CHAPTER 10 GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Though night had fallen, the balmy evening in Mistletoe Cay was infused with the scent of frangipani and sea salt. The town was still abuzz with holiday cheer, the sound of the ocean providing a serene backdrop to the festivities. The family leisurely made their way through town so that Elizabeth could truly appreciate the town in its full Christmas splendor. Nathan and Elizabeth engrossed in each other's company, managed to create a bit of privacy for themselves away from their erstwhile family matchmakers' prying eyes and ears.

Nathan, intrigued, ventured into the topic of her work. "So, what's the most rewarding part of being a nurse for you?"

Elizabeth considered for a moment, her voice warm with passion. "It's when you see someone come back from the edge, literally or figuratively. There was this patient once, a little boy who had a severe asthma attack. His parents were terrified. We managed to stabilize him, and the relief on their faces, the gratitude... That's what keeps you going. In that moment, you're not just a nurse but a beacon of hope."

"That must be incredibly fulfilling," Nathan responded, his tone reflective.

"It is," she replied. "Now, how about you? What's the most challenging part of being Captain?"

Nathan gave a small laugh. "Oh, where to start? The unpredictability, maybe. You never know what the next call will bring. But I think the most challenging part is keeping my team safe while making split-second decisions. It's like... you're the lighthouse in the storm, trying to guide everyone to safety."

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes showing admiration. "That sounds daunting. But I bet it's also what drew you to it, right? The challenge, the responsibility."

"Absolutely," Nathan affirmed. "And the desire to be there when it counts. What about you? Was there a moment that made you want to become a flight nurse?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yeah, there was. I was volunteering at an air medical service for a summer just before I started working for Massachusetts General. We went to this remote area where a woman was in labor with complications and no local medical facility. The moment we landed, I saw her relief... It was like I was meant to be there. Of course, I only assisted the flight nurse then. But that was when I knew I wanted to fly, to be the help that comes when no one else can."

Nathan smiled, "That's powerful. And here you are, turning that realization into reality."

"Trying to anyway," Elizabeth returned the smile, "And you, saving lives, leading from the front. What was your 'moment'?"

"It was simpler, in a way. I was young, maybe ten, when our house had a kitchen fire. The fireys who came were like superheroes. They saved our pets and our memories. That day, I wanted to be that for someone else."

Elizabeth's expression was one of understanding. "So, we both got bitten by the hero bug, just in different uniforms."

"Appears that way," Nathan said with a soft smile. "Though, I think the real heroes are the ones who go through the ordeal and come out stronger."

"Like the people we help," Elizabeth replied, her voice soft with agreement. For a time, neither said anything, just enjoying their mutual understanding and appreciation of each other. But Elizabeth, suddenly recalling something he said, asked, "Wait, what is a Fireys?"

"That's Aussie slang for Firemen."

"I would have thought it would have been something like Sparky."

"No, in Australia, a Sparky is an electrician. Then there are the Chippys or carpenters and plumbers are known as Pipeys or Dunny Divers."

Elizabeth giggled. "I must admit I love the Aussie accent and slang."

"What accent?" Nathan teased with a mock glare. "We don't have an accent. Now, as for you Yanks …."

Elizabeth laughed and raised her hands in surrender. "I suppose here in Australia, you wouldn't have one."

Nathan nodded and gave her a playful nudge.

"So, you grew up here?" Elizabeth asked as they strolled past houses and stores adorned with fairy lights.

"Yes, born and raised," Nathan replied, his smile warm in the lantern light. "There's something about this town at Christmas that feels like home, no matter how far you might wander."

Elizabeth nodded, "I can see the appeal. It's like time slows down here, just enough to enjoy the moment."

Their conversation shifted to their interests, Elizabeth sharing her love for the ocean, not just its beauty but its mysteries. "I spent hours at the beach at Martha's Vineyard when I was little, just watching the waves, wondering what secrets they held."

"And have you discovered any?" Nathan asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Only that each wave is unique, much like people," she mused, her eyes reflecting the twinkling lights. "What about you? What secrets do you hold?"

Nathan chuckled, "Oh, I'm an open book. I love history, especially local legends. There's this story about—"

He was cut off as Elizabeth's laughter pealed out, "You're going to tell me about the ghost ship again, aren't you?"

