This short occurs on the 1 year anniversary of the first date date in Elizabeth's backyard... they are not married in this story.

Starry Starry Night

Tonight is the one-year anniversary of my first "actual" date with Lucas. I want to surprise him, so I have enlisted Gustave to help me recreate the magic of that night. Nature is on our side; the sky is filled with stars and it is warm enough for us to dine out in the backyard again.

I take one last look at myself in the mirror as I prepare to go back downstairs and get my marching orders from Gustave for serving the dinner. I am wearing the same dress … what little there is of it, thanks to my dear sister. And I have added a couple of little touches. I have swept my hair back with combs that Lucas gave me for Christmas. I tell him that he gifted them to himself since he loves to take them out of my hair so he can run his fingers through it. And I have added a pair of dropped pearl earrings to add a bit of fancy. My eyes are sparkling with anticipation at spending a special evening with the man I love and my cheeks instantly flush as my thoughts drift to him.

I grab a shawl and wrap it around my shoulders as the dress is hardly appropriate for my last-minute prep meeting with Gustave, and I head downstairs.

"Madam Elizabeth, I think that everything is ready. I have put the meal in the kitchen. You will remember from last year….the vichyssoise is served cool, the salmon with vegetables is in a special container to keep it warm, and the dessert is in the icebox. I have uncorked the wine so it may breathe and there is also a bottle of champagne on ice."

"Gustave, I don't know how to thank you for preparing the dinner and helping me set up. Everything looks perfect and I know the dinner will be delicious as always."

"Anything for you Madam Elizabeth. And might I say that you look very beautiful tonight; my cousin is a very lucky man."

"Thank you. And might I say that Lucas is very lucky to have you as his cousin and friend."

"Well, I will say goodnight as Lucas will be here shortly. I will start the Victrola as I leave."

"Bonne nuit Gustave."

I quickly write a note to leave on the door letting Lucas know to go around to the backyard. As soon as I hear his car, I go outside to wait for him. He enters the gate and sees me, a look of pure male appreciation on his face. This is new from last year when he would have kept his reaction subdued so as to keep to propriety. A blush blooms on my cheeks under his gaze.
"Elizabeth, you look simply stunning. Just as the first time I saw you in that dress, you take my breath away."

He walks to me and takes my hand and lifts it for a kiss. This is a gesture that makes my heart flutter each time; his adoration never gets old. I smile at him and grab his hand, "come help me get our dinner from the kitchen. Gustave has prepared us our first-date meal in celebration."

The dinner is delicious as always and the conversation flowed so easily this time. Gone are the brief awkward moments of a "first date" as we are so comfortable with one another now. After we finish sharing our dessert, we reflect on the words spoken last year when I told Lucas that I needed for us to go slow. And slow it was but despite all that transpired, I knew in my heart that we were meant to be. I just had to unravel the past and tuck it away in a special place where my first love will always rest. Because now my love for this wonderful man sitting across from me has filled my heart.

"Lucas, would you care to dance? I know we didn't do that on our first date but let's add a new memory to this evening that we can celebrate next year."

"I would be delighted, let me go and change the record on the Victrola." When he has done so, he removes his jacket, places it over the back of his chair, and then comes toward me with a knowing smile. I feel lightheaded as he approaches. I might blame it on the wine, but that would be a lie.

We have danced a number of times, but it was always a grand waltz or a foxtrot or such. This time he takes me in his arms and holds me close, one hand around my waist and the other holding mine against his chest. He leans down and places his cheek against mine. I feel a shiver run down my spine as his surprisingly soft beard strokes my cheek. We are swaying slowly to the music locked in the most sensuous embrace. I can smell his scent, light and musky and all man. And my love and desire for him simply overwhelm me.

I feel a gentle kiss on my neck, just under my ear, and he has raised his head to look at me. His hair has fallen to the side while we danced, and I follow my urge to run my hand through that wave of silky dark chestnut locks. His eyes are holding mine captive, their color has lost any hint of green that comes with hazel eyes and now are like molten chocolate. They speak of love and yearning, and I melt as I look into their depths. I can feel his heart reaching out to me and I know what I need to do now. I need to unlock the voice of his heart that has been kept silent for so long.

I stop swaying and move my hand to his cheek, "Lucas, I want… no I need to say the words." I hold his gaze as I slowly say what I have long known, "I love you, with all my heart and from the depth of my soul, I love you."

I can see his eyes water as he takes in my words. We are so happy together and we know that it is love, but the words have remained unsaid. He had told me that he would wait as long as it took to win my heart, and he has kept his word.

He places a hand on my cheek in a gentle caress. His thumb just touches the corner of my mouth in what feels like a kiss. "I love you, Elizabeth. I have told you so many times in every way I could, without saying the words that have been waiting. Thank you for letting me tell you tonight. J'taime mon coeur. I love you; my heart and soul are forever yours and home is wherever you are."

And with that, I feel a tear touch my fingertips as he brings his lips to mine.