52
Dylan and Flora held hands tightly as they stood outside the church of St Lawrence at Lucina. It was quite a humble building by Rome’s standards, with its terracotta front, small stone pillars and neat chrome railing. Located in the modern piazza San Lorenzo, a typical Roman pedestrian area with open-air cafés and restaurants, meant that quite a few locals were interested in the young couple about to enter their church to marry.
And what a striking couple they made. Flora looked beautifully elegant in white. Her wedding gown had a sheer floral lace bodice, with a subtle stretch, and had a silk chiffon skirt that flowed to her ankles. Her hair had gypsophila woven through it, resembling a floral crown and she carried white roses. Dylan cut a dashing figure in his smart navy-blue suit. Together they stepped into the cool church to be greeted by the priest. Flora’s parents sat on the front row of the wooden pews. More of the local Romans sat dotted in the benches behind them, eagerly awaiting to see the young couple marry. It touched Flora that they wanted to be there to witness it.
The church, although modest from the outside, was magnificent inside, with its Baroque-style side chapels and huge Reni painting of The Crucifixion taking pride of place above the main altar. Ornate paintings covered the arched walls and a high wooden ceiling with elaborate carvings hung over them. Shafts of sunlight blasted through the windows above, lighting up the glorious marble altar. Dylan was once again struck by the place and gulped back the emotion.
The priest led them up the aisle and stepped onto the altar, while they followed and stood before him. The priest spoke good English and after greeting all present began the order of service. They exchanged their vows gazing into each other’s eyes, causing a few tears from the small congregation. When the priest announced them husband and wife a gentle ripple of applause echoed through the church. After kissing his bride, Dylan turned and guided her back down the aisle, never so proud. He’d done it. He and Flora were married. He was a husband and a dad-to-be. The feeling of euphoria gushed through his blood; truly he had never been so happy. He turned to face Flora – she too was beaming with joy.
‘Dylan, we’re married,’ she said with glee, not quite believing it as they stepped out into the warm sunshine.
‘And it’s the best thing we’ve ever done.’ He bent down for another kiss, creating a cheer from the onlookers sitting in the piazza.
Soon they were whisked off to a deluxe five-star hotel in the heart of Rome. Its rooftop restaurant with unrivalled views of the entire city proved the ideal venue for the reception. There the newlyweds and parents sat, eating a delicious wedding breakfast, toasting futures and basking in happiness.
As twilight set in, Dylan and Flora stood in each other’s arms admiring the spectacular view before them. St Peter’s Basilica lit up majestically in the background.
‘It’s amazing, isn’t it?’ Flora remarked in wonder.
‘It is. No wonder it’s called the eternal city.’ Seeing Flora frown he explained, ‘Because the Romans considered it so great, it could go on forever.’
‘Ah, I see.’
Dylan held her closer to him.Just like my love for you,he thought.
‘Let’s take a picture.’ Flora reached for her phone on the table. Her parents had left, leaving them alone to enjoy their wedding night together. She held it out and captured the pair of them with the wonderful backdrop.
‘Send it to everyone. Let them know we’re married,’ said Dylan.
‘Yeah, let’s.’ Flora laughed as she shared the photo and the caption,“Just got hitched!”
Dylan chuckled. ‘Now let the fun begin.’
*
Tobias was the first to open the message.
‘What the…’ His eyes widened in shock.
‘What?’ said Megan, scurrying over to see his phone.
‘It’s Dylan and Flora – they’ve got married,’ he replied still staring at the picture of his mate looking relaxed, wearing a slight smirk and a twinkle in his eye.
‘Oh my God!’ gasped Megan. ‘Oh, don’t they look lovely.’ She took in Flora’s pretty, sun-kissed face and her blonde waves entwined with gypsophila. They both looked utterly in love. Megan dipped her head closer. ‘They’re in Rome. Look at the background view.’
‘So they are,’ replied Tobias. ‘The sly old dog never mentioned any of this.’
And so it went on throughout the evening, as family and friends learnt of the happy news.
Dylan and Flora’s phones buzzed with messages from well-wishers, but they would all have to wait until morning before being opened. For the bride and groom lay in bed, after passionate lovemaking, in each other’s arms, sound asleep.
