Stephanie’s grip on my bicep tightened before her head came to rest on my arm as we walked through San Gimignano taking in the historic architecture. We’d been in Tuscany for four days.

     “You okay?” I asked. When she didn’t reply I stopped walking. “Steph?”

      She looked up at me and my heart dropped. Tears streamed her cheeks. I led her to a nearby bench.

     “Hey, baby, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” I asked, framing her face.

     She shook her head and her breath sped up.

     “Hey, hey, calm down. Breathe.” I instructed.

      “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She apologized with a hiccupping laugh.

      “No, need to apologize. You okay? What happened?” I asked, anxious to fix whatever was wrong.

      “I’m being silly.” she wiped her face. I gently grabbed her chin.

    “Tell me.” I begged. Her face crumpled and she threw her arms around my neck. I held her tightly against me.

     “I’m just so happy.” She cried. “I haven’t been this happy in such a long, long time. I love you so much, James.” she said, her lips pressed against my cheek. I smiled, feeling the warmth of her words seep into my bones.

       After a couple of minutes, she pulled away and grabbed my hands.

    “While we were walking, I noticed how peaceful everything felt. Then I realized it wasn’t the surroundings it was…me. I haven’t felt this level of peace or contentment ever. Being here with you. Just the two of us, no secrets, no doubts. I used to think maybe after we got back together and got each other out of our systems, pushing past the unexplored potential of actually being together–I didn’t know if what we had would last. That maybe we’d changed too much or gotten too old.” She shrugged.

      My brows furrowed. I figured she had some doubts about us, especially after I’d tried to put her on hold during my re-election attempt. But hearing her say it out loud, hurt.

      “Hey, don’t do that,” Stephanie squeezed my fingers. “I’m just trying to explain how I felt and I’ve definitely moved past it. I know what we have is real. Our connection has always been real. And although we took plenty of detours, we’re finally together. I’m at peace because I have you, the person I was meant to be with all along.” She kissed my lips.

        I placed my forehead against hers. “I love you.”

       “I love you too,” She sighed.

      The sun cast shadows against the ancient stone towers that surrounded us making the moment feel surreal, like something out of a dream or a painting, and I wished I could bottle it up to keep forever.

       “But sometimes,” she continued, pulling back slightly to look in my eyes, “I get overwhelmed by how everything has just fallen into place. It scares me, you know? Like it’s too good to be true.”

        I nodded, understanding completely. “I get it. And while I can’t predict the future or prevent anything catastrophic from happening, this I promise–I’m here for the rest of my life. With you. Maybe it seems so easy because we’ve already lived through enough shit,” I muttered. “The Universe is cutting us some slack.”

       She chuckled, her eyes still teary. We sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, watching the world go by, content in the knowledge that we had each other. I still couldn’t believe my luck. That I not only got a second chance with Stephanie, but I got a daughter as well. A daughter who casually reminded me about my place in her life during dinner before Stephanie and I left for Italy.

​________

​​

      “I never thought I’d be on the verge of becoming a Bridezilla.” Madison groaned taking a sip of water.

      “What’s a Bridezilla?” I frowned.

      Stephanie and Jackson laughed.

      “A bride who is obsessed and demanding about wedding details.” Jackson gave Madison a sharp look.

       I was about to step in and defend her, then Madison started crying and I wanted punch Jackson in his face.

       “My goodness, Maddie.” Stephanie sighed.

        Jackson groaned this time and wrapped an arm around Madison. She immediately fell into his embrace. He kissed the top of her head.

       “I don’t want you stressing about one day, babe.” He said gently.

       Madison stared up at him. “But it’s our day, and I want it to be perfect.” She pouted.

       Well, of course she did! Why didn’t he understand that? He should be doing whatever he can to make that happen!

        “It will be perfect because you’ll be there looking like an angel,” he smiled.

        Okay, that was good. 

        Stephanie watched them with amusement.

        “But–” Madison started.

        “No buts. If you don’t stop freaking out over every little thing, we’re going to elope.” He threatened.

        How the hell could he decide something like that? I’d heard enough.

        “Wait a minute, you can’t just run off and get married. What about Stephanie and your mom?” I frowned at Jackson.

