Several hours later, Steven and Cara emerged from the bedroom.
Are you working Liz? Cara stretched her arms over her head, and looked at her sister in law typing away on her computer.
Yes, Elizabeth replied. I'm pretty much done, just looking things over. I wanted to get everything finished so we'll have the whole day tomorrow. And Saturday. On Saturday, we'll drive up to Greenwich so you can see the house, and maybe go sailing. The town itself is a whole different world from here, she continued. You'll like it, I'm sure. It reminds me a little of home in some parts. Are you two hungry?
Starving,! Cara exclaimed.
I can eat a horse, Steven declared hungrily.
A key rattled in the door indicating that Nicholas was home. Elizabeth made her way to the entrance to greet him. After an episode of hugs, kisses and greetings, the foursome sat down at the table to plan their evening.
So where are we going to dinner,? Nicholas asked.
Mmmmm, how about fried rice from Yings? Elizabeth joked.
Uh, no. Nicholas said laughing.
What's Yings? Steven asked.
Your sister has a penchant for gross, greasy Chinese food, Nicholas explained. I've banned her from going to that oily dive of a restaurant, but I know she probably sneaks there behind my back for some shrimp lo mein.
I do not,! Elizabeth protested, putting her arms around Nicholas.
Well, I could sure go for some juicy steak, Cara suggested. I mean… the baby can go for some steak, she said sheepishly.
How about we go to the restaurant that's right at the bottom of the Empire State building? I'm pretty sure they have steak there, Elizabeth recommended.
Have you ever been there Liz? Nicholas,? Cara asked.
No, that place is always packed with tourists, Elizabeth stated.
Yeah, us New Yorkers don't have time for any of that, Nicholas added, kissing Elizabeth on the lips.
It's less hassle than going all over, looking for a place to eat, Elizabeth remarked. I know you two must still be tired. After we eat, we'll go straight up to the top of the building. Elizabeth eyed the three of them. Everyone agree? I already pre ordered our fast pass tickets over the phone.
Good plan Liz, Steven said, elbowing his sister.
Alright then, let's go, Nicholas said, picking up his keys. We can take the ferry right outside and cross the river straight to thirty fourth street. Then take the bus from there. It's only a few blocks to fifth avenue.
In forty five minutes, they arrived at the restaurant, and saw a line of customers wrapped around the ground floor restaurant of the famous skyscraper.
Now what? Steven moaned. I'm hungry enough to eat the menu!
I should have thought to make reservations, Elizabeth said, as she looked at the eager diners.
I have an idea, Cara said. Liz, come with me, she giggled, as she entered the restaurant and moved to the front where the Maitre d was standing. Cara struck an exaggerated pose of exhaustion, lowered her voice, and begged for a table. The Maitre d looked at her with sympathy and put them at the top of the list.
Just don't tell anyone, she winked at Cara. Or the crowd will have my head.
I promise, Cara said, as Elizabeth motioned Steven and Nicholas towards the front of the line.
Cara, party of four, a voice rang out five minutes later.
How did you do that? Nicholas asked.
Being this pregnant has it's privileges, Cara grinned, as the four of them were seated at their table in the corner.
They ordered their food as animated conversation continued throughout the meal.
Roger Barrett is back in town, Cara said. Or I should say, Patman. I can never get used to his new name, she continued. Anyway, guess who's obsessed with him these days?
I know who. Elizabeth said laughing. Enid told me all the details. You know she works at the massage parlor right next to Lila.
Well, every time she calls me, it's Roger this and Roger that. He took her up to Big Bear last month and she won't stop talking about it.
Wow, Elizabeth said, and to think she used to make fun of him because he was poor.
Oh, I know, Cara agreed. He went to Princeton you know. At first he was pre-med, but then he went into finance instead. He's living at the Patman's home, so he and Lila are only a few houses away from each other. They live so close, it's only natural that they'd hook up.
