Chapter 37
The Lahote couple strolls through the scenic vineyard, surrounded by rows of lush grapevines that stretch as far as the eye can see. Marisa Cuomo Winery was a charming location, the landscape dotted with terraced vineyards that cascade down toward the sparkling blue sea, framed by rugged mountains. Lucia could feel the warmth Mediterranean sun on her skin, feeling akin to that of a tender kiss, encouraging her muscles to loosen and to let the tension melt away.
"This is where we grow the grapes for our famous Fioduva white wine," their guide explained, gesturing to the neat rows of green vines. "Marisa Cuomo uses only the finest Ravello grapes, hand-picked at the perfect level. The microclimate here is ideal for these grapes -- the sea breeze, the warm sunshine, the mineral-rich soil. It all comes together to create something truly special."
"That must be an incredible amount of work to do it all by hand," Lucia noted, taking in the neat rows of vines.
Their guide nodded. "Absolutely. Marisa Cuomo is dedicated to quality over quantity, so every grape is carefully selected and picked at the perfect moment of ripeness. Let's head inside where the wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels to develop its complex flavours."
Lucia and Paul followed after the guide towards the appealing stone building. They step inside the spacious tasting room featuring high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, creating a rustic, refined space. Natural light pours in through the large arched windows, illuminating the rich wooden furniture and elegant decor.
"Marisa is very hands-on, carefully overseeing every step of the process," the guide explains as he pushes open the door leading to the back where the wine is made. He gestures to the stainless steel tanks. "This is where the freshly harvested grapes are first crushed and pressed. The juice is then carefully monitored as it ferments, with Marisa adjusting the temperatures and stirring lees to bring out the wine's full body and flavour."
They follow through to the dimly lit cellar. "After fermentation, the wine is transferred to these oak barrels. The interaction with the wood imparts subtle notes of vanilla and spice, perfectly complimenting the Ravello grapes."
Their guide led them back outside the winery, clasping his hands behind his back with a warm smile. "Now that you've seen the inner workings of our winery, I'd be happy to offer a few suggestions on how to make the most of your visit. If you're feeling peckish, our on-site restaurant, Ristorante Marisa Cuomo, serves up delectable regional cuisine. The menu features fresh local seafood, handmade pasta, and mouthwatering desserts -- all made with the same attention to detail that goes into our winemaking."
"We had brunch a bit earlier so we're not exactly hungry," Paul informed the guide, his hand slipping around his wife's waist and drawing her closer. It was instinctual as he did it so frequently.
The guide nodded. "If you'd prefer to explore the grounds a bit more, I can point you towards some lovely walking trails that wind through the olive groves and offer panoramic vistas of the entire estate. The gardens are in full bloom this time of year."
"That sounds lovely!" Lucia says with a smile. She looks up at Paul, with a raised brow. "What do you think? Maybe we can take some pictures while we're there?"
Paul nods and soon they are being led to the gardens, the pathway lined with vibrant plants and herbs. Aromatic rosemary and thyme thrive alongside colourful bougainvillaea, their petals a riot of pink and purple against the lush greenery.
Upon entering the gardens, the couple is greeted by a breathtaking sight. Lush rows of vines cascade down the terraced landscape, each vine meticulously cared for. The gardens were a tapestry of colours and textures, with neatly arranged flower beds and citrus trees bearing ripe lemons and oranges.
They wandered through the gardens, their guide heading back to tour the people after them. Lucia brought out her Polaroid camera and took pictures of the shimmering sea that sparkled in the distance along with the swaying branches of the trees. She snaps photos of Paul and he does the same once he gets his hands on her camera, their laughter and quiet chatter ringing out through the picturesque space.
Paul held the camera in hand, pressing a kiss to Lucia's warm cheek and snapping a photo. The camera whirred as the photo developed. He looked at the image, smiling at it before turning to Lucia who watched him adoringly with red cheeks. He can't help but press another kiss to her cheek and tucks the picture in his wallet for safekeeping and keepsake.
