Page 90 of The Billionaire's Heart

He shakes his head as he steers around a corner and pulls into a parking lot. “No, but I plan to take you there, too. Just not in July. Too hot.” He pulls into a parking spot. “No, we’re at Bok Tower Gardens.”

I look around us and see nothing but beautiful foliage and large trees with leaves and branches shading the area below them. “Where are we? I mean, I know you’ve taken me to Bok Tower, butwhereare we?”

“The middle of the state. Between Daytona Beach and Tampa. Lake Wales, to be specific.”

“It’s beautiful here, Ian.”

“Wait until you hear the carillon.”

“The what?” I ask as he leads me through the entrance and into the beautiful gardens.

“The carillon. It’s the tower that plays music.” He points up and to my right.

Standing there, at least two hundred feet in the air, is a concrete-looking tower reminiscent of a massive castle spire. “I’ve never heard of it, but it’s beautiful.”

“I thought we could tour the gardens and listen to the carillon for a while. It plays every hour. And there’s a cafe on the premises where we can have lunch if you get hungry.” He holds out both his arms wide. “And all the breathing room you could ask for.”

“This is so thoughtful, Ian. I love it.” I reach up on my tippy toes to kiss him. “Let’s go explore.”

We walk hand in hand through all the pathways looking at the ponds, flowers, and trees. There were a few squirrels that ran up to us hoping to snag some snacks, but we had nothing for them, and they all quickly moved on.

Wandering the gardens and then sharing a fruit bowl at the café gave me time to let all that has happened in the last few weeks work itself out in the back of my mind. Smelling the flowers along the pathway and hearing the beautiful carillon music, I could feel myself take a cleansing deep breath for the first time in a long time. This place is so special, and I hope to visit it again soon.

“Ready to go?” He asks me as we approach the exit.

“Thank you for today. This has been very special.”

“Oh, you think we’re done?” he laughs. “I still have more up my sleeve, Miss McIntosh.”

“You do? What more can you do?”

He has an evil smile. “Oh, I am a man of many talents, I assure you.”

Shaking my head, “I’m aware, Mr. Gallo. I’m aware.”

We head west, and again, Ian refuses to tell me where we are going. Instead of badgering him, I decide to enjoy the adventure. We pass through a few small towns and then come across one called Bartow. There is a Fourth of July parade happening and we decide to stay and watch it. I can’t remember the last time I watched a parade that wasn’t on television.

Seeing all the little kids both in the parade looking for their parents so they can wave at them and the kids on the side ofthe street watching the parade pass by is the best feeling. There are some homemade floats with streamers in red, white, and blue go by as the people on the float wave and throw candy. The fire trucks and police officers on motorbikes drive by waving at the parade watchers. It all feels like what you would see in a Hallmark channel movie. Sweet and special.

As the end of the parade goes past us, we get back in the car and continue our journey to destinations unknown, but it doesn’t matter. Today’s been the best day ever and it’s not even over.

About an hour later, we’re in a more metropolitan area when Ian turns to me, “I’m going to take you to a Florida must-see attraction. Very famous. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”

“No, why?” I answer hesitantly. What is he getting us into?

“Good, then just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

I watch ahead of us as I try to figure out where he’s taking me, but I see nothing labeled famous… until I see the sign for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

“Is this that huge bridge with the tension wires?”

“Yep. It’s high enough that cruise ships can sail underneath it. It’s massive.” The little boy in Ian says excitedly.

“Wow. We’re so far up.” I watch as the water beneath us passes us by. There are ships and boats of all sizes down below in the water and the view is just breathtaking.

“It’s cool, right?”

“It is.” I watch as we go mile by mile across this massive bridge. “How long is this bridge?"

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