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On that note, we fall into a deep sleep for almost half the plane ride.
Lauren told us sitting on the right side of the plane would give us out-of-this-world views as we touched down on the mainland of Venice.
She was right. The area is dotted with small portions of land covered with red-tiled roofs, interwoven with winding blue canals meandering between the islands.
“Wow. I’ve never seen anything like it,” I remark.
Slade’s eyes are wide, his features animated. “This is my home. It’s where I come from.”
I squeeze his hand. “Welcome home.” This trip is so much more than sightseeing for him. It’s discovering his family, his ancestry. I can’t imagine how he’s feeling, but the way his fingers are drumming with excitement tells me a lot.
After exiting the plane, we’re wide awake like we just had a shot of pure caffeine. We’re ready to explore Venice. We retrieve our luggage fairly quickly.
“Now we catch a vaporetto to get to our hotel.” Slade smirks. “Aren’t you proud of me for remembering what the water bus is called?”
“Proof you have Italian blood running through your veins.”
I swear his chest puffs out a little at the thought.
The vaporetto ride is an adventure in and of itself. There’s so much to look at, I don’t know where to cast my eyes first. The water is bluer than I thought it’d be, and the Renaissance-inspired architecture is more amazing than I’d imagined. Venice is the most unique city I’ve ever seen. I love it already.
I imagine bringing our children here one day to meet their grandfather. My imagination should be considered hazardous to my health. If Slade knew where my thoughts had taken me, I wonder if he’d not only walk, but run away.
“Okay, here’s what Mom told me,” Slade says, a spark of indefinable emotion in his eyes. “Venice is in a lagoon. It’s separated from the sea by small strips of land. It is made up of approximately one-hundred-and-eighteen islands, but evidently that’s debatable, depending on which islands you count. There’s something like four-hundred bridges that connect most of the islands. The canals used to be the city’s sewer system, but now they also use septic tanks to help keep the canals clean. The changing tide helps too. Plus, the city is constantly draining and cleaning sections of canals. During low tide the canals can have a bad smell and there can be a buildup of mold against the sides of the buildings. So be prepared. That being said, the canals are not for swimming.”
“Someone somewhere actually had to be told,By the way, don’t swim in this water?” My face squishes up. Ew. “Seems like a given.”
“You’d think. The city does flood a couple times a year. It’s calledacqua alta. When that happens, they put up boardwalk-like pathways, and everyone wears boots. Many residents live on the second stories of their homes due to the flooding. We’re not visiting during flood season, but we are visiting during tourist season. Expect crowds. We’re supposed to walk on the right-hand side to avoid traffic jams in tight spots.
“That’s about all I know. I guess we’ll discover the rest on our own. Even though it’s too late, are you having second thoughts?”
“Not for a minute.” My heart’s beating double-time and my stomach has butterflies, and it’s not just because Slade has his arm around me during our vaporetto ride. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” I can’t believe I’m actually in Venice.
“Same. It’s fascinating, right?” Slade can hardly sit still, he’s so excited.
I’m having a hard time grasping how much my life has changed since my wedding to Blu didn’t happen. I was heartbroken and felt my life was over. Now, I’m crazy about Slade and in Venice with him. How did that happen? I don’t know, but I’m taking this happiness and making it mine.I’m grateful for second chances.Life is filled with them. I didn’t realize it until now. It’s exactly what makes life so beautiful.
“So, what happens next?” I need to know. “First, go to the hotel, check in, and unpack. Take a rest. Then lunch. Then maybe…”
“Marin, my little planner,” Slade interrupts.
“You mean control freak?”
“No, I mean planner. Let’s take this moment by moment. Fly by the seat of our pants? Take a chance and live dangerously?”
It goes against my nature, but I give in. “Okay.” This is an adventure. I need to let it be one.
Our hotel is a work of art. The décor is ornate, as though we just entered a modern-day castle. It has marble floors, huge chandeliers, and a grand staircase. It’s also pristine and the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. We ended up choosing one two-story hotel suite with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. We’ll be separate, yet together. I’m comfortable with the arrangements. Plus, I trust Slade. Neither one of us trusts ourselves around each other, but we made a promise to not rush our relationship. So that’s what we’re doing.
However, when we see our suite, both our jaws nearly hit the floor. Not only do we each have our own hot tub in our bathrooms, we also have the coveted outdoor hot tub on the terrace.
Slade’s nearly black eyes take in the room. “I’d say we chose well.”
“I’d say the same thing.” I study him and wonder how I never realized how Italian he looks with his dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. He fits in perfectly in this setting.
“Let’s crash for a bit before going out.” Slade yawns. “Sound good?”
The excitement of our arrival is fast being replaced by fatigue. “Yeah,” I mumble as I yawn too. Why are yawns contagious?
