Lilly's POV

It has been several weeks since Nathan found me wandering along the road. He has been absolutely wonderful, taking care of me. Little things seem to be coming back to me. It's just small things, mainly things that I like or don't like. I just wish that my knowledge of who I am would come back. I am still having nightmares about that man and I being beaten and sometimes I see them kill him. That's when I usually wake up screaming and Nathan has rushed to my room trying to comfort me. Next week I get my cast off. I am absolutely thrilled about that one. I am so ready to get out of the itchy thing and get back to a more normal life, or as normal as my life can get right now. I have gotten used to having this thing on and can maneuver better around the house. Being in the kitchen has become natural for me and I have come to realize I love to bake. I have been in the kitchen for a couple of hours when I hear the front door open.

"Hey Lilly, it smells good in here." Nathan calls out as he walks into the kitchen.

"Thanks Nate, I've been making cookies. I kinda remember loving to bake. I feel at home doing this. I just wish I knew where home was. Is there someone out there looking for me or even wondering if I am alive?"

For some reason the tears begin to fall and Nathan quickly comes across the kitchen and wraps me in his arms. His earthy smell fills my nostrils and it calms me as I sniffle.

"Hey, you will remember who you are. It will just take time. I'm sure that there is someone looking for you. Someone who is worried sick."
"I really hope so. Sometimes I just feel so lonely."

"Hey, we have got you. Me, my mom, the guys, we are all here for you."

"I know, but I just hate not knowing who I am."
"You will, just don't rush it."
I take a step back and wipe my eyes. Trying to lighten the situation. I grab a plate of cookies and offer them to him. He takes one and takes a bite. A smile crosses my lips as his eyes close and I swear I hear a little moan which sends a shiver down my spine.

"These are amazing Lilly."

"Thank you."
"I was thinking, you have been here for over a month and I haven't even shown you the town. How about tonight we go out for dinner?"
"Really?"
"I think it's about time you get out and explore."
"I can't wait."
"Let me go take a shower and we'll head out."
"Sounds great, I'll go freshen up."
We both head upstairs after I put away the cookies. It's getting easier every day to maneuver around in my cast. I still will be happy to get it off though. I look through my closet to find something to wear and decide on a yellow sundress, and some strappy sandals. I put on some light makeup and head downstairs to meet Nathan. He is sitting down in the living room looking at his phone when I walk in. His cologne fills my nose and I can't help but breathe in his heavenly scent. He looks up from his phone. His eyes slowly travel up my body and the heat spreads across my chest. As his eyes meet mine he smiles and a blush forms across my cheeks.

"You look amazing, Lilly. Are you ready to go?"
"Thank you Nathan, I am ready. So where are we going?"
"There is a little Italian place that I love. The town is quite nice in the evening."
"Can't wait."

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Nathan's POV

Once I had told Lilly that I wanted to take her out tonight, I headed up to my room to shower and get ready. She had deserved a night out. She's been cooped up in this house for over a month except for the time we went to my mom's and look where that got her. Of course Jennifer would show up, even though she was not invited and no one wanted her there. She always causes drama wherever she goes. I hadn't heard from her or even seen her for a long time and all of a sudden she just shows up. I don't understand why she was even there. She didn't even like my mom. Once I was finished in the shower I head into my closet and pull out one of my button up shirts, and a nice pair of jeans. After I was ready I headed downstairs and sat in the living room waiting for her to come down. I had been sitting checking my emails when I smelled the most amazing scent, a mix of Lavender and vanilla. It filled my senses and my heart began to beat faster. I looked up and there she stood. She looks absolutely beautiful in a yellow sundress that makes her skin glow. Her hair is shiny like silk and I just want to tangle my hands in it, and kiss those soft pink lips. I need to snap out of it. She has too much on her plate. She probably has a man in her life somewhere. I can't complicate it any more for her. We need to focus on her getting her life back and finding where she belongs. We walk out to my truck and I help her inside, and we drive downtown. It's not too long and I park outside the restaurant and go inside.

"Hey Nathan, haven't seen you around in a while. Do you want your same table?" Suzy asks as I place my hand on Lilly's lower back and guide her behind Suzy. She has been my waitress every time I have come in to eat.

"Absolutely." I say as she leads us to my favorite spot and hands us our menus as we sit down.

"Can I get you tow anything to drink? I'm sure you need a few minutes to order."

"I'll take some water." Lilly says quietly.

"Could you bring us a bottle of red wine?"

"The usual?"
"Yes, please."

Suzy heads off and brings back the wine and a glass of water for Lilly. She is unsure of what to get and asks me to order for the both of us, and I order the baked ziti. It is one of the best dishes. As we wait, Suzy brings out salad and bread sticks for us. After a bit I look over and Lilly is looking off into the distance and seems to be somewhere else.

"Lilly, are you okay?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry."

"Where did you go there?"
"The smells here seemed to have brought back a memory. For some reason I remember a big family and we were sitting at a table eating dinner and it was a big Italian meal. There was a man sitting next to me and it felt like we were involved. Like he was my boyfriend or something. I don't know. He looked like the man in my nightmares."

"Which one?"

"The one that was killed."

"I'm sorry, Lilly, but it's another memory. Another step to knowing who you are."
"I just don't feel anything towards them. It's like I'm watching a movie."

