Chapter 113. When a Soup is More than a Soup

On Wednesday, when the school bell rang, Julia was waiting out front. Allie came bounding out, excited about who was picking her up, and what they would be doing.

Elizabeth exited quickly after, and waved at them. "Excuse me, Julia, Allie."

Julia turned, as Elizabeth descended the stairs and stood before them. "Good afternoon, Elizabeth."

"Hello." She looked at Allie and back at Julia. "I wanted to let you know that I am scheduling teacher conferences with all the parents next week, sort of a thing I do at the beginning and end of every school year." She smiled. "So, I would like to get one scheduled for Allie, when you have time."

Julia nodded friendly. "I will mention it to Nathan, I'm sure he'll get back to you." She put her arm around Allie, and started to leave.

Elizabeth looked down at her hands. "I was sort of hoping you and I could handle it." That was a strange request, and caught Julia off guard. She turned back to face Elizabeth fully, and titled her head.

Julia made a cute, feminine sort of chortle. "Mrs. Thornton, the adoption isn't even finalized yet."

"Adoption?" Elizabeth looked at Allie, with a question in her eyes.

Julia replied. "Yes, Mrs. Thornton, I'm adopting Allie." She glanced at her future daughter. "So from here on out, she'll always have me, too." Allie smiled at Julia.

Elizabeth forced her own smile. "That's…great."

"But even so, I cannot meet with you without Nathan, Mrs. Thornton. It would not be right. And I would never presume…" Julia simply told her. "Nathan is the final word on anything having to do with Allie."

Elizabeth nodded. "I just thought maybe it would be easier...to coordinate."

Julia wanted to make it clear. "Elizabeth, I take my responsibility, as mother to Allie, very seriously. It's a blessing and an honor, and I look forward to it." Julia smiled over at Allie, as she explained. She brought her gaze back to Elizabeth. "Now, as part of that responsibility, I am happy to come with Nathan, for the meeting, or anything else pertaining to Allie, should he so desire." Julia went one further. "But Nathan has been the one to parent her all these years, for all of the ups and downs. And I fully respect and honor the authority that history affords him. I hope you will always do your best to honor that, too."

Another nod from Elizabeth. Julia didn't know why she was suddenly being so strange about meeting with Nathan, but was not letting her off the hook. No matter her motivations.

She finally replied. "I understand." Elizabeth looked at Allie and smiled, a little more real this time. She returned her gaze to Julia. "You're right. If you will just please mention it to him, I would appreciate it."

Julia told her with a light and airy tone. "I'd be happy to, Mrs. Thornton."

Allie piped in. "See you tomorrow, Mrs. Thornton."

"See you tomorrow, Allie." Elizabeth replied.

Julia put her arm back in place, around her future daughter, and off they went, to the dress shop.

When Julia and Allie walked into Dottie's, they were greeted by a very jovial Rosemary Coulter. She was in a great mood, happy to be part of these two girls' final dress fitting.

Clara had already hung everything up in the dressing room, and sent Allie in first. Clara helped with her undergarments, particular things Allie needed to wear, under such a grown up dress.

When she came out, both Julia and Rosemary gasped. Allie looked so beautiful. The dress, in a medium sky blue, was absolutely perfect in every way. The sleeves had a little puff, that really accentuated Allie's lovely collar bones. And the color…it was just right for Allie's complexion.

"Wow. Allie." Rosemary told her, as Clara helped her up on the fitting platform. The women moved around her, checking the length, the hips, the waist. And all the while, with Clara and Rosemary both pinching and pinning.

Allie shifted her shoulders in her dress, nervously trying to keep her eye on all those pins, hoping to avoid any mis-fires.

But Clara reassured her, "Relax, Allie. I promise I won't poke you." And Allie did relax a little. "Though, I can't speak for Rosemary."

That cute comment made Allie's eyes come round to Rosemary, who giggled. "Oh, Clara!" And Julia and Clara both laughed, too. Rosemary looked up at Allie. "I won't get you, Sweetie."

That comical interaction made Allie relax even more, and she finally took notice of herself in the mirror. When she saw the beautiful young woman who's reflexion was staring back at her, all the tension dispensed from her shoulders. The dress was…beautiful. Allie suddenly felt shy and needed some reassurance, so she sought out Julia in the mirror. And there, written on Julia's face, she found…could it be...was it pride she saw? Wait, was Julia proud of her? The ever-accepting and unrelenting smile that met her, told her it was so. And some of Julia's words from earlier, came back. What had she said to Elizabeth? She would count it a blessing and an honor to have Allie for a daughter.

