Dominic, an EMT from Michigan, travels to Italy to discover his heritage. But after visiting the small town where his great grandparents lived, he finds so much more. The historical treasures of Rome. The priceless artwork of Florence. And then on to Venice to explore the city billed as “Disneyland for Adults.”<br><br>But the city is battling a historic flood, altering his plans and setting him on a course he never could have imagined, a path that intersects with the lives of three others. Sandro, a handsome Italian actor, appears to be the man of his dreams. As they walk the flooded city, they meet the charming Maria and her energetic young son Massimo. A near tragedy soon binds their lives together forever as Venice tries to defend itself against encroaching waters.<br><br>Dominic vows to return to his lover in a few months. But February of 2020 proves to be a bad time for a reunion. Can these two men overcome a flood, a tragedy, and the perils of a pandemic to have a life together? Will their love survive until life someday returns to normal?

High Water Mark

“I believe you,” said Sandro simply. “So many gay men make promises that they never keep. I know you are not like that.”


“No, I’m not. I never make promises I don’t keep. The thought of not being with you again—well, it’s something I could never face.”


“Me either. God, I wish you were here with me. I wish I could hold you, embrace you, smother you with kisses, feel the warmth of your skin against mine. You have only been gone a week and the ache in my heart hasn’t gone away.”


“I feel that way, too,” said Dominic, beginning to tear up. “Don’t ever leave me, Sandro. Please don’t ever leave me.” He was beginning to cry, trying to wipe the tears from his eyes and hide them. “I would never be able to handle losing you.”


It was big, strong Sandro’s turn to wipe a tear from his eye. “Never,” he said. “Never ever in a million years.”


“We will be together again soon,” promised Dominic. “And someday, forever.”


Chapter 30