30. Faye
Three hours later, Mark and I are finally ready to leave.
We’ve decided to drive to San Gimignano first, and if we have time, we’ll visit Sienna, too.
Not that I’m complaining about our late start, but we agree to take a change of clothes in case we decide to stay somewhere along the way, rather than drive the few hours back to Bologna.
While I get ready after our second shower of the morning, Mark takes the liberty of packing our things for the trip. He’d somehow gone to the market and grabbed a few items for our road trip in that short time, as well.
To my surprise, he rented a fancy Mercedes that’s roomy and super comfortable to ride in. The sleek car grips the corners of the scenic highway and makes for an incredible experience.
From the moment we hit the open road, his hand grips mine as it rests on my lap.
Like everything with Mark, our playful banter helps pass the time with ease.
Low music plays in the background as he catches me up on each of his daughters and their families, and I fill him in on my conversation with Mom from this morning.
Once we turn off the main highway in Poggibonsi, I’m in awe as we ascend the Tuscan hills. “Mark…” I sigh heavily. “These olive groves and vineyards are breathtaking. I’ve visited Italy countless times but have never taken the time to just relax and enjoy it all, ya know.”
“That’s the point, Faye.” He shrugs. “You need a break.”
“I know.” I sigh heavily, forcing myself further into the seat. “I know better, but it’s easier said than done to truly make myself stop.”
“For the record, I’m just as guilty of never relaxing. I’ve been so used to being on the go, I hardly know what to do with myself when I get free time.”
“Aren’t we a pair,” I muse.
“Oh, look,” I gasp. I think we’re almost there.” I point to the medieval towers in the distance.”
“Would you be up for having a picnic before we explore the city itself? I had the hotel pack us lunch for when we were ready. I’ve got it in a cooler in the trunk. There’s supposed to be a scenic view just up ahead.”
“You’re rarely unprepared, huh, Lancaster?” I tease. I swear, in a prior life, he must have been a Boy Scout. I guess that’s what being in the Air Force for thirty years has done to him.
As much as I’d love to explore the quaint little town behind the brick walls, I know I’d enjoy it more on a full stomach. “That sounds amazing. What’s for lunch?”
Mark’s low chuckle fills the car. “Your guess is as good as mine. I asked them to pack us something fitting for this trip. Mira put in my order and placed it in a cooler for safekeeping.”
When a spot along the narrow road widens, Mark pulls off and parks.
He walks around and opens my door, then goes to the trunk.
To my surprise, he’s brought a blanket. Unfolding the blanket, he spreads it over a patch of grass with the perfect view of the medieval-like city, then gestures for me to sit.
Taking off my sandals, I take a seat on the blanket.
After Mark does the same, he rummages in the small chest. First, he brings out two plates, then a larger container.
When he takes off the lid, I’m surprised to find a charcuterie platter filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, and two different types of bread.
Off to the side, there are fresh grapes, sliced peaches, cherries, dried apricots, and a variety of nuts.
“I know you enjoy sparkling wine, so they’ve also packed us a local prosecco.” Mark holds out the bottle with a corkscrew, and I nod happily.
“Mmm… This all looks delicious,” I admit. “I’d love a glass of wine.”
“Help yourself to food,” he offers as he pours us each a glass.
Once he hands me mine, he settles on the blanket beside me.
“Ahhh, this is delicious.” I exhale heavily after taking a sip. The wine tastes fruity, yet crisp, with a hint of pear.
“I’m so glad you’re here to share this with me,” I admit. “I truly don’t think I would’ve actually stopped to just enjoy the view like this if you weren’t here.”
“I meant it when I said I want to experience everything with you, Faye.” Mark shrugs. “I love you, and I can’t imagine spending any more time apart from you.”
“I feel the same. For the first time since I can remember, this trip has been much harder on me than I care to admit. I’m fairly certain you’re to blame for that, Lancaster,” I tease, then give him a playful shove to lighten the mood. “It’s like you made me fall for you all over again.”
