Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 6 (continued)

"I said let her go now!" Will said in a voice that made no attempt to mask the hostility he felt toward the man.

"This little lady and me are gonna have a dance! She's out here dancing with other men and I want my go at her too!" Just as the drunken man finished blurting this out, Will's fist and the man's face made contact. The blow took the man by surprise and he fell to the ground, releasing Elissa's arm as he fell. Will took Elissa's arm gently and pulled her away from the man. As they went back toward the table, they were met by Rich and Chel.

"Essa are you all right?" Chel was deeply concerned for her best friend.

"I...I'm fine...I think. I would like to go home now, if you don't mind Chel?" was Essa's reply.

"Will, can you take my car and take Elissa home? I have a client that is here with his wife and he's asked us to have a drink with them. I'm sorry Es, I hope that's all right with you?" Rich asked them both.

"I'll take her home...you do what you need to do. Don't worry, I'll stay with her until Chel can come home and look after her. How are you going to get home if I take your car?" Will asked.

"I can call Everett and by the time he gets here, we should be ready to go. It's no problem, now take her home before that jerk comes to." Rich said.

"Elissa?...Are you ready?" Will wanted to get her away from there as she looked very pale and was very quiet.

"Yes... I am." was all she managed to say.

Will walked Elissa downstairs and helped her into the car. He went around and got in and as they pulled away, he glanced over at her. She was still pale, but the color was starting to come back to her. She was very still... almost too still. He wasn't sure what all the man had done or said to her and was hesitant to ask her for details.

"Elissa... are you all right? Did that man do or say something very upsetting to you? You seem very upset, do you want to tell me about it?" Will was trying to get her to say something... anything.

"I'm fine, Will. He grabbed me and wouldn't let go... he said some very ugly things to me... it was very scary... but then you were there and you made him go away. Thank you for being there for me... I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been there." As she said this, she turned to him and put her hand on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze before returning her hand to her lap. She turned and looked out the window and they both remained quiet for awhile. As the drive continued, Will heard her sigh and when he looked her way, he thought he saw a tear run down her cheek. She quickly made a move to wipe it away, but he could tell how upset she still was. He wanted to reassure her that everything was ok, but he didn't want to put anymore pressure on her tonight. He reached over and took her hand in his and without saying anything, he held her hand the rest of the way back to the house.

Elissa was upset by the things that the man had said to her, but it was the feeling that she was all alone in the world and she didn't know who she could turn to for help in scary situations like this. That was what bothered her so much. At least she thought she didn't know, until Will stepped in to rescue her and now here he was again trying to make her feel safe and secure and doing a very good job of it.

When they got back to the house, Elissa told Will she didn't feel like going up to bed yet, and wanted to know if he would sit with her out on the veranda for a little while.

"I'll stay with you as long as you need me." As Will said this, he had no idea of how those words made Elissa long for him to take her in his arms and hold her there forever.

Will did realize that with those words he was telling her more than she could understand. He meant what he said... he wanted to be there to protect her for as long as she would let him.

"Is it true that you're thinking about moving out here with your boys?" Will hadn't meant to pry, but he wanted to know if she had any plans for the immediate future.

"It is true that I told Chel that I would think about it... it is a nice place... the boys loved being here and our house holds so many painful memories for us all. I'm assuming you know what happened?" She paused as she looked at him and saw him lightly nod that he did know. "I just don't know if I'm brave enough to make that kind of a move yet." Elissa hoped he wouldn't think that she was being a coward for not making a move that might be good for her.

"Yes, Rich told me what happened... I'm so sorry... I know you've heard that a lot, but I truly am. I admire the way you have held yourself together for your sons. I know that couldn't have been easy for you." Will hoped she would know that he was sincere.

"You speak as if you almost know how hard it is to keep going through something like this." Essa replied.

Will let out a breath as he answered, "I do know. I had to take care of my younger sister when our parents were killed. It wasn't easy dealing with my own emotions and trying to protect her at the same time. It's hard to help someone else be strong, when you don't always feel like being strong yourself." Will wanted to reach out to Elissa and to let her know that he understood what she had gone through and that she could confide in him.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know about your parents. Were you both very young when it happened?" Elissa was starting to see other reasons this man was so loathe to get close to people.

"I was nineteen and my sister, Georgiana, was nine. We were still living in England at the time. We moved to Boston to be closer to the rest of the family. It wasn't easy, but we managed and we made it through. I had to grow up very fast in order to take care of Georgie. We're very close as a result of that and I wouldn't trade that for the world." Will was letting Essa see a side of him few people ever saw. He didn't even think about not sharing with her, it came easy for him now.

"Forgive me for prying, but Chel mentioned that you might be moving out here yourself. Is that true?" She wondered what he would think of her question.

"I have been thinking about moving my company's headquarters from Boston to here. We started out in Boston as part of my family's companies. We've grown a lot and in the last few years, most of our business is out here in California. Since then, I've had to spend a lot of time traveling from the east coast out here. It's getting pretty old and I've gotten tired of living out of a suitcase all the time. I guess I'm looking to settle in a place where I don't have to be leaving all of the time." He hoped that she would understand that he was thinking of making the kind of changes in his life that would make it possible for him to be there for whoever it was that he was involved with. Will also hoped that Essa would understand that he wanted that to be her.

"It is very hard to have a life that involves anything more than work if you're traveling all of the time. I know from experience that it's too hard on you and way too hard on anyone who has a family. It might be a good move for you... if that's what you want in your life. You can't tell your troubles or your dreams to someone who works for you the way you can with those you love..." Elissa felt as if she had said too much or had been putting her own beliefs into Will's business. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be telling you what you need to do with your life. It's none of my business anyway." As she said that, she walked toward the steps and Will watched her without saying a word.

He sat there sort of stunned as he watched her remove her shoes and then both of her stockings and start to walk toward the beach.

He didn't want her to be alone and he wanted to let her know that without a doubt, he wanted her to let him into her life. He longed for her to be part of his.

"Elissa... wait, I'll walk with you. It's very dark out here and I don't think you should be alone." Will put his hand on her shoulder as he said this. They walked in silence toward the water's edge.

Although Elissa wasn't completely comfortable being so alone with Will, she was glad he wanted to come with her. She felt safe in his company... not sure of herself... but safe. "I'd like that... I just wanted to walk down by the water for a little while. The sound of the waves is some how reassuring to me right now. I don't know why that is... the only thing is ... I hope this makes sense to you... the waves come in to the shore, they go away, but they always come back to the same place again and again... they are constant. People aren't always like that you know? You think that they are and you trust that and then... they go away and they never come back again. People you love should be like these waves... they shouldn't..." As Elissa tried to finish what she was saying her voice broke. Even though Will couldn't see the tears, he could feel her shaking.

It took all of the strength he had not to swallow her up in his arms and kiss all of her pain away, but he knew she might not be ready for that much proof of his affection. He gently placed his arm around her and said in a voice that betrayed his own emotion, "Elissa... people aren't always like that... they don't always go away. You can't give up on life and love... you are too good for that! You deserve to know that there are people in this world who would do anything for your happiness... I'm one of those people." He paused before he continued, trying to carefully think through what to say. "I know that we don't know each other very well, but in the last couple of days... I feel like I need to know you... be with you. I know that might sound crazy... I thought it was myself, at first, but I can't help it! If you don't think that's something you want to pursue, tell me... I promise I won't be angry. I can't say I won't be disappointed though... you are the first person in a very long time that I feel I can tell anything to. I hope I can be that for you too... if you'll let me." He held his breath as he waited for her to reply. He wasn't sure how he would handle it if she rejected him now that his heart was on the line.

"Will... I don't know what to say... I also feel there's something between us. I haven't got a clue what it could be... I would like to find out though. I know we should go slow and not rush into anything... we've both been hurt too much to take that kind of risk. I'm glad you told me how you were feeling... now I don't feel like my imagination is getting the better of me!" She said the last with a nervous giggle...not now she thought.

He laughed as he asked, "What have you been imagining?" He turned her to him and put both of his hands on her back.

"Wouldn't you like to know!" she teased back as she lifted her head to look up at him.

"I most certainly would." He said quietly as he leaned down and joined his lips to hers in a kiss that was both gentle and passionate. She felt as if the waves had rushed in and were pulling them both into the surf. Her emotions and her heartbeat were rushing around her like the crashing of the waves.

He held her in his arms for several moments and as Elissa felt her knees and her resolve getting weaker, she decided she'd better get back to the house.

"It's getting late... I think I'd better be getting back to the house. Tomorrow's going to be a hectic day... the family picnic remember?" Elissa said as she slowly removed herself from his embrace. If it hadn't been so dark, he could have seen her turn a becoming shade of crimson.

"Oh yes... I think we'd better go in too." As Will said this, he took her hand in his and led her back to the house. Will's face was slightly rosy as well and he was relieved that she couldn't see how unsettled his countenance was. His emotions were raging like a tsunami ready to overtake him and pull him under completely.