She comes off as spoiled and snotty, but Lila can be nice, once you get to know her, Steven said. Who would have thought though,? he added.
Elizabeth shared a look with her brother, as she remembered his brief fling with Lila. His bemused expression told her he was probably thinking along those lines.
I know right, Cara answered. And Bruce, remember him?
How can anyone forget? Elizabeth shook her head.
Well, he's in France, living it up,Cara stated. But Lila tells me, he's involved with someone, a sophisticated Frenchie!
He and Lila were together for a while weren't they,? Nicholas asked.
Elizabeth knew that Bruce Patman wasn't his favorite topic.
Yes, Cara confirmed, but that's been over for a while now.
Bruce is probably up to his usual womanizing over there, Elizabeth said. He probably cruises down the Champs-Elysees, rating all the women.
Hmmmm, I wonder if he drives a black Porsche in France? Cara joked, giggling. Bruce's mom can't stand Lila, she said, as the waiter brought out their drinks. But I guess it's better for her now since Lila's with her nephew and not her son. There's so much going on with that family these days, Lila Fowler is the least of their concerns.
Well, I guess you know the story then….. Elizabeth loosened her ponytail. Enid told me she went to the Patman mansion to give Bruce's mom a massage. Marie Patman was ummm…. well let's just say she kicked back a few while Enid was there. And she got an earful of Hank Patman's indiscretions.
Yes, Cara nodded. Everyone knows all about it. Can you believe that?
Wait? What? Steven said, looking confused.
Hank Patman has a new son, Cara explained. Where have you been Steve?
In my office, working, Steven retorted, poking Cara's arm under the table.
The baby's name is Richard. To add insult to injury, the baby's last name was changed to Patman, Cara continued.
Marie gave Enid all the details, Elizabeth added. She ended up putting Marie to bed and stayed with her.
I feel horrible for her, Elizabeth shook her head sympathetically. Such betrayal! She reached under the table and held Nicholas' hand. I just hope someone is there for Bruce's mom. At times like these, people really need their friends.
If my father did that to my mother, I would never talk to him again, Nicholas said, his eyes flashing.
Speaking of Enid, Cara's cocked her brow. She was telling me she left her mother's house. She's moved into your neighborhood Nicholas, on Valley Crest Drive. It's lower down the hill from you, closer to where Jessica lives. She has nice views though. I mean, it doesn't compare to the view from your home, but it's still pretty nice.
Yes, Enid told me all about the views, Elizabeth smiled mischievously. Among other things.
Elizabeth and Cara looked at each other, giggling.
Here we go again, Steven rolled his eyes.
Dr Ray is pretty cute, Cara stated. Talented too. I'm nervous enough, thinking of holding a scalpel. If I had to give someone a nose job, I'd probably slip and saw off their nostrils.
Yes he is talented, Elizabeth nodded knowingly. Enid sent me pictures of them from their trip to Baja. He's definitely cute.
Ahem, Nicholas cleared his throat and pouted.
Not cuter than you though, Elizabeth looked at him flirtatiously.
That's better, Nicholas said, his eyes twinkling.
You too Steve, Cara said, as she and Elizabeth laughed again.
Me too what,? Steven said sternly.
Dr Ray's not cuter than you. There,! Happy now,? she said, kissing him on the lips as the waiter approached the table.
Hmmmm, steak, yummy!, Cara exclaimed, as their food was placed in front of them.
Roger always knew he wanted to be a doctor, Elizabeth thought aloud digging into her pasta. I guess his plans changed?
Cara nodded. Yeah, well, the medical field isn't for everyone.
Twenty minutes later, Elizabeth put her fork down in defeat.
I can't eat another bite, she moaned, looking at her portobello shrimp pasta dish. The garlic bread filled me up.
Well I can…, Cara said, raising her fork in anticipation. I mean, the baby can.
Here, have it, Elizabeth pushed the plate towards her.