So Julia was proud of her. Allie slowly returned her eyes to her own reflection, still not quite convinced it was really her standing there.

When the last pin was in place, Clara helped Allie back into the dressing room, and out of the dress. And she managed to do all of that without a single pin prick, or mishap.

While Allie changed back into her clothes, Julia found a chair for Rosemary to sit in. She was starting to have a cute but round little belly, and should put her feet up throughout the day.

"Oh, Julia. Don't fuss over me." Rosemary told her, though everyone in the room knew Rosemary loved fussing over. "I am just fine. Though, I can't fit into any of my fitted skirts anymore."

Julia laughed. "Rosemary, don't worry about that. You are not alone. Without the help of a corset, there aren't very many of us who could squeeze into a fitted skirt, pregnant or not."

Rosemary laughed and raised a finger. "Touché." She rubbed the beginnings of the sweet roundness that had started to take over her midsection. All of the changes were already causing her to marvel. "Pregnancy is a wonder, though."

Julia agreed. "Have you felt those first flutters yet?" She gently placed her hand next to Rosemary's, and noted that distinct roundness.

"Oh, yes. It's been a week or two now." Rosemary giggled. "Though, the first time it happened, I honestly thought it was gas."

Julia laughed out loud, Rosemary, too. Clara had stepped close to join the conversation and giggled too. It made for quite a cute scene when Allie came out of the dressing room.

Allie looked around at the ladies. "What's so funny?"

Rosemary looked up at her and answered. "Woman's stuff, Allie."

Allie saw the way Rosemary was rubbing her belly. "About pregnancy?"

Rosemary held out a hand to Allie, "Yes. Would you like to feel?" Allie nodded, and stepped closer. Rosemary placed Allie's hand on the right side of her belly. Allie waited for a moment, but didn't feel anything but the hardness of Rosemary's taut belly.

"Sorry, Allie. It seems he or she has decided to take a nap now." Rosemary told her.

"That's okay, Mrs. Coulter. It's pretty cool just feeling your belly." Allie told her, as she straightened. "And we get to watch it grow."

Rosemary replied to Allie. "Hopefully one day, you'll get to watch Julia's belly grow. Maybe she and your Dad will give you a brother or a sister." Rosemary looked at Julia and smiled. Allie followed her gaze, and smiled at Julia, too. The hope was written all over Allie's face, and Julia took note of it.

That look and Rosemary's statement led Julia's mind to wander. She imagined what it would be like to be pregnant, and to carry Nathan's baby. Their baby. The thought filled her heart with…inexplicable joy. Sure, Julia had cared for pregnant women plenty of times at the hospital, or in her previous clinic. But Rosemary was right, pregnancy was a wonder. No matter how many times she saw it. And it would be for her and Nathan too, when the time was right. She already looked forward to it. In fact, the thought filled her with…anticipation.

"Your turn!" Clara woke Julia from her thoughts, and brought her back to the here and now. She took Julia's arm and led her to the dressing room.

Inside, already waiting, was Julia's wedding dress. It had been fitted and pinned, and now, sewn to measure. Hopefully it would fit perfectly, and this would serve as the final fitting.

Clara left Julia there to change, as much as she could manage, by herself. Since she had chosen a natural hemline, there was not much to the undergarments, other than one chemise and one corset. Julia managed that by herself, and then pulled up the dress, though she needed Clara for all the buttons.

When she finally came out, Allie's mouth fell open. Julia stepped up onto the fitting platform and turned toward the mirror. The dress fit so perfectly. Clara had sewn every stitch to a tee, and there wasn't a single thing lacking. Not one centimeter.

"Wow, Julia…" Allie made a myriad of expressions. The first was delightful shock, then pride, then happiness, then anticipation. And then a realization…Allie made the cutest, little coy smile. "Julia. Just wait till my Dad sees you. He might pass out at the end of the aisle!"

Rosemary, who had been sitting, stood and clasped her hands together, in surprise and delight, the moment Julia stepped from the dressing room. She wholeheartedly agreed with Allie's wow assessment of Julia. "Let's hope he doesn't. It would be a shame to have to wake him up with smelling salts, for his very own wedding!" All four women giggled at the image.

