45
Flora was engrossed behind the computer screen. Dylan smiled to himself, knowing full well it wasn’t anything to do with work that was catching her attention. Every now and then he would hear a gasp in awe, or a dreamy sigh escape from her. He loved that she was so excited about their upcoming marriage. Since proposing, Flora had done little else than trawl through glossy wedding brochures, or wade through numerous wedding websites. Even Phoenix, her beloved horse, was taking a back seat.
He had to admit, though, Rome really was the most magical of settings for a wedding. The most appealing thing about it, for Dylan, was that the location was far away from any prying eyes that could ruin their special day. Like Tobias, he’d had more than a taste of the media’s presence, albeit on a smaller scale; even so, it was enough to be ever wary of their potential to invade his privacy. And privacy was exactly what Dylan wanted on his wedding day to Flora. It was far too special to be sprawled all over some trashy magazine. He’d done his bit with that, when he and Flora appeared inHi-Yamagazine months ago, not to mention being exploited in another kiss-and-tell article from a former lover.
This was personal. It was him, Flora and their unborn baby. Just thinking about it made him warm inside; he couldn’t be any happier.
Another intake of breath came from Flora. ‘Oh, Dylan, look at this!’ She clasped her hands together.
Dylan, still smiling, made his way to stand behind her and look at the screen.
‘We will provide the most romantic and exclusive Italian locations. Just relax in the knowledge you’re in the safest of hands,’ gushed Flora, whilst pointing to the stunning rooftop terrace of an opulent luxury hotel, giving panoramic views of Rome.
‘Hmm, looks impressive,’ agreed Dylan.
‘We are creating an emotion,’ continued Flora reading from the website, ‘much more than an event that lasts one day.’
Dylan chuckled. They knew how to spread it on thick these wedding companies, and how to charge no doubt. Still, it didn’t matter, as long as Flora was happy. He eyed her abdomen. Would she be showing by then? He hoped so, although he wasn’t sure Flora would think the same.
‘Thought about a dress yet?’ he casually asked, as if she hadn’t.
‘Something loose and floaty, I think.’ She grinned back. God she was pretty. He couldn’t help but melt. Carrying his child seemed to make her more so. ‘Anyway, there’s lots to sort out before I can think of a dress.’ She suddenly looked serious. ‘My parents want a church wedding.’
‘Do you?’ Dylan would be content to get married anywhere to Flora.
‘Yes,’ she replied chewing her lip in thought, ‘I think so.’ Then she clicked away on the keyboard, bringing up another page. ‘I like the look of this.’ Dylan dipped his head further down to see it.‘The church of St Lawrence at Lucina, standing in the modern piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina.’A stunning Baroque-style chapel filled the screen. It struck Dylan as being the most romantic place to marry. For a moment he was speechless. ‘Well?’ pressed Flora.
‘Perfect.’ He gulped.
‘It was built on the remains of a Roman noblewoman’s home, named Lucina.’ Flora was again reading the blurb.
‘Lucina,’ whispered Dylan.
Flora looked up at him. ‘Lucina,’ she echoed, ‘what a beautiful name.’ She gazed wistfully over his shoulder.
‘That’s just what I was thinking.’
