Spotlight (32 page)

A few minutes later, Nate’s suitcase rested in the trunk of Lily’s car as she sped down the interstate toward her apartment.

Nate seemed thrilled to get to see inside Lily’s life and asked question after question. She indulged him, happy and more relaxed than she’d been when they were together in Los Angeles.

Except for one small thing.

“So . . . I usually have dinner with my family and best friends for my birthday. Is that going to be okay with you to meet everyone? It’s not a big deal, but I know they can be a lot at once.”

Nate took her right hand in his left, rubbing soothing circles over her skin. “I think that sounds great. I’m looking forward to meeting your family, and I hope your friends approve of me.”

Lily grinned as she responded. “Thank you. And don’t worry, I think you’ll pass the test.”

The drive passed quickly, and they soon pulled into the parking lot of Lily’s apartment complex.

“It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s home to me,” Lily said as she unlocked the door.

Lily had always felt her apartment was charming, inviting, and eclectic. Nothing in her living room matched except her couch and an upholstered chair, but she thought it all seemed to work together for a harmonious look. Her kitchen had a retro feel with stainless steel appliances with punches of Kitchen-Aid red. She had decorated her bedroom in shades of hunter greens and deep burgundies, including her grandmother’s cherry bedroom suite. Like Nate, she’d converted one of the bedrooms into an office and decorated that in shades of sage green and earthy taupe.

“You’re right, this does feel like a home.” He pulled her in for a hug.

Lacking a Nate-sized kitchen, Lily opted to make a simple dinner of cheeseburgers on her grill pan and oven-baked fries. Nate sat at her breakfast bar while she cooked, sipping a beer. They chatted a little bit about their jobs while they ate, and Nate filled her in on Claire’s condition as they put the dishes in the sink.

“She said everything was normal at her last checkup, but she’s still not ready to talk. I think she doesn’t want to jinx it.”

Lily nodded in understanding. “That’s probably for the best. I hope the rest of her pregnancy goes smoothly.”

“Me, too.”

Lily grinned and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Speaking of kids, are you ready to meet my niece and nephews tomorrow? They can be a handful.”

Nate smiled back at her. “Well, if they’re anything like their aunt, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”

Lily looked up at him with a mock pout. “Is it terrible that I kinda don’t want to share you with them just yet?”

Nate’s hands moved down to squeeze her hips, his eyes holding a wicked gleam. “Well, we do have a lot of time to make up for . . .”

Lily’s eyebrow rose for a split second before she turned and ran toward her bedroom with a squeal, Nate chasing behind her.

The dishes stayed in the sink until the next morning.

When they arrived at Lily’s favorite cantina for her birthday dinner later that night, Nate wondered aloud if it would be inappropriate to down a shot of tequila to ease his nerves. He was a little anxious about meeting Lily’s family, knowing how important they were to her.

Lily laughed and offered to buy the first round.

As soon as they walked in, two small figures surrounded Lily. “Happy birthday,” they squealed in excitement.

“Thanks, you two!” She bent down, giving them both a kiss on the cheek. “Now where are my presents?”

The young girl laughed. “You don’t get to open them until later, silly.”

Lily made a sad face, making the girl laugh even more.

“Hey, Aunt Lil,” the boy said, tugging at her hand. “Who’s that guy?”

Lily winked at Nate, putting him at ease. “Evan, Celeste, this is Nate. He’s my boyfriend.”

Celeste waved shyly while Evan eyed him warily.

Nate waved back at Celeste and bent down to Evan’s level. “Hi, Evan. Your aunt tells me you play baseball?” Evan nodded, his eyes still cautious. “Did you know I played third base when I was your age?”

“Really?” Evan said enthusiastically. “I’m the catcher for my team.”

Nate grinned at Evan. “I bet you’re just as good as Jorge Posada. Maybe we can play catch while I’m here?”

“Yeah!” Evan gave Nate a high-five before running back to the table with Celeste.

Lily beamed at him. “See? You’re good with them,” she whispered.

She gave him a quick kiss, and Nate took a deep breath as Lily led him to the table. Her parents and brother sat on one side with the kids, while Maggie and Colette sat on the other side with two open spots for Lily and Nate.

Rather than take her seat, Lily made her way to the toddler who started babbling happily when he saw her. Nate followed.

“Hey there, Little Man,” she cooed as she picked him up. “Nate, this is Dillon. Little Man, this is Nate.” Lily placed Dillon on her hip.

Nate reached over to tickle his tummy. “Hi, Dillon.”

“
Dah!
” Dillon shrieked. His big grin caused Nate to laugh, too.

Lily eventually handed Dillon back to her brother. “Sean, this is Nate, and Nate, this is my brother, Sean.”

Nate reached to shake Sean’s hand.

“It’s good to meet you,” Sean said. “My wife, Kate, couldn’t make it, but I know she’s eager to meet you, too.”

“Nice to meet you, too. Your kids are great. I hope it’s okay that I offered to play catch with Evan while I’m here.”

“Oh, of course. He’ll love that.” Sean leaned closer and lowered his voice. “And don’t worry too much about my parents. As long as my sister’s happy, they’re happy. You’ll be fine,” he said, clapping Nate on the back.

Nate nodded. “Thanks, man.” Then he turned to face Lily’s parents.