Clara shook her head. "I'm pretty sure in all of his Mountie days, he's seen plenty of things more shocking than this, to strengthen his resolve. Things that would make lesser men pass out." She walked around Julia and looked her over. "I have a feeling, he'll be just fine."

Allie nodded. "Yea. He is pretty tough. And strong. But, he will definitely be surprised, in a good way."

"Yes, very pleasantly." Rosemary added. She kept her eyes fixed on Julia's reflexion in the mirror. "Allie, I'd venture that we're gonna see a definite chin drop when he lays eyes on her."

Clara giggled. "Oh, that will definitely happen."

Allie nodded. "For sure."

All three ladies just stood there for a moment, and gazed at Julia. She was a vision. There was just something special about a woman in her wedding dress. Especially when she was going to marry the love of her life.

Clara was the first to speak. "There is not a single thing to do."

Rosemary clasped her hands together, again. "Julia, you are a vision. An absolute vision."

Allie gazed up at her future mother. "Julia, you are so beautiful."

Julia took one more look, and felt emotional. In fact, tears stung her eyes. Nathan was the one. And this was the dress she would wear to marry him. "Thank you, girls."

Julia wiped one eye, as she looked around at them. She was grateful for each one, and their love and support.

Finally, Julia quietly returned to the dressing room. When she had changed back into her skirt and shirtwaist, she and Allie headed home, to Nathan's.

By the time Jake knocked on Fiona's door for their date, she had long since been ready. In fact, she'd been unable to focus most of the afternoon, in the meetings out at the oil rig. She'd finally given up, and had come home and taken a long, hot bath. The memory of the things Jake had said to her, the afternoon before, were still so fresh in her mind, and she just couldn't concentrate. It was so unlike her to be so distracted, but what could she do, but be honest with herself? When had she become such a…softy?

So when that knock finally sounded, Fiona was almost…relieved. The anticipation had been the hardest. For so long, she had wondered about Jake's feelings toward her. Of course, she'd definitely gotten the hint when he'd cared for her in that hole. And when he'd been worried about her and carried her into the infirmary. And she'd picked up another hint when he'd flirted with her and carried her around town, the day of the baseball game.

But, Jake's feelings had never been so plainly spoken out loud as they were yesterday. And they were so deep and so…tender. She hadn't been ready for what that would do to her.

Tonight, they would finally get the chance to just…be together. To enjoy each other's company, and see where those feelings led them. Somehow, it was the next logical step, and she was anxious to explore it, together, with him.

When Fiona opened the door, she thought she was ready. But she wasn't prepared, for what was on the other side. Tall, confident, strong Jacob Matthews stood there, looking ridiculously handsome, but almost shy, in a dashing three piece suit, and holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses. "Good evening." He said softly. Anticipation was clearly written on his face.

Fiona stifled the audible gasp that really really wanted to escape, and managed her own shy smile instead. "Hello, Jacob."

"Would you like to come in?" She asked, as she held the door open wider. Jake stepped through and walked into the living room.

Jake extended the flowers and Fiona took them. "Thank you, Jacob. They're…beautiful. How did you know…that I like roses?"

Again that shy smile. "A little bird told me."

So, Jake had done his homework. Fiona liked that. "I'll just go put them in water." And she disappeared into the kitchen.

Jake watched her all the way. She had styled her hair in a beautiful curly up-do, that also attached at the nape of her neck. And the dress she wore…Jake had never seen it before. It was a deep blue and accentuated her coloring and her shape in just the right way. She was stunning…and Jake let out a long exhale, to calm his nerves, while she wasn't there to see him do it.

When she came back, Fiona set the vase of red roses in the middle of her coffee table. Then, she turned.

Jake extended his elbow. "Are you ready, Miss Miller?"

Fiona smiled as she took his arm. "Yes. Yes, I am, Jacob." And he led her through the door, down the steps, and out onto the street.

Though, they didn't walk to Gustave's or to the cafe, as Fiona had expected. Instead, he led her around the back of the Mountie office. She was surprised when they got to the bottom step, and teased him a little. "Are you taking me to jail, Constable?"

Jake chuckled low and looked at her sideways. "I should. It should be a crime to look so beautiful."

Fiona giggled. "Good one, Constable."

Jake hadn't meant it as a line, but no matter. He would tell her again later. He just explained instead. "I hope you don't mind. I set up our date here." He paused, and led her up the steps. "I um….just wasn't in the mood to be around a lot of people."

Fiona looked up at him and met his gaze. She replied softly. "I don't mind at all."