As they walked, hand in hand, back up the beach to the house, neither of them said a word. They didn't really have to because the electricity between them was enough of a connection for them both. As they reached the steps, Elissa sat down to dust the sand off of her feet and slip her shoes back on. Without saying a word or asking her permission, Will kneeled down at her feet, placed one foot against his knee and started to gently brush the sand away. Elissa felt like he was brushing all rational thoughts away from her brain.

"What are you doing?" she gasped.

"I thought I would be of service my lady and help. I hope that's all right? I could stop if you like." Please say no...please say no... Will was willing her to answer in his head.

"I...um...thank you for the help." Elissa knew she sounded like an idiot, but she didn't really care at the moment. She was starting to blush furiously again.

"I needed the practice anyway." Will said with a mischievous grin as he started to slip her shoe onto her foot. With one shoe on, he began working on her other foot.

"You need the practice? What are you talking about... practicing for what? Are you thinking of becoming a shoe salesman if the millionaire-business-tycoon thing doesn't work out Mr. Darcy?" she teasingly replied. She was becoming a little bit confused by his behavior.

"Oh no... nothing like that. I'm quite happy with my current occupation I just..." he paused and slowly looked up at her. "I thought I should polish up on my princely behavior... this is the kind of thing a prince is supposed to do for his lady... is it not?" He waited with baited breath for her reply, not sure if she would appreciate being reminded of what she had said about him.

Elissa looked back at him with eyes as wide as saucers and had to blink several times before the thoughts in her head could make legitimate contact with the sounds coming out of her mouth.

"Your... lady?....I...um.." As she looked into his expectant eyes and saw that he was anxious about her answer, she gathered up her courage. She was not going to let his chivalry go unanswered. She stood up from where she had been sitting and extended her hand for him to take. She took a breath and gave him her answer.

"Well done...my prince... well done." She smiled at him and they walked into the house together.

Chapter 7

When Will and Elissa reached the top of the stairs, neither one of them was sure what was about to happen next. Elissa knew she wasn't ready for this relationship to go any further than the light years it had already leapt in the last few hours. Will knew that Essa and he both needed some time to adjust to the revelations they had just experienced. What do they say to each other? How do you end a night like tonight? They were both having almost exactly the same thoughts about what to do next. Will was the first one to speak his thoughts.

"Elissa... I know that tonight has been very trying on you. It has on me as well...are you sure you're going to be all right? Do I need to send Chel up to you when she gets here? I'm going to stay downstairs and wait for Rich, he and I need to discuss something... do you need me to get you anything?" Will knew he sounded like he was rambling, but he really was a little nervous around her now.

Elissa thought it was sweet the way he was trying to make sure that she was well taken care of. She smiled up at him and said, "Will...I'm fine...really! I am tired though, so I don't think Chel's going to find me very talkative. Could you tell her that I went to bed and that I'll talk to her in the morning?" Will looked at her skeptically. "I really am fine! Now go downstairs and wait for Rich... I'll see you in the morning too, Ok?" she ordered in a playful command.

"All right...if you're sure. I'll be up in a little while...if you need anything...remember, I am next door." he said and then groaned inwardly as he thought she might think he was insinuating something.

Elissa could see the alarm on his face after he had said what he did and she wanted to put him at ease and let him know she wasn't offended. "Will, I don't think I'll need anything and I don't think I am about to forget that you're right next to me...in the next room, I mean." Now it was her turn to groan over the unintelligent use of words.

He just grinned at her, kissed her hand and turned to make his way down the hall. She just sighed and floated into her room and closed the door.

The next day, there was a lot of hustle and bustle in the house. Rich and Chelley's families were coming over to the house for a beach picnic. Most of Chel's family already knew Elissa, as they had seen her a lot during her college years.

Chel had made sure to grill Elissa thoroughly about last night's events...first thing that morning and couldn't help but smile when Elissa related all that had happened. She was hopeful that things would work out for them both. Rich had interrogated Will last night when Will had waited up for his cousin to come home. Rich told Will he was happy that they had both decided to give things a try and told him to keep an open mind about things. He reminded Will not to shut his heart away. Rich was also hopeful that things would work out for them and hopeful that the next day's events wouldn't throw a wrench into things that were working well, so far.

Elissa had never had the opportunity to meet any of Rich's family before. Being that they were members of the Boston Fitzwilliams, she was a little nervous, plus they were related to Will too. She couldn't help but be a little nervous since these were people who traveled, and whatever else people this wealthy did, in circles that were extremely different from her own.

As it turned out, Elissa had nothing to worry about. There was really no doubt as to where Rich got his easy going manners and openness. Edward and Sarah Fitzwilliam were everything that was kind and friendly. They were extremely fond of Chel and as such, were openly warm to her best friend. As the day wore on, they would find that they had other reasons to feel so for Elissa. As their nephew, Will, would soon give them reason to believe that he also held a warm regard for this Ms. Bennet.

The day had begun with a sweet, but awkward chance meeting between Will and Elissa. He had nearly run her over, only to catch her in his arms, as she was hurrying out of the kitchen with one of the many baskets that Chel had prepared for the beach picnic. She giggled, but he seemed very serious...that made her kind of nervous.

"Oh my gosh!...Will! I didn't see you coming around the corner...I'm so sorry!" Elissa said slightly breathless.

"Don't be...I'm not." He paused as he looked at her to see what she would think or say. He slowly let a smile spread across his face and offered her some help. "Would you like me to carry that for you? It looks heavy."

"Some help with these baskets of Chel's would be great! From what it looks like, she's planning on feeding an army!" she said as she handed him the basket.

"You obviously haven't seen my Cousin Dennis or my Uncle Edward eat! Never let it be said that my family doesn't appreciate fine cuisine or plenty of it! My Aunt Sarah will definitely have to keep an eye on my uncle today from what I can see here." Will said with a small chuckle.

Elissa thought that this image of Will and his family did not mesh with what she thought his family would be like. So far, they sounded quite like the ordinary family, with all of the ordinary quirks as in any other family. Maybe she shouldn't be so nervous after all.

After everything was set up on the beach, Chel was slightly mortified and strangely... aroused, by seeing Richard coming out of the house with an enormous chef's hat on and an apron that said 'Kiss the Cook!' Elissa couldn't help but tease her friend about her husband's taste in beach apparel.

"My, my, Chel... you have done wonders for Richard's taste in clothes dear! He could be a model for the AQ magazine!" (a small pun on GQ magazine, you'll get it if you've ever seen the AQ Chicken Hut restaurant chains in the southeastern U.S.) Elissa whispered in her most annoying southern belle voice.

"Oh, shut up! You know you'd love to see Will in that kind of get up!" Chel hissed back with a wicked grin.

"Oh yes... that does give new meaning to that song...'hey good lookin' what you got cookin' doesn't it?" By now they were both giggling hysterically. It wasn't long before they had drawn the attention of Rich, Will and several others.

"Chel? Is there something you'd like to share? What is so funny?" Rich asked.

"Oh, Rich...Chel was just wondering if she could...if she could...help you cook!" Elissa was laughing so hard as she said this, she doubled over holding her sides.

Rich gave her and Chelley a very strange look and then shrugged his shoulders as he looked back at Will. "Chel, I didn't think you liked to bar-b-que?" by now both of the girls were nearly in tears.

"Do you have any idea what that might be about?" Rich asked his somewhat confused cousin.

"Not in the least...though I think we'd do better not to ask." Will said as he shot a puzzled look at Elissa who was still trying to recover. He smiled to himself or so he thought, as he went to help Rich get things set up.

As all this was going on, Rich's parents were keeping an eye on the two couples and the exchange. "They seem like a lively group, don't they Sarah?" Edward Fitzwilliam asked his wife who was obviously amused.

"It's good to see both of the boys happy. I had thought it might be forever for Will to find it too." Sarah said as she wistfully looked on at Richard and Will.

"Forever to find what dear?" asked her husband.

"Happiness dear...happiness. I think that's what she can give him." As Sarah said this she looked earnestly at Elissa.

"She who dear? What are you talking about?" her husband was puzzled.

"Edward, sometimes I think denseness of the brain must be a genetic trait specific to the men in this family...Elissa dear...I think she's the one." As Sarah said this, Edward looked at Elissa too. Could she be the one who would finally mend his nephew's heart? He hoped so...he truly did.

After the day wore on and the food was consumed, many of the younger cousins started up a game of beach volleyball. Soon everyone was involved, including Will and Elissa. What Elissa did not have in stature, she made up for in competitive drive. Will, on the other hand, had a definite advantage in the height department. He also liked to win.

As the fates would have it, they did not end up on the same side of the net after sides had been chosen. With the game very close and everyone trying very hard to score points for their team, Will had stayed very focused on the game...very focused...until, when going for the ball at the same time, Elissa had collided with Cousin Dennis. Being the gentleman that he was, Dennis lent Essa his hand as he helped her off the sand. Will, who really should have been paying more attention to the game, completely missed the shot that Richard put up in his direction. He missed it because he was watching what was going on over the other side of the net. You could say he was a man who knew what the true prize in this game was and it wasn't being won by scoring points with the ball... it was by scoring points with her! One problem, he wasn't the one holding her hand. He didn't like this turn of events at all!

