Colton weaves our fingers together and leads me away from the Pantheon. I send one last look at the massive building, unable to stop my mind from drifting to my father. In the past year, we’ve made a few attempts to connect. The calls and text messages are stilted, but they’re an improvement over the past,and I can at least let go of some of the hurt hanging over my head.
I texted him and my mother after Colton and I got married in Boston, and they asked if they could take us out to dinner when they come to Rome. I considered inviting them to this ceremony, but I decided I didn’t owe them anything. What I wanted, more than anything, was to start our married life surrounded by the people who have always loved and supported us. As tiny as the ceremony is, it’s perfect.
None of us speak as we walk through the winding streets to our final destination, a hush settled over our naturally talkative group. Within a few minutes, we reach the Trevi Fountain, thousands of tourists packed in front of it.
Colton looks down at me and says, “Sure you don’t want to do this later tonight?”
I smile up at him. “No, I want to do this right now.”
We walk to the far side of the fountain, waiting in a long line to reach the Fountain of Love. The two of us locked eyes before leaning down to drink from each stream for the first time. As silly as the superstition may be, I love the fact that neither of us have been here with anyone else, like we knew deep down that the fountain needed to be saved for each other.
We meet in the middle of the basin half a second before our lips touch, the sweetest, softest kiss I’ve ever received.
“A life full of love and faithfulness,” Colton whispers.
That’s the promise of the fountain, but I don’t need superstition to tell me that’s what we’ll have. Because I see our future in his eyes. I see laughter and teasing. Challenges and fights and making up in the best possible way. I see us pushing each other to be our best selves.
I see forever with my best friend.
And it’s beautiful.