He turns to Lucia, who marvels at the beautiful scenery before her and stops beside her, holding out his hand. She looks at him and then at his hand, a slow smile spreading across her face. She slips her hand in his, his larger hand a stark contrast to her slender one. He pulls her close, placing her hands around his neck as they begin to sway, no music playing in the background. It didn't matter, though. Being close was the goal of the dance in the first place.
They share playful smiles, their eyes sparkling with affection. Each step brings them closer together, their hearts beating as one. Lucia leans her head against Paul's shoulder, feeling the warmth of his embrace. He spins her lightly, and she twirls with laughter, her dress flowing gracefully around her. She looks up at him, her heart swelling with love, and he gazes down, his eyes filled with adoration. Time seems to stand still as they savour the moment together.
"How did I get so lucky, hm?" Paul questions more so to himself than to anyone else. He lifts his hand, dragging the back of his fingers across her cheek. "Such a pretty girl and she's all mine."
"You flatter me too much. I'm not as perfect as you make me out to be," Lucia replies with a gentle smile.
"You are perfect to me."
Lucia can't help but roll her eyes at his words, her heart prancing around in her chest at his words of affection. She leans up, pressing a kiss to his lips which he returns without question. Pulling away, she admires him. "And you are perfect to me."
Paul smirks at this and twirls her once more before pulling her in, her back pressed against his chest and his arms wrapping around her. He leans down, his lips next to her ear as he says, "I suppose we'll have to show each other that once we return home, hm?"
"I suppose so," Lucia replies, glancing at him from over her shoulder. She steps away, out of his hold, and tosses a look over her shoulder, daring him to follow. His feet move on their own accord, making his way towards her as she approaches the railing. "I was thinking we should come back here once we're both of age. The wine looked delicious."
"With or without our children," Paul responded, stopping beside her. "We could make this either a holiday destination or our little spot for when we want alone time."
"Mr Lahote," Lucia begins with a chastising look, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Are you trying to get rid of our children already? They aren't even born yet."
Paul laughs. "Of course not, sweetheart."
"It seems like it."
A sensual smile decorates his lips and he leans in, invading her space till all she could see was him. She inhaled sharply, the intoxicating scent of his cologne filling her nose. It was pungent--a strong, mature scent that lured her in like a bee to pollen. He smelt like home. "The only time I'd ever want you alone, my love, is when I want to fuck you."
"You make it sound like we don't do that every day already," Lucia remarked, her eyes narrowing at him. "Not only did you wake me up with your mouth but you took me on the kitchen counter before we came here."
"I remember that vividly," Paul replied, trailing his hand up her arm, grasping her nicely, and drawing her closer, her body fitting perfectly against his. "You make it difficult to keep my hands off of you. Besides, why wouldn't I want to take you on every surface I find? You are my wife. The mere thought of you gets me going."
Lucia lets out a laugh, burying her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking. Paul caressed her hair with an amused grin as she laughed, holding onto his linen button-up to stabilise herself. He could be too much at times--in the best way possible. He said things so randomly and so directly it either made her laugh or blush as red as a tomato and she loved it.
"I can't with you," Lucia says once she pulls away, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. She shakes her head. "Where do you think up stuff like that?"
"Where's the fun in telling you, darling?" Paul flirted. "Just because you married me doesn't mean I'm going to spill all my secrets."
Lucia looks at him with playful scepticism, her eyes narrowing and an adorable pout forming on her lips. "Should I be worried?"
"Of course not." Paul links their hands together, pressing a kiss to her knuckles and tugging her along. "Come. I saw a nice backdrop for a picture. I think it will really bring out your eyes."
"It won't be of us together?" Lucia inquired, raising a brow. Paul shook his head and pulled her along. They strolled through the garden hand in hand, the path curving gently, revealing bursts of colour at every turn. They walk closely, sharing whispers, their voices mingling with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Their love is a beautiful symphony, one beautiful and rich with emotion and intimacy. Each glance shared between them conveys a thousand unspoken words, words that needn't be said. It was truly a mesmerising sight--to see a love so deep that it drowned oceans. It is bound to make another envious for they found in each other a love that is deep, abiding, and so rare. It was beautiful and it was theirs.
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