"So sorry Elissa...are you all right?" Cousin Dennis asked as he helped her up.

"I'm fine...nothing broken so I guess I'm ok to play again, thanks for the hand." Elissa smiled as she answered him.

As Elissa went back to the game, she heard one of the other cousins riding Will about missing his shot and Richard teasing him that he needed to watch the ball and not the other team. Elissa wasn't sure what they meant, but when she looked at Will, he had a mixture of embarrassment and anger written on his face.

I wonder what that's about?...surely he's not mad at me?Elissa couldn't help but be puzzled as Will looked away.

Will wasn't mad at her, of course he wasn't mad at her, but he didn't like the way she smiled at Dennis. Wait a minute...what am I getting so upset about? All she did was smile at him for helping her up...that' nothing to get so upset about...relax Will!

There wasn't anything for Will to be upset about...yet. Little did Will or Rich know for that matter, the other Fitzwilliam brother was going to be at this picnic and he wasn't coming alone.

As the last of the volleyball players were making their way back to the picnic blankets, an unexpected pair of guests had arrived and all eyes turned to look at the new arrivals.

"Hello there...how's the family...and the happy couple of course?" said the man with a smug smile across his face. He turned to his companion, "You remember most of these people, don't you Janeen?"

"Most of them, yes, of course, hello everyone...hello Will." said the lady with a smirk.

Chelley was shocked, the Fitzwilliams looked embarrassed and Will was shooting daggers through the pair. Elissa just looked on somewhat confused by what had turned the lovely afternoon into the calm before a very big storm.

Richard was the first one to put words with his emotions at seeing this pair. "Matt, what in bloody hell are you doing here and how could you bring her?" he said through gritted teeth.

"Why brother dear, you didn't expect that I would miss this little shindig of yours, now did you? I wouldn't have missed this for the world and I ran into Janeen at my hotel and thought it would be fun to get together for old time's sake...you don't look happy to see me." he definitely had an arrogance about him as he spoke.

"You were not expected and she's...she's not welcome here anymore!" Rich was on the verge of physically throwing them out when Sarah and Edward moved in to smooth things over before someone got hurt.

"Matt, may your father and I see you in private for a moment?" Sarah said as nicely as she could even though the strain in her voice was evident for all to hear.

"Sure thing, Mom, let's go up to the house...I don't think I'll be staying much longer anyway. Chelley, I hope it doesn't rain on your little parade...I mean wedding. Nice to see you all again." with a tip of his hand against his head, he walked away getting an earful from his father about his having some nerve coming back there.

In the mean time, Janeen seemed to be forgotten by her companion, but she apparently was not deterred by the chilly reception as she made a beeline for Will. "Will, darling...how are you? It's been such a long time." she reached her hand out to him as she spoke.

He just looked at her, almost through her, and then looked at the hand she had extended. "Not long enough Janeen...how could you possibly show your face here? Haven't you caused enough trouble for this family for one lifetime? I think you'd better leave and soon!" he turned his back to her after he said this.

"But Will...I didn't come here to cause any trouble! Matt invited me along and I thought it would be a good idea to bury the hatchet and let bygones be bygones." she said with a saccharine-sweetness to her voice.

"Janeen...I think you'd better be gone and forget about me ever burying the hatchet with you anywhere but in your cold blooded little heart!" Will spat these words at her with such force that she took a step back, actually afraid that he might strike her. He couldn't stand to be near her anymore and he stormed off.

"Well...I guess I had better go...Matt might be wondering what happened to me." Janeen said, mostly to herself, as no one else acted like they were paying her any attention. Since attention was what she craved and she wasn't getting it, she turned and left.

Elissa was shocked, she had never seen Will or anyone look as mad as he just did. She wasn't sure herself that he wasn't about to hit the woman, not that she didn't seem to deserve it with the reaction she got from everyone. Elissa was worried about what she saw...could this be the woman that had hurt Will so badly and if so, what did her being here mean for Elissa and Will? She wondered if she should go after Will, but then she couldn't think of what she should say to him once she found him. She thought it better to wait until things had settled down and Will returned on his own.

Shortly after Will stormed off, Janeen left and the whispers started. As Elissa was trying to figure out what had happened and Chel was trying to get everyone's attention back to lighter topics, Rich and his parents returned to the group. Chel went to Richard and even though he was calmer, he was still visibly upset by what had happened. He and Chelley talked quietly for a few minutes and then Rich went to find Will. Chel sat down beside Elissa and let out a long sigh.

"I am assuming that was Rich's black sheep brother?" Elissa asked.

Chel nodded, "Yes, that's him...real sweetheart, don't you think? Remind me someday, when we have about a million hours and I'll tell you all about him."

"Am I right in assuming that Janeen was the woman in Will's life before... the one that sent him into the ice age?" Elissa knew the answer already.

"I didn't know who it was exactly, but Rich just told me that she's the one that Will was almost engaged to once several years ago. Apparently, she was using Will for his fortune and sleeping with Matt on the side for fun...until Will caught them one night and that was the last we saw of either of them for quite some time until they were all here together today." Chel could see how her tale was upsetting Elissa. "Oh, Essa, I'm sorry...I didn't think before I told you...it does seem kind of a familiar story, doesn't it?"

"More familiar than I care to remember...poor Will...now I understand why he can't trust very easily. Who could blame him? If anyone understands that, it's me. I wish I knew what to say to him...what do I say to him Chel?"

"Don't worry about it...Rich has gone to find him and he can calm him down. As for what to say...I don't think you need to say anything to him...let him come to you. I think he knows he can talk to you...just be there when he's ready, maybe you two can help each other through this, since both of you know how it feels." Chelley patted Elissa on the back as she went to check on her other guests.

Elissa didn't feel comfortable sitting around and listening, even though she was very curious, to the whispers among the various cousins and their spouses. She walked down to the water's edge and looked out over the waves. The waves were tossing and turning further out from shore and they reminded Elissa of the emotional storms she had been through in the last few years. She couldn't help but sigh as she thought about the way the ocean looked...as lonely as she felt. As she stood there thinking about all of the changes that her life had taken on in the last few days, she heard the sound of laughter coming from behind her. Elissa turned toward the sound and saw several of the Fitzwilliam's young cousins playing in the sand. She walked to where they were all sitting and noticed that they were trying to put towers on a very large, but somewhat shaky castle. She realized why she felt so lonely...she was missing her sons.

As Elissa watched them, a small boy who must have been about five, came to her and asked, "Do you know how to fix castles?"

Elissa smiled as she bent down to answer him, "I've built a few in my time, why?"

The little boy grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to the group, "Hey!...Hey! She can fix it!"

Even though Elissa had said she had built a few in her time, now the pressure was on! There is no pressure in the world like that of three very anxious, expectant five and six year old architects. She definitely did not want to let them down!"

"Well...let's see what we can do if we all work together..you know, like a team or a building crew. Two of you take the buckets and get us some more water. This young man and I are going to see if we can shore up the bottom of the walls to make them stronger for the towers." She smiled at her youngest helper.

"What's your name?" the little boy asked.

"My name is Elissa...but my closest friends call me Essa." she answered as she scooped sand up in the third bucket.

She tried to suppress a giggle as the young fellow scooted over very close to her, leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Is this close enough to call you Essa?"

"Yes...that's close enough, but now I need to know what your name is?" she teased back.

"My name is James Patrick Fitzwilliam and I'm five and a half years old, but since we're close, you can call me Jamie." he grinned at her and she noticed that he whistled when he spoke, due to an obvious lack of his two top front teeth.

"Well, Jamie, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance! I like your name, are you named after your dad or you grandfather?" she asked.

"No...I'm named after my cousin and my daddy...my daddy's the Patrick, but my Cousin Will is actually a James!" he said in a hushed voice, "but nobody calls him that 'cause it's his middle name...I don't think he likes it."

"Oh... I see, that's too bad, don't you think? I like that name and it looks good on you Jamie! Maybe Cousin Will can grow to like the name one day, what do you think?"

"Maybe...are you getting married too?" he looked at her with great interest.

"Married?...Me?...no, I'm not, but your Cousin Richard and Chelley are. Chelley is my very good friend and I'm going to be in her wedding." she answered.

"Oh! So am I! Maybe we could get married? That would be fun...don't you think so?" he asked with so much enthusiasm, she was touched and tried to answer in a way so as not to hurt his feelings.

"I think that I am just a little too old for you and you might want to wait and look very carefully for someone who is made just for you Jamie. I think that there is someone out there for you and that when the time is right, you will find each other. That person will make your life wonderful, so wait patiently, Jamie and you won't be disappointed." she said with a sigh and a smile.

"Oh...ok, we don't have to get married, but can you help me put the towers back on my castle now?" he asked as he obviously changed gears of conversation in a hurry.