“Mr. and Mrs. Richards, it’s very nice to meet you. Thank you for letting me join your family for dinner.” He offered his hand first to Lily’s father, meeting his eyes as they shook, then her mother.

“The pleasure is ours, Nate,” Mrs. Richards said. “And please feel free to call us Anne and Henry.” Nate glanced over to see Lily’s pleased grin. “We’re both glad you could join us for dinner. We’ve heard so much about you from Lily, and we’ve been dying to meet you.”

Both Lily and Nate blushed at Anne’s statement. “Mom,” Lily exclaimed in embarrassment, “I can’t believe you said that!”

Henry chuckled as his gaze shifted from his daughter to Nate. “Don’t worry, Nate. Everything we’ve heard has been good. Just treat Lily well, and we won’t have anything to complain about.”

Nate hoped Lily’s father saw the sincerity in his expression. “I will, sir. You have an amazing daughter, and she deserves nothing but the best.”

Henry gave Nate a satisfied nod and one pat on the back. “Well played, son. Well played.”

Lily turned toward her best friends sitting next to her. “Geez, it’s like I’m not even here.”

Maggie laughed and extended her hand to Nate. “Hi there. I’m Maggie, and this is Colette.” She pointed to the woman next to her. “And you are every bit as gorgeous as Lily said you were.”

Nate let out a choked laugh as Lily’s cheeks flamed. “Oh . . . um . . . thank you?”

“You’re welcome,” Maggie said. “But handsome or not, just remember that if you hurt our girl, we will hunt you down.”

Lily dropped her menu on the table, and it landed with a heavy smack. “Okay. If you’re all done embarrassing me now, can we order? I desperately need a margarita—now!”

The table erupted in laughter, and Nate couldn’t help but smile at the warmth of this group of people and the affection they had for each other. This was what he always envisioned a birthday dinner to be—not the stiff, four-course affairs at rigidly formal restaurants his parents used to subject him to on the rare occasion they deigned to make time to celebrate his birthday. Laughter, love, and good-natured teasing filled this celebration. The group talked constantly and laughed loudly. Nate easily found his place and spent most of the evening in animated conversation with Lily’s loved ones. The mouthwatering food and flowing drinks left them feeling full and content, but they left room for dessert. Lily clapped when the waiters brought her a serving of tres leches cake with a single lit candle and placed a sombrero on her head while everyone cheered and sang for her. Nate’s heart lurched when she winked at him before making a wish and blowing out her candle.

The adults enjoyed one more round of drinks while Lily opened her gifts. By the time she unwrapped the last package, Evan and Celeste could barely keep their eyes open and Dillon snoozed contently in his carrier. Sean decided it was time for them to leave and said his goodbyes. Not long after, Maggie and Colette left as well, leaving Lily and Nate with her parents. Lily thanked them again for the dinner and the airline gift card they gave her. She was slightly buzzed from the margaritas, but Nate promised her father he’d get her home.

Henry shook his hand one more time and kissed his daughter’s cheek, and then Anne hugged Nate goodbye.

“We’re glad you could come, Nate. You’re good for her,” she said as she let him go and hugged Lily.

“Thank you, but I think she’s the one who is good for me,” Nate responded, taking Lily’s hand.

They walked to her car, and she handed him the keys. She hummed sleepily as she sank into the passenger seat.

“Don’t close those beautiful eyes yet, love. You’ve still got one more gift to open when we get back to your place,” he said as he started her car.

“Really? Your being here is more than enough for me.”

“Maybe, but I couldn’t come empty-handed. You deserve something special for your birthday.”

“Mmm . . . you spoil me,” Lily murmured. “I shouldn’t like it, but I do.”

Nate chuckled at her response. “Good, because I intend to keep spoiling you for a long, long time.” Lily smiled and took his hand.

Later, as they sat side-by-side on her bed after finishing their nightly routines, Nate handed her a small box. Lily, of course, recognized the familiar shade of blue and the pristine white bow, and her hands shook as she took it. Nate’s heartbeat sped as she untied the ribbon and placed it on her nightstand. She took a deep breath before lifting the lid of the box. Inside sat a single bezel-set diamond on a delicate white-gold chain.

“Oh, Nate . . . it’s beautiful!”

Nate let out a breath and smiled at her reaction. “Not as beautiful as you. You are a bright light in my life, and I wanted you to have your own bright light to wear.”

Lily leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you, I love it. Will you put it on me?”

She turned and held her hair up. Nate fastened it around her neck, kissing her shoulder before she faced him again. He smiled as he gazed at the pendant resting in the hollow of her throat. “It looks beautiful on you.”

Lily held her breath as his fingers caressed her neck, eventually stopping on top of her necklace. “I couldn’t love it—or you—more.”

Nate’s eyes lifted to meet hers. “I love you, too. Will you allow me to show you just how much, birthday girl?”

Lily nodded slowly, grinning widely, then smashed her lips into his.

Sliding her pendent along the chain became something Lily did often. Any time her brow furrowed in concentration or deep thought, she reached for it, knowing that the whisper-like clicks as it zipped across her throat helped her focus. In a way, it felt as though Nate were with her, guiding the direction of her thoughts. He said he felt that same comfort in the weight of the warm, worn leather of his messenger bag against his hip.