset you.”

  She nodded. “Maybe. But I wish I never married him, not only because that marriage sucked the life out of me, but because it hurt you, and it ruined our relationship. We were never the same again.”

  “But it wasn’t just Ethan. You promised it would never happen again, and then you chucked all that out the door as soon as you met Jason.”

  She wouldn’t look at me. “I didn’t even like Jason.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better? It proves you really were out to get me.”

  “I’m sorry. I resented you. When I said you had deep-seated issues and needed therapy, I was the one who needed the help.”

  “No, you were right. I did have issues, but I’m learning to overcome them.”

  She pulled her ponytail holder off and ran a hand through her hair, shaking it out. “I feel like those issues are partly my fault. I wanted you to hurt because I was hurting, so I went after Jason. It’s terrible, I know. But believe me, it didn’t make me feel better. If anything, it just made me hate myself.”

  “I’m sorry you had to listen to Aunt Marsha and Uncle Bob compare us. That kind of talk never did any good.”

  “I know. But Mom and Dad have improved. I think they realized their comparisons backfired on them because it only made me an even bigger screw-up.”

  “You aren’t a screw-up, Destiny.”

  She put a hand up. “Don’t try to defend me. I’ve made a mess of things, and I know it. But I’m trying to get back on my feet. I’m looking for a job and will eventually get my own place.” She glanced down. “I pushed God away, and after examining my heart, I’ve asked for His forgiveness.”

  “I’m glad.”

  She glanced away, biting down on her bottom lip. “We’ve always had this competition between us. I think our Moms started it. But you excelled in everything you did. You got better grades in school, and everyone loved you. Sometimes it felt as if the only thing I had going for me was a pretty face, so I used it to my advantage. I was angry with you and wanted to prove to myself that I could win in something.”

  “Do you feel like you won?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. It will never happen again.”

  “You said the same thing after Ethan. How do I know you really mean it this time?”

  She let out a breath. “Because I refuse to compete anymore, and I don’t want to be the cause of your pain. It’s too exhausting and I’m tired. I just want my cousin back, and I don’t want to feel crummy about my life choices anymore. What I did wasn’t right—I know that.”

  “I want things to be better between us too.”

  “Will you forgive me?”

  “Yes.” I pulled her into a hug and we both cried for several minutes until our faces were drenched with tears.

  She pulled away. “Can I ask for a favor?”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m going on a date next week, and I’d like to know if you’d give me a makeover.”

  My eyes widened. “What? You’re kidding, right?”

  She smiled. “I thought I had the fashion stuff down, but as it turns out, I could learn a lot from you. After all, you managed to snag a man like Gray.”

  “Well, if you don’t mind tan pants and a cardigan—”

  “Maybe we can skip the cardigan.”

  I laughed. “I’m just kidding. We should go shopping to find the perfect outfit. Deal?”

  “Deal.” She grinned.

  “And while we’re at it, we can buy an outfit to replace the one I ruined.”

  I explained exactly what had happened to the clothing and shoes on my first date with Gray.

  Destiny laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe I wouldn’t let you tell me that story. To think that all this time, I could have had that mental picture of you falling out of the porta-potty!”

  “Right?” I grinned. “That incident will always be a running joke between Gray and me. It may not have started out well, but at least it led to a second date.”

  “That’s true,” she said. “Now, let’s go make those rice crispy treats while you tell me more.”

  And that’s exactly what we did.

  ***

  The next day, I made a special trip to visit Mae and give her the rundown on everything that happened since I’d seen her last.

  “This is wonderful news,” she said, clasping her hands together. “Let me see the ring.”

  I held my hand out, and she gasped. “It’s gorgeous.” She had a huge grin on her face. “I’m so happy for you. Please tell me I’m invited to the wedding.”

  “Of course you will be. I would never leave you out.”

  We chatted for a while longer, and then I headed home to get ready for my date with Gray. It wasn’t long until Gray and I walked hand-in-hand on the sand at Venice Beach. We’d both said we preferred the ocean in Ventura County because it was quieter and less crowded, but neither of us wanted the reminder of that fiasco with Allen and Brittany.

 

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