His voice is rough as he admits, “As a perpetual bachelor, I’m not used to feeling tethered to anyone.
Yet, when you aren’t with me, I feel like I’m going out of my mind.
For the record, you’re the only one who’s ever impacted me like this.
” Mark reaches for my hand and squeezes it before continuing.
“From the second I saw you again, I haven’t stopped thinking of you. ”
“It’s funny, I thought my feelings for you had long disappeared, but the moment you waltzed back into my life, they were back with a vengeance,” I confess in return.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever stopped loving you, Faye,” Mark admits, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face.
With his eyes locked on mine, my voice hitches as I admit, “Me neither.”
Mark sets his glass of wine on the chest in front of us, then pops onto his knees to face me. Predatorily, he crawls toward me with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Well, Faye Julianna Ames…” He stops and sits back on his haunches. “I guess there’s only one thing you can do about it then…”
Placing my glass beside me on the grass, I get on my knees to meet his challenge. “What’s that, Lancaster?”
A sexy, smug smirk fills his face. “You’ll just have to agree to spend forever with me.”
“Is that right?”
I playfully tease, though my heart is zipping a million miles a minute, declaring my love for him like this.
“Yep. But this time… we make it official,” he declares as if it makes all the sense in the world.
“Official? What the hell are you talking about?” I attempt to process his words.
Reaching behind the cooler, he grabs something, then scooches onto one knee to get closer to me, with a challenge in his eye as he states, “I’ve loved you since I was a young and dumb teenager and let you go.
I’m more in love with you now than I could ever imagine.
Faye Julianna Ames, will you put me out of my misery and agree to be my wife? ”
“Wha—” I start, but Mark reaches for my hand and cuts me off.
When his eyes lock on mine, I feel his question deep in my soul.
“Will you marry me, Faye?”
Tears prick my eyes, and a state of shock consumes me. I barely notice him flipping the box open or the ring inside. All I can do is nod profusely and throw myself at him.
The moment our lips touch, I kiss him like I’ve never kissed anyone before. His love pours through me, and I truly can’t get enough.
When a car approaches, we break apart, panting.
With a knowing grin, he clarifies, “Is that a yes?”
“Yes, you fool. It’s a yes. I’ll marry you!”
“Whew…” He pretends to wipe sweat from his brow, then pulls me in for a hug. “Let’s put this ring on you and take a selfie so we can send it to my kids.”
I finally notice the ring itself, and I start crying all over again.
Holy shit, this man has a bigger memory capacity than most of the software I develop. I swear, it’s like he knows me better than I know myself.
In awe, I wonder, “How on earth did you take a window-shopping experience from nearly thirty years ago and make it become our reality?”
“Easy, sweetheart.” He squeezes me tight from the side as we focus on the ring. “I pay attention.”
As he slips the ring onto my finger, I can’t stop staring at its utter perfection.
The vintage white-gold band fits perfectly on my finger. There’s a square blue sapphire set in the center that would match my grandmother’s earrings perfectly, with two smaller diamonds flanking each side.
With his arm around my waist, Mark leans in and says, “The color should be a perfect match to go with your grandmother’s earrings.
But that’s not the only reason I picked this particular ring, though.
This style is perfect for us. Not only is it vintage, in that it will stand the test of time, but, Faye, you need to know…
You are my one true love from my past. The one I can’t live without in my present, and the only one I ever want to love in my future. ”
My heart can’t contain how happy I am in this moment.
“Ohmigod, Mark,” I gush, cupping his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you more, sweetheart,” Mark whispers.
“Did you know that day I told you about my grandmother’s earrings, I’d wished for a ring just like this from you?”
“I may not have been ready then, but I won’t make that mistake twice. I can’t wait to spend the rest of forever with you, sweetheart.”
Pulling me in for another searing kiss, I let my love for him shine through. He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.
As another car breaks us apart, Mark grins wildly and suggests, “Now, about that selfie?”
“Wait… Your kids knew you were going to propose?”
“Nope… But this should have the family group chat going off like a firecracker for the foreseeable future. Just wait until you get added.”