        Madison giggled and wiped her face. “Well, they would obviously come with us. And you too. You do have to walk me down the aisle.”

        I’d never even considered that she’d want me to walk her down the aisle. Of course it would be an absolute privilege. I just assumed she’d do something different since Ryan was gone. But to hear her say it, so nonchalantly like it was a given…it made me realize just how much Madison was leaning into accepting me as her father, and it thrilled me.

_________

​

        “Are you okay?” Stephanie asked, bringing me back to the moment.

        “Yeah, yeah.” I assured her. And I don’t know if it was the look in her eyes, the thought of Madison’s wedding or just my undying love for her that had me suddenly overcome with emotion.

        We weren’t too old and it wasn’t too late. “Marry me.” I blurted.

       Stephanie’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

       “You’re it for me. We’re already moving in together and planning our lives. I want all of you. I know you’ve been married before and it didn’t turn out the way you–”

       She grabbed my face and nodded. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” she grinned excitedly.

      “You will?” I asked, surprised. It wasn’t the best proposal. Damn. I should have gotten down on one knee.

       “Yes!” Stephanie exclaimed again. I pulled her from the bench and hugged her tightly.

       “Wait, what about Madison? Should we call her or–”

       “James, we don’t need Madison’s approval to get married,” she rolled her eyes.

       “What if I wanted to marry you before we left Italy?” I asked, hopeful.

        “What?” she asked shocked.

      “I don’t want to interfere with Maddie and Jackson’s wedding plans. They’re getting married next year. And I don’t want to wait for you to become my wife.”

       “But how–where? Can we even get married here, legally?” Stephanie paused. I knew her mind was racing.

        “There’s only one way to find out.” I pulled my phone from my pocket.

        Stephanie laughed, her eyes alight with happiness. “This is crazy,” she shook her head in disbelief.

       After a few Google searches and a couple of calls, we learned there was a three week wait to obtain marriage documents from the U.S. Consulate in Italy. Which was more than fine since we wouldn’t be leaving Italy for another month.

       We arrived back to our suite at Portrait Firenze around seven that evening. We had taken the train to Tuscany, but were staying in Florence. I was surprised Stephanie hadn’t wanted to stay in a countryside villa. Opting for an extended stay at the luxury hotel in the city’s center.

        “A younger version of me may have considered a villa, but now? I need to be closer to civilization.” She’d laughed when I mentioned it.

       Portrait Firenze was a five-star hotel with view of the Ponte Vecchio, Italy's iconic, medieval stone bridge over the Arno River. There were also shops built directly into the bridge.

        “What a day,” Stephanie groaned, taking off her shoes and removing the long cardigan she wore. She took a deep breath and stretched her arms over her head. I came out of the bathroom and immediately took advantage of the position, pressing her against the wall. She let out a surprised gasp before smiling. Her body melted against me.

        “Mr. Griffin are you trying to start something?” she asked breathlessly.

     “Always.” I smiled, then remembered my half ass proposal. “Hey, I’m sorry about earlier, I didn’t mean to ask you to marry me like that.” I apologized. I’ve known I wanted to marry Stephanie from the moment we reconnected. But I hadn’t meant to blurt out the question that way.

       Her expression fell and she looked devastated. “So, you didn’t mean it?”

      “What? No. Yes! Of course I meant it!” I assured her. “But you deserved better. I was so caught up in the moment.”

       “James. Stop. It was perfect. Did you forget I said yes?” she smiled.

      I lowered my head and captured her lips. The moan that escaped her did what it always managed to do. Make me rock hard. I knew I was in the minority when it came to men in their fifties who didn’t have some form of erectile dysfunction. Honestly, for the years leading up to being with Stephanie again, I figured I’d eventually be dependent on the little blue pill. But every time with her was like the first, transporting me back in time into my younger body that could go all night long.

     Stephanie told me she was going through perimenopause and that along with the hot flashes and hormonal imbalances, her desire for sex had actually resurfaced stronger than ever. I’ll never stop saying it: I am such a lucky bastard!

