The restaurant sits right on the beach, almost like it grew out of the sand itself. Palm trees flank the walkway, their leaves swaying lazily in the breeze. Tables are set directly on the sand, dressed in white tablecloths that glow softly in the fading light. Tiki torches flicker beside each table, and thatched roof umbrellas made of dried palm leaves are wrapped in delicate fairy lights, scattered all throughout like little pockets of magic.
The tables are so close to the water that the tide almost feels like a guest at dinner, gently lapping the shore while candles dance on each table. Everything about it feels warm, glowing, and just the right amount of romantic without trying too hard.
The sea is calm tonight, a light breeze wrapping itself around me. The scent of salt and seafood fills my senses all the way down to my toes, and I feel like I can almost taste the ocean just breathing in.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a restaurant like this before.
“Wow,” is all I manage to say.
He glances over at me, tugging me a little closer toward the entrance. “It’s unique, isn’t it?”
“That’s one word for it. Maybe a thousand more would be good, too. Like—beautiful, dreamy, romantic?” I’m practically gawking at this point.
He laughs softly. “I’m glad to see you like my choice.”
“I don’t like it,” I deadpan, keeping my face perfectly serious for half a second. “I love it!” My grin breaks free, completely uncontrollable.
We arrive at the entrance and Nate mentions our reservation. The waiter leads us to a table right near the water and hands us menus. I glance down at mine, instantly overwhelmed in the best way.
I scan the options, mentally trying to decide what I want most and realizing I want approximately… everything.
“Anything you think you’ll go for?” he asks, glancing over his menu.
“There’s so many choices! I’m in between two dishes probably. The ‘baked delicacy’ and the ‘Porto style shrimp.’” I pause, then laugh. “But there’s one called the Elizabeth Shrimp that tempts me only because that’s my full name, which feels like a very valid reason to order it.”
He smiles. “Naturally. You’d almost be obligated.”
The baked delicacy is a chicken breast stuffed with banana cream cheese and topped with guava sauce. The shrimp is a cheesy risotto, creamy and smooth—a local dish. My stomach is officially confused but excited.
“I’m going to go for the flambe steak,” he says, closing his menu definitively.
“It’s the meat distributor in you,” I say, shrugging like this is obvious. “You clearly have to try the meat everywhere you go. Professional obligation.”
He laughs. “I think you’re right. I can’t help it. I just love meat.”
The waiter comes over and takes our order, and then a comfortable silence settles between us. Not awkward. Just easy. We both turn slightly toward the ocean, watching the waves roll in and out like they have nowhere else to be.
Then I feel it—his gaze settling on me again.
“Lizzie, I’ve been loving spending time with you today,” he begins, pausing for a beat for a breath. “I’d like to share with you more about what happened with my previous marriage.”
I straighten slightly, elbows resting on the table, giving him my full attention. My heart softens instantly. This feels important.
He takes that as his cue to carry on.
“I hadn’t gone into marriage to ever get divorced. That was never my intention. I met her in Rio while I was living out there, and within a few months we got engaged and married.” He pauses, as if mentally flipping through old pages he hasn’t read in a while.
“I knew we shared similar values from the start, even though we were different. But I guess the difference was that I was committed, no matter the differences. We have two kids together, and they’re incredible.”
I can hear the love in his voice when he talks about them, even now.
“They both have big, sensitive hearts. Daniel wears his more on his sleeve, and Bea tucks hers away. He loves to laugh and especially loves soccer. Bea’s a little more reserved—but when she opens up to you, she’s all in. She loves her ballet, too.”
A soft smile crosses his face, like he’s picturing them in his mind.
“I’ve loved watching their little personalities grow. Though I won’t lie, I’m not sure I’m looking forward to the teenage years.” He chuckles. “My teenage years had a bit of mischief in them. I’m hoping they don’t take after me too much.”
His smile fades slightly.
