Without despair we will share,

And the joys of caring will not be replaced,

What has been must never end.

And with the strength we have won't be erased

When the truths of love are planted firm,

They won't be hard to find,

And the words of love I speak to you

will echo in your mind

I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever,

I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever

After that brunch, William and Lizzie started to spend a lot of time together outside Pemberley and Lizzie's feelings for him continued to grow. And his, if it was even possible, grew stronger.

William was elated to have this chance with Lizzie, but had refrained from telling her how strong his feelings were for her. He knew that there was something between the two, and did not want to ruin things by rushing.

Both of them had dropped hint to their friends and family about the change in the relationship, and everyone felt happy for them and looked forward to having updates.

All was going well, until, after the film festival, William had to leave to New Orleans for another business trip. Lizzie understood his responsibilities as CEO, but she still wished that he could stay in San Francisco.

Lizzie woke up from a rather pleasant dream the second day of his travel. She was dreaming of William, of course. And all of the sudden, it hit her.

Her heart stilled, and her breath caught in her throat. She loved him, deeply. All her confusion and doubts were gone and there was only love in her mind.

She could barely keep calm; she wanted to scream. Most importantly, she wanted to tell him. She almost reached for her phone, but stopped. She needed to look him at the eye and tell him and see his reaction. She knew he felt something for her and could not wait to know if he corresponded her feelings.

The day after the revelation, Lizzie was going through a particular hard day. She had been in and out from a lot of different meetings and calls. But when her phone rang and she saw who it was, her day suddenly got much better.

"William! Hi!," she greeted.

"Hello, Lizzie. How are you?," he said.

"Much better now. How is New Orleans?," she asked.

"Everything is good, but I can't wait to get back."

She smiled at his comment.

"Actually, the reason I called is that I am returning tomorrow and wanted to know if you want to go to dinner."

"I'd love to," she answered, rather quickly.

"Happy to hear that," he said, "is it okay if I send a car for you?"

"Oh, that's not necessary," she responded.

"Please...," he said in a voice that was hard to resist.

"All right, thanks," she accepted.

"Thank you, Lizzie. Oh... they need me. I have to go."

"Okay. Have a nice day, William. Until tomorrow," she said, sorry that their conversation was cut short.

"Until tomorrow."

Lizzie sat in the car William had sent impatiently. She had gotten a new dress (which she hoped he would like) and had paid a lot of attention to her appearance. She knew she could not wait another day without telling him how she felt. She wanted to make that night special.

She was immersed on her thoughts when the car suddenly stopped. She looked out of the window and saw one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. She was about to get out the car when her door opened.

"Good evening, Elizabeth," William said.

"You are here," Lizzie exclaimed, and quickly realized how obvious and silly her comment had been.

"Where else would I be?," he smiled and offered his hand. Lizzie took it and hoped hers was not sweaty from all her anxiety.

William exchanged some words with the driver, and escorted Lizzie to the entrance of the restaurant. Once with better light, she observed him. He smelled of fresh after-shave, but his eyes looked a bit tired.

"Did you arrive here from the airport?," she asked.

"Mmm, yes," he sighed, "I knew I was going to meet one of my investors, and he likes to talk, a lot. So that's why I arranged the car to pick you up, because I couldn't. I barely had time to... freshen up."

Lizzie smiled, appreciating his gesture.

"Can I get your coat?," he asked.

She nodded and turned her back to him. With a lot of care, he placed his hands on her shoulders and slid the fabric down.

"Good woman! What are you doing to me?," he thought when he saw the lace backless dress she was wearing. He had not slept enough, hurrying matters in New Orleans, but now he felt completely awakened.

He walked to the coatroom, and when he returned, Lizzie knew that he appreciated her choice of clothing. At Pemberley, she had noticed that his eyes brightened whenever she was wearing lace. That was the reason she had picked up the new dress.

They walked to the maître d', and when William said his last name, they were immediately taken to their table.

Lizzie paid little attention to the decor. She was focused on her date, and figuring out when it would be a good time to tell him about her feelings.

They ordered and she asked him about his trip, and he asked her about her new projects. Their conversation continued as they ate.

"Lizzie, do you want to dance?," he asked.

She looked around and noticed people dancing to the music by a band that she had not seen at their arrival.

"Yes, I'd love to," she said.

He helped her out of her chair and led her to the dance floor. He put his hand on her back, brushing her skin, and she tensed a bit. For a minute he thought she was uncomfortable but she smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Fill my heart with song

And let me sing for ever more

You are all I long for

All I worship and adore

In other words, please be true

In other words, I love you

As they danced, their bodies moved closer. William loved having her in his arms like he never dared before. Her nearness overwhelmed him and he could not think straight. Lizzie felt his cheek pressed against her ear, and his hand warm on her back. She closed her eyes and as she listened to the lyrics, she realized the song was meant for him.

They did not want to let go, but the music slowly died, and they stepped apart. He was looking directly at her eyes, with intensity, and started to lean in. Lizzie did not move and felt the anticipation rising. She even closed her eyes.

And then, people started to applause and the moment went away.

William looked disappointed for a second, but smiled and thanked her for the dance. Lizzie tried to say something, but she was afraid her voice would be shaky; she was frustrated as well.

Over dessert, they tried to change the mood and make small talk. But the only thing in William's mind was that he had been so close to kissing Lizzie. In the dim light, she had looked like she wanted to be kissed.

When they finished eating their dessert, Lizzie thanked him for the lovely evening. He thought she was calling it a night. However, once they were outside the restaurant, she asked him if he wanted to go for a walk.

"Aren't you cold?," he asked.

"No, not really. Come on," she said.

They walked for a while and finally sat down on a bench in front of the boats docked in the marina. William felt Lizzie close to him on the bench, just not close enough. He was pondering whether to make another move, but he was afraid to look like a horny teenager (which was actually not far from the truth).

He sighed and looked up at the sky. There were heavy clouds and he felt some rain drops hitting his face.

She hoped he would say or do something, but he did not. So she decided to act.

"William..."

"It's starting to rain," he said at the same time.

Lizzie had not realized the change in the weather.

"We should go," he said and got up.

"No, wait! I have to tell you something," she exclaimed, following him.

"Oh..."

"William, these past weeks have meant a lot to me. You... you have become such an important part of my life, and I know we are friends, but I also...," she stopped to breath and hoped that her voice would not break.

"William, I am in love with you," she finally said, looking directly into his eyes.

William looked dumbstruck; he did not move or respond after her declaration, and she feared the worst.

But everything changed in a second. She felt his hands on her face, and his lips on hers.

It was a passionate kiss, almost pleading. They were holding nothing back. Lizzie moaned as she felt his lips moving and her hands found their way to his neck, pulling him even closer. As she touched him, he intensified the kiss and opened her lips, to enjoy more of her. He moved one of his hands to her waist, wishing he could touch her skin.

Eventually, they had to pull apart to catch their breaths. He rested his forehead against hers, still holding her tight.

"Elizabeth Bennet, I love you."

I believe (when I fall in love it will be forever) - Josh Groban

conijito dot tumblr dot com/post/66410161488/love-me-tender-love-me-true-c hapter-57

Fly me to the moon - Nat King Cole

conijito dot tumblr dot com/post/66410187944/love-me-tender-love-me-true-c hapter-57

Lizzie's dress:

conijito dot tumblr dot com/post/66410229998/love-me-tender-love-me-true-c hapter-57-lizzies