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.
