Six months later
Elizabeth skipped down the stairs, excited for her date with Nathan. They were going to Botanica, 'their' restaurant. After their first date at the restaurant, they celebrated all their special events there. They went for Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, and tonight, Nathan's birthday. Elizabeth had called earlier and arranged for a cake to be brought to the table when they had dessert.
Elizabeth looked down at her wrist as she reached the bottom of the stairs, smiling at the jingling sound of her bracelet. Nathan had given her each charm and they were all special to her. He had started the tradition by presenting her with the bracelet and her first charm on Christmas Eve.
Nathan had handed her the small package, joking he had to do something special because his Secret Santa gift hadn't been. For Secret Santa, Nathan had bought her something to reflect her love of hiking, sticking to the budget set by Rosemary. She had used the lightweight backpack on every one of their hikes, and it made her smile every time she saw it, thinking of him. Despite what he thought, the gift had been special to her.
Elizabeth had gasped when she saw the beautiful gold charm bracelet and the single charm dangling from it. It was a golden sun charm with a diamond at its centre. As Nathan secured the bracelet on her wrist, he explained that the sun charm represented the warmth and light she brought to every aspect of his life.
A new charm on her bracelet represented every special occasion they celebrated. Christmas morning was a snowflake, New Year was a sparkling firework charm, and Valentine's Day was a golden heart. Nathan liked to surprise her with charms outside of major events, too, and she was delighted with the vintage golden hiking boot he had given her when they reached the peak of their highest climb to date.
Tonight, Elizabeth was the one who was giving the presents. She had agonised over what to give him. Nathan seemed to have everything already, and given that he liked to live simply, he liked practical gifts. Elizabeth didn't want to be practical tonight; she needed him to know his importance to her.
There was a quick knock on the door, and Nathan opened it, poking his head inside.
"Hey, Elizabeth. It's me."
"Nathan! Hi." Elizabeth called, hurrying toward him. "Happy Birthday," she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him quickly.
"My birthday isn't until tomorrow, remember?" Nathan said, holding her close.
"I know, but we are celebrating you and your birthday the whole weekend."
Elizabeth had invited Colleen, Allie, and their other friends to Nathan's birthday dinner, but they all declined. Colleen said Allie was too little for such a fancy restaurant. Rosemary, Lee, Faith and Carson also declined, wanting the two of them to have a special evening, just the two of them. Everyone was gathering the following day for a much simpler, family-friendly party. Gabriel and Lillian were also driving down for the weekend to join them.
Colleen was hosting the party the following day and Elizabeth asked to bake the cake herself and the others were all bringing one of Nathan's favourite dishes. Nathan had told everyone no gifts, but Elizabeth was sure everyone would ignore that request.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Let me grab my purse, and we can head out."
"Elizabeth. Wait!"
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, turning back to face Nathan, wondering what was wrong.
"I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look tonight."
Elizabeth's smile lit up her face, and her cheeks reddened. It didn't matter how often Nathan complimented her, and he always did; it felt like the first time.
"Thank you. You look wonderful as always."
When they arrived at the restaurant, Nathan paid the taxi driver and arranged for him to be available to collect them at the end of the night. Entering the restaurant, Elizabeth and Nathan were greeted like old friends. The corner table was ready for them, offering the most privacy and a coveted water view. It was the best table in the restaurant and their favourite.
"Welcome back, you two," called Antonio, the restaurant owner. Hurrying toward them, he held an ice bucket, an opened bottle of chilled champagne resting on the ice.
"Happy Birthday, Nathan. Please accept this as our gift to you," Antonia said as he poured two glasses. Setting the ice bucket into the wine stand, he beckoned their server over. "We have wonderful specials tonight, too," he announced proudly. "I am sure you will find something you like."
"We always do!"
Elizabeth laughed at Nathan's enthusiastic response, knowing he was right. They had tried many of the entrees and mains, selecting something different each time they dined there always sampling each other's dishes.
After placing their orders, Elizabeth raised her glass, indicating Nathan should do the same.
