CHAPTER - 14
As Elizabeth made her way past Scott, who was heading toward Nathan's truck, she felt as if she were floating through the air, her mind still immersed in a blissful haze. Lost in a reverie of her time with Nathan, she barely registered his cheerful greeting. She felt as though she was gliding through a dream as she entered the house to find her sister.
"Hey, Lizzie, I've got some disappointing news. Aunt Agatha needs my assistance with something. Unfortunately, our plans for dress shopping in Sydney have to be scrapped," Julie said, her tone tinged with regret upon seeing Elizabeth enter the sunlit kitchen.
"That's all right," Elizabeth replied, her voice a soft murmur. "Honestly, I feel utterly drained and would much prefer to rest before going out tonight. I'll just wear the dress I brought with me; it should be fine. Do you want me to keep an eye on Lili?"
Julie smiled but shook her head gently. "No, that's okay! Why don't you take some time for yourself? Moira is on her way there with Allie for a playdate, so she is coming with me."
A long yawn escaped Elizabeth's lips, a signal of her exhaustion. "If you're sure…" The moment she thought of a nap, the fatigue she had been suppressing washed over her like a heavy tide.
"I'm positive! But do you want me to look for Mr. Fluffy before I go?" Julie asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Ha ha!" Elizabeth teased back, managing a grin despite her weariness. "At this point, I think Mr. Fluffy could curl up next to me, and I wouldn't even notice!"
"Wow! You must be running on empty," Julie observed with a laugh. "I'll make sure to return in time to help you get ready, so don't hesitate to rest up. By the way, how was your coffee date?"
"Magical," Elizabeth said, her expression softening as she recalled the moment. "It was truly wonderful." Her smile was almost shy, like a cherished secret she was reluctant to share.
"I'm glad to hear that!" Julie replied, keeping her voice neutral. However, inside, she was bubbling with excitement, barely able to refrain from squealing out loud. She couldn't wait to share the news with everyone else.
With a quick embrace from Julie and a soft kiss from Lili, Elizabeth trudged upstairs, the familiar weight of weariness pulling her down. Once in her room, she kicked off her shoes and slid into cozy, comfortable clothes before surrendering fully to a deep, restorative sleep, the promise of a refreshing shower lingering in her mind for later.
Nathan had been quiet on the drive to the station, so Scott let him be. It was also a bit awkward since the woman they would be discussing was basically his sister. Now that turnover was complete, Scott wanted to check in and went looking for him. When he finally located him in the bay, Nathan was methodically wiping down the shimmering chrome on the fire truck, a task that didn't require attention or precision. The sun beamed through the bay doors, casting bright stripes of light across the floor. It was a ritual of sorts for him, almost soothing, but today, his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
Feeling a twinge of concern and curiosity, Scott approached and nudged Nathan gently with his elbow. "You seem deep in your thoughts, my friend. Is something wrong?" he asked, lowering his voice to break through Nathan's reverie.
When Nathan didn't respond, Scott continued. "From what I could tell, Lizzie seemed pretty happy about your date." Nathan gave a noncommittal nod and continued wiping.
Worry gnawed at Scott's insides, raising his brotherly hackles. It prompted him to step closer and place a reassuring hand on Nathan's shoulder. The gesture pulled Nathan back to reality, and he finally turned to face Scott. "Hey, talk to me. Is there something on your mind?"
With a hint of frustration, Nathan sighed and tossed the damp rag into the nearby bucket. "Elizabeth," he said, glancing over his shoulder to ensure they had privacy. "She's something special, isn't she?"
Scott nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Absolutely! She's smart, beautiful, dedicated, fun…."
But Nathan interjected with a note of concern, "Yeah, but she's not exactly thrilled about being set up. Elizabeth has made it clear that she's here to relax, spend quality time with her family, and enjoy an Aussie Christmas. Definitely not looking for love."
Scott raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "She spends most of her time working or going to school with minimal downtime, so she seems determined to savor this time. But…" Scott paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "I'm telling you, and I don't mean this just as her brother or because you're my best friend, but she is a catch. Whoever wins her heart will be one very lucky guy."
Nathan let out a deep breath, his frustration boiling over. "I know, and that's precisely the problem," he admitted, sinking onto an overturned bucket and dropping his head into his hands. The weight of his admission hung heavy in the air.
"I don't follow," Scott said, shifting to find a second bucket to sit on.