"Sure! Let's see what we can do now that we have our bucket brigade back with the water supply...gentlemen and lady, let's build." she said as she helped the children repair their castle.

Elissa did not know that her entire conversation with Jamie had been overheard by someone else. That someone was sitting on the other side of the sand dune where the children were playing. He was trying to sort out his feelings after coming into contact with the only other woman he had truly tried to give his heart to. A heart she had handed back to him in pieces. He heard a familiar voice coming from nearby and the voice of one of his young cousins, his namesake, actually. He listened intently, trying to make out the conversation. What he heard gave him hope that things might be truly changing in his life for the better. Maybe the timing was right...maybe it would be wonderful...with her. He would try to be patient like she had advised her young friend.

Chapter 8

After Elissa had helped her young partners rebuild their castle and install new towers, she brushed the sand off and thanked them for letting her help. They rewarded her with toothless smiles and giggles and she walked off to do a little more soul searching and maybe even search for Will. She still hadn't seen him after that little floorshow earlier and she was beginning to worry.

I wonder if he's coming back or if he even wants to come back at all...probably not if she's still here. I hope she got the hint and left, it was obvious that no one wanted her here. Whatever went on between them when he found them together must have been so painful for Will! I wish I could tell him that I understand how hurt and betrayed he must have felt...still feels. At the very least, I didn't have to see Robert with her...not that it made finding out any easier, but I don't have an image of the two of them together seared into my memory...poor Will!

Elissa continued her walk along the beach and as she did her mind drifted back to Jamie. Talking and playing with him had taken her mind off of missing her own boys for a short time, but now that she was once again on her own, they were in her thoughts. Elissa knew that what she was feeling for Will was strong...very strong...but what about his feelings for her? Could he possibly feel an attachment to her so soon? One that would be strong enough for him to get close to her sons?...close enough to be involved in their lives as well as hers?

She thought that he must have a strong paternal side to him if he had helped to raise his sister after their parents died and the feelings he related about her were evidently strong and loving. She was, after all, his own flesh and blood. Would he be able to feel close to her children and care for them if they were not his own? This is what worried Elissa now. Would he even want to take an interest in them? Elissa didn't normally panic, but what if Will didn't want to have anything to do with her children? What then? This thought sent her emotions reeling...her head was pounding and so was her heart.

She didn't want to give up the dream of being with him so soon, but the reality of the very real sons she would soon go back to, told her she needed to find out how he felt...and sooner rather than later. Once she had decided that she must broach the subject with him, she knew she had to go and find him...there was no time to lose. Before she could go in search of Will, he had already found his way to her and was walking towards her with a look she couldn't quite figure out.

Will had been doing his own bit of soul searching when he overheard Elissa's conversation with Jamie. As much as it gave him hope that she might be just what he needed in his own life, he started to realize that there was more to her life than he had been thinking of...her children. How did he feel about being involved with a woman that already had children of her own? He simply didn't know...he'd never dated anyone with kids before. Yes, he did tell Rich that it didn't matter to him that she had two sons, but he had thought more about it an realized that it should matter. It should matter because they are already a part of her life and if he wanted to be part of her life...which he knew he did...he would have to sort out his feelings about being part of the boys' lives as well...and soon.

Will I be able to relate to them? Have any kind of relationship with them at all? If I am going to be involved in her life, I have to be involved with them too. What if they hate me? I know they will probably resent my being around as a threat to the memory to their father...will I be able to deal with that? What if I can't What am I going to do?...without Elissa...I don't even want to think about that possibility...I can't go through that again.

I have to find out what she thinks about me finding some way to relate to her sons...getting to know them...maybe she hasn't even thought about my having anything to do with them. What then?...don't panic Will! I just need to find her and talk to her...let her tell me how she feels and for G*d's sake, let her know how you feel, Will! Rich said not to think that she's not strong enough yet and to give her a chance...I hope she'll feel the same about me.

"Will...I was just about to come and look for you...are you all right?" Essa really was concerned, but she also knew that their conversation was not going to be easy on him either. She wanted to gage the mood he was in before she started trying to pry information out of him.

"I...um..I'm fine now. I'm so sorry about that scene a little while ago. I guess I should explain...it's not easy to talk about, but you need to know." he was really uneasy explaining his past with Janeen to Elissa. How will she feel when she sees that I really was seriously involved with that thing that just showed up here with Matt?

"Will, you don't have to tell me anything that you don't feel ready to tell...I heard about who the woman was with Matt...you really don't have to tell me if you're not ready.." Essa shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

"Can we sit down?...this may take a while and I do feel like you should hear the whole story from me...I'm ready to tell it...to you." Will touched her elbow as he led her over to an area away from the water's edge.

"I appreciate that you want to tell me yourself...Will, that means a lot to me." Essa looked earnestly at him as she waited for him to begin.

"I met Janeen through members of her family who were friends with my family. She came to a family picnic one summer in Boston and I was not young, but naive...I guess. I know that sounds silly doesn't it? I was flattered by her almost constant attention to myself. I hadn't dated a lot...I didn't have the time. I was trying to build up my little division of the family business and over the years, I didn't take the time to get to know very many people and it was uncomfortable for me to get to know them...especially women. Boy, I sound pathetic, don't I? Don't answer that yet...it gets worse." He could see that Elissa wanted to say something, but he didn't want to dwell on his past any longer than necessary. "I fell for all of it...all of the flattery, the attention...I thought she really liked me for me." As Will continued to explain, Elissa noticed that he kept rolling his hands up into fists and would occasionally squeeze them so tight that the knuckles would turn white.

As Will let out a long sigh, he continued, "Janeen and I saw a lot of each other over the next few months and with as little experience as I had at that time, I thought I was in love with her before long. She certainly led me to believe that she was in love with me. Richard tried to talk me into taking my time...I don't think he ever quite trusted Janeen, I wish I hadn't. I was seriously thinking of proposing to her...what an idiot I was!" At this, Will threw a rock toward the water as hard as he could. Elissa, feeling for him and what he must have went through, touched him lightly on the arm.

"Will...you did nothing wrong and you weren't an idiot...you loved and you trusted that's all. Those are things that are to be appreciated, not feel guilty for. If anyone is an idiot...it's Janeen! Please don't feel that way about yourself!" Essa was truly concerned for his feelings about being taken in by that woman and getting hurt. She knew what it was to blame yourself and to second-guess your own behavior in a situation like theirs. It wasn't right for her to do it and now it wasn't right for him either.

"Elissa, I know that I shouldn't feel that way, but it is hard for the brain to realize what is rational and then make the heart feel the same way. What truly hurt was that I found out that she didn't love me at all, by finding her in bed with my cousin Matt!" Will's face was contorted with such pain that Elissa moved closer to him without even thinking about it...he needed her and she wanted to help him...no matter what the risk to her own heart.

Will was so wrapped up in what he was saying, he hadn't noticed that she was leaning against him. He had to get the entire story out in the open...purge himself of every gory detail. Maybe then the shackles on his heart and his emotions would be loosened forever.

"Richard and I are very close, I'm sure that you've noticed that..." she nodded that she had and he continued, "Matt and I were just as close once. That all changed that horrible night I found them together in my bed...I was so disgusted and betrayed! I thought I loved her and he was my family! I had gone out of town and I thought I would surprise her by coming back early...I got the surprise instead. I threw them both out with very little being said, sent the rest of her things back by messenger and didn't see either of them again until today. It was very disturbing to see him show up here after all this time...and then to have her with him! I couldn't stand to look at them. I'm sorry if I upset you by the way I behaved, I just had to get away from them." He looked to see how she was bearing this sordid story of his, he knew it would remind her of what she had gone through.

As Will looked to see Elissa's reaction to his story, he suddenly realized that she was leaning against him and had her hand on his arm. He felt comforted to know that she was there with him and it felt good to have her be so close. She was doing more to help him than she even knew, just by simply reaching out to touch him.

"Will...I am so sorry. It seems like we've both been through a lot with people we thought we could trust. I won't apologize for having a kind, open and giving heart...you shouldn't either. Robert and Janeen don't deserve that kind of revenge. If we give up on the way we truly are, then the betrayal we felt with them is nothing compared to the betrayal we place upon ourselves through our own doing. I don't want to go through the rest of my life feeling like I did something wrong...I know I have felt that way in the past, but no more! It's not fair! I don't want to feel like I should guard my heart and keep people out, just so I can't get hurt again...I see how wrong that is now...do you?" She hadn't meant to reply with such force, but what he had said had sent all of the memories of her experience flooding back and all of the pent up frustrations right along with it.

"I'm glad to hear you say that...I think it is a mistake to shut our hearts away from the rest of the world, just because a few people in it, weren't worth our trust or love." He wanted to ask her about the children, but suddenly felt like maybe it would be too much for her right now.

Elissa was feeling a lot right now. Her mind was full of confusing, contrasting emotions, but she knew she must ask him, she hoped it wouldn't be too much for him to deal with. She took a deep breath and braced herself for his reaction to the question she was about to ask and she forged ahead, determined not to back away from what she knew she needed to do.

