An Adventure of a Lifetime

Greer was over the moon when she found out her boyfriend, Dexter, had been offered his dream job in Italy. He fell in love with the people and culture when he took a trip there after graduating high school, and had made it his mission to live there permanently. Greer always knew the day would come when he would pack his bags and leave the country, but after 3 years together, she couldn’t help but feeling more than a little disappointed that she hadn’t been made part of the plan.

Of course, she could always move with him… but she didn’t have a job secured there and didn’t know any Italian. How could she expect to build a life there?
 
At Dexter’s going away dinner, he pulled Greer to a dark corner of the restaurant and told her how much he loved her and had enjoyed their past three years together. “I can’t imagine life without you Greer,” he confessed to her. Then, he got down on one knee and asked Greer the question she had been waiting to hear for the past year. “Will you marry me?”
 
Tears swelled up in Greer’s eyes. Of course she wanted to. She was in love with this man. But, she thought to herself, he couldn’t have picked worse timing! He was leaving for Italy in two days!
 
“Before you answer,” Dexter began, “I want you to know that I have talked to your work and your family and arranged for you to come spend 1 month with me in Italy. I want you to experience the culture and what everyday life would be like before you commit to spending your life there with me. I just need to know that you are as serious about me as I am about you.”
 
“In that case,” Greer said hesitantly, “Yes. I am serious about you. I love you with all my heart, and can’t imagine how I could be happy without you in my life.”

Two days later, Greer and Dexter were on a plane heading to a new life together. She was shocked that her work had given her a full month off (even if it was without pay), and that her family had been helping Dexter plan this big surprise for her.
 
As the plane touched down in Italy, Greer got a knot in the pit of her stomach. What if she hated Italy? What if she couldn’t adjust to the culture? What would happen to her and Dexter then?
 
However, after just one week exploring the sites, enjoying the incredible food, and practicing her Italian feverishly, Greer was in love. She understood Dexter’s decision to live his life here and was thrilled to be a part of this adventure with him.

A week before she was scheduled to head back to the United States, Greer told Dexter how much she loved Italy, and more importantly how much she loved him. She was ready to commit to a life here with him. Dexter picked her up and spun her around and gave her the most passionate kiss of her life. This was the real deal. They were engaged, and they were going to build a life together.

A week before she was scheduled to head back to the United States, Greer told Dexter how much she loved Italy, and more importantly how much she loved him. She was ready to commit to a life here with him. Dexter picked her up and spun her around and gave her the most passionate kiss of her life. This was the real deal. They were engaged, and they were going to build a life together.

The only thing she didn’t show Dexter was the thing she was most excited about - her dress. This particular dress was completely different from anything she had seen before. It was romantic, unique, and a bit non-traditional – just like her relationship with Dexter.
 
Finally, the day arrived. Both Dexter and Greer were anxious to see each other. The only thing that really mattered today was that they were making a commitment together, surrounded by their family and friends one last time before they both left the country for good.
 
When Greer stepped out down the aisle, Dexter’s eyes swelled up. “I have the most beautiful bride in the world,” he thought to himself.

The rest of the wedding was picture perfect. Greer and Dexter danced, laughed, and enjoyed every minute of their special day. Their families and friends were all thrilled to celebrate the love these two had for one another.
 
As they got ready to send off the happy couple, Greer’s parents pulled their daughter close and whispered to her “This is just the beginning of your fairy tale.” Greer knew they were right.
 
She was ready to begin life’s greatest adventure, hand in hand with the man she loved.

Story by Lindsay Viker, Editor-in-Chief of CoutureintheSuburbs.com
Fictional story. Any resemblance to real life events is purely coincidental.