Most importantly… by tonight, my life will change.
One way or another.
17
Nate
I’m driving away from the store after church, windows down, letting the morning air spill into the car. The ocean scent clings for a few minutes, mingling with warm sunlight, before fading into the sweet tang of tropical fruits and the faint earthy smell of farmland as I get closer to Lizzie’s place. It smells like life out here—alive and moving.
The sun slices through the car window, cutting golden shapes across the dashboard and my arm. I watch the light dance, and it feels almost like it’s spotlighting me for today’s mission.
Outside, Pimenta the parrot arcs between the trees, wings tracing long brushstrokes across the sky. Lizzie talked about him yesterday, with that sparkle in her eyes as she described his antics. I can’t wait to meet him.
Today, the countryside sings—birds chirping in harmonies that rise and fall, a natural soundtrack to this warm, perfect morning. Being in the countryside, the hum of creation fills thespace between trees and rooftops. I can hear it, and I can’t help but smile.
I lift my hand to knock, and the door swings open before I even touch it.
“Nate! Hi, come on in!” Gleide beams, ushering me into the cool shade of the house. “I saw your car approaching—I thought I’d meet you at the door right away.”
“Makes sense. I brought someGuaraná,” I say, handing her the caffeine-rich Brazilian soda.
She accepts it with a smile. “We do love our Guaraná. Thank you for thinking of us,” she says, motioning me further inside. “We’re eating in the greenhouse today. Lizzie should be there—or will be soon.”
My chest tightens a little. Anticipation surges, like static in my veins. Seeing her again… it’s a whole other level of “done for.”
And then she’s there, arranging the table, sunlight wrapping around her like a halo. She lifts her head, sees me, and her grin blooms. I’m already lost.
“Hi, Nate,” she says, finishing a final adjustment on the silverware.
“Hi, Lizzie.” I’m unsure exactly how formal or casual to be in front of her parents.
Marc emerges from the hallway, footsteps quiet but commanding. “Nate, it’s good to see you.”
I stand a little straighter and hug him. “Thanks for having me for lunch.”
“We’re happy you’re here,” he nods, and moves toward the table.
“I’m grabbing drinks while Mom gets the food—and Gabby will join us in a second. Nate, take a seat. Make yourself at home,” Lizzie says, a touch of mischief in her voice.
I pull a chair across from Marc and sit, taking in the greenhouse—the golden sunlight pouring in, the plants casting playful shadows on the table.
“I hear you had a good day yesterday,” Marc says, eyes steady on me, silently sizing me up.
“The best. Your daughter is amazing.” I mean it. But the moment I start elaborating, Gabby sweeps in with her own energy, pulling attention elsewhere. Lizzie and Gleide walk in at the same time.
“Is no one else joining us today?” she asks her Mom.
“No, your brother and sisters had plans. It’s just the five of us today.” Gleide sets the food down in the middle of the table: rice and beans, vinaigrette, grilled meats, and fresh sides. The smell is intoxicating, each aroma tugging at my senses in a perfect, familiar way.
Gabby collapses into her chair, pretending to melt, “Okay, great. I’m starving—I don’t want to wait for them.”
Lizzie laughs.
“Let’s save Gabby from wasting away and pray?” Marc says. “Nate, will you lead us?”
I pray, and then we dig in. The cutlery clinks, the laughter dances, and Pimenta adds occasional commentary, chirping for a strawberry, making everyone laugh. The flavors on my tongue—the rice, beans, grilled steak—are simple but perfect. I’ve always loved it, ever since I was a little boy.
Lunch moves along, easy and natural, until the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives. Gabby’s watching me.
