Author's Note: Dearest Gentle Reader: This is my submission for the 2024 Holiday Fan Fiction Exchange sponsored by the Nathan Grant Fan Fiction Facebook Group—Home of Sunday Night Serge. My Story is dedicated to Jill Welzel, AKA JillZw. Her chosen prompts were that it be a Modern Nathan and Elizabeth love story, so it takes place in the current day, 2024. If you are not a fan of Modern time frames, then this story isn't for you. Also, Elizabeth and Nathan will have different occupations. Her Chosen Song is Joy To the World. Her three other requirements were Pavlova, Christmas Star, Christmas Cookies, and Being Kind to Someone in Need. I have interspersed When Calls The Heart characters with many of my own. However, as always, the When Calls the Heart characters are the property of Janette Oke and Crown Media. This story is intended for entertainment purposes only.

The time is included because there is a 16-hour difference between Boston. MA and Sydney, Australia. This is my first attempt at writing a Modern story but I hope you will enjoy.

CHAPTER 1 - PROLOGUE

Saturday, December 2, 2023

In the quaint, sun-drenched town of Mistletoe Cay, Australia, where the air was filled with the refreshing scent of eucalyptus mingling seamlessly with the salty tang of the nearby Pacific, Colleen Grant and her best friend Julie Thatcher Monroe settled into a cozy corner table at Surf's Up Coffee Shop. This café was a local gem, with its rustic wooden beams, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, and the cheerful buzz of morning patrons chatting and enjoying their pastries. The café buzzed with the lively chatter of early morning patrons. Yet, their corner felt like an intimate nook steeped in conspiratorial excitement—two matchmakers on a mission, hiding behind steaming cups of coffee and delicious pastries. Each was determined to find the perfect match for their sibling this Christmas season and decided to team up.

Colleen, a whirlwind of energy, sat perched on the edge of her chair, her curly auburn hair bouncing with each laugh. Her laptop, shining brightly with a collage of vibrant profiles, was open before her like a treasure trove of possibilities.

Next to her sat Julie, her expressive eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of mischief as she thought about potential matches for her sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was due to arrive for the Christmas holidays—a highly anticipated visit, as it was her first visit to Australia. The family was fervently hoping to entice Elizabeth to stay longer, and finding her a romantic partner was at the top of Julie's list.

"Why don't we start with Nathan," Julie said. "Who do we have?"

Looking at her computer with determination, Colleen began sorting through some of the profiles they had created for all the eligible local ladies.

"OK, so we've got Emily, the florist. She's sweet, loves animals, and has a knack for gardening."

Julie looked at the profile and shook her head. "She's nice, but Nathan's more of an action guy. He needs someone who can keep up with his adventurous spirit."

"He also went out with her once, remember, and then nothing." Fiona Miller said as she sat down for a quick chat. Fiona worked with Nathan and Julie's husband, Scott, and was currently wearing her paramedic uniform.

"True. Hmm, maybe someone like…." Colleen mused as she perused the list. "Olivia, Brett's veterinarian assistant?"

"Cross her off, too. She is dating Mick Thompson," Fiona said, shaking her head.

"What about Lauren, the new surfing instructor? She's got the energy and is always out on the water like Nathan." Julie suggested.

Fiona shook her head. "I don't know. I think they already went out a few times last month, but I don't think he has kept in touch."

"Shoot. She was at the top of my list." Colleen said, crossing her off.

"Look, Nathan grew up here, and if any of the local girls were the one, he would have already found her. He has dated several of them, and nothing came out of it." Fiona said.

"She's right!" Colleen sighed, feeling discouraged.

"I am. If you want my opinion, I suggest you combine your efforts and try to match Nathan up with Elizabeth."

"That's not a bad idea." Colleen mused. "I think it actually makes sense."

"Seriously, Colleen, do you think Nathan would hit it off with Elizabeth?" Julie asked, her eyes twinkling with the potential of a new romance for her sister. She stirred her cappuccino, watching the foam swirl like the thoughts in her head.

Ever the enthusiastic matchmaker, Colleen leaned forward, her voice the conspiratorial whisper. "Absolutely! Think about it: Nathan's got that handsome, rugged look and the 'I save lives for a living' charm, and Elizabeth… well, she is a trauma nurse, beautiful, and has that same "I save people' vibe going on, and like Nathan, she's also Scott's best friend. Plus, didn't you tell me she is a sports fan?"

"Oh, yeah, she loves baseball, football, and hockey too. Our dad got her hooked on it, much to my mother's annoyance."

"They are perfect for each other," Colleen said gleefully, clapping her hands.

Julie laughed, setting down her cup. "It sounds like we have a plan. But she's not a fan of being set up. In fact, she hates it. If we do this, we'll have to be sneaky and make it appear that we're not trying to."