"Happy Birthday, Nathan. I hope your birthday is happy and your birthday and other wishes come true."
Nathan clinked his glass against Elizabeth's, and they sipped their champagne.
"One of my wishes has already come true - I am here with you."
Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hand and placed a kiss on her palm. She curled her fingers over, wanting to retain the warmth of his lips, and the tingle they created, as long as possible.
Colleen handed Rosemary a glass of sparkling water and sat beside her on the couch. Sipping from her glass of wine, she let out a contented sigh as she leaned back against the cushions.
"Thank you so much for dropping in the coleslaw for tomorrow, Rosemary," Colleen said. "Are you sure you don't want a glass of wine?"
"No, thank you. I can't stay long. I said I would meet Lee for a late dinner after his meeting."
"That's twice you have refused my offer of wine. Is there something you want to tell me - besides I have terrible taste in wine?"
Colleen watched as Rosemary's cheeks reddened, but there was no dampening of the sparkle in her eye.
"Wait. Don't tell me if you can't," Colleen rushed in, suspecting she knew Rosemary's news.
"It's okay. Lee knows, obviously, and I told Elizabeth earlier today but swore her to secrecy." Rosemary placed her hand on her flat stomach and said, "I am having a baby."
"Congratulations, Rosemary!" Colleen was genuinely excited for her friend. She knew how much having a family meant to both her and Lee. While Rosemary hadn't confided in her about trying for a baby, she had seen the longing on her face when mothers brought their babies to school when they came to collect their children. Rosemary was wonderful with children, and she and Lee deserved to have a child.
"We are very excited," Rosemary admitted. "I was starting to think it might not happen. We are almost through the first trimester, and I know we should have waited to tell people, but like you, Elizabeth suspected. We aren't telling anyone else, so please keep this a secret for now."
"Of course, it's your news, yours and Lee's." Colleen paused, "Do you think Elizabeth will tell Nathan?"
"Without a doubt, so I said she could," Rosemary said, chuckling. " Lee will also tell Faith tonight, so Carson will know, too."
"So, the world's worst kept secret then," Colleen chuckled.
"It seems like that, doesn't it." Rosemary narrowed her eyes and studied Colleen as she said, "I am happy if you want to tell Alec."
"Why would I... why would you think..." Colleen stammered, shocked by Rosemary's offer. "Alec and I ..."
"I have seen how he looks at you." Rosemary said, "Surely you see it, too."
"I don't!" Colleen insisted, but she found herself unable to meet Rosemary's eyes. She had noticed how Alec looked but thought no one else had. She had tried hard not to let it affect her, denying to herself how his gaze made her feel.
Colleen thought about Alec Wells and the kindness he had shown her while she made the arrangements after Dylan's death. Alec had paused the Police investigation for several weeks, allowing her to do what she needed to do. Colleen wasn't part of the criminal investigation; however, Alec kept her informed, knowing she was concerned about her and Allie's safety.
Colleen hadn't received any more calls from unknown numbers, so she assumed they had been from Dylan. There was no longer a sensation of being watched, and she was glad that whoever it had been realised she was not connected to Dylan and was no threat to them.
Alec came in person to give her updates, and after the first few visits, he started accepting her offer of a cold drink or coffee. He met Allie, and although she didn't understand why he was there, she accepted him as one of her mother's circle of friends. It had been easier to explain his presence as a friend of hers than his real role in their lives. She and Allie had become comfortable around Alec, and his job meant he also remained in Nathan and Elizabeth's lives, often seeing them both in their professional capacities.
Nathan was the first person to invite him to join their group for dinner. Gabriel and Lillian had been visiting again, and his friend wanted to catch up with Alec. It was a casual meal at Nathan's home, and Colleen and Allie were invited. It had been a wonderful night, full of laughter and banter, and it was the first time Colleen felt the tension of the previous month's ease.
"Well, if you don't, you should," Rosemary insisted. "What is stopping you?"
"Alec is doing his job, Rosemary. That's all."