With a furtive glance around the bay, as if the walls could hear him, Nathan lowered his voice, "Scott, it's only been two days since we met, and something about her makes me think more along the lines of something permanent rather than temporary. You know what I mean?"
Scott tilted his head, considering the implications. "Are we talking about availability, specifically your availability?" he quizzed, trying to navigate the complexities of Nathan's feelings. Nathan nodded, his expression a mixture of exhilaration and dread.
When Scott said nothing, Nathan quickly said, "It's crazy, right? When I look back on it, all the other women I've dated seem so… fleeting. But with Lizbeth, I've never felt such an instant connection. It's like she's ingrained in my mind. When I'm not with her, I can't help but think about her from the moment we locked eyes at the airport."
Scott chuckled, recalling his own history. "I wouldn't call it crazy. I felt something similar the first time I saw Red at a fraternity mixer. Julie was 2 years behind us and went to a private school, so we hardly saw each other, only in passing. Then, she was gone all summer after graduation, traveling with friends all over Europe. I didn't know who she was at first because she had changed. But when she turned to look at me, I was drawn like a moth to a flame. All the other girls faded into the background; all I saw was her. Lucky for me, she felt the same because I think I would have done everything but pee on her to establish that she was mine to keep the others away until I could put a ring on it."
Nathan laughed, but the smile faded as thoughts of other guys potentially vying for Elizabeth's attention intruded. "Yeah, I think I can relate to that. Elizabeth and I have been texting since last night, and it feels so effortless. It's as if we've known each other for ages."
"From what I can see, the two of you have this magnetic chemistry," Scott teased, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "I can also say that everyone and everything seems to disappear when the two of you are together," Scott teased. "Did either of you even notice much of the lights on the tour?"
"Of course," Nathan said, rolling his eyes in feigned annoyance. "In fact, she not only found my jokes funny but seemed to have a similar sense of humor
"Oh well, if she finds you funny, you absolutely need to put a ring on it." Scott retorted with a laugh.
"That's easier said than done," Nathan muttered, the weight of the conversation pressing on him.
Scott recalled his chat with Lizzie last night about Nathan and hesitated momentarily, contemplating whether to share those insights. After a brief pause, he decided to keep his thoughts to himself. "Have you been frank with her about your feelings?" he pressed gently.
"Somewhat, but like I said, she's leaving in a little over two weeks. She acknowledged she feels the same connection, but…" Nathan's voice trailed off, a mix of hope and fear swirling in his gaze. "I think the worry about the potential for heartbreak because of the distance is a huge obstacle for both of us."
Just as Nathan finished speaking, a call came through the station's radio, cutting their conversation short. In an instant, they were all business, grabbing gear and loading up, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they prepared to head out the door. The weight of Nathan's feelings would have to wait.
Later that night
Elizabeth looked stunning as she stepped into the room, drawing attention effortlessly in her black, form-fitting, off-the-shoulder ruffle shirt dress. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves, while showcasing her confident demeanor. She paired it with elegant, silver, strappy heels, adding height and sophistication to her look. Her only accessories were a pair of small, diamond chandelier earrings that sparkled subtly with her every movement and a delicate diamond tennis bracelet that caught the light gracefully. Her hair was styled half up, allowing her natural curls to cascade down her back like a glossy waterfall, framing her face beautifully.
Julie, the makeup artist, had worked her magic with a sultry smokey eye that emphasized Elizabeth's striking features, making her hazel eyes pop against the darker shades. The rest of her makeup was kept light, highlighting her natural beauty, except for the bold red lip color that added a striking contrast, lending her an air of confidence and allure.
Mark arrived punctually, as always, with a playful smirk gracing his lips. "Wow, Lizzie, you clean up well for an old lady," he teased, an affectionate glint in his eye about their 2-year age difference. "I can't wait to show you off tonight."
Elizabeth laughed, brushing off the comment with a lighthearted smile. "Well, thank you, kind sir," she replied, enjoying the banter.
"Let me get a quick picture. I promised Aunt Agatha I would do it and send it as soon as I got here," Mark said, glancing briefly at Julie before pulling out his phone. He snapped a few shots, capturing Elizabeth at her best, and promptly sent them off to Aunt Agatha and Julie, a satisfied look on his face.
"All joking aside, Elizabeth, you really do look beautiful," Mark said sincerely as they started toward his car, his tone softening with genuine admiration. "I can't wait to show you off tonight."