I swear Liz, wait till you get pregnant. You're going to want to eat everything in sight.
Elizabeth felt Nicholas' hand squeezing hers under the table.
I have to wake up in the middle of the night to get her snacks, Steven smirked. And then she leaves all the crumbs in the bed. Between that and Nate's toys pricking me in the middle of the night, I get no sleep.
You get no sleep? Cara responded, sipping her water. Try sleeping with a huge thirty pound weight attached to your belly. And I think I gained ten pounds in other places.
It's all the fries you've been eating from the Dairi Burger, Steven insisted, not the baby. He put his arm around Cara. She makes me call Winston on the phone, making sure he has a fresh batch of the curly ones!
Ummm, no, it's because of what you did that I'm like this! Cara retorted, holding her belly as she stuck her fork in a shrimp.
Don't talk like that in front of my little sister,! Steven huffed. She's unmarried and that kind of talk is unsuitable and inappropriate!
Steve, you said you'd behave! Elizabeth chided.
Seriously though, he said, looking pointedly at Nicholas. Have the two of you set a date?
The fall, Nicholas and Elizabeth said in unison.
It's Autumn!, Cara corrected. That's a good idea,she continued. It's the most picturesque time of year. The colored leaves in Hyde Park are fantastic! I'll really miss that….
Steven listened to Cara reminiscing about her times spent in England, and his mind wandered. His thoughts were primarily on Elizabeth. His sister seemed so blissful, almost rejuvenated. There was a hint of pinkness in the apples of her cheeks, and her already bright eyes lit up with animation every time she spoke. It was a huge improvement to the troubled, shell shocked girl she had been over a year ago.
He was relieved to see Elizabeth had gotten out of that cramped, miserable hovel that she called her home. He paid close attention to Nicholas, and was reassured that there was a genuine connection between the two of them. He didn't particularly like the fact that she was living with Nicholas without their being married, but he realized it was hypocritical of him. After all, he and Cara were living together before they were married. Cara had walked down the aisle while pregnant.
So did Jessica, for that matter... Jessica... Jessica and Todd Wilkins.
He couldn't believe the two of them could be so selfish, so completely callous towards Elizabeth, a person they both claimed to love. It was just like Jessica. Motherhood had made few changes to her lifestyle. Most of the time she came to the house, she was without her son. Jake was always with his nanny, or later at nights, he was with Todd.
The initial thrill of parenthood seemed to have died quickly in his younger sister. She was more concerned with keeping her trim figure than with the day to day tasks of caring for an infant. Steven realized how lucky he was in marrying a woman like Cara. The former party girl liked nothing more than to curl up on the couch on evenings with him, with their young son between them. Going out every night and living the life of a reckless teenager was the furthest thing from Cara's mind.
Oh well, he thought to himself, as the waiter brought them the bill. Jessica will mature, someday…..
Jessica just didn't seem very happy these days, and he knew that she was missing Elizabeth. He didn't see her too often, but when he did, the light in her eyes was had dimmed, right when, as he now observed, Elizabeth's was getting brighter. He was thinking of having a chat with Elizabeth, to try to get her to patch up the twins' relationship.
But looking at Elizabeth now, Steven didn't think it was time to bring it up. Elizabeth had always been so sensitive, especially when it came to matters of the heart. He decided that he didn't want to mar the lighthearted fun that they were having by bringing up hopes of reconciliation between his sisters. That topic was just going to have to wait…..
Half an hour later, the foursome made their way out of one of the many high speed elevators in the Empire State Building, and onto the observation deck. .
OK, I'm a little scared, Steven said, clinging to Cara while standing one thousand two hundred and twenty four feet in the air.
Are you kidding Steve,? this is amazing,! Cara responded, as she moved over to the security barrier that surrounded the perimeter.
Come on!, she goaded him, as he hesitated close to the doors leading back to the elevators and the entrance lobby.
