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He rubs his cheek. “Ouch. I’ll settle for a simple hello and a smile.”

“We got this. No worries.”

Slade chuckles, but the anxiety in his eyes gives him away. This trip could backfire on him in a big way.

“Ready to go?”

Slade’s taking me shopping, because I told him I can’t wear my misery clothes to Venice. I only need a few outfits for the trip. I’ll make it quick. My parents arrive in just a few hours. “Vamanos. That’s what my dad always says when we’re going somewhere. It meanslet’s goin Spanish.”

“Maybe we should learn how to saylet’s goin Italian. Just a thought.” Slade shrugs.

“Good point. I’ll Google it.”

Our shopping trip is quick, as I promised. It’s hot in Italy this time of year, so I choose several flowery sundresses along with sandals with good arch support, since we’ll be doing a lot of walking. After I find a sweater for chilly evenings, I’m done. I’ll feel pretty and feminine in the sundresses. I want to look nice for Slade.

“Guess your luggage will be light once again,” Slade teases.

The thought doesn’t even hurt anymore. “No lingerie. But yes, it’ll be light.”

“Next time,” Slade says with a wicked grin.

I look forward to the promisednext time. I hope there will be anext time. The thought weighs on me. I’m trying to live in the moment and ignore any and all worry.

“We’re home.” Slade swings his car into the parking space.

“I love calling Sheridan House my home.” I still can’t believe this is happening.

“I love having you in my home.” Slade leans over for a kiss. They always last longer than we intend. “All right. Stop taking advantage of me, woman. I need to get the grill started.” He’ll be barbequing chicken and corn on the cob.

“I think we’re all set for my parents’ arrival. They’re so excited to stay a night in Sheridan House.”

“Are you nervous?” Slade asks, stealing one more kiss.

“A tad. I’m not sure how they’ll react to our trip to Italy. They’re highly conservative. I think meeting you today will assuage their fears.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior. I won’t yell at you, command you to clean the house, or demand a chicken pot pie when I’m hungry and trying to watch the football game.”

I give him the stink eye, then pinch his cheek again.

“Ouch,” he says, just like earlier. “Remind me why that’s a sign of affection? It stinkin’ hurts.”

“Sorry.” I kiss his cheek several times.

“Hmm. You’re forgiven.” He turns his head, so my lips meet his. Sneaky. “Marin?”

“Hmm?”

“Vamanos. Your parents will be here any minute, and if they catch us making out in my car, I doubt their first impression will be a good one.”

He’s right. We laugh lightly as he sets off to start the grill and I put away my shopping treasures.

When my parents finally arrive, Slade and I greet them holding hands. There’s lot of hugs and tears. I haven’t seen them since my ill-fated wedding day, but we’ve spoken on the phone several times. They know about Slade, and they’re excited to meet him.

“Slade, these are my parents, Charlotte and Harland.”

When Slade holds out his hand for a handshake, my mom pushes his hand away and enfolds him in a bear hug. “I’m so happy to meet you, Slade. Marin speaks of nothing but you. Thank you for making my daughter happy.”

“Ah, now I see where Marin gets her beauty. Inside and out. Marin, you didn’t tell me how beautiful your mother is,” says smooth-talking Slade.

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