Chapter 19
Nate
I had a great chat with Marc and Gleide while Lizzie and Gabby went off to finish the dessert.
We talked through everything I’d been planning, and I feel more solid about the next steps now. Their advice, their support… it’s invaluable. Having their perspective gives me the confidence I need to move forward.
By the time the girls returned, we’d already shifted onto lighter conversation, laughter filling the spaces between words.
Lizzie walked in first, a plate of chocolate balls in her hand, and smiled at me like sunlight through a window. That smile—honestly, it could make the darkest day seem golden.
We continue talking over dessert, letting the rich chocolate melt slowly on our tongues.
“Gabby, these are delicious,” Gleide says, her voice warm. “They melt in your mouth—perfect consistency.”
“I perfected the recipe recently,” Gabby says, shrugging as she pops one into her mouth.
“It’s just incredible,” Gleide adds, reaching for another.
The praise bounces around the table, light and easy, like music filling the room. I watch Lizzie laugh at Gabby’s playful eye-rolls, and it makes my chest ache in that good, sharp way—anticipation, excitement, nerves, all tangled together.
Once we’ve finished, Lizzie and Gleide begin clearing the table. Gabby moves to help, but Gleide stops her.
“You made the dessert. You can enjoy a day off from dishes and tidying up.”
“Wow. If that’s all it takes, I’ll make lots more,” Gabby said, leaning back in her chair with a beam.
“Don’t push it,” Gleide replies, narrowing her eyes as she gathers the dishes.
With both of them occupied in the kitchen, I take my opportunity to quickly address Gabby.
“Gabby, I’m going to need your help later today,” I say quietly, leaning toward her. “Can you meet me around three-thirty at Praia de Piedade? I’ve got a plan, and I don’t think I can pull it off alone.”
She glances at me, and then at Marc, who gives her a decisive nod.
“I’ll be there,” she says. “You just tell me what I need to bring and do.”
A grin spreads across my face, slow and satisfied. I outline the plan, give her the location details, and feel a flicker of nerves flare at the edges of excitement. Tonight’s going to be big. I hope she likes it. I haven’t known her long… but somehow, it already feels like I have.
Lizzie and Gleide return, and we wrap up lunch.
I scoot my chair back, getting antsy for the evening to come. I just want to get it all ready.
“Marc, Gleide,” I say, standing and straightening my shirt, “thank you so much for hosting me. Lunch was amazing. I look forward to seeing you again soon, but I’ve got some early-afternoon plans I need to get moving on.”
Lizzie’s face drops in disappointment. I step closer before she can say anything. “Lizzie, would you mind walking me out?”
She rises from her chair, her eyes watching me as we pass out of earshot of her family.
“I’m hoping to see you this evening, if that’s okay?” I asked, keeping my tone light but steady.
A grin splits her face, lighting her whole expression. “That would be wonderful. I’d love to see you. Where should I meet you?”
“I’ll come back and pick you up. Five o’clock work for you?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” She smiles that big, beautiful smile again and walks me to the door. Her family wave me off, laughter and goodbye hugs filling the air as I make my way back to my car.
Now, it’s just me and the clock. I have to stop by the store, get everything ready, double-check every detail, pray over tonight, and keep my nerves from running away with me.
Because everything’s about to change.
And hopefully… for the good.