Colleen wasn't sure she believed her own statement, but Rosemary didn't know. Alec did continue to call in, but now, the conversation was more about her and Allie and less about Dylan and the case. Colleen couldn't deny that Alec was attractive; she would have to be blind not to see it. He was intelligent and easy to talk to, with a good sense of humour. But his stunning good looks aside, what Colleen found most appealing about him was his kindness. It would be so easy to be cynical and hard in his line of work, but he was neither.
"His job is well and truly done, Colleen. Accept that he is interested in you as a woman, not as a case and be open to what comes next. You deserve to be happy." Rosemary shook her head at Colleen's feeble attempts to deny what was happening.
Colleen thought about Rosemary's words, wondering if she knew she was echoing Elizabeth's words of the week before. Elizabeth had said almost the same thing to her, although she hadn't been so pointed and hadn't mentioned Alec by name. Was she ready? Six months didn't seem very long, although her relationship with Dylan had been over long before his death.
"Well?"
"Well, I'll think about it. Whatever you do, do not think of meddling in this, Rosemary."
"Me?" Rosemary asked, widening her eyes, trying to appear innocent and failing.
"You! Don't forget I helped you set up Elizabeth and Nathan. I know all your tricks and won't fall for them."
"You have to admit; they do work, though. Elizabeth and Nathan are a fabulous success story."
"They are. I have never seen my brother so happy."
"And that could be you and Alec."
Colleen said nothing, instead taking another sip of her wine to avoid looking at Rosemary again. Maybe she was more ready than she had realised.
Colleen had invited Alec to Nathan's birthday party. Alec had accepted her invitation very quickly, offering to come early and help her set up. She said yes, knowing she didn't need the help but wanted his company. Alec seemed pleased by her invitation; his hazel green eyes had lit up with happiness, and he smiled broadly at her. Of course, Rosemary didn't need to know all of that. She had to admit, it did feel nice to be noticed again.
The waiter arrived at their table, and they placed their order. Elizabeth tried to protest, saying they should decide later about dessert, knowing there was the cake to come. Nathan insisted on ordering something for them both to try, and she didn't argue with him; they could always take home what they didn't eat.
Their meals arrived promptly, and every course was better than the last. Elizabeth couldn't decide if she preferred her Salmon entree or Nathan's beef Carpaccio. She voted for her main of oven-baked gnocchi over Nathan's Pork Roulade. When it came to dessert, the dark chocolate Torte won hands down.
Just as Nathan leaned back in his chair, moaning about overeating, Antonio and their waiter walked to their table, birthday cake on a tray. The candle on the top of the cake cast its light onto Antonio's face, and his delighted smile was infectious.
"Why did you let me order dessert?" Nathan groaned.
"I figured we could always take home what we don't eat. Allie will love sharing your dessert, especially this cake."
"I thought you were baking me a cake?"
"You can never have too much cake," Elizabeth replied simultaneously with Antonio, causing them all to chuckle.
"Even if you can't eat a bite of cake, you need to blow out your candle and make a wish," Antonio insisted. The waiter served them two cups of coffee and then walked away. Elizabeth had asked them not to sing Happy Birthday, knowing Nathan wouldn't like being the centre of attention. They would sing to him tomorrow; there was no way Allie would skip that part of the birthday celebration.
Elizabeth watched as Nathan stared at the candle and then at her. She watched his eyes close as he inhaled deeply before exhaling and blowing out the candle. Antonia and Elizabeth clapped as Nathan sat back in his chair, a secretive smile on his face.
"Now remember, you can't tell anyone your wish," Antonio advised earnestly as he lifted the cake, preparing to take it back into the kitchen. "I will pack this up for you. Whenever you're ready, it will be waiting."
"What if I want to share my wish with you, Elizabeth?" Nathan asked, leaning toward her, his voice low and intimate.
"You risk it not coming true." Elizabeth teased. "You heard Antonio, it's a big risk to take." Reaching into her handbag, Elizabeth slid out the envelope containing his gift. "How about I distract you with your gift?"
