I took a deep breath and continued, “The forget-me-nots represent our true love. The blue violets are for my faithfulness to you, always and forever.”
A sob escaped Emma’s mouth. She whispered, “Garrett…”
“Last but certainly not least, the stephanotis represent—”
“Marital harmony,” Emma said at the same time as me.
I nodded my head. “Yes.”
She began crying more. “Garrett, all these beautiful flowers must have cost you a fortune.”
I reached for her hand and pulled it to my lips. “I’d do anything to show you how much I love you, Em. If I had to give up the ranch just to show you how much I loved you, I would.”
Emma started giggling. “I can’t wait to tell Margie and Peggy.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I kind of just set the bar pretty high for myself in the future.”
She shook her head and squeezed my hand. “All I’ll ever need is your love. That is the only thing on earth that I need from you. I love you, Garrett.”
“I love you more, Emma Rose.”
“I’m never eating again,” Emma said as we strolled hand in hand along the streets of Venice.
“Did you enjoy this evening?” I asked as I stopped and turned to face her.
She reached her arms up and around my neck as she stood on her tippy toes. “I’ve never had such an amazing and romantic evening in my entire life. I can still smell all the flowers.”
My stomach began doing flips as I thought about what was coming up. I wanted to make this trip one that Emma would never forget. It wasn’t just about locking ourselves away and making love. It was about making memories that she would remember for the rest of her life.
I kissed Emma, and thoughts of the first time I’d ever seen her filled my mind. I pulled back and asked, “Do you want to go dancing?”
She did a little jump. “Have you ever known me not to want to go dancing?”
We made our way to downtown Venice where the nightlife was really hopping. I’d never seen Emma smile as much as she was tonight. We met another American couple, and we were sitting and talking with them.
When Emma got up and excused herself, I made my way to the band. The gentleman looked down.
I asked, “Do you know ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole?”
He smiled and said, “Of course. We’re from America, and Jessica has sung it many times.”
I grinned from ear to ear. “Would you mind playing it? I’m here with my wife, Emma, on our honeymoon from America. This song reminds me of the first time I ever saw her.”
When Emma walked back out, I led her to the dance floor.
Before the band played, Jessica asked for everyone’s attention. “I’ve been told we have a couple from America here on their honeymoon.”
Everyone began clapping as I pulled Emma closer to me. I winked as her face turned a beautiful rose shade.
“The husband would like for me to sing this next song for his beautiful bride, Emma. He said this is what he felt the first moment he saw you.” Jessica smiled, and those familiar chords began playing.
Emma attempted to hold back her tears. As Jessica began singing the song, I smiled down at my girl.
God, how I love her so much.
Emma buried her face into my chest and held on to me as we danced. Nothing needed to be said between us. I wanted Emma to listen to the words and know how much she meant to me.
When the song ended, she looked up at me. “No one has ever made me feel so wonderful, like you have tonight. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love you any more than I already do, but…but you just…you keep…” She broke down in tears.