"Will...I know you've been through a lot today, but I think we need to talk about something that we haven't talked about yet...something very important to me." Elissa paused and tried to be brave as she saw Will kind of bristle as though he knew something unpleasant was about to be said.

"If it's important to you Elissa...it's important to me too. Go ahead, I'm listening." Will tried not to sound like he was shaking on the inside over what might be about to come.

"It concerns children...my children. You know that I have two sons back home...since we haven't known each other for very long, the subject of how you feel about kids has never come up. I need to know...how do you feel about kids? Is that going to be a problem for us?" She wondered if there really was an us and would there be after tonight.

Will was startled by her question. He wasn't startled by what she asked, it was that she had just asked him the exact question he was afraid of asking her.

"I want to be completely honest with you Elissa...I don't know how I feel exactly. I don't have any children and so my relating to them has been somewhat limited. I had to take care of Georgie at an age when she was young and I have some younger cousins, but that's about it. I'm not sure how to go about relating to them or whether they would want to relate to me...that's what is scary to me at the moment." Will hoped she would understand and not be offended by his trying to be as honest as he could with her, he thought that honesty here was very important.

"I'm not sure how they would react to you either...honestly...I hadn't given it much thought until I met your cousin Jamie on the beach today. He got me to thinking that we hadn't discussed the boys at all. I know that I said we should take things slow and I still feel that is the right way to go, but we have to work out some things before we go any further." As she said this, Will was drawn back to her conversation with Jamie and what she had said about being patient.

"Elissa...if you want this to go further and I hope that you do, I'm willing to be patient. I know that it may take us both some time to feel comfortable in a relationship again and I don't want to rush you if I can help it. I know that your children are the most important things in your life right now, they should be. I also hope that you know that if they are important to you, they are important to me. Would it be too much to ask...do you think they would mind...what I'm trying to ask is, could I come and visit you and the boys sometime? I would truly like to get to know them...that is if you think they won't mind my being there." He wasn't sure how she would react to his question.

"I think that is a very good idea. I don't think that they would be upset to have you around. They are both very sweet and giving...they get that from me you know!" she teased. "But...you might want to prepare before you come to see them." She sounded mysterious as she said this.

"Prepare?...What do you mean prepare...do I have to pass a test or something?" Will was very curious to know what she had in mind.

"Kind of...you absolutely must know something about baseball. My boys live and breathe baseball and the more you know...let's just say that would be very good." She giggled as she saw him look relieved that she hadn't told him about some sort of exam or obstacle course or something.

"Baseball, huh?...I think I can handle that. Maybe you can give me some pointers on their favorite teams or players. If I know what to study, maybe I'll do better on the test!" He was grinning again, she liked that very much.

"Are you suggesting I prep you for the test?" she giggled.

"A little help from the teacher couldn't hurt!" he said.

"Just be yourself and take an interest in them...talk to them, but more importantly, listen to them. You'd be surprised at what you can find out about what's going on in a child's mind just by paying close attention to what they say and how they say it. Sometimes they can talk about anything and you can find out about things they are having trouble coming right out and saying. If you just let them know you genuinely care about them and their opinions, you'll do fine." She smiled at him and put his mind at ease.

As she smiled at him, she leaned her head over onto his shoulder. Without really thinking about it, Will reached his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. They sat there on the beach watching the sun sink lower into the sky and listened to the sounds about them. They didn't need to say anything more to each other...they just needed to be together.

After they had watched the sun almost disappear, they both heard someone calling to them from down the beach. Will stood up to see who it was calling to him and Elissa. He could make out that it was Chel and she was wanting them to come back up to where they had been having their picnic. Will took Elissa's hand in his and helped her up and they walked back up the beach.

"There you two are!" Chelley exclaimed. "We've been wondering where the two of you had gone off to. We're about to roast some hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire. Know any good camp songs Essa?" Chelley giggled as she poked her friend in the ribs with her elbow.

"I might know one or two, but then you'd have to sing with me Chelley dear!" Elissa knew that would shut her up. Chelley could sing, but she was just as self-conscious about it or more so than Essa was.

After everyone had stuffed themselves with a hot dog or two and the rest of the marshmallows were being browned, several people started to sing silly campfire songs. They sang things like Kumbayah and This Land Is Your Land and Elissa led the younger bunch through a lively, slightly off key version of The Green Grass Grows All Around.

Will enjoyed watching the way Elissa interacted with his young cousins. He could see why she would love being a teacher and knew that she must be a great mom as well. As Rich was listening to everyone sing, he suddenly had an idea and ran back up to the house to get something.

When Richard came back, everyone was listening to the children moaning and groaning about having to go inside and get ready for bed. Chel had finally noticed what he had gone back to the house to get.

"Richard Fitzwilliam!...where in the world did you find that thing?" she asked in amazement.

"I thought since everyone seemed to be in a mood for music, we'd give them something to listen to...great idea, huh?" he smiled.

"Great idea" said Will, "but who's going to play?" he teased.

"I am you snot! I know it's been a while, but it's like falling off a bike. I just need to get it tuned up and limber up the old fingers that's all." Richard replied, being just a little miffed at his cousin's insinuation that he couldn't play after all these years.

"Old is right." Will mumbled under his breath.

"I heard that! Just for being mean, you'll have to play something too. Don't let him fool you, Es, Will was quite the guitarist when we were in college...we wanted to be rock stars, didn't we, cuz?"

"Did you now? This I must see for myself Mr. Darcy...not quite the image I have of you. I would have thought you would have been too busy carrying around copies of Forbes magazine and wearing your pocket protector with all of the ink pens inside...oooooohhhhhhhh! Stop that!" Will had turned and started tickling Elissa as she tried to finish her little teasing tirade.

"I was actually quite good if I do say so myself!" Will said as he finally released her.

"Ok...Ok...so touchy!" She playfully snapped back and then jumped away a little bit as he made another attempt to tickle her.

"Just for that Will, make Elissa sing while you play...she hates to sing in public though she knows she's very good!" Chel replied.

"I don't hate to sing in public, you all heard me sing with the children." Essa said.

"That's not what I mean Essa and you know it. I'm not talking about kiddie songs, I mean real music...the kind of stuff you used to sing before Robert...well before." Chel knew she had said one thing too many and she waited to see Elissa react.

Will noticed the way Elissa held her breath when Chelley mentioned Robert's name. He was proud of her when she lifted her head and answered her friend in a way Chelley didn't expect.

"You're absolutely right Chel! It's been a long time since I have done any singing like that, so you may have to help me sing something first. You wouldn't want to let an old friend down, now would you?" Elissa knew she had Chelley over a barrel.

"Why no...I wouldn't. What do you want to...um...sing?" Chelley waited with some dread over what Elissa might suggest.

"Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you Chel, how about Danny's song like we used to sing in college? You still remember the words don't you?" Essa asked.

"I should say no, but you won't let me hear the end of it if I do. Let's see if Rich can keep up...are you ready dear?" Chelley looked to her husband who looked as if he was in shock. He had never heard her sing outside the shower, let alone in front of other people.

"Ready when you are sweetie!" Rich hoped she wouldn't hurt him for saying that.

As Rich started to play, in a somewhat strained way at first, Chel and Elissa started to hum along to the melody and then they began to sing in a very good harmony. Elissa had a warm alto voice and Chel had a complimentary soprano one. They sang even stronger when they got to the chorus.

And even though
we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
and every day will bring a change of love

And in the morning
when I rise
you bring a tear of joy
to my eyes
and tell me everything is gonna be all right

Everyone was very quiet when they finished. Too quiet is what the girls were thinking, but just as they both looked at each other, everyone erupted into applause and Rich was grinning from ear to ear. Will just looked at Elissa...he was giving her 'that look' not the look that he gives Richard, but 'that look' that we all know and love so well!

Elissa was blushing and felt as if she were sitting too close to the fire...it is really hot over here! Before she could move away, Will had placed his hand over hers...now it really is getting hot over here!

Chelley broke the spell between them by getting Elissa's attention. "Elissa would you do me a favor and sing something for me now?"

"Oh...Chel...I don't know, it was fun singing with you, but I don't know if I'm ready for a solo yet..." Elissa knew she was stalling.

"Please Essa...I want you to sing my favorite...for old time's sake? Think of it as a wedding gift if you want." Chel knew if she put her request this way, Essa really couldn't turn her down.

"Oh all right...Rich do you know how to play Landslide by chance?" Essa asked.

"That's the one by Stevie Nicks right? I know the song, but I'm not sure I can play it...I'm not Lindsey Buckingham, but I might be able..." Rich was interrupted by Will.

"I know it...hand me the guitar Richard. Let me know when you're ready Elissa." Will said as he took the guitar and tried to tune it just a little better.

"Oh...all right...whenever you like." Elissa replied nervously, she was amazed that Will would know the song, let alone offer to play it for her and in front of others too. Will wonders never cease! She closed her eyes and he began to play and then she began to sing.