      I held Stephanie’s wrists together with one hand. Continuing to kiss her, while unbuttoning her wide leg pants. I pulled the pants down along with her underwear letting them pool at her feet. Then I unbuttoned her silk shirt. Slowly.

       “James.” She writhed against me.

       “Ssh.” I whispered.

      I let my gaze travel down her body. The shirt lay open revealing a lacy brown bra that matched her skin tone. I nudged the shirt open further and used my teeth to pull down the cup of her bra. Just as her nipple popped out…her phone rang.

       “Shit.” She hissed.

       “That’s Madison.” I said recognizing the ring tone. I let go of her arms.

       “No! No. She can leave a message.” Stephanie insisted, wrapping her arms around me.

       “It could be important.” I laughed as she clung to me while I grabbed her phone.

     “We were in the middle of something important!” She grunted and took the phone from my hand.  “She’s Facetiming!” she yelped trying to button her shirt. I rushed to the closet to get a hotel robe.

       “Hey, Maddie!” Stephanie answered the video call after covering herself.

      “Hey, Mom! Just checking in. You called me when y’all got there, but I haven’t heard from you in a few days.” Madison said.

       Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Because I’m on vacation.”

     “Where’s your traveling partner?” Maddie asked. There were times she struggled with calling me Uncle Jimmy, but she hadn’t officially given me the title of dad either. So, she’d play it off and call me something else, like now.

        I stepped behind Stephanie and looked at her screen. Madison’s smile widened.

        “Hey! Well, I’m glad to see y’all are still alive,” she chastised, playfully.

       “Uh, James correct me if I’m wrong, but is this not the same person who left us to go live in New York and then Paris for over six months?” Stephanie argued.

       Madison gasped. “Mom! That was almost five years ago! And I called you all the time.” She protested.

        Stephanie sighed. “What’s going on daughter? How is Jackson?”

        “He’s fine. It’s a little after one o’clock here. I’m about to meet Egypt for lunch and thought I’d touch base.”

        “I told James it probably wasn’t an emergency,” Stephanie said, narrowing her eyes at me.

        “But it could’ve been,” I shrugged.

        “Were you seriously about to send me to voicemail?” Madison laughed.

        “Yep. We were busy.” Stephanie said and my eyes widened.

        “Oh, are y’all going on a tour or something?” Maddie asked.

        I exhaled harshly, thankful she had assumed something else.

        “No. James proposed.” Stephanie bit her lip. My mouth fell open. I guess we were telling her now.

       "He did what?" Madison’s voice crackled over the FaceTime call, her face filling the screen. She was grinning ear to ear. Which made me smile just as big.

        "Yes. It was impulsive, but I think he meant it,” Stephanie smiled, turning to kiss my lips.

        “I meant every word,” I promised.

       “Aw, the two of you.” Madison placed a hand over her heart. “When is the big day? Oh god, don’t tell me we’ll be having back to back weddings next year.”

      “Actually, we were thinking of getting married while we’re here, just a civil ceremony and celebrating with everyone when we get back.” Stephanie said carefully.

       I gripped her waist. We were both anxious for Madison’s reply.

      Madison’s expression softened into a look that still made my heart constrict at seeing my own features reflected in her face. During my run for the Senate, I was excited about leaving behind a legacy through my public service. And even though I will still be mentioned in the history books as the first black Senator from North Carolina, that won’t be my only legacy.

     As a matter of fact, it’s not even the most important one. This beautiful young woman, staring at us through a screen from the other side of the world will be the biggest and best part of my legacy. My bloodline will continue through her and eventually her children and their children.  

      “I’m really happy for the two of you.” She said tearfully.

      "Does that mean we have your blessing?” I asked, my voice thick.

     “I have never seen my mom as happy as she is with you. And it’s so obvious the two of you love each other. You absolutely have my blessing.” She smiled.

     “Aw, Maddie that means so much coming from you,” Stephanie cried. I held her tighter as tears filled my own eyes.

     “Are you okay not being a part of it?” I asked. If she wanted to witness our marriage, we’d wait.

    “I mean, of course I wish I was there. It’s Tuscany!” she laughed. “But no. For once, just be together without worrying about anyone else."

