Chapter 283

Yellow lightbulbs lined the paddock on a string, and a bonfire danced in the middle, a whole lamb grilling over it. Jessica's and Zachary's friends and family sat around the paddock. Jessica kept receiving flowers. They nearly overflowed from her arms, and only stopped once she reached inside. Zachary stood in front of her with a tulip in his hands. She stared at him and chuckled, tears streaming down her face. "What are you guys doing? I'm drenched in sweat and don't even have any makeup on. I look horrendous…" Jessica grumbled. Zachary paced to her, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and gave her the tulip in his hand. "You look beautiful just the way you are. Happy birthday, Jess," he said. Jessica stared up at him. It was her birthday that day. She had forgotten about it, but not him. The birthday song echoed, and everyone clapped and sang along. Zachary pinched her cheek and kissed her softly on her lips. Unabashed, Jessica cried tears of joy. The song ended,