LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 90: Birthday Surprise II

Yvette pulled back slightly, grinning. "Well, you’ve been missing out on a whole lot but don’t worry, I’ll make it all worthwhile today and do you mind me stealing you away from the boys today. It’s all about you and me today".

Zeke laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, I’m yours, Madam. What’s the next plan now?"

"First, hurry up and get ready". Yvette said, clapping her hands together. "We’ve got a busy day ahead of us".

Once Zeke was all dressed up, Yvette immediately led him downstairs, her energy bubbly and infectious.

Before he could ask any more questions, she pulled a silk blindfold from her pocket and tied it gently over his eyes.

"Seriously, Yvette what is this?". Zeke asked, laughing as she guided him to the car. "Why am I blindfolded? And why are you going to be the one driving?"

"Because today, I’m in charge, and you’re just along for the ride". She teased as she stood hands akimbo before helping him into the passenger seat. "Now, relax, birthday boy. You’ll see everything soon enough."

He leaned back, trying to stifle his curiosity. "You’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?"

"Nope," She said with a mischievous grin, starting the engine which roared to life almost immediately. "But I’ll give you a hint: it’s something you’ve never done before so sit down quietly and yes, you can take a nap while I do the driving".

Zeke sighed dramatically, settling into his seat in surrender. "Fine, I’ll play along. Wake me up when we get there."

"Good, that’s the energy". Yvette said, glancing at him fondly as she drove. "Today, you just sit back, relax, and let me spoil you."

As the car glided down the road, Yvette’s heart raced with excitement. She couldn’t wait to see Zeke’s face when they arrived, she couldn’t even help bust start imagining how excited he’ll be.

The drive to the small seaside town was quiet but brimming with anticipation.

Yvette kept throwing a glance at Zeke occasionally, watching as he dozed lightly, his blindfold securely in place.

The town came into view, its charm unchanged by time: cobbled streets, rows of quaint houses, and the familiar coastline stretching out under a golden sunset.

Finally, they got to their destination and Yvette parked the car in front of the small glass house, the same one they used to play near as children.

The salty sea breeze brushed against her face as she stepped out, taking a moment to absorb the nostalgia of it all.

She checked on Zeke who was still sleeping and she hurried inside, where the air was filled with warmth and a sense of home.

Never would he have expected that she was bringing him here, in the past this was the place he loved the most, the place he had grew up as a kid and the place he’d fell in love with her , and also the place that held bad memories for him but she was all out to replace it with good ones.

She immediately hurried into the house that she had already had it meticulously cleaned in preparation, and she quickly set to work arranging their luggage and laying out the picnic outside, a checkered blanket laden with food.

The house faced the beach, where the waves crashed gently against the shore, a soothing soundtrack to her plan and she couldn’t help but clap her hands in excitement of it all, it’s certainly going to blow his mind away.

And when everything was finally ready, Yvette returned to the car quietly to wake him up.

"Zeke". She said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder as she tapped him lightly to rouse him from his sleep. "Ready to see your surprise?"

"Yes". He nodded and smiled beneath the blindfold. "I’ve been ready since the moment you blindfolded me. What’s taking so long?"

"Patience, birthday boy," She teased, helping him out of the car. "Now, no peeking." She added and he laughed , wondering what in the earth she was up to this time around and the thoughts of her taking all these efforts to please him melted his heart.

She gently and quietly guided him toward the house, her heart racing with excitement and finally, she stopped, taking a deep breath before untying the blindfold.

"Okay. Open your eyes now."

Zeke did just as he was told and then blinked, and as his vision cleared, his jaw dropped.

"The house... This place . .". He whispered, his voice trembling. "This is where we grew up. Yvette... how did you . . ."

"I thought it was time we came back, to right all the wrong". She said, smiling. "This was where everything started. I know you so much love this house but it held so many bad memories for you but I’m here to replace it with good ones".

He turned to her, speechless, then pulled her into a tight embrace. "I don’t know what to say. This is... perfect."

"Don’t be so stunned already, there’s still so much more". Yvette giggled and Zeke held his heart as though he was in pain.

"How many more surprise can my faint heart still take today?".

Yvette then led him to the picnic set up on the lawn. The sight of the spread left Zeke momentarily stunned.

"Wait, you made all of this?". He asked, his eyes widening. "How is that even possible?"

"Don’t doubt the strength of a woman in love, she’ll go to any extents for her love". She grinned proudly and then pointed to the spread of dishes. "Twenty-six dishes for twenty-six years. A bit over-the-top, I know, but I wanted to make today unforgettable for you."

Zeke ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in disbelief. "Unforgettable doesn’t even begin to cover it." He turned to her, taking her hands in his. "You’re unbelievable. Thank you, Yvette. For everything."

"There we go again". She sighed as she pinched his cheeks playfully. "Such words shouldn’t exist between couples, okay?".

"Yes, Madam. " He leaned in and kissed her, a tender meeting of lips filled with gratitude and affection and when they pulled apart, she laughed. "As much as I love that, let’s not let the food go cold."

"Fair point". He replied with a chuckle, sitting down beside her.

They ate slowly, savoring each dish and reminiscing about their childhood. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, the comfort of their bond making the moment all the more special.

Ater their meal, they strolled along the beach, their fingers entwined as one, just like their heart.

The setting sun cast a golden glow over the water, and the cool sand felt soft beneath their feet.

"Do you remember the swings by the cliffs?". Yvette suddenly asked, pointing to a spot in the distance.

Zeke nodded and smiled. "How could I forget?. I’ve always wanted to ride it but I was never allowed to so I resorted to watching you guys sneakingly. You always made Manuel push you while you tried to touch the sky."

"That’s crazy. Well, today, it’s your turn" She said with a wink and Zeke chuckled lightly at the idea.

They reached the swing set, and Yvette insisted he sit while she pushed him gently.

"Are you sure?".

"Relax, birthday boy". She teased. "Let me spoil you for a change, at least for today" .

Zeke laughed, leaning back into the swing. "You’ve already done more than I could ever ask for, Yvie. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had."

As he swung back and forth, his eyes caught a glint of light from Yvette’s wrist and he froze, the swing slowing to a stop.

"Wait". He said, leaning forward. "Is that... the butterfly bracelet from years ago?"

Yvette followed his gaze, lifting her wrist to look at the delicate wooden bracelet. "It is. I’ve had it for years. It’s always my favorite."

Zeke’s lips parted in surprise. "You kept it? I can’t believe you still have it."

"Of course I kept it" She said softly, sitting beside him. "But... I only just found out a few days ago that you were the one that actually made it. All these years, I thought it was Manuel who did as he was the one who gave it to me. That’s... why I thought I was in love with him first."

Zeke’s breath hitched. "You thought... he gave it to you?"

Yvette nodded, her cheeks flushing. "But now I know it was you. And Zeke, I realize now it was you I loved all along. I just didn’t know it and perhaps that was why it was so easy and comfortable for me when everything began" .

He stared at her, stunned, before a slow, warm smile spread across his face. "Yvette..."

He leaned in, cupping her face gently, and kissed her deeply, his lips claiming hers with a passion that spoke of years of unspoken feelings.

Yvette melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck immediately as she reciprocated with the same vigor.

When they finally pulled apart, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them.

"I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember". Zeke whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

"And I’ve loved you, too". Yvette replied, her voice trembling with emotion.