I took my love
and I took it down
I climbed a mountain
and I turned around

And I saw my reflection
in the snow covered hills
'til the landslide brought me down.

Oh, mirror in the sky
what is love?
Can the child within my heart
rise above?

Can I sail through the changing
ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons
of my life?

Mmmhmm, I don't know
Mmmhmm...
Mmmhmm...

Well I've been
afraid of changing
'cause I
built my life around you

But time makes you bolder
Children get older
and I'm getting older too.
So...

Will played the solo piece beautifully and when Essa had to continue singing, she almost forgot to come in. Will looked up at her and saw that she had tears in her eyes. He thought about stopping, but decided they needed to see it through to the end. They were good...together they were very good. He closed his eyes as she sang the rest.

I've been afraid of changing
'cause I built my life around you
but time makes you bolder
children get older
and I'm getting older too
I'm getting older too
So...

Take this love
take it down
oh, if you climb a mountain
and you turn around

If you see my reflection
in the snow covered hills
well maybe
the landslide will bring you down
well, well the landslide
will bring it down.

Song by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham

As Elissa finished singing and Will ended the song, they both had their eyes closed. As soon as the song was over, they opened them and gazed into each other's eyes. It was as if time had stopped and there were no other beings in the world, but the two of them. He could hear her breathing...she could hear his heart beating...no other sound...just the two of them.

Will stood up and handed Richard the guitar, well...he didn't really hand it to him. He just sort of held it out and Rich took it. He walked over to Elissa and without saying a word, he held out his hand to her. She took his hand and stood up. They walked off together toward the water's edge.

Richard, Chelley and the rest of the family were left staring and smiling and feeling like the wind had just rushed past them and now everything was still. Richard held out his hand for Chel and they and the rest made their way back up to the house.

Chapter 9

Will and Elissa never noticed anyone else the whole time they were walking away from the bonfire. They just kept looking at each other, but not talking. It was like they were communicating with their eyes all that their hearts could not put into words. They walked until they were out of sight of the house and sat down on the sand. Will sat behind Elissa with his feet on either side of her. He put his arms around her and held her close. Elissa giggled as Will breathed in the smell of her hair and nuzzled his nose against her ear. His breathing was as much a tickling torture as his hands had been before, but she resisted the urge to jump away this time. This time she wasn't going anywhere. They stayed this way for quite some time watching the moon get higher and higher in the night sky.

After sitting this way in silence for some time, Elissa's curiosity got the better of her. "Will, where did you learn to play the guitar like that? You play beautifully, by the way."

"Thanks, I learned when I was in college. Rich and I had a roommate who was a very talented guitarist and he was always playing. I didn't have a lot going on in my personal life then and I asked him if he would teach me how to play. I thought it was a good way to waste a few hours a day."

"A few hours a day? You must have practiced a lot then, no wonder you're good!" she said in amazement.

"I appreciate the compliment, but I don't get much time to practice anymore...not as often as I'd like anyway."

"I am curious to know something...how did you know that song? It doesn't seem like the kind of...well, I couldn't imagine you'd know it." She was curious, but she hoped she hadn't offended him.

"Our roommate was a huge Mac fan and I guess I am too...now. I liked the song...it touched me. I didn't go out much or socialize very well then. I used a lot of my time after my parents died, putting up this wall of isolation. I guess I thought it would keep me from getting hurt again...guess I was wrong."

"You can't run away from the world Will. It has a funny way of catching up to you...whether you want it to or not. At least you got the guitar out of all that time on your own. I'm afraid that I didn't use my grieving time in an artistically productive way, for me there just wasn't time. I had to keep going and keep the kids going too." She sighed as she said the last and Will knew she was still worried about the boys.

"I guess you're right about not being able to run from the world...it's a nice thought though. I can say that I did benefit from all that time in that I do enjoy playing the guitar. What about you? That's some voice you've been hiding away, why is that? You're really very good." He wondered what would make her give up on something she so obviously enjoyed.

"Thank you...I used to think it might be something more than just a favorite way to pass the time. In college, Chel and I would sing all the time and she tried to convince me to get into the music department, but I was dating Robert then and well...he didn't think I should spend my time on anything but him and my degree. I sometimes wish I had done more with my voice then, but I thought I was in love and as we both know...love can make you blind and dumb!" she said.

"Blind, but not dumb Elissa...you're not dumb. You just let your heart rule your head. I know how that is, do you think I'm dumb? I did the same kind of thing with Janeen you know." He saw her start at his question.

"Of course I don't think you're dumb...I don't think that about you at all!" Now she was really afraid she had offended him. "I guess I shouldn't dwell on a decision that I let Robert make for me...I just wish I'd had the courage then to do what I wanted to."

Will wanted to ease her mind and encourage her self-esteem at the same time. "Some lessons are harder to learn than others...you should know, you're the teacher. I think we've both earned the right to follow our own hearts and do what we want to do...not what everyone else tells us we should do."

"I think you're right. We've both paid dearly when we've let others think and decide for us." Elissa sighed as she looked up at the moon. "Isn't that moon beautiful!" She said this more as a statement than as a question, but she got a reply whether she expected one or not.

"Not as beautiful as you, but it's nice too I suppose." He grinned as he looked over her shoulder to see her face. "You're blushing!" he teased.

"William Darcy!...I am not! Besides, you can't tell that...it's too dark out here." she giggled.

"It's not that dark...Rosie!" He chuckled, rather pleased with his teasing nickname for her.

"If you're going to start calling me names, I'll just be going inside and..." she started to get up, but Will gently pulled her back down and into an embrace.

"Don't go...you know, I like it when you blush. It makes you look even lovelier. Stay with me...please?" He spoke with an unmistakable hunger in his voice as he leaned in to kiss her.

Elissa had only been teasing him about leaving, but if this is how he responded, she thought she'd have to tease him more often. When he released her lips, she breathlessly said, "I'm sorry Will...I didn't mean to upset you. I really was just teasing."

"I know." He said with a very self-satisfied grin on his face. "I just wanted to kiss you again."

"Will!...I don't know what to say!" Elissa tried to sound mockingly offended, but her heart was racing as she added, "Wanna do it again?"

"Absolutely..." was all that Will managed to get out as she planted a kiss on him this time. He could feel a tingling all the way down to his toes!

"Wow!" was what he sputtered when she decided to let him up for air.

"Good!" she said.

"What?" he said, somewhat confused by her reply.

"I finally got you down to a one-syllable word!" she giggled. She giggled hysterically as he tickled her for his revenge.

They snuggled up close together and soon the sounds of the ocean, their breathing and the beating of their hearts was all that could be heard.

"Elissa, as much as I would like to stay this way forever, it's getting pretty late and you should probably get some rest for tomorrow." Will waited for her to say something, but she didn't say anything. He thought that was odd, so he leaned over her shoulder to see if she was all right.

She was all right...she was more than all right. She was asleep! Well, I can honestly say I've never had that affect on a woman before...I could be very paranoid by now if I had. Poor thing...she's had a very busy day.

"Elissa...Elissa...Lissa can you hear me? We need to go in now..." Will was whispering trying to gently wake her up. She stirred, but seemed content to stay in her dreamstate for a little longer. While he knew he needed to wake her up, Will hated to because she looked like an angel when she was sleeping. She had what appeared to him, to be a smile on her face. He hoped that was because of him.

"Lissa...I hope you know how important you're becoming to me. I know it's too fast...too soon. I can't help myself...it's like time has sped up and put us on this faster track. My head feels like it's running to keep up with my heart...you see, my heart is hanging desperately on to you. I hope you know that I would never leave you if you were mine...I will never leave you if you'll say you are mine. I'll go wherever you go...be wherever you are. I..." Will was interrupted by Elissa starting to stir.

"What? Where are we going?" she drowsily asked.

"We are going up to bed, that's where we're going." Will said as he was helping her up.

She knew what he said that time and her eyes shot wide open to look at him. She had to be sure she heard him right.

"What did you say? Where..." before she could finish, Will realized what he had said and started to back track...fast!

"No, no...I didn't mean that we...not together...in the same bed! Damn! Elissa...I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that I was going to walk you up to your room so that we could go to bed...I mean you could go to bed...you know what I meant!" Will was starting to get very flustered and frustrated too.

"Oh...I'm sorry...I just heard you say..." Now it was Elissa's turn to be frustrated by what she wanted to say. "Never mind, I know what you meant now...it's ok. Let's go inside. It has been a long day for both of us." She said trying to suppress a giggle, which wasn't hard because Will had decided to do it for her as he covered her lips with his. Before she knew it, she had that swept off her feet feeling.

It was to be expected that she would feel that way because as he kissed her, Will lifted her off of her feet and held her in his arms as he continued to kiss her lips. When he put her back on the ground and drew back his lips from hers, she tried to gather her thoughts.

"Um...Will...if you were trying to help me into the house so I could get some sleep...let's just put it this way, I don't think that's going to help." she said still slightly out of breath.