"May I say you look pretty good yourself?" Elizabeth replied with a playful grin, appreciating how the tailored fit of his suit showcased his athletic build as he opened her door for her.
Settling into the driver's seat, Mark leaned back with a teasing smile. "If only Captain Fire Hazard could see you now," he quipped, sparking a chuckle from Elizabeth.
Elizabeth groaned in response. "Let me guess, Julie or Agatha told you?"
"It's not exactly a secret. Scott mentioned it, and then Easton chimed in about Colleen's comments, so it seems like everyone's in the loop," Mark replied, shaking his head slightly with an amused smile.
As they pulled out of the driveway and headed down the road, Elizabeth felt a sudden thought strike her. "Hey, how do you avoid all the matchmaking attempts? I can't imagine they're leaving you alone since, as it stands, we're the only two single people left in the family. Surely, they must be doing something, right? What's your secret?"
Mark laughed, but there was a hint of sadness in it. "I think they're giving me a pass because of Amy," he confessed, his tone changing as the weight of that name hung in the air.
Elizabeth's smile faltered, and her expression softened. "Oh, Mark, I'm so sorry. Of course they are," she said gently, aware of the heartache that lingered just beneath the surface.
Mark had been engaged to Amy Callaway, but after a bittersweet end to that chapter—her citing fears of his job and moving on—he had recently discovered she was involved with a detective in Sydney, and her infidelity had pierced deeper than he'd let on.
"I saw them together a month ago," Mark continued, attempting to mask his pain with humor. "The sting isn't as sharp, so I assume that's progress, right?" He chuckled, albeit faintly. "I've even managed to go out on a few dates recently, but I'm not quite ready to get back out there."
"I would agree," Elizabeth encouraged, her tone brightening. "Let's forget about her and ensure we have fun tonight, mate. I am overdue for a good time!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling excitedly.
"Fun it is," Mark replied, breaking into a more genuine smile. They lost themselves in the melodies streaming from the radio, singing along to familiar tunes. It felt like old times, with the exception that Scott was missing. The night stretched ahead of them, filled with potential and the promise of a carefree adventure.
Once Mark and Elizabeth arrived at the party, Colleen, Easton, and Mark enjoyed watching Elizabeth being welcomed, occasionally sending photos to Nathan and their family as the evening progressed. She instantly charmed their friends and coworkers as laughter and chatter filled the air. The inviting atmosphere made it easy for Elizabeth to blend right in. By the end of the evening, it seemed that Elizabeth fell even more under the spell of Mistletoe's Aussie charm. However, while she enjoyed meeting the others and even danced with them throughout the evening, no one seemed to be able to capture her attention like Nathan.
On the drive home, neither of them said much as, once again, the radio filled the comfortable silence. He knew Elizabeth was tired because she had leaned her seat back and closed her eyes. However, as they pulled into the drive, the warm glow of the porch light spilled into the car, casting a golden light that illuminated her troubled features.
"Penny for your thoughts, Lizzie?" Mark asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he noticed the furrow in her brow, a clear indicator of her troubled mind.
Elizabeth shifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes reflecting a mixture of melancholy and confusion that weighed heavily upon her. "I was just thinking about how quickly everything can change," she confessed, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "One moment, you're busily planning for a future that feels so certain, and the next, you find yourself reevaluating everything based on just a few days."
Mark's expression softened, sensing the deeper turmoil beneath her words. "You mean Nathan?" he prompted gently.
A deep sigh escaped her lips as she replied, "It's yes and no. It's not just about him. It's also about me—about what I truly want and where I genuinely belong."
"From the first time I met you, Lizzie, I've admired your ability to see the bigger picture, even when it's intensely personal. So what do you think is holding you back from gaining that perspective now?" he inquired, genuinely interested.
Elizabeth glanced down at her hands, fidgeting slightly with her fingers as she remarked, "Honestly, I don't know."
"I think deep down, you do know," Mark said gently, his words coaxing her to dig a little deeper. "Part of it has to do with your potential feelings for Nathan. What can you tell me about those feelings? Everything the family has observed suggests they aren't just casual, are they?"
She turned her gaze away, contemplating her emotions. "I told him that I had no intention of disrupting his life, yet it's strange—my feelings for him seem to deepen each time we're together. Mark, it has only been a few days! Maybe it's just infatuation because he's the first guy I've genuinely enjoyed myself with in ages, or perhaps it's because I'm finally relaxing and allowing myself to live in the moment, something I haven't done in a long time."
