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Matteo takes the time to explain who Slade is to each person as they arrive home. He gets emotional every time, holding Slade close to his side and patting his back.

They all welcome Slade—and me—with open arms. It’s heartwarming how kind and loving they are. Slade is greeted by each person with the traditional air kiss on the left cheek and then on the right cheek. I’m an observer, a tag-along. Truth is, I’m happy to witness this epic day for Slade. I’m theI’m-just-happy-to-be-hereperson. That’s okay. This is Slade’s day.

The number of people and names to remember make me dizzy. How each person is related is even more confusing, as I desperately try to get it all straight in my head. However, I love the huge household of family members all living together and supporting one another. It's a beautiful sight to behold.

Gabriella, Giana, and Aria serve lunch. Aria explains it’s considered the main meal of the day in Italy.

They serve a minestrone soup, followed by meatballs in a tomato sauce and an eggplant dish with breadcrumbs and grated cheese. The servings are not huge, but they are just enough. For Slade and me, it’s a lot to eat for lunch. The food is fresh from the market and is so different from the frozen foods I’m used to. The meal ends with a platter of nuts, slices of cheese, and various fruits—apricots, figs, and cherries. It’s amazing. I have no idea how Gabriella, Giana, and Aria put it together in the time they had. I can’t begin to imagine what a celebratory dinner will look like. Dinner is typically the light meal of the day in Italy. I wonder if I’ll even be hungry by dinnertime.

The amazing thing is that everyone in the household is home. We all sit down together at a huge outdoor table. Everyone stays at the table lingering over the meal, talking and laughing. A few people lean back and close their eyes, taking a short rest. But most stay awake, trying their best to get to know Slade. They’re filled with curiosity and bombard him with questions.

“Where you live in America? Close to Statue of Liberty?” Tommaso asks. The twins are fascinated by Americans.

“No,” Slade answers. “I live in Oregon, on the West Coast, far from the Statue of Liberty. I live on the coast by the Pacific Ocean.”

“By ocean? You like water, yes?” Francesco chimes in. “You like Venice too?”

“Yes.” Slade grants him a warm smile. “I love Venice.”

“Are you cowboy?” Tommaso uses his fingers as pretend guns, shooting everyone at the table one by one, which merits a scolding from his father, Lorenzo.

“No, I’m not a cowboy.” Slade shoots Tommaso with his finger gun when Lorenzo isn’t looking. Tommaso falls to the floor as though he’s been shot. He’s once again scolded by his father.

I think Uncle Slade and his nephews are going to get along great. If he doesn’t get them into too much trouble, that is.

“No, Tommaso,” Francesco chides. “He live by ocean. Ourziois surfer dude, yes?”

Slade chuckles. “Yes, I’m a surfer dude. I love surfing. I don’t do it much anymore because I’m busy with my job.”

“Okay boys. Adults turn now.” Aria thinks for a moment. “Tell us about you, Slade. We want to know more.”

Slade tells everyone about his bed-and-breakfast and all it takes to run it. Everyone at the table listens intently, nodding their heads often. I’m not sure how much they actually understand. He invites them all to come and stay any time.

I loveriposo. I think it’s the best idea in the world. I wish we hadriposoin America. Of course, I’ve recently realized the importance of slowing down and taking a deep breath. Naturally, it appeals to me.

I feel as though we’re part of the family. They’ve even welcomed me. If I’m overwhelmed, I can’t imagine how Slade’s feeling.

“Matteo, now your turn. Tell more about Laurie.Dire noi tutto.Tell us,” Amara teases.

The table goes quiet. I suppose everyone is curious, even though Matteo already gave everyone a watered-down version.

“I meet my Laurie before I meet my Lucia. I love my Lucia. Mattie, Aria, you must know this.” Matteo looks at his children directly, ensuring they know how much he loved their mother and that he did not cheat on her. “But I love Laurie too. Laurie wasil mio cuore…my heart. My first love. Much power in first love, yes? You never forget. To have our son makes my heart full.” Matteo taps his chest, over his heart. “Thank you, Slade, for making your Papà happy man. I could not go to grave never knowing I have son with Laurie. Much surprise and much happiness today. Is good day.” He holds up his glass. “To Slade.”

Everyone holds up their glass. “To Slade.”

I excuse myself and rush upstairs to the restroom. Once behind the locked door, I cry my eyes out. I mean, I sob like a baby. Once again, my tears are not for myself. My tears are for Slade and his happiness. I look in the mirror and say, “I’m grateful for Slade’s family.” This is my new way of life. Expressing my gratitude. I’ve made a vow to myself to do it every day for the rest of my existence. It’s changing me in ways I didn’t expect—a calm and peaceful feeling that warms my heart.

After about two hours, the household empties as everyone returns to work. Or playtime for the kids.

I help clear the table, but then I’m shooed away from helping with the dishes. The kitchen is clearly Nonna and Giana’s domain. It appears Aria and Ginevra are tolerated at times.

When I return downstairs, Slade and his father are deep in conversation, their heads close together. I take a seat in the sun, giving Slade and his father privacy, and take my ownriposo.The Italian people understand enjoying life. My eyes drift closed, and I enjoy a long nap.

It's getting dark when Slade gently shakes me awake. “Hey, sweetheart, it’s time for dinner.” He pulls me to my feet and embraces me.

“You okay?” I whisper in his ear.

“This is more than I hoped for.” We share a secret smile.

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