"You didn't like my way of trying to be helpful?" he said with a smirk.

"Oh I liked it...I liked it a lot. It's just that it probably won't be helpful for my sleeping tonight." She was starting to get very embarrassed by the turn this conversation was taking. As she was talking, she decided to take the initiative to get them back to the house. She held onto his hand and pulled him along with her up the beach.

"I could always try something else..." as he uttered this, she shot him a look that said 'keep walking and stop trying to help' and he decided a new offer might be a better or safer alternative. "Milk perhaps?...I could loan you a good book..." He saw a smile begin at the corners of her mouth and knew he was forgiven.

It wasn't that Elissa was appalled at the idea of Will helping her get to sleep...it was the fact that she knew there wouldn't be any sleeping going on if he were too near to her.

As Will delivered her to her door, he did what was becoming a habit for the two of them. Elissa held out her hand and he took it and ever so gently lifted it to his lips and brushed upon her soft skin, the lightest of kisses as he looked into her eyes. Elissa sighed as if she were trying to push every breath of air out of her lungs.

"I will...see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams Elissa, I know mine will be." Will slowly let go of her hand as he spoke.

"I may need that glass of milk after all...goodnight Will." Elissa giggled and sighed again as she watched him turn and go next door.

Chapter 10

Rehearsal day was a day filled with preparation work and last minute details. Chelley and Elissa met with the caterers, florist and then went to the shop where the dresses were being made for the final fittings. Richard and William made last minute arrangements for the guests, for the seating at the ceremony and the reception.

Everyone was busy and there was plenty to do. All of the hard work for the day was rewarded with a rehearsal dinner at one of the local five-star restaurants and then pseudo-bachelor and bachelorette parties. Neither Richard or Chelley wanted anything fancy or too outlandish, they just wanted to spend time with their friends relaxing and enjoying themselves.

When Chel tried on her dress and showed it to Elissa, Elissa nearly started to cry. Chelley wasn't the glamorous California type, but she was very elegant. The ivory silk material of her off the shoulder tea-length gown went beautifully with her auburn-red hair and fair skin. The pearl and emerald earrings and choker Richard had given her as a wedding present matched her attire perfectly.

"Oh Chel!" Elissa beamed at her friend. "You look so beautiful! Richard's going to faint when he sees you!"

"Essa be serious! Are you sure everything looks ok?"

"You know it does Chel...you are going to be a beautiful bride tomorrow." Elissa hugged her friend and tried not to think about her own wedding and all of the things she thought her life would be. She focused on the here and now as she tried her own dress on. Anything further into the future was too scary and uncertain for Elissa to focus on right now.

As Elissa pulled on the top of her own dress, Chel came to see how she was doing.

"Elissa! My goodness!" Chel exclaimed.

"What? What is it? Does it look bad on me...what?" Elissa sputtered.

"No! You just look so amazing!" Chelley gushed. "It looks so good on you. You know I think someone else may have a little trouble with oxygen to the brain tomorrow besides my Richard!"

"Chelley...be serious! Although I do hope Will likes it or me in it!" Elissa giggled as she blushed at her friend in the mirror. The image looking back at her was quite beautiful. The dress was similar to Chelley's in style, but her ivory silk had a small floral print. The color and style were very flattering to Elissa and she felt beautiful in it.

"Oh don't worry I think he will!" Chel squeezed her friend's shoulder and smiled.

By the time all of the arrangements had been taken care of and everyone had made it back to the house and through the rehearsal, it was time to leave again for the rehearsal dinner. Richard had suggested to Will that they go in separate cars, as he thought the ladies might like to make use of the limo to take them all back to the house for their get together. He also wanted to use the limo ride over to spend a little time alone with Chel, something he hadn't had a lot of since all of the family had arrived.

"Be a good cousin and help me out...besides this means you can take Elissa over by yourself in my car." Rich grinned as he added in the last part that he knew Will couldn't say no to.

"What are cousins for? You know how much I love you Richard and would do anything to make your life more enjoyable in any way I can!" Will said in a mocking tone of voice.

"Don't over do it, just say yes Will!" Rich demanded.

"Yes Will!" Will teased back.

"That woman has certainly had an effect on your brain!" Richard laughed as he slapped Will on the shoulder...harder than needed Will thought.

"She certainly has!" Will grinned back at him as he slapped Rich on the back just about as hard.

"All right boys! Settle down in here...we've got to look presentable at the dinner tonight so no more games and that's final!" Sarah Fitzwilliam came up behind them.

"Oh...sure thing mom! Will and I were just kidding around." Rich said as if he were six years old and in trouble again.

"Richard...you are not kids anymore, so don't start acting like it. Now go and see if you can find the juvenile delinquent we lovingly refer to as your father for me. Oh and tell him he's late!"

"Sure thing Mommy!" Richard chirped as he left the room.

"Richard!" she said in a warning voice.

"So...feeling like a kid again, eh William?" said his aunt with a smile.

"Aunt Sarah we really were just kidding around. Richard's a little nervous about tomorrow, although he won't admit it to anyone. I'm just trying to lighten his mood a little that's all." Will replied.

"His is not the only mood that seemed to need a little lift from what I saw yesterday afternoon. Are you all right? You did seem better last night though, I might add."

"I'm fine...now. I was very upset to see Matt and Janeen here. It caught me off guard and I reacted out of character I guess, but I talked to a friend about it and I'm fine now." Will didn't know how to explain his situation with Elissa to his aunt. He knew she might not like his somewhat rushed entrance into another relationship.

"A friend? Is that what Elissa is?" She knew that mentioning her name would catch him by surprise and that was what she wanted.

"Elissa? Yes, she's my...friend. I..." He didn't know how to respond.

"William, I can see in your face what your words aren't ready to say. I also know that you two just met. I want you to be careful my boy. You know that I love you like one of my own." She smiled and put her hand on his cheek.

"I will be careful Aunt Sarah. I don't want to be hurt again either. I don't think that will happen with her. She's so...open and giving. It doesn't seem to matter to her who I am or how much money I have. She's made me feel alive again! I know that sounds crazy, but it's how I feel and I'm enjoying it." He wanted her to understand how serious he was and to be understanding enough to reserve judgement of the woman he had chosen.

"Will, she seems very sweet. I like her very much, so don't worry so much. Anyway, what should it matter what anyone else thinks? You don't think I would begrudge you anything that makes you as happy as I've seen you these past couple of days do you?"

"No Aunt Sarah, it's just that I care what you think. You are the nearest person I have to me who I consider like my mother. I wish I knew what she and father would think." he sighed.

"They would tell you what I've told you...be careful, but be happy. Your parents didn't know each other very well when your mother told me she thought she had met the man she would marry, did you know that? It seems that you are a lot like her...maybe more than you know." she said.

"I hope so, I miss her and father so much sometimes. Do you think Georgie will like Elissa and approve of my seeing her?" he asked.

"She'll approve of just about anything that makes you happy, you know that. I can't say for certain what she'll think of Elissa, but from what I've seen of her, I think she'll approve of her too."

"I hope so, I think Elissa could be a good influence on Georgie too." Will smiled as he thought of the two women becoming good friends.

"Well, she certainly seems to have a positive influence on you young man...now do you think we can get her to do something for your father and Richard? Where can they be? They know we're going to be late!" Sarah said as she and Will went to look for them.

Upstairs Chel was in her room putting on her shoes as she heard a soft knock on her door. "Come in."

"Chelley, do you have a minute?" Elissa said as she peeked her head around the door.

"Sure sweetie, come on in. Is something the matter?" she looked concerned.

"No...nothing the matter. I don't think so...not really." Elissa sounded confused.

"Essa what is it? You look confused about something. Tell me what is bothering you, you know I can always tell."

"I don't know how to start..." she was stalling again.

"Tell me!" Chelley cried.

"I'm having feelings..." Elissa was still stalling telling her best friend just what it was that was bothering her. She had thought coming in here was a good idea, now she was just embarrassed.

"Well...that's good I suppose, you know you're alive that way!" Chelley teased to lighten the mood. "Now quit your stalling and tell me, you know you can tell me anything!"

"I'm having feelings for William...I don't know how to say this Chel!" Elissa was feeling so frustrated.

"I think I've already found that out Elissa. Is there something else about these feelings that you need to talk about?"

"It's not about liking him, which you know I do. It's about...it's about being with him. I mean I'm having feelings about being with him. What do I do Chel?" Elissa pleaded.

"What exactly are you asking me? Are you asking me if it's ok to be worried about being with him or has it been so long, you've forgotten what to do?" Chel asked half teasing and half uncomfortable about not being sure what to answer her friend, lest she give the wrong advice.

"I think I can remember what to do Chelley! It's just...do I do what I remember with Will?" she sighed as she put her head in her hands.

"Has Will asked you or implied that he's expecting that? Did he say anything?" Chel wasn't sure what to say next.

"No...I mean yes...I don't know! He hasn't come right out and said 'do you want to' or anything, but then again, he doesn't have to! Has Richard ever just looked at you and made your palms sweat and your mouth go dry? Will can do that to me...and I'm not sure what to do!" she replied.