"Is that really what you think?" Mark remained patient, waiting for her to elaborate. He had a knack for letting silence work in his favor during conversations, knowing all too well the way it encouraged others to open up. It was why he was so good at interrogation.
She took a breath, her voice soft. "Look, I have to admit that I've been holding onto this… idea of us, the possibility of being together if I decide to move here." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "But maybe it's time to let it go. Maybe I need to create some distance between us and stick to my original plan of returning to Boston. That way, no one gets hurt."
"You could take that route, I suppose…" Mark replied, allowing the weight of his words to linger in the air.
"Why do I sense a 'but' lurking in your statement?" Elizabeth asked, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in her tone. "I know you're thinking I'm giving up on myself and all the possibilities, right?"
"Don't put words in my mouth. Firstly, letting go doesn't equate to giving up on yourself or your dreams. Your concerns are entirely valid, given the situation. But second, what if it also means you are making space for what comes next?" he suggested, hoping to guide her to a broader understanding.
"I don't understand," Elizabeth admitted, uncertainty coloring her voice.
"Let's remove Nathan from the equation for a moment. What if you're beginning to glimpse a new direction for yourself, a shift in how you view your life as a whole?" Mark proposed.
"Maybe," Elizabeth responded softly, the weight of his words settling on her.
"What's your heart saying?" Mark pressed gently, wanting to hear from her inner self.
A chuckle escaped her lips, the tension momentarily lifting. "Oh, I think you already know what my heart desires. It's telling me to truly live, not just exist as I have been in Boston. I'm contemplating running away by returning to Boston instead of boldly pursuing something infinitely better."
Mark nodded thoughtfully. "I would have to agree with your heart's sentiment about truly living instead of merely going through the motions."
"I agree too," Elizabeth mused, her voice pensive. "I'll admit, until I came here, Boston felt like home. But now, Mistletoe Cay feels just as much like home, which surprises me, considering I've only been here a few days."
Mark replied, his voice filled with warmth. "It's hardly surprising, especially since all your family is here," Mark replied, his voice filled with warmth as he placed a comforting hand over hers, a gesture of solidarity.
Elizabeth bit her lip, reflecting on his words. "It is indeed a good thing. A part of me wonders if I'm possibly running away by returning to Boston instead of boldly pursuing something infinitely better. However, my mind keeps insisting that everything is moving too quickly. That I need to make decisions based on whether I could truly be happy, regardless of who is around me, especially Nathan."
"There's definitely some truth in that, particularly since you're unsure about what Nathan is feeling," Mark acknowledged. "For what it's worth, Scott and I can see that Nathan seems to be experiencing a similar pull toward you. Whatever you decide, the family will support you, no questions asked." He leaned closer, placing a brotherly kiss on her cheek, a gesture meant to provide comfort.
"I know, and that makes all the difference," Elizabeth said, her heart swelling with gratitude and reassurance. Then, just before closing the door, she leaned in to look at him. Her eyes sparkled with affection. "Love you, favorite little brother," she whispered, a playful smile dancing on her lips.
Mark snorted lightheartedly at her last words. "Love you too, Lizzie," he replied, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Thanks for going with me today. But now I guess I'll have to endure all the guys I work with wanting to know more about my stunning, much older sister."
Elizabeth giggled, a sound that rang with joy and self-deprecation. "I doubt they're that interested," she teased, biting her lip to suppress a grin. "But thank you for the compliment; it's sweet of you. I'll see you Monday!" Then, closing the car door, she headed toward the house, pausing briefly on the porch to give him a playful wave before entering her heart feeling lighter.
As Mark pulled out, he thought about all that Elizabeth had said, including her dismissal of the possibility of his coworkers finding her attractive. But he hadn't exaggerated and wondered how Nathan would have dealt with it had he been there to see it. He couldn't wait to see what Easton and Scott thought and Nathan's reactions to the sent photos of her throughout the evening.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long for this chapter, but the crazy temperatures here in Florida have caused my arthritis to flare up. For new readers, I have an Autoimmune disease that flares with weather among other triggers, making it hard to do anything. Thankfully, a cortisone shot, my full body heating pad, and just allowing my body time to rest have me back up again. I also resolved the plot hole I was trapped in that had me blocked. However, you'll be glad to know that 15 is halfway done.