"Don't worry. I have some ideas on how to get around that. Nathan is the same way. Besides, no one comes to Mistletoe Cay and not fall in love, at least a little bit," Colleen retorted, her eyes scanning the café for inspiration. "Remember how Sarah met her husband here?"

"That's different. Sarah and Frank were both locals. Elizabeth is only visiting for two weeks, so we have a very limited time. They would need to hit it off from first sight for it to work."

"Might be hard, especially if she thinks of this place as an escape, not a place to plant roots," Fiona noted.

Colleen waved her hand dismissively as a possible matchmaking idea had taken root in her mind. "Temporary or not, love finds a way. We need to… maybe organize a little accident at the station during a fire station tour. A hose malfunction, perhaps?" She winked.

Fiona's laughter rang out, drawing curious glances from nearby tables. "Colleen, you can't just set up accidents at the fire station! That's how people get hurt, or worse, lawsuits."

"Okay, no accidents! Then how about this?" Colleen said, her planner already out and scribbling notes, "We hold a family BBQ. Nathan will be there helping with the grill, looking all manly and handsome. Maybe we can play a game and have them on the same team?"

Julie tapped her pen against her chin, considering. "Look, when dealing with my sister, we must be subtle. Elizabeth is not the type to appreciate being pushed into anything, even if it's into Nathan's arms."

Just before she said it, the bell above the door jingled, and Nathan and Scott walked into the cafe in their firefighter uniforms. Spotting Julie and Colleen, they make their way over.

"Hey, what are you two plotting?" Nathan asked, his tone slightly wary. He had heard what Julie said.

"Oh, nothing much. Just discussing some ideas of how to make Elizabeth want to stay." Julie said.

"I see. By any chance, does this involve me?" Nathan inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Julie and Colleen exchanged a quick look before Colleen said, "Maybe. You'll have to wait and see."

Nathan rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his slight smile. "Please don't start with this again. I'm perfectly fine being single. Besides, I've got enough on my plate with work."

Then, shaking his head in frustration, he walked to the counter to grab his coffee,

Scott stood back, arms crossed, and looked down at his wife sternly. "He's right. Elizabeth is coming for a holiday, not to be set up. Respect their wishes, okay, Julie?"

Julie nodded, knowing that her husband was serious when he called her Julie instead of Red. After Nathan, Scott, and Fiona left, Julie shrugged and turned toward Colleen.

"We'll figure something out, don't worry," Colleen said with a wink.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

As Elizabeth stepped through the bustling cafeteria's double doors, the lively conversation hum enveloped her like a familiar blanket. The vibrant chatter of nurses and doctors echoed off the walls, punctuated by the clattering of trays and the steaming hiss of food being served at the counter. Bright fluorescent lights illuminated the room, casting a warm glow over tables filled with weary staff members exchanging stories of their long shifts.

Spying her friend Rosemary Coulter, Elizabeth's face lit up with a mixture of relief and affection as Rosemary waved her over with a friendly grin that radiated a blend of sincerity and playful mischief. It was hard not to feel lighter in her presence. Elizabeth approached the table, her movements sluggish and heavy, a testament to the fatigue that clung to her after countless late nights and early mornings. Setting her tray down, she let out a soft sigh, allowing the weight of the day to settle for just a moment.

"Elizabeth, you look like you've seen a few too many white Christmases," Rosemary commented, her voice playful but her eyes concerned. The room was filled with the scent of hospital coffee and the distant sounds of hospital life, with the added ambiance of Christmas carols playing in the background.

"Yeah, well, it's hard to feel merry when I'm constantly dead on my feet," Elizabeth replied, forcing a wry smile as she slid into her seat. "I'm definitely ready for a break."

"Well, considering you're juggling online classes while working double shifts courtesy of these pesky storms that keep throwing everything off, what else could you expect? It is a blessing that you're escaping to Australia for Christmas," Rosemary pointed out, her understanding tone providing comfort.

"I've missed my family so much this past year, especially since Aunt Agatha moved there 6 months ago. The thought of warmth, sunshine, and reconnecting with them is so appealing—especially when I'm stuck digging my car out only to discover someone's taken my parking spot," Elizabeth shared, a hint of frustration tinging her voice.

"Lee just clears the minimum amount of snow and drives out," Rosemary chuckled, her eyes shining with amusement as she remembered how her husband approached winter driving. "Maybe while you're down there, you should consider making it a more permanent arrangement. Who knows? You might find your own special Aussie man to sweep you off your feet, just like Julie and Agatha."

"They both keep hinting at how much they'd like me to join them. Scott, too, misses having me around, but Julie is on another level; she's got matchmaking on her mind, even if she swears it's not the case," Elizabeth replied, rolling her eyes playfully at the thought.

