Page 55

“Just like you.”

The gentle melody of the strings swelled, signaling the start of a slow waltz.

Jess pulled out a chair with a flourish, ushering Jamie in. As Jamie settled down, the scent of food wafted over them, a delicious mix of herbs and spices.

Lifting the silver cloches, Jamie’s eyes widened again. It was a feast fit for royalty. Salmon en papillote, its delicate aroma hinting at lemon and dill, sat next to a platter of roasted vegetables, their colors mimicking a summer sunset. A bowl of fluffy couscous, dotted with golden raisins and toasted almonds, rounded out the main course.

“Wow, Jess. Did you take a cooking class in secret? This looks incredible!”

Jess chuckled, a blush creeping up her neck. “Stop teasing. You know perfectly well I can only manage scrambled eggs and the occasional burnt batch of bacon.”

They both burst into laughter.

Taking a bite of the salmon, Jamie’s eyes lit up. “Seriously though, this is amazing. Every bite is an explosion of flavor.”

Between mouthfuls of food, Jamie continued, “Alright, spill the beans. What do you want for your birthday this year? I promise to pull off an even grander surprise than this!”

Jess laughed, shaking her head. “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if you already knew, would it?”

“Fine. But you can at least give me a hint. Something I can work with.”

Jess pondered for a moment, her gaze wandering across the star-studded sky. “Honestly, Jamie, the greatest gift you could ever give me is already here. Right here, with you, under the stars, sharing this beautiful night with the woman I love. That’s all I could ever ask for.”

Jamie blushed even though she tried to hide it. “Oh, come on, you can give me a hint. Anything? Spa weekend? Tickets to a yoga retreat in Bali?”

“How about we get married on my birthday? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about a surprise topping this one.”

Jamie’s breath hitched. The playful banter evaporated, replaced by a sudden stillness.

Seizing the moment, Jess reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. With a trembling hand, she flipped it open, revealing a beautiful gold ring with small diamonds that shimmered in the light.

Taking a deep breath, Jess dropped to one knee. “Jamie, you are my strength, my partner, the love of my life. Will you marry me?”

As if on cue, the string quartet launched into a slow, romantic rendition of “Unconditionally.” The melody, filled with tenderness and devotion, wrapped around them like a warm embrace.

Tears streamed down Jamie’s face, a mixture of joy, relief, and overwhelming love. “Yes, Jess. A thousand times, yes!”

With a cry of joy, Jess slipped the ring onto Jamie’s finger. The diamond sparkled, mirroring the tears glistening in Jamie’s eyes.

“I love you, Jamie.”

“I love you, Jess.”

They kissed, a kiss filled with the promise of forever, a testament to a love that had weathered storms and emerged stronger.

As they pulled apart, breathless and exhilarated, the orchestra swelled into a joyous crescendo.

Jess extended her hand towards Jamie, a question brimming in her eyes. Jamie, a radiant smile illuminating her face, readily took it. Stepping into the embrace of the music, they began to sway together beneath the fairy lights, with the world around them fading away.