"Don't stress about it. It's a step. We will find who you are."

I reach across the table and grab her hand giving it a squeeze. She looks up at me and gives me a small smile. It doesn't quite meet her eyes but I know she is trying, and I will be with her every step. We will find out who she is and where she came from. Not long after our food arrives and we dig in.

"Wow, you were right. This is amazing. I think I really like Italian food."

"I'm glad you do. Well so far we have added baking and Italian foods to your likes."

"This wine is really good too."

We finish eating and talk comfortably as we enjoy each other's company. Of course that was short lived when I look up and see Jennifer stalking this way. Why can't she just leave us alone? We haven't talked for several years and now I have seen her twice in the last couple weeks.

"What do you want, Jennifer?"

"I was just coming by to say I am sorry about the party and accidentally knocking her into the pool."
"Thank you." Lilly answers.

"We all know that it was no accident. Again, I ask why are you here?"

"I thought maybe we could go out for some coffee sometime and reconnect."

"I don't think so. I told you a long time ago that we were through and I didn't want to see you again."
"Aw, come on, for old times sake?" She walks over to me and runs a hand down my chest. I look down at her hand and grab it for my chest. Looking back up at her with fire in my eyes.

"Don't. Ever. touch. Me. again. Now leave. We are having a nice evening and you are ruining it." I say as I clench my teeth, pulling my hand from my chest.

"Really? Like you can have a nice time with a thing that doesn't even know its name?"
"Her name is Lilly and she is a much better date than you ever were."

"Hmpf, I am a much better woman. You should remember that. I will have you back."

"Don't count on it."
She quickly turns around and storms off. Lilly looks like she is about to cry and I again reach over and grab her hand. Rubbing circles with my thumb, I look into her eyes.

"She is just jealous, don't let her get to you."
"She looks down and I can tell she is hurt by the situation. I quickly get up and pull a chair next to her. Softly grabbing her chin, I turn her face to look at me.

"You are an amazing woman. It's in there somewhere. We just have to find it. I can see it and wish you could too."
Her eyes begin to glisten as a tear falls down her cheek. I reach up with my thumb and wipe it away.
"How about we get out of here and I show you the town?"
"That sounds nice."
I pay for dinner and we head out. We walk down the streets and I tell her all about some of the shops and who owns them, how long they have been there and about some of the families. We live in a small town so everyone knows everyone. I take her to the ice-cream shop and we head inside for some dessert. Sitting outside we eat and talk some more. Well, I do most of the talking as we watch the world go by. I could get used to this. It is so nice to sit here with her and I can't help but watch her every move. Again I am lost in her beauty as she watches as people walk by and she just admires all she sees in front of her. It's like she is seeing the world for the first time. I know someday she is going to remember who she is and where she comes from. That day scares me, because that's the day I will lose her and I am already falling for the blonde with the most beautiful blue gray eyes I have ever seen. This will be tough when I have to let her go. She eventually lets out a small yawn as I realize it is getting late and we walk back to my truck as we climb in, heading back to the house. Once we arrive, she heads up to her room for the night and I head into mine. I toss and turn trying to fall asleep, wondering why Jennifer is back in the picture.

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Lilly's POV

It's finally the day I get my cast off. I can't wait to get this off. Abby told me that when I get it off to come see her at the shop and she would give me a job. I am really happy about that. I want to help Nathan and I can't do that without money. I get up and get ready and walk downstairs to start the coffee and soon Nathan is coming into the kitchen.

"Are you ready to get that thing off?"

"I am so ready, and excited to work with our mom."
"Okay then, we should leave in about thirty minutes. When we are done at the doctors we can head over to the shop and see mom."

"That would be great."
After we have breakfast, we head over to the doctors for her appointment. After we get signed in it's about ten minutes or so and we head back to our room. Soon the doctor is coming in.

"So Lilly, how have you been?" Doctor Johnson asks.

"Doing really well."
"That's great to hear. No headaches, or nausea? How is your memory?"
"I am getting little bits at a time. Just some clues to who I am. No major breakthrough though. I am not having any headaches or nausea either."
"That's great. Your memories will come back in time. Now let's get those x-rays and see if we can take this off."
He goes out and sends in the nurse to get the x-rays. After a few minutes I am back in the room with Nathan. After the doctor reviews the films he sends in the nurse to take off the cast and we are headed to the floral shop. We go inside after he parks the truck and Abby is out front waiting for us.

"There's my two favorite people. I see you finally got the cast off."

"Yes, and I am ready to start work if that's okay?"

"Absolutely, and it's great timing since I just lost one of my employees. I'm sure you want to start as soon as possible."

"I do. I can be here tomorrow. Is that okay, Nathan?"
"That would be fine it's what you want?" He answers with a smile.

"Thank you. I am so happy to be able to help."
"You don't need to. I want you to heal."
"I know, but it would make me feel better."

"Okay, if it makes you happy."
I quickly give him a hug and he tenses for just a moment before he wraps his arms around me and I melt into him. I could stay in his embrace forever. I breathe in his scent and the butterflies begin to stir in my belly.

"Thank you so much." I say as he slowly pulls back and I feel cold from his absence. I miss his closeness already.

"Thank you too, Abby."
"Well, I guess I will be seeing you tomorrow."