    When we hung up, we finished what I’d started before Madison’s call interrupted us. But it wasn’t as frantic. It was slow, lazy, and passion-filled. It was souls connecting.

    The remaining weeks in Italy had us visiting Siena, Pisa, and Lucca. Trips that provided a mix of golden sunsets, tourist excursions, dancing on rooftop terrazzo’s, long bubble baths together and deep discussions about the future. Once we got our marriage license approved, we were able to move forward rather quickly with the civil ceremony. A couple had canceled their wedding that week, and we were lucky enough to take their spot. Definitely a sign that it was meant to be.

   In Tuscany, certain venues are allowed to perform civil ceremonies, so Stephanie and I would be exchanging vows at Siena's Palazzo Pubblico, a historic town hall. The building is a stunning concave Gothic palace built of brick with white trim. It would be just the two of us, a chaplain and a translator, who would also serve as witness.

   The day of the ceremony, the sky was a bruised purple-blue, the kind of color you only see in Renaissance paintings. I waited in the small, stone-walled room, my hands shoved in my suit pockets to hide the slight tremor. I’d stood on the Senate floor and debated the future of the country without breaking a sweat. But standing there, waiting for a woman I’d loved since I was nineteen? I was a wreck.

     Then, she walked in.

     She wore a simple, knee length white silk dress with short lace sleeves. She looked like the girl I’d met in the quad all those years ago.

     The ceremony was in Italian. And even though we had a translator, his accent was so thick, I still didn't understand every word, but I understood the weight of the moment. When the official gestured for the rings, I pulled out the antique gold bands we’d bought from a jeweler on the Ponte Vecchio.

I took her hand.

     "With this ring," I said, clearing the tremor in my voice. "I'm not just giving you my name. I’m giving you the rest of every breath I take.”

     Stephanie’s eyes filled, but she didn't let the tears fall. She slid the matching band onto my finger. "I've loved you in silence, James for a very long time. I can’t wait to love you out loud every day."

     After the vows were made official and we signed the appropriate paperwork, we walked out of the town hall and into the warm Italian afternoon. Transitioning from the cool, silent stone of the Palazzo Pubblico to the vibrant life of the Piazza del Campo. A few locals paused to clap and shout a cheerful, "Auguri!" [Congratulations!]

      We didn't have a car waiting to take us to a grand reception, instead we just walked, hand-in-hand, our fingers interlaced so the new gold bands stayed pressed together. The air smelled of wood-fired crusts, blooming jasmine, and the ancient, sunbaked brick of the city.

     The path toward Osteria San Martino, where we would celebrate with dinner and wine, took us through narrow, winding side streets. In D.C., every walk I took was a calculation. Who was watching, what the cameras saw, which donor I needed to acknowledge. But here, beneath the shadow of the Torre del Mangia, I was just a man walking with his wife. The cobblestones were uneven under our feet, forcing us to lean into each other, our hips bumping in a rhythm that felt like we’d practiced it for years.

     "You okay, Mrs. Griffin?" I asked, pulling her close as we turned a corner, the restaurant’s sign visible in the distance. Calling her by her newly married name made me feel a bit light-headed, dizzy from the sheer relief that she was finally mine.

     “I'm way more than okay, husband," she giggled, the sound echoing off the high stone walls.

    Hearing her refer to me as her husband made me stop in the middle of the street. I wrapped my arms around her waist and tipped her backwards, I kissed her deeply, leaving us both breathless.

   This street that had probably seen centuries of lovers pass by was where our forever would begin. No campaign or race, no competition or bets. No more secrets to guard or legacies to build for the history books. All of that was over. Looking down at Stephanie, glowing in the fading Italian light, I knew the truth. Nothing and no one had ever been able to compete with our love.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this special glimpse into James and Stephanie’s future. It’s been a long road for them, and I’m so happy they finally found what their hearts have been longing for. ––TM

 

 

 

Translations:

Piazza del Campo is the main public space of the historic center of Siena, a city in Tuscany, Italy.

 

Palazzo Pubblico previously a historic palace and now a town hall.

 

Torre del Mangia a famous medieval tower in the middle of Piazza del Campo.

 

Osteria San Martino traditional Tuscan restaurant in Siena, Italy.