When they got to the top of the stairs, Jake opened the door, and led her inside. There, set up in the middle of the room, was a table for two.

Along the far wall, Jake had neatly stacked and covered all of the desks that normally filled the room. And in their place, had set up a small round table, with a simple but lovely tablecloth, and two place settings. On the table, were pretty decorations, including two candles and another smaller, shorter bouquet of daisies, Fiona's second favorite flower.

Fiona looked up at him, completely surprised, taken aback. "You did all this…for me?"

He nodded.

She didn't know what to say. "Jacob, it's…so beautiful."

Jake took her hand from the crook of his elbow and led her to her chair. Though he wanted to try again to tell her something, first. "No, Fiona…You are the one who is beautiful."

Fiona just gazed into the depths of his green eyes, and focused on breathing. In and out. In and out. Finally, she managed. "Thank you."

He pulled out her chair and she quickly sat in it. She wasn't so sure about her knees anymore, especially with the way Jake was looking at her.

"Wine?" Jake asked, as he picked up the bottle.

"Yes, thank you." Fiona answered, and he poured.

He finally sat and picked up his glass, to make a toast. "To the start of something…good."

Fiona smiled and softly clanged her glass with his. "To…us." And Jake grinned happily. He couldn't help but take note of her reference to them, as an us.

Jake stood and went to work on the big wooden desk behind him. Two seconds later, he carried over two dishes, and set one down in front of Fiona - on the plate was a colorful, pretty salad.

Fiona liked this side of Jake. "Are you also secretly a chef, Jacob Matthews?"

Jake chuckled. "No, I have to give credit to Gustave. For all of it." He smiled at her. "Though I can fake my way around the kitchen, for a few things."

"Really." Fiona wanted to know what kind of dishes were in Jake Matthew's wheelhouse. "Like what?" She raised her fork and took her first bite.

Jake listed them out. "Fried chicken, Beef or Vegetable stew, Chicken soup, a few random vegetables, some seafood dishes. Just about any kind of fish, if you want it breaded and fried…or broiled." Anything else? "Potatoes. Oh, and Peach Cobbler."

"Well that's a pretty good list." Fiona chuckled low as she said it. She was impressed. "I love Peach Cobbler."

Jake took a bite. "How about you? Do you cook?"

Fiona swallowed. "I love to cook. Though, I rarely find the time."

Jake knew she worked a lot. He titled his head. "Too many jobs to juggle?"

"Maybe." She smiled. "I used to help out some at the cafe. And, I loved it."

"A woman of many talents." He ventured.

"Maybe." Fiona shrugged as she looked down at her plate.

Jake knew her. And knew there was more to it that that, for her. "Or a woman trying to make her mark in the world?"

Fiona's eyes came up to his. She swallowed. How did he…know that?

He answered her silent question, with an even, light tone. "I see you."

She felt so transparent as he said it. Like he could see straight inside of her. How could he do that, with one glance, and three little words?

He realized, by her silence, that he'd made her nervous. He wanted to reassure her. "And, Fiona...I like what I see."

Fiona's eyes came back to meet his, and she let out a cute little giggle. "Well that's a relief. Otherwise all that carrying me around, in front of all the single ladies in town, will prove a huge disappointment."

And together, they enjoyed some much needed laughter. Back was the clever, funny Fiona that he adored so much.

And the light, funny banter continued, as they finished their salads.

Then, Jake rose and cleared the dirty plates. He opened a warm box that had been set up on Nathan's desk, pulled out two deep bowls, and served something into them.

He sat one down in front of Fiona. And she knew immediately, just from the aroma, what Jake had ordered. How had he known? How could he possibly know anything about this dish?

Completely shocked, Fiona's eyes followed him, as he sat the other bowl at his place. She whispered, "Cioppino."

Jake only nodded and sat. But Fiona just stared at him, baffled. "How did you? How could you?"

He smiled. "I did a little research, in the library. And borrowed an encyclopedia from Mrs. Thornton. And, lucky for me, Gustave was willing to make it."

Fiona couldn't get over it. "But how did you know that I love Cioppino?"

Jake shrugged. "Well I didn't. I just looked up famous dishes that originated in San Fransisco or the surrounding area." He paused. "This was the only one that Gustave knew how to make, and could get most of the ingredients for, in less than 24 hours."

Fiona bent over her bowl and let the familiar, well-known aroma fill her lungs. "It looks and smells amazing."