That elevator ride up here almost gave me whiplash, it was too fast, Nicholas complained.
Well I loved it, Elizabeth rebuked him. You boys are just too chicken!
Steven Wakefield,! you better get over here and enjoy the view with me or I'll tomorrow I'll torture your credit cards at Saks,! Cara threatened.
Better do it man, Nicholas warned. Saks doesn't play with their prices.
And don't think that because I can't fit into anything that I won't be able to do some serious damage,! Cara warned.
OK OK, Steven laughed, moving closer to Cara as she led him to the views. His heart started beating as he went closer to the edge, and he got a look of the streets down below.
Hey you two! Steven turned back to Nicholas and Elizabeth who were locked in a heated embrace. Get a room, he teased. You two are ignoring your guests and not being good tour guides!
We're just enjoying the ambiance big brother, Elizabeth replied, walking towards them.
Let's see, she started.
There's the statue of liberty, the twin towers, Elizabeth pointed south, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, she said, pointing north. The Bronx is over there. New Jersey is over there, she continued.
Our place is over there in Queens, Nicholas said pointing to their apartment building across the east river. Connecticut and the rest of Long Island are that way.
California is over there, Steven said, pointing west.
Scaredy cat, don't tell me you want to go home already? Cara asked, poking him in the ribs.
No, but I'll be much happier when I'm closer to the ground. I can't believe how high up we are.
This is fantastic!, Nicholas said, wrapping his arms around Elizabeth's waist as they stared in the direction of the George Washington bridge. The night was clear and cool, so unusual for mid August, where humidity and mugginess was usually expected.
If I lived in this city, I would want to come here all the time. Have you ever been up here Liz, Nicholas? Cara asked.
No. That's for tourists, they said in unison as everyone laughed….
Elizabeth looked up towards the sky. It was thrilling, looking at the setting sun, the pinkish orange of the early evening clouds, the awe-inspiring skyline at their feet. She looked out towards Central Park, remembering the first time when she had tea at the Plaza with Mrs Wexford. Mrs Wexford had again offered to let her wear one of her vintage dresses for her wedding.
Any one you would like Elizabeth, she had promised. Providing you can fit into it and it's not too fragile to wear. I have so many of them, she had said. You can take your pick whenever you're ready. We should probably wait for your mother though...if you want to choose one with her…..
What are you thinking of,? Nicholas whispered, kissing her ear and interrupting her thoughts.
It's a secret, Elizabeth smiled dreamily, as his breath tickled her neck.
Well, I'll tell you what I'm thinking of, he whispered again. How much I love you, he said embracing her again. He grabbed hold of her hand, took the ring off her finger and got to his knees. Will you marry me,? he asked, looking tenderly at her.
But you already asked, she giggled, looking down at him. Well, it wasn't this high up, the first time I asked, he grinned, as he placed the ring back on Elizabeth's finger.
I will, if you'll marry me, she said, pulling him up and holding him close again.
OK, you two, Steven rolled his eyes, disrupting their intimacy. I'm starting to get dizzy.
Alright big baby, Cara scolded, time to go. My feet are getting tired. You got off lucky Steve. If I wasn't this pregnant, I would make you stay until closing, she said, as she grabbed hold of his hand.
They made their down to the first floor's souvenir shop where Cara bought a tiny key chain of the building. I don't want anything too big and tacky, she said, holding up her choice.
Nathan will love this, Steven said, picking up a model of the building with King Kong at the top.
Just make sure it doesn't have any small parts that he can pull off, Cara warned, as she moved to the register.
After finishing her purchase, Cara yawned.
OK, I'm beat. Liz, I want to get a good nights sleep. I need the rest because you and I have major destruction to do tomorrow, courtesy of your brother. I can't wait! I just know there are some shoes at Barneys that have my name on them, she kidded, as they left the shop to board the bus. Thanks in advance Steve, she teased, kissing him on the cheek.
