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We retreat to our private rooms. I unpack and shower off the dusty feeling of travel before falling on my bed, dead to the world for the next few hours. Jet lag is no joke.

We meet up again in the living room, partially refreshed. “It’s our day. How about some pasta? I’ve been looking forward to the food here.” Slade’s upbeat attitude hides his nervousness about trying to find his father tomorrow.

We walk up and down alleyways and over several bridges as we meander through the city, fascinated by the touristy shops and the many restaurants. Mostly, it’s the unique setting that has us captivated. Slade wasn’t kidding about the crowds of tourists. In some places, it’s hard to maneuver through the number of people exploring the city. It adds to the festive mood, though. The people are happy, smiling, and just as excited as we are.

We finally decide on a restaurant, declining the long wait for a coveted patio seat. Instead, we settle for a window seat overlooking the patio and a busy canal. Good enough. Our young waiter speaks highly accented English, just like the younger people at the hotel. Perfectly understandable, thank goodness.

Slade studies his menu, which is thankfully written in Italian and English. “Mom said most Italian words end in vowels. That’s why they sometimes add an “ah” sound at the end of their words when trying to speak English.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I never thought about it.”

“It’s over-exaggerated in movies and TV. No one speaks like the Mario video game character.”

I chuckle. He’s right. Even though we’ve only been here a short while, I’ve noticed the addition of the “ah” sound to the ends of words is intermittent. Not practically every word they speak. Trilling the letter R is common, though, and I find it charming.

I order tortelli stuffed with squash, covered with butter and parmigiano. Slade orders spaghetti aglio e olio. It’s covered with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper.

We take our first bites and say “Oh my gosh” in unison. The pasta is perfection.

We both orderedwater with no bubblesto drink, as Lauren advised us to do. Otherwise, we’d receive sparkling water. As our meal comes to an end, I notice Slade circling the rim of his glass with his finger, deep in thought.

“Slade? You okay?”

“Yeah.” Worry occupies his features. “Tomorrow’s a big day. It’s weighing on me. I realize now just how crazy impulsive this trip is. I’m second-guessing myself. I should’ve written to him first.”

“No regrets. We’re here, and we’re doing this. Don’t let doubts invade your thoughts.” I’m trying to encourage Slade, but I realize how impulsive we’ve been as well.

He goes on. “I keep thinking about the worst-case scenarios. Maybe they sold the family home and they don’t live there anymore. Maybe my father hasn’t lived there in years. Maybe he’s not even in Italy. Maybe he passed several years ago. Maybe he won’t want anything to do with me. Maybe he won’t believe me when I tell him who I am. Maybe he’ll think I want something from him, like money or some type of inheritance. Maybe he’ll laugh in my face. Maybe he’ll tell me to get lost…”

I interrupt him. “Maybe you’ll make him the happiest man alive when he meets you for the first time and finds out he had a son with his precious Laurie.”

He nods with a taut jerk of his head. He’s more wound up than I realized. I don’t blame him.

I reach across the table and hold his hand. “Slade, we won’t know until we try. That’s all we can do. There’s no way to predict how this will all play out. But we’re here, and we’re trying. Was it impulsive? Yes. It also shows how much you want to meet your father. There’s a lot to be said for that. You’re showing love and respect to your father by coming all this way just to meet him. How could a man possibly be offended by so much effort from his son?”

“Maybe you’re right. We’ll see.” Slade visibly returns to the present moment. “Thanks for being here with me, for encouraging me through this mess. This is supposed to be your time to heal.”

He helped me and now I’m helping him. To me, it sounds like we’re building a firm foundation for our relationship. Give and take should come from both sides. “I’m on a floating city in one of the most romantic places on earth withyou. I’m healed. It’s me who should be thanking you.”

He rests his head on his hands, his elbows on the table. “Let’s forget about this funk I’m in and do some sightseeing. I believe I promised you a gondola ride.”

“I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.” Literally. But he doesn’t need to know that. Besides, I know my imagination can never compete with the real thing when it comes to Slade.

We leave the restaurant and brave the crowds to seek out our gondola ride. We hold hands tightly, not allowing the throngs of people to separate us as we discover more alleyways and bridges. The smile on Slade’s face tells me he’s not annoyed or irritated. We’re going with the flow and enjoying the adventure.

The canals are just as congested as the walkways. There are various types of boats as well as an overabundance of gondolas. One passes by with a singer belting out “That’s Amore” as everyone joins in. It makes for a festive atmosphere. We’re both too busy absorbing the sights to talk much, but I love experiencing it together.

We’re lucky to stumble upon a gondolier waiting for his next fare. No need to make reservations for our ride.

The gondolier with his classic striped shirt welcomes us aboard. “Hello there!”

We grab the seats that look like they’re made for a king and queen as another couple joins us. Slade wraps his arms around me, and we sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth ride. An ear-to-ear smile is pasted on my face and it won’t go away.

Our gondola includes a singer who regales us with “Volare” and “O Sole Mio.”His voice is large and booming. He belongs in an opera house performing for crowds of adoring fans.

I lay my head back and stare up at the tops of the surrounding buildings feeling like I’m in a dream. We pass under several bridges, tourists staring down at us, as a light breeze washes over our bodies.

Slade whispers in my ear, “There’s no one I’d rather do this with than you.”

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