"A little taste from home." Jake explained. "At least, I hope it will be close to the real thing. We couldn't get our hands on any Bay shrimp or Dungeness that quick."

Fiona's mouth fell slightly open. Yes, Dungeness crab or Bay shrimp would have be quite a feat in less than 24 hours. But even this must have cost a fortune. To bring in any seafood, in such a short time frame. Was he serious?

He passed her a basket of grilled bread. That of course, was the traditional accompaniment served with Cioppino. He had really done his homework.

And that was the last drop in the bucket.

Fiona was floored. Utterly and completely floored. How incredibly, ridiculously thoughtful.

Her hand was shaking as she took a few pieces of grilled bread from the basket. She didn't know what to do, or say. So she set them down and passed the basket back to him.

But, Fiona just couldn't get over him. In fact, she was...stuck. He had done something so utterly thoughtful and she was just supposed to pick up her spoon and eat? She couldn't. Instead, she just stared at him. What had she done to deserve such thoughtful attention...from such a man?

Jake noticed the way she was looking at him, and he put down the bread basket. "What? What's wrong, Fi?"

His name came out a breathless whisper. "Jacob."

Fiona was so deeply touched, she couldn't wait any longer. She stood and he started to stand too, but she raised a finger. Somehow, he knew what that meant, and so, he stayed seated. What had he done? That question was in his eyes, but he didn't move. She came and stood just beside him. She had something to say, it was right there, on the tip of her tongue.

"Fiona…?" But she didn't answer. She just moved close, so close, and stood right over him. She leaned against his shoulder and ran a few fingers through his hair near his temple.

Then she placed both of her soft, feminine hands on his face near his jawline, and just gazed those doe eyes down at him. So close he could hardly breathe.

She looked ready to say something but still, she didn't. Instead she leaned in…and kissed him. She brought her lips to meet his - so soft and full and sweet they were. And his shock lasted only a milli-second, before the emotion took over.

And Jake reached his own hands up, and tenderly cupped her face. And he kissed her back. He let his lips convey all of the things he really wanted to say, even if it wasn't quite time to say them. And convey, they did. This kiss was so wonderful and sweet, and touched all of the emotions between them. It connected them even deeper, and was so much more than Jake could have imagined a first kiss would be.

When she finally straightened just a little, she kept her hands on his face, her fingers splayed into his hairline, and smiled into his beautiful eyes. "You are too much, Jacob Matthews."

"Maybe so." He wanted her to know. "But…I'm yours."

"No." She grinned one dimple back at him. "I am most definitely…yours."

Jake got a playful look. "And all it took was Cioppino?"

Fiona smiled down at him. "It's…so much more than that." She searched his eyes, his face, took in everything about him. "You have completely charmed me."

He just kept gazing up at her. "Well, I was aiming just enough to get a yes…for a second date."

Fiona didn't miss a beat. "Yes."

Jake chuckled. "But I didn't ask yet."

She kept her hands on his soft face and smiled. "Well now you don't have to." She gave him one more tiny kiss on the cheek, though dangerously close to his lips. Then, she stepped back just a little. She let her hands fall from his jaw to her sides, and stepped back one more.

Fiona walked around the table and returned to her chair. The soup was probably cold now, but she didn't care. It had been completely and utterly worth it. The look of contentment and happiness on Jake's face, as she gazed at him across the table, was all that mattered.

This was right. So very very right.

Jake scooted his chair up to the table and kept his eyes on her, as she took the first bite. She closed her eyes, and he knew…she was home.

The morning they'd had coffee together, sitting in his chairs, Fiona had confessed how much she missed the sea, and her home. And this was the one thing he could think of, to bring her a little taste of both. He'd simply done a little research, and taken a risk. It had been nothing more than a fortuitous guess…a very fortuitous guess.

Finally, Jake took his own taste of this well-known dish from San Fransisco, and he had to admit, it was pretty good. Once they started eating, there was an ease between them.

Fiona told Jake all about the small cafe in her hometown, that was famous for Cioppino. How every year, on her birthday, her father had taken her there. Just the two of them. And those dinners had become very precious, because getting her dad all to herself didn't happen very often, in a big family. For her, the dish held a taste memory, one she couldn't resist, anytime she found Cioppino on a menu.

Jake asked her a myriad of questions about her hometown and growing up, her family and brothers. And she answered every one.

And Fiona asked Jake her own battery of questions. About Peggy's Cove, and sailing, and what life was like when he was young.