Not to mention, we have a lot of girl talk to catch up on, Cara said, as she and Elizabeth giggled again.
Steven raised his brows. Women, he mumbled, shaking his head at Nicholas as they drove to catch the ferry to cross the river….
Later that night, Elizabeth lay in bed, wrapped in Nicholas' embrace.
Tomorrow I have to take Cara out to the city, she told him. I don't know how much we can do, since she can't move around too much.
Are you really going shopping tomorrow? Because I can always give you my card and…
No, don't you dare! Nicholas, you spoil me too much. Cara and I were just joking. She isn't like that, not really. She's pretty practical about spending. We probably won't shop much. Not that she can fit in any of the clothes anyway, and I don't need a pair of shoes that cost eight hundred dollars. And Cara can barely walk for more than five minutes.
Nicholas ran his hands along her bare back. It's not bothering you too much is it,? he asked, seeing how big and pregnant she is?
Well, it was jarring, when I first saw her, Elizabeth admitted. But it's OK. I can't begrudge every pregnant woman that I see just because I lost ours.
He kissed the back of her neck softly, while running his hand through her hair.
You know….., your brother was right. It's time for you to make an honest man out of me.
Elizabeth smiled thoughtfully. To save your dignity and virtue you mean? You know, I have been thinking about it. A lot actually. She turned to face him.
Let's do it in November, Nicholas said. Beautiful leaves everywhere, it will be amazing. I already have somewhere in mind.
Me too, Elizabeth stated. The venue I'm considering is small, intimate, and very private. It won't cost too much, and we won't have too many people. Just my family, my old roommates, Enid, your family…...we'll keep it simple.
That sounds like what I have in mind, Nicholas agreed. Are you going to tell me where?
It's a secret, for now, Elizabeth told him. I have to make sure it's available first.
So do I. It will be beautiful, I promise.
OK, Elizabeth giggled, be mysterious.
He grinned, a raunchy twinkle in his green eyes as he caressed her breasts.
Show me yours and I'll show you mine,? he said, pulling down her underwear.
She smiled, laying kisses along Nicholas' neck. The scent of his aftershave was tantalizing.
Wait till you see where we're going on our honeymoon, he continued.
Nicholas, I thought the bride was supposed to plan the whole thing? And then stick her father with the enormous bill?
I know that's not your style Elizabeth, he said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. You know, my parents never had the opportunity to give their daughter an amazing wedding. I'm their only chance to splurge.
I know, she said, nuzzling his chin as she played with his hair.
They've already told me they want to pay for the whole thing.
Elizabeth bit her lip. I know my parents will object to that. My mother wants to be there, to plan the decor, and the theme. She reached out and smoothed his dark brows with her finger.
Nicholas, the place you have in mind, is it a church?
No, why? Do you want to get married in a church?
No...well, the place I have in mind isn't a church either, Elizabeth replied. You know we've never been very religious.
Us neither. Although my Mom started praying more after Regina died.
Do you think they'll mind that we're not getting married in a church?
No. They won't care, Nicholas told her as he pulled Elizabeth on top of him. When I was a kid we used to go to church on Christmas. And Easter sometimes.
Us too, Elizabeth responded. We've been on New Years a few times as well. You know how that works. Sin for the whole year and then start fresh at midnight on January first.
We'll we're already living in sin, he whispered, as he flipped her over on her back and started kissing her more deeply.
She held his face with both her hands and looked him deep in the eyes. I don't care where we get married as long as I can be with you. I love you. Always, she said softly, kissing him on the lips.
Always, Nicholas breathed into her ear, holding her close as he slid between her legs. Elizabeth sighed with delight as she arched towards him and felt the pressure of him thrusting inside of her. Never in her life had she felt so blessed, so at peace, so comfortable in the knowledge that she had come into her own, that she was excited about this new chapter in her life and she had the most amazing man in the world to write it with her…..