"You didn't have to get me anything," Nathan said as she placed the envelope in front of him.
"I can take it back," Elizabeth teased, pretending to grab for it.
Nathan's reflexes were quicker than hers, and he snatched up the envelope, holding it against his chest.
"Well, since you went to all the trouble of buying it for me, I should open it."
"Very true. Although I didn't buy you anything."
Elizabeth sat back in her seat, sipping her coffee as she watched Nathan open the envelope, confused by her words. He drew the card out and read the sweet message she had included on his card. His present was a piece of paper that he unfolded last.
Elizabeth watched his eyebrows shoot up, and he grinned as he looked at her over the paper.
"Really!"
"I hope you like it."
"I love it," Nathan assured her. "My only question is, how soon can we go?"
Elizabeth laughed, pleased he was so excited about her gift. She had struggled with what to buy him and decided not to buy him a gift at all. She had settled on planning an experience for the two of them. They would borrow a friend's boat and sail around Lake Winnipesaukee, spending the days visiting some of the islands, including hiking on Stonedam Island. The trip was five days for just the two of them.
"The weather needs to warm up a little more, but we can spend the time researching and planning it now."
"Sounds good to me." Nathan placed the IOU itinerary she had made him back into the envelope and started fiddling with his napkin.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. Everything is perfect. I love your gift, and I love you."
"I love you too." Elizabeth continued to stare at Nathan in concern. He looked a little agitated. "Are you sure nothing is wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong, I promise, it's just...I know it is my birthday, but I have something for you."
"Nathan," Elizabeth exclaimed. "That is not how birthdays work."
"I know, but...I've wanted to find the right moment to give you this, and tonight is the perfect time. Hopefully, a birthday and everyday wish will come true."
Elizabeth gasped as Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet jewellery box, opening it to reveal a stunning diamond solitaire. She had not been expecting that. Standing up, he left his seat and knelt beside her, taking her hand.
"I know we have only known each other a few months, but I don't think it matters when it comes to how I feel. I love you more than anything, and all I need to make me happy is to spend the rest of my life with you." Nathan looked into her eyes, his face serious as he asked, "Marry me, Elizabeth."
"Of course, Nathan! Yes. Yes"
Nathan smiled and reached for the ring, slipping it onto her outstretched finger.
"I love you," Nathan said, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for making my birthday wish and every wish I ever had come true."
Elizabeth was speechless as she stared first at Nathan and then at the ring on her hand. It was a beautiful bezel set diamond on a simple gold band. It was stunning, practical, and exactly what she would have picked for herself. She placed her left hand on Nathan's face, kissing him softly.
"I love you, Nathan Grant. I didn't imagine ever feeling this way about anyone, and now I can't imagine a time when I didn't know you, and I don't want to imagine my life without you."
"You won't have to," Nathan promised as he slipped back into his seat, still holding her hand.
Elizabeth heard a soft clapping sound and looked up to see the people at the table beside them, quietly cheering for them. Elizabeth's cheeks flushed, but nothing could dampen her joy. Looking up, she saw Antonio walking toward their table, his hands clasped before him, his face beaming.
"Congratulations! This is wonderful news."
"Thank you, Antonio," Nathan said, shaking his outstretched hand. "I have to agree with you; I don't think there has ever been more wonderful news."
"Your dinner tonight is on us," Antonio insisted. "To celebrate young love."
When Nathan and Elizabeth tried to argue, Antonio waved them away. "It is special to us that you chose to do this here, to share this moment with our family."
After finishing their coffee and collecting Nathan's cake, they waited outside for the taxi. Elizabeth stood in the circle of Nathan's arms, leaning back against his chest. Placing her hands on the arm he wrapped around her waist, her eyes were continually drawn to the ring glistening on her finger. What a perfect evening and the perfect start to the rest of their lives.
Elizabeth couldn't wait to share the news with their family and friends, knowing they would be happy for the two of them. Crystal Haven already felt like home to Elizabeth, and now she and Nathan would make their life there, surrounded by people who loved, supported and cared for them and always would.