He grinned, "Well, it's a good story! But, seriously, I find comfort in the past, in stories that shape our present."

"Me too," Elizabeth said. "Believe it or not, History was my favorite subject in school."

Behind them, their families followed leisurely, watching the pair with amusement. Julie walked with Colleen and quietly said, "They're so cute; they don't even notice we're here."

Colleen, her eyes twinkling with the lights, responded, "Sometimes, you don't need to see to know beauty is happening."

Nathan and Elizabeth's steps naturally synchronized as they walked, their conversation flowing from one topic to another, each learning about the other's dreams, fears, and the little things that made them who they were. Their laughter mingled with the soft Christmas carols played by a street band they passed.

Realizing they had outdistanced their family, they stopped under a large tree near the Surf's Up Coffee Shop to wait. Heavy with lanterns, its branches cast a canopy of light around them. "You know," Elizabeth said, her voice soft, as she looked around. "This town feels like stepping into a storybook at this time of year."

'And you, Elizabeth,' Nathan thought, make it feel like the best chapter.'

With a camera in hand, Julie took a discreet photo of the moment, the light from the lanterns illuminating the pair in a soft, ethereal glow. As they joined Nathan and Elizabeth, Lili and Allie began to droop. They were being carried with Lili in Scott's arms and Allie in Easton's.

Elizabeth, seeing the girls, said, "Oh, I guess the night is over." Nathan smiled at the evident disappointment in her tone. Truthfully, he was feeling the same way and wasn't ready for his time with Elizabeth to end.

"Oh no, Lizzie. There's no reason that you need to end your evening. After all, you haven't done the tram tour yet," Julie exclaimed.

Colleen immediately jumped in as if following a script. "Julie's right, Elizabeth. The tour is magical this time of year." Then, turning to her brother, she added, "Nathan could go with you."

Elizabeth glanced over where the festive tram, festooned with twinkling lights, was parked, its driver waiting nearby until the next tour, wanting to say yes but feeling torn. She didn't want Nathan to feel put on the spot since Colleen volunteered him in another blatant attempt to do some matchmaking.

"I guess it could be... nice. But I'm not sure—" Elizabeth said, contemplating.

"Come on, Elizabeth, when's the next time you see the city lit up like this? Besides, with all we have planned while you're here, it's probably your only chance. And I'm sure Nathan would be more than willing to bring you home afterward?" Julie said, slyly cocking an eyebrow at Nathan.

"I would be happy to." Nathan looked at Elizabeth with a hopeful grin, his face lit by the soft glow of the café lights. "So what do you say? Do you want to see the town's Christmas lights with me from the tram tonight? It's quite the experience, I promise."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled like the stars beginning to show above. "Nothing would make me happier, Nathan." Her words sent a thrill through him.

Just then, the driver was calling out that the tram would leave in 5 minutes. "You two better hurry." Aunt Agatha said as she practically shoved them toward the tram. They said quick goodbyes, bought their tickets, and quickly took their seats, conveniently in the back, to the delight of their family. The matchmakers also noted that the tour consisted of couples due to the lateness of the evening.

Agatha, Hazel, and Moira watched Nathan and Elizabeth for a minute longer before the group headed for the cars.

"Did you see how engrossed they were as we walked?" Agatha asked. "It was so sweet."

"They only had eyes for each other," Hazel sighed. "It was like they were walking in their own little world.

"I bet Nathan didn't even point out the giant Surfing Santa on the roof of Surf's Up Café." Colleen laughed.

"I don't even think they saw the decorations." Moira giggled.

"That's because they were too busy laughing and talking, completely oblivious to everything," Colleen smirked.

"Maybe that's because they aren't here for the decorations but for the company. You have to let this play out naturally. Elizabeth hates being pushed into things, and Nathan is just as stubborn about being set up." Scott said, trying to stop things before the planning got out of hand.

"You know, sometimes the best way is just to let things happen naturally," Scott added, shifting Lili to a better position.

"Remember when Agatha and I first met? No one needed to orchestrate anything. The attraction was as clear as day." Max said, putting his arm around Agatha and pulling her close.