Rosemary laughed as Elizabeth made a face at Julie, trying to play matchmaker. When it came to set-ups, Julie was like a bull in a China shop. "Not that I disagree, but what makes you think that?"

"Julie has been dropping too many not-so-subtle hints for me to dismiss," Elizabeth replied, her tone a blend of exasperation and amusement. "I've told her countless times that I'm not interested in finding a man, but talking to her about it feels like conversing in a different language." She took a sip of her coffee, feeling the warmth spread through her. "I even suspect she and my aunt are plotting to set me up with job opportunities once I'm there."

Intrigued, Rosemary leaned closer, a glimmer of excitement lighting up her eyes. "Like what?"

"Oh, comments like 'Wouldn't it be nice if you stayed longer?' or 'Carson mentioned there might be openings at the hospital.' Their intentions feel all too orchestrated, like they're crafting an entire life for me down there," Elizabeth explained, the frustration mingling with humor as she considered their well-meaning schemes.

"Hmmm, it's quite a strategic plan. If they can set you up with both a job opportunity and a potential love interest, saying no would be challenging." Rosemary mused thoughtfully, tapping her fingers on the table. "Maybe instead of dismissing it, you should consider it."

"Consider which?" Elizabeth asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Both! The job opportunities and the potential for romance," Rosemary replied, her voice light and teasing.

Elizabeth paused, considering the possibilities. "Well, I can't deny I'm intrigued by the idea of seeing my family all year round while sinking my toes into the warm sand on the beach."

"What about the other?" Rosemary pressed playfully.

"Not up for discussion," Elizabeth retorted before taking a hearty bite of her sandwich and purposefully shifting the conversation away from matchmaking and back to lighter, more enjoyable topics. She was determined to savor the moment and the comforting familiarity of her friend's presence, at least for now.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 7:33 pm ET

Elizabeth placed her suitcase on the bed in preparation of packing for her trip to Mistletoe Cay on Tuesday. She had been putting it off because she was always so worn out by the end of the day and hadn't been home much over the last week due to finishing her last final for the semester and working extra shifts at the hospital to cover for others unable to make it into work. She didn't mind, though, since she was single, and it was easier for her since she didn't have to worry about finding babysitters or coordinating a schedule with a spouse. Maybe someday….

As soon as that train of thought began, she shut it down, hoping to stem the deep longing from taking hold within her heart. 'Did she long for a special someone to come home to? Someone who waited just for her to walk through her door? Of course, she did. Even more, she wanted to be that person for someone else that she wasn't related to or friends with. Unfortunately, that person had never materialized, and after quite a few dating disappointments and disastrous setups, she was trying to find contentment with what she had.'

She was startled out of her dismal thought by her phone ringing. Picking it up, she saw Julie's face on the screen.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be working right now?" Elizabeth asked, quickly figuring out the time difference in her head. Julie was 16 hours ahead and it was already Monday in Mistletoe Cay.

"I'm on lunch break right now and wanted to touch base with you." Elizabeth put Julie on speaker and then headed towards her closet. Hearing hangers clacking together, she asked, "How's your packing going?"

"It's going." Elizabeth sighed wearily. "Hey, any special clothing required?"

"Bring the dress you wore last year to the New Year's Eve party, a few nicer outfits for going out, and, of course, your very best bikinis," Julie said with a laugh.

"What kind of going out?" Elizabeth asked warily.

Instead of answering, Julie switched to a Facetime call and insisted on Elizabeth pointing the screen toward the closet. Occasionally asking to see a particular item. Once she was satisfied that Elizabeth had the right shoes to match the five outfits Julie had pointed out, she was satisfied.

"There, now point me towards the dresser. I miss being able to do this with you, Lizzie."

"Well, I'm not opening a single drawer until you answer my question. What kind of going out?" Elizabeth asked.

"Going out with the girls, family, you know…" Julie said cagily. "You'll love Fiona, Faith, and I am absolutely certain you will love Colleen and her family. They can't wait to meet you, either."

"I noticed that you were careful not to mention any men."

"Well, Scott, Uncle Max, Mark, and Arlo are excited to see you, too." Julie prevaricated.

"Oh, of course. Anyone else?"

"Scott has been bragging about you so much to his friends and wants you to meet them."

"Can't wait." She wasn't worried about Scott because he knew how she felt. "So, I can assume that there won't be any awkward double dates or setups?"

"Oh, got to go, Lizzie. It's time to get my class from the cafeteria. Love you! Bye!" Julie giggled before disconnecting the call without answering. Shaking her head, Elizabeth laughed and knew that she needed to be prepared for anything. Turning toward the drawer, she finished packing and, thirty minutes later, sank blissfully into her pillows and fell into a deep sleep, excited to relax and spend some time in the sun.