Page 45 of Finding Love in the Clouds

“Either that, or we both have overactive imaginations,” Sophie quipped with a grin.

“Then I guess we’re in good company because we both seem to feel it.”

As they completed their tour, Alicia gathered the group outside La Scala. “You now have four hours of free time to explore Milan on your own. Enjoy shopping, dining, or just wandering through this beautiful city. We’ll meet back here to head to your final destination.”

Sophie turned to Fernando. “I’m not really interested in shopping. I’ve already bought everything I wanted to get.”

Fernando’s eyes twinkled with a secret plan. “How about we do something totally different and make some memories then? Follow me.” He led her through the streets of Milan until they arrived at a prestigious fashion house: Atelier Versace.

Chapter Forty-Four

Sophie gasped. “Fernando, what are we doing here?”

Fernando smiled. “I know it’s a little early, and the groom isn’t supposed to know about this stuff, but hear me out. I arranged a wedding dress consultation for you. I thought it might be fun to design your own dress, and if the idea sounds okay, perhaps incorporate some Burano lace into the design as a sort of memento from our important Venice date. If you hate the idea of lace, that is totally fine. If you don’t want to design your gown, that is fine, too. It was just an idea, you know we’re here and it is the fashion capital of the world, and I knew you didn’t want to shop but this is a little different…”

Sophie’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “That’s incredibly thoughtful. I’d love to see what they can create. And, I haven’t really thought about it, but lace sounds like a really nice romantic touch.”

Sophie wrapped her arms around Fernando’s neck, and they shared a sweet kiss before entering the store. Fernando could havestayed outside kissing his sweet almost-fiancée all day, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both of them.

Inside, they were greeted by a designer who welcomed them warmly. “Welcome to Atelier Versace. I’m Karrisa, one of the head designers, and I will be assisting you personally. We’re honored to help you design your wedding dress, Sophie. Come right this way, and we will get started. Fernando mentioned incorporating Burano lace, which is a beautiful idea.”

Sophie and Fernando were led to a private room where sketches and fabric samples were laid out. The designer explained, “Burano lace is exquisite and adds a touch of Venetian heritage to your dress. We can create a gown that combines modern elegance with traditional craftsmanship. Do you know what style of gown you would like?”

Sophie blushed and looked at Fernando, so he stepped in. “We are just getting started in our planning process, so we will be working out some of those details as we work through ideas today. I won’t stay for all the details; I’ll just be there for the initial brainstorming. To be honest, I haven’t even proposed yet, but the wedding will be here before you know it, and I want my lady to have the wedding gown of her dreams and, I guess, a little of mine.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet. It looks like you are one lucky lady,” Karrisa said, envy apparent in her voice. “Tell you what, let me go grab some lace samples while you two start with one question: How big will the wedding be? You can have whatever design you want, but usually, the bigger the event, the splashier the dress. Be right back.”

“I don’t know where your head is at, Fernando, but I know in my heart I want it small—just family and any close personal friends you have. I won’t feel comfortable or safe if it is a large, publicized affair,” Sophie admitted, her heart on her sleeve and in hereyes.

“That is perfectly fine with me, but I understand that is still around thirty people. Would you like a church wedding and reception or a backyard-type event?” he asked, wanting her day to feel special but not really caring about location.

“I always thought I would want a church wedding, but the backyard sounds wonderful with a small family dinner and a relaxed atmosphere. Neither of us are party animals or dancers, so I don’t see entertainment as a necessary item either,” Sophie reasoned.

“Very well. I’m just throwing this out there. Nothing is set in stone, but what about a New Year’s Eve wedding? My brothers and their wives will be in town. We can surprise everyone. We will have our family situation figured out by then, and if we don’t, well… now we have a deadline. Our anniversary will need to be on the evening of January 1stbecause my BBC family gathering will always be on December 31st. What do you think?”

Fernando was very careful to keep a neutral face so Sophie didn’t feel any pressure.

“That sounds wonderful. Yes! Let’s do that. So, if that is the venue and date, do you mind if I do a simple gown design sans the cathedral-length train and all that?” she asked, eyeing the gown styles lying on the table before her.

“Whatever makes you happy. If you want a twenty-foot train, a ten-foot veil, and an aisle long enough to walk down and show them off, I will make that happen. If you want to wear your gown all night and be comfortable while the family celebrates, that will be amazing, too. I have one question for you. Well, two, I guess. Tails or no tails. Black, gray, or navy?”

“Um, man. So many decisions. No tails unless you want to wear a top hat as well. Black, I think. You lookso handsome in your black tux. I know I get to see you in it all the time, but I am a traditionalist, and I think black tuxes are the best.”

“Done!” Kissing her on the forehead, he stood to leave the room.

“Wait, where are you going?” she asked, a little nervous to be left here all alone, not sure what questions she was going to be asked.

“I’m off to design my wedding tux. You’re not the only one who gets to prepare for our big day today. Don’t worry about anything. Just design the dress of your dreams and leave the rest up to me. Okay?” he asked, bending down to look directly into her worried gray eyes. “Just have fun, Soph.

She sighed, trying to relieve the tension that had collected in her shoulders. “Okay.”

“That’s my girl.” He leaned in and kissed her soft and slow this time, in no hurry to leave. He ended the kiss when he heard Karrisa’s high heels clicking on the marble outside the door. “I love you, Sophie.”

“I love you, Andy,” she said before leaning over and claiming his lips in one more quick peck.

This time, he stood and left the room, holding the door for Karrisa as he exited.

“Okay, did you get anything figured out?” Karrisa asked, setting down a pile of lace samples.

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