"And with Hazel and me, it was all about timing. We didn't need anyone pushing us together. We just... clicked."

Julie, overhearing the men, giggled playfully and said. "Oh, but where's the fun in that? A little nudge never hurt anyone, right, ladies?"

"Absolutely! What's the harm in creating a little magic? Like maybe they could 'accidentally' end up under the mistletoe?" Moira replied.

"Or perhaps a walk in the moonlight. The stars have a way of whispering sweet nothings into the wind." Agatha suggested.

"I say, let's invite them over for a cooking night. Nothing like shared time over a stove to heat things up." Hazel offered.

"What about a game night? Charades, where they have to act out famous romantic scenes?" Colleen mused.

Scott laughed. "You lot are relentless. But maybe, just maybe, they don't need our 'help.' They might just surprise us. Look, we all want them to be happy, but true love doesn't need a script. It writes its own story, sometimes in the most unexpected ways."

"Scott here has a point. When I saw Agatha, I knew. No one had to tell me to take her for a dance." Max said.

Arlo smiled as he looked at his wife. "And Hazel, remember how we ended up alone in the garden? That was all the universe; no family intervention needed."

"But what if the universe could use a little... assistance?" Julie asked slyly, a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

"A staged power outage could lead to some candlelit confessions," Moira suggested.

"Or a scavenger hunt for the Christmas star, leading them to a secluded part of the house?" Agatha exclaimed, warming up to the idea.

Hazel thought for a moment before suggesting, "If all else fails, a good old-fashioned lock and key. Just for a minute or two, of course."

Scott laughed. "Ladies, you're all heart, but remember, love's like a fine wine. It needs time to breathe. Let's give them that. Shaking his head with affection.

"And maybe in that time, they'll find their own way to steal a kiss without us orchestrating it." Easton teased.

Speaking up for the first time, Archie said, "Let's just enjoy the holiday, the warmth of family, and if Nathan and Elizabeth find their way to each other, it'll be all the sweeter because it was their path."

But the women were so engrossed with plans nothing the men said seemed to resonate.

"Why don't we try making Nathan jealous? We could introduce Elizabeth to someone, maybe that new guy at the community center. A little jealousy might spur Nathan into action." Colleen mused.

"Or, we could make Elizabeth jealous. Nathan's been talking to that new barista at the local café. If she sees him with someone else, she might realize what she's missing." Julie opined, warming up to the idea.

Scott immediately jumped in with concern for his two best friends. "Hang on, that's a terrible idea. Jealousy games can backfire big time. I've seen it happen. It's risky, and with time running out, we need to play it smart, not dirty."

Easton nodded in agreement. "Scott's right. I had a friend who tried that once. He ended up pushing his girlfriend right into the arms of the guy he was using to make her jealous. They broke up, and she married the other guy. It can go very wrong."

"But sometimes a little nudge—" Colleen said defensively.

Scott cut her off. "This isn't about nudging; it's about playing with fire. Nathan and Elizabeth need to trust each other, not start questioning their feelings because of a setup."

"Exactly. Let's keep this about bringing them together, not driving them apart with doubt. We've got to build a bridge, not a wall." Easton affirmed with a nod.

Seeing the look in her husband's eyes, she knew that he was serious, Julie conceded. "Alright, you have a point. No jealousy games. We'll stick to creating opportunities for them to be together naturally."

"The best relationships are built on trust, not tricks. Let's focus on what brings them closer, not what could pull them apart." Arlo said, sharing some wisdom.

"Besides, Nathan has the Aussie charm on his side, and who knows? Let's not force the issue too much, or we might push them apart. From what I see, I think he has things well in hand."

Seeing the ladies' hesitation, Scott added. "We've given them the stage. Now, let's let them write their own love story."

Finally, to the men's relief, the ladies nodded, and everyone went to their cars and, ultimately, home.

Authors Note: For those who would like to see some real Aussie Fireys, there is there is a facebook group. I attempted to post the web address where there are videos and you can purchase calendars. There are several calendars to choose from. its www . australianfirefighters . com.(obviously you would eliminate the spaces. This is the only way I can post the web address. Enjoy ;)

Special Thanksto Jen Cremora for helping me with the Aussie slang in this chapter.