50
From the moment Flora stepped off the plane she fell in love with Rome. It was hard not to fall for all its historic charm, bursting with culture and style. Dylan was happy to soak in the sun and relax, realising it had been literally years since he’d had a proper foreign holiday. Together they had strolled hand in hand down the quaint, cobbled streets and through the warm, amber monuments. They had sipped espresso in characterful old coffee bars, zipped through passageways on Vespa mopeds and emerged into vibrant crowds, buzzing with passion.
After dusk the sights were even more magical, watching Rome light up with life. Dylan was sipping a cool tonic water from the hotel balcony, taking in the breathtaking rooftop views. He deliberately avoided any alcohol, wanting to appear his best for Flora’s parents. They were about to meet for the first time that evening, two days before the wedding. Dylan was slightly apprehensive regarding his future in-laws. Well, hardly surprising considering he had moved their daughter into his home and got her pregnant without so much as casting eyes on them. He hoped getting married in Rome, where they were, would win them over.
Flora seemed unperturbed when Dylan had voiced his concerns. She was just so excited to see them and enjoy their time together. To her relief, the wedding planners were on the ball. She felt able to unwind and let them take care of everything. And a happy Flora meant a happy Dylan, even though it was costing him an arm and a leg.
‘Ready to go?’ called Flora through the balcony doors.
‘Here goes,’ he muttered and threw back the rest of his drink.
The evening was a success on the whole. Flora’s parents were delighted to see her and had welcomed Dylan with open arms, well her mother anyway. Dylan sensed a slight coolness with her father, which he understood under the circumstances.
Whilst Flora and her mum talked animatedly together, her dad leant forward and spoke to Dylan. ‘How long have you known Flora?’
Dylan swallowed. ‘A few years,’ he lied, making her dad frown.
‘Funny, she’s never mentioned you before.’
‘Please know, Mr Tudor, I intend to love and look after your daughter and future grandchild very well.’ He felt about sixteen years old, but it appeared to do the trick.
‘Good. Good.’ He nodded and sat back in his chair looking somewhat relieved.