"I think I see what you mean. Yes, Richard can make my heart melt and my knees weak, but I don't know if I can tell you what you should do. What do you want to do?" Chel asked.

"I know what I want to do...I'm just not so sure it's a smart move based on how little we know each other right now. I start thinking about it and I say 'not yet, it's too soon' and then he looks at me or touches me and...Bam! I know what the other half of me wants right away!" Elissa explained.

"Elissa, you're a grown woman who knows how to take care of herself and you know your own mind. If your feelings are strong for Will and you believe his are strong for you as well, do what you feel is right. If you have any doubts, don't go any further. You can make the decision here...you are strong enough to handle this now." Chel reached over and put her hand on Elissa's shoulder. "I'll be here if you need me, but you are a stronger person now, believe in yourself and you'll be fine."

"Thanks Chelley, I'm so glad you're my friend!" Elissa said as she hugged her friend. "We'd better be going if we're going to be at this dinner on time."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Will is going to drive you over in Richard's car. We're going to take the limo. We need some private time, if you know what I mean and I know that you do!"

"Private time...alone!" Elissa and Chel giggled wickedly. "But that means I'll be alone too...with Will! Oh, Chelley...what am I gonna do?" Elissa said as she plopped down on the bed.

"Get your butt downstairs for one...the other is up to you dearie!" Chel said as she pulled Elissa up and pushed her friend out the door.

When Elissa and Chelley made their way downstairs, everyone was starting to load into the cars and leave. The last people to leave the house were Rich and Chelley, who looked like a couple of teenagers sneaking off to make out and Will and Elissa. These two looked like they were on their first date.

"Are you ready Elissa?" Will asked quietly.

Elissa, lost in her own heavy thoughts, answered confused at first, "What?...ready?...yes I'm ready to go."

"Are you all right?" Will was worried about her and the way she seemed so nervous around him all of a sudden. What could be wrong? She isn't having second thoughts about me? Oh please Lissa, don't back out on me now...I couldn't take that!

"I...um...yes, I am fine. I guess I'm just a little distracted with all of the wedding plans and the real thing tomorrow. I'm fine really Will, don't look so worried! I promise I'll be in a better mood once we get to the restaurant." Elissa tried to sound convincing.

Will was not convinced. He knew there was something bothering her and he wished she felt comfortable telling him what it was. His heart felt an ache like the one he felt when he had tried to push her away in the beginning. He knew he needed her and to not be able to help her was painful for him. Will was a strong man and tough in many situations, but when it came to people he loved and cared about, he felt strongly that whatever was troubling them was his trouble too.

He thought about the way he was feeling for Elissa. He was having a hard time with his own feelings. He wanted to reach out and touch her...kiss her...make love to her. Not now Will! You know she's probably not ready for that yet! Why can't I make my heart see the reason that my head knows is true...I want her so badly! I can't help myself, that's why!

Elissa was equally quiet and equally preoccupied with similar thoughts and feelings. She knew that whenever he looked at her with that piercing gaze or smiled that devastatingly gorgeous smile at her, she wanted nothing more than to have him pull her into his arms so she could turn her heart over to him completely.

It wasn't just her heart that she knew she wanted him to take, she wanted to let him take her as well. It had been so long since she had felt that part of herself as a whole woman should feel. She knew that it had not been the way it should have been with Robert, not ever for her, only for him. He took what he wanted and seemed unconcerned for her. Since Robert's death, there had been no one to kindle the kind of flame that she longed to burn for. Then there was William...William who had kindled a bonfire instead of a flame!

She hadn't been sleeping well the last couple of nights due to the kind of dreams she kept having. This time she wasn't dreaming about Will and then seeing Robert...she was only seeing Will. She dreamed about him kissing her, touching her and blissfully making love to her the whole night through. It was the kind of feel good dream she longed to have, but it did not make her feel good to not sleep well and have to function the next day. It also made her feel very awkward to be around him, especially alone with him. She wasn't sure she could trust her judgement when she was so close to him.

Will was having similar sleep troubles, although he wouldn't call his dreams bad either. When he told her his dreams would be sweet, he was telling her the complete truth. The dreams he had were of her in his life, his house, his arms and of course in his bed. He dreamed of seeing her lying next to him with her hair spilling all around her. He dreamed of kissing her sweet lips and delighting in the way she responded to his attentions. He would pay a lot of attention to her. He wanted to make her feel like she was the most desirable woman in the world...to him she was the only desirable woman in the world. He wanted to give himself over to her pleasure in every way he could.

The two people in this car had so much to say to each other, but couldn't find the words or the courage to start. Will wanted to start some kind of conversation with Elissa, but the thoughts he had been having were not the kinds of things you start conversations with at this point in their relationship. He tried to think of something that would be a neutral, safe topic to talk about. Finally, he tried the only thing he could think of.

"So...how did all of the errands you ran today go?" What an idiot! Why can't I think of something else to say? he berated himself.

"They went fine thanks, we got a lot done and I think it kept Chel from feeling so nervous about tomorrow." Elissa replied.

Will chuckled as he answered, "Yes, Richard seems a little nervous himself although I don't really know why...they're already married."

"Well that's true, but when they married the first time, it was just the two of them. It's a lot different when you get married in front of a crowd. It's almost like a performance and you want it to be that perfect picture that everyone can enjoy."

"Was that what it was like when you got married?" Will spoke before he realized what he had said, now he was really berating himself. "I'm so sorry Elissa, just tell me to mind my own business. I shouldn't have asked that."

"Oh, it's all right. When Robert and I married we had the traditional southern big church wedding with all the trimmings. I thought it was what I wanted at first, but the more we planned, the bigger it got. Pretty soon, it was like a big circus and do you know, I barely remember any of it! I think we only got cake and punch when we were doing the pictures!" She laughed as she said this and she realized that it didn't hurt so much to talk about it now. "I don't think it meant as much to me to have that big show as it did to my mother or Robert, he really enjoyed playing his part."

"So if you had to do it again, what would you do different?" Will was very curious to see how she felt about the future and whether or not she was giving any thought to more long term decisions.

"I don't know...I haven't really given it much thought. I know that I would not have the big production we had before. That's not me and I want to enjoy myself now...it should be something simple so that the ceremony takes center stage, not the flowers or the music or the caterers. I think that a seaside ceremony is so romantic. They actually have those in Galveston now. I went to one not too long ago for a friend of mine. She wore a simple gown, she had no attendants and it focused more on her and her groom and their vows. That's the way it should be, the words and the two people are the most important thing on a day like that."

He liked her idea of a wedding ceremony. He knew that he wanted something simple too. He thought what she said about getting married by the ocean was intriguing. He imagined himself waiting for her by the sea. She would wear her hair down with flowers in it...she would smile and walk to him. They would say their vows and walk away together as one...it would be perfect.

"I think I like the way your wedding sounds. It should be simple...about the joining of two people and two hearts. Did this friend of yours not like the traditional wedding things?" he asked.

"No, not really, she's always been a free-spirit type of person but she also was marrying for a second time and I think she wanted a ceremony to reflect the open freedom she felt this time around. Maybe that's why that kind of wedding appeals to me...I want what I want, not what my mother had in mind the first time.

"Did your mother have a big church wedding, as you called it?"

"Yes, of course she did and you'd think that would have gotten it out of her system wouldn't you? Not my mother. First, there was my sister Jane's wedding and she didn't help by marrying one of the wealthiest cattlemen in Texas. Her wedding looked like the Governor's ball compared to mine. Poor Mary, she'd better make sure to elope before mother finds out about her and plans an epic size blowout!" she laughed.

"She's probably just trying to do for her daughters what she had done for her. It's really very sweet if you think of it that way." Will was remembering thoughts of his own mother.

"You think that if you want, but you haven't met my mother yet! I know she loves us, but she can be very over bearing in her opinions sometimes. She can be seen as being ridiculous because of them."

Will was trying to form an impression of Elissa's mother and this was not the picture he had in mind, so he tried to see if she was exaggerating somewhat about her mother. "I think everyone feels that way about their parents to some extent Elissa. We don't want to see ourselves as anything like our parents when we're young because we are looking for our own identities. When we get older, we feel like we're growing more like our parents, much to our chagrin, when in truth, we've been like them in some ways all along."

"Oh Lord! Now I'm really scared!" she teased. "She can be trying at times, but like I said before, I know she does what she does because she loves us. She only wants us to have what she feels we deserve to be happy. It is true that my mother does it all for us as much as for herself."

"That sounds like an ideal mother to me." Will said as he watched the smile appear on the face of the woman next to him.

"She's not so bad after all, I guess. Thanks for reminding me of that. You're good Mr. Darcy and you haven't even met her yet!"

"I hope to very soon Elissa, very soon." William looked deeply into her eyes as he said this.

Elissa wasn't sure what his meaning was, but she was having difficulty with those pesky feelings again. It was a good thing they had pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

Continued in Next Section