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Josh browsed through the brochures as Maggie poured them a second cup of coffee - hers with a hefty portion of International Delight, Hersey's Chocolate Carmel flavor coffee creamer - and his black.
"See anything interesting?" she asked, as she ran her fingers through her auburn hair. "It looks like it might rain."
"I noticed. Why don’t we take a drive to Arcadia? It's a very historical and old Florida. They have some great antique shops. Maybe we can find up something for the condo, you know, as a souvenir.”
"You do realize that I must have been an interior designer in a previous life. I love nothing better than hunting for exceptional objects.
“Then it's a plan,” he replied. “There's a winery out that way, too. It's in one of these brochures. We can surprise Mom and Dad with a bottle for dinner tonight. Dad said they'd bring home some stone crabs if the price is right.”
“Mmm..., stone crabs and wine. That sounds so Florida. We can pick up some salad makings on the way back too. If you google the winery, I’ll clean up these dishes. It’ll only take a minute. We don’t want to leave a mess for your mom."
"Good idea, then we can take off." he walked away.
"Oh, don’t forget your cell phone. Mine is still charging,” she called after him.
I-75 was congested as usual this time of year. They turned onto SR 70 and took the exit east toward Arcadia before catching Country Road 675.
"You were right suggesting we stop at the winery first since it is closer," Maggie said as she watched for the road sign that would take them to the Rosa Fiorelli Winery. "There it is. Turn left there.”
They pulled into the parking lot, tires crunching on the crushed shell driveway.
“Oh, Josh, doesn't this look interesting? I had pictured a replicated stone villa. This is a more modern building, very industrial.”
The parking lot was almost full with license plates were from all over the US. Many from Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan.
"Look! There's one from California, and there's one from Texas," Maggie pointed at the gold Cadillac with spoke wheel covers. “Looks like the snowbirds have already found this place.”
“Uh... we’re snowbirds too, you know.” They both laughed.
“I have a surprise for you. I booked a tour of the winery and wine tasting,” he said, taking her hand.
“Oh, good, Josh." She paused. "But we won't forget about Arcadia, right? I had hoped to do some rummaging through the quaint antique shops there."
“There will be time. It’s a luncheon tour, and then we'll be on our way. I promise.” He turned her into his arms and placed a comforting kiss on her lips. "And if you don't get to see them all, we can come back."
They enjoyed the tour and a leisurely lunch of crackers and cheese while sampling the various wines under the vine-covered pergola. Most of the visitors were older couples and groups.
"Is it my imagination or are we the youngest couple there?" she asked looking around.
Josh took her hand in his and gently rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. "Do you know how much I love you?”
Maggie smiled at their joined hands on the table. "Yes, I do. I love you too.”
“Well, I was thinking, now that I’m out of law school and starting this great job..." He paused and took a breath. "Well, we might think about a wedding.” He pulled a little blue velvet box from his pocket, placed it on the table and very gently pushed it toward her.
“And just whose wedding are you thinking about?” Maggie lowered her eyes and smiled as they picked up the little box. Her voice quivered with excitement.
“Ours! You silly goose," he said, a little louder than he intended. He glanced around quickly to see if anyone had noticed before continuing - a bit quieter this time. "I was thinking about Thanksgiving.”
He opened the box revealing a delicate diamond marquise-shaped solitaire.
“Oh, Josh, this is gorgeous.”
He took the ring out of the box and placed it on Maggie’s finger. The ring sparkled in the afternoon sun flashing tiny specks of light onto the surrounding walls.
"Can we afford it?" she whispered. Sometimes Josh could be very impulsive.
"That's not for you to worry about. I won't tell you the cost; just think of it as an investment."
Her heart leaped. Had she hurt his feelings? Why had she even mentioned it? She felt tears welling and blinked them away. "It's beautiful, and of course I'll marry you."
“Then Thanksgiving is good for you?"
"Next year, right?” she asked, distracted by the emotions she was feeling and by the ring on her finger.
“Well no, this year. That’s not a problem, is it?”
“But that’s just a few months away. Weddings take time to plan. You have no clue how hard putting a wedding together can be.
“It can’t be that tough.”
She was thrilled that he wanted to set a date, but November, really?
After lunch, they visited the wine shop. Josh chose a Blanc du Bois Classico to go with the stone crab claws he hoped his mom and dad would bring home. Maggie decided the sweeter, Florida Muscadine Blush to go with dessert. His parents always treated them to good wine, and they were confident they'd chosen well.
The sky had cleared, and they'd put the top down again. As Josh drove toward Arcadia, they wound past farms and estates and acres of pastures with horses and cattle. The smell of orange blossoms was strong in the air. Occasionally they passed a roadside stand selling oranges, vegetables or plants. They stopped at one called O’Brian’s and quickly picked up some strawberries and local honey.
Arcadia turned out to be everything Maggie had expected. The 20 or so shops were all located within three blocks along West Oak Street. Some of the old brick buildings dated back to the early 20th century, making the town feel it had been caught in a time warp. Years ago a fire destroyed most of the old buildings. In rebuilding the town had been careful to keep to the ancient traditions and now the new blended right in with the old.
They explored shop after shop. Maggie was captivated with the architecture and pointed out various styles as they walked. They stopped in the old Arcadia Opera House, a reconstructed building now converted into a busy antique shop.
Maggie was torn between two items; the first was an oil on canvas by Girard, which measured 31" x 55". Josh reminded her that it probably wouldn't fit in the overhead compartment on the flight home on Sunday. The second, a vintage footed Northwood beaded cable Carnival Glass bowl, the sheen variegated from green to amethyst to aqua to gold.
"This will fit perfectly into a 9" sq box. We'll take it," she said, handing it to the proprietor. Then something else caught her eye; a lovely green Teco pottery vase made in Chicago in the early 20th century.
"Oh, Josh, won't this be perfect for our bedroom?" she gushed. "We'll take this, too."
They took a break and crossed the street to The Shoppe, a quaint ice cream parlor before heading back with their treasures and a few postcards to send home.
"Have you had enough shopping," he asked walking back to the car.
"Actually, my feet ache from all the walking. The next time we go shopping reminds me to wear more comfortable shoes. Oh, hasn't this been such a grand day?" She slipped her arm around his. "I love vacations. I love Florida... Oh, and of course I love you, too."
Just then they passed the Rattlers Old West Saloon.
"This place looks fascinating. Dare we stop it?"
Josh could see that she was tired. "It is getting late, and we still have the drive back to Sarasota. Maybe we should check it out another time."
"You're right, besides your folks are looking forward to dinner with us. If we leave now, we might make it back before dark."
