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"Ahem," Georgiana uttered.
"Okay, okay. Bye, Will."
"Bye, love. Oh, I almost forgot—I need your key."
"Oh, right. You might get there before me."
"I might."
* * *
At precisely six-thirty,Will was standing on the deck at Elizabeth's house, waiting for her to arrive. He’d been like a man possessed from the minute Georgie had left with her until about ten minutes ago, when he finally had the chance to take a quick outside shower.
Everything is ready.
One of her favorite meals, the wild mushroom ravioli from a local restaurant, was keeping warm in the oven with a fresh baked loaf of Italian bread, and he’d made a salad that was currently chilling alongside two bottles of wine. Dessert was tiramisu from a local bakery, another favorite.
He’d dug a small firepit on the beach, lining it with rocks and filling it with wood, and placed a lighter on one of the rocks so he wouldn't forget where it was. Thankfully it wasn't too windy, so it wouldn't be difficult to get the fire going.
Next to the firepit was a large, thick blanket, and around that, he’d set a few miniature hurricane lamps into the sand, each holding a small candle. Hurricane lamps also graced each step that led up to the deck, and still more lined the railing. Although the sun was dropping lower in the sky, it was still too bright to determine if they’d achieved the desired effect.
On the deck, the small table was covered in a white tablecloth with another hurricane lamp at its center, alongside a vase that held a single red rose.
Nervous flutters were starting to invade his stomach, something he wasn’t used to. Doing something like this—the candles, the fire, the dinner—it was all new to him. But now, he worried that he should have done more, should have bought her something. Instead he’d listened to his gut, and it had told him thatthiswas something she would appreciate. It was something from his heart.
He remembered the envelope tied with a green ribbon that he’d tucked under the blanket, and felt a little better. She would be so excited about their trip to Martha’s Vineyard,thathe was sure of. He looked up, glancing beyond the firepit to the last part of his gift for her.
Three beach pails—run-of-the-mill plastic buckets—stood in the sand, open-end down. They were set a few feet apart from each other, and each had a hurricane lamp positioned next to it, the candles inside glimmering lightly.
The flutters kicked into high gear, and just then, he heard the sound of a car in front of the house. With one last glance at everything, he walked down the stairs to greet his girlfriend.
* * *
On the wayto her house, Elizabeth tried unsuccessfully to pry information out of Georgiana.
"Even if I knew anything, I certainly wouldn't tell you!" Georgie said. "But he told me nothing, absolutelynothing, about tonight. I was only to get you out of his way for a little while."
Elizabeth laughed. "Out of his way?"
"You know what I mean."
They were approaching Elizabeth’s house, and as they pulled into the driveway, she could see lights on the stairs. Upon closer inspection, she realized they were small glass lamps, lit from within by candles.
Her mouth dropped open. "Oh my God."
Georgiana grinned. "Wow, it looks so pretty."
Will came down the stairs, walked to the passenger door and opened it, then waited for Elizabeth to climb out.
Georgie nudged her. "Hey. Get out of my car."
"Oh, sorry!” Elizabeth gave Georgiana a quick hug. "Thank you so much for taking me out."
"You’re welcome. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your night."
"Thanks."
She climbed out of the car, and Will leaned in the open door.