They shared stories with each other. They got to know each other and enjoyed each other.

Come to find out, Fiona and Jake actually had a lot in common. Even more than a love for the sea. They had also grown up doing a lot of the same things, both being raised right on the coast. And had very similar values. Jake had come from a small family, but wanted a big one. And Fiona wanted a big family, like she'd grown up with.

At a certain point, Jake stood and refilled their bowls. He served Fiona a second helping of Cioppina, without even asking, and her practically not even noticing. She ate every bite, just as he did.

There was a rapport and an ease between them now. They were just comfortable with each other. Jake wasn't sure if it was because of the kiss, or the undeniable yet seemingly mutual understanding of their togetherness.

When the bowls had long been empty, and they had talked a very long time, Jake stood and removed the dirty dishes. He brought over two simple chocolate tartlets.

Their conversation continued, as they enjoyed dessert together. And finally, when it was quite late, Jake offered to walk Fiona home.

Jake gave her his arm, and she gladly took it. They walked down the stairs, around to the front of the building, and down the street. As they strolled along, Fiona realized how very much she had enjoyed herself. Not only was Jake ridiculously charming, but he was also funny. Fiona couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed so much. And she really did like to laugh.

When they finally got to her door, Jake was sad for the evening to end. He appreciated every moment with Fiona, and had learned so much about her. And he had a promise for a second date already.

Jake turned toward Fiona. "So how soon can I plan our second date?" He adorably squinted up one eye, to remind her. "The one you technically, already said yes to."

Fiona smiled cutely. "Whenever it suits you, Constable."

He had an idea. "Fi, do you ride?" He'd never seen her on a horse, other than the time she'd ridden with him.

Fiona smiled. "Yes. Though, it's been a very long time." She paused. "I might be a little out of practice."

He knew exactly what he wanted to do with her. "Fiona, will you go riding with me?"

Who better to go riding with, than a handsome, well-trained Mountie? "Yes."

"How about Friday?"

Fiona smiled. "Friday is perfect."

Jake nodded slowly and contentedly. "Then it's a date."

Fiona liked seeing him content. "Jake, I had such a wonderful time tonight." She confessed. "Thank you for such an amazing evening…and for the Cioppino…" She took a deep breath. "For all of the thoughtful attention you put into…everything."

Jake smiled. "You're welcome. It was my pleasure." He'd known their first date would be special, but this was way more than he had expected. "I had a great time, too."

Jake suddenly looked shy. He wasn't ready to leave, but knew it was late.

He took one step and closed the space that separated them. It was Jake's turn now - he bent and kissed her softly.

Fiona relished the tenderness in his kiss, and she met him with a tenderness of her own. And as his lips moved over hers, she marveled at the deep emotion he could rouse in her. She had been unaware of just how connected they had become.

When Jake finally pulled back, his hand stayed along her jawline, and his thumb gently caressed her cheek. He gazed down at her, his eyes conveying so much. He whispered, "Two kisses…in one night."

Fiona smiled playfully back at him. "A dangerous precedent."

"A very dangerous precedent, indeed." He replied low, as he took a step back. He let his hand fall from her cheek, and he took her hand instead.

He held her hand in both of his as he told her softly. "I hope to see you tomorrow."

"I'm sure you will." She replied breathlessly. "Good night, Jacob."

"Sweet dreams, Fi." And he slowly let go of her hand.

He turned and started down the stairs. Though halfway down, Jake glanced back up at her one more time, before he disappeared out into the night.

Author's Note:

I must make a disclaimer that I had no idea what Cioppino was, prior to this chapter. Though, now that I did the research and learned about it, I'd sure like to try it. Maybe one day I'll be in San Fransisco, and get the opportunity. But, it is a real dish that's well-known and originated there, and it dates back to 1850 (so it would have actually been around in 1919). It's really interesting, has it's origins in Italian cuisine (thus the Italian name), and is basically a tomato-based soup/stew made from whatever the fisherman caught that day. Sounds pretty cool.

Now…about Jake. I personally think he's a romantic and thoughtful guy, and since he feels the way he does about Fiona, would have tried very hard to impress her. So, I wanted to find a sweet way for him to do something meaningful and touching for their first date. And since know that Fiona has traveled quite a bit, I figured she might miss home from time to time.

I hope you enjoyed my attempt at romance, and originality, for Jake and Fiona's first date. I think Fiona got more than she bargained for (and well, so did Jake), which is exactly what I wanted for them.