Page 260 of Finding Us

I turn around and give him a kiss. “I just need my earrings and then we’ll go.”

“Here.” He hands me a small box.

“What’s this?”

“A present.”

I open it and inside is a pair of diamond earrings.

“These are beautiful, Garret, but you already got me diamond earrings.”

He points to the box. “I owed you those. Back on Valentine’s Day, when I gave you those diamond earrings, I told you I’d get you ones twice that size if you married me. And you did. So there you go. I keep my word, Jade.”

“Thank you.” I put them on. “They really are beautiful.”

“So are you.” He kisses me. “Now let’s go, birthday girl.”

He takes me to that steakhouse we went to a month ago.

“What do you think?” Garret says as he parks.

“It’s great. I love this place.” I see Frank’s rental car in the parking lot. “Looks like everyone’s already here.”

“Yeah, everyone’s here.” Garret laughs a little. He’s acting strange.

Inside the restaurant, Garret gives the hostess our name. She leads us to a door on the side of the restaurant. It must be a private dining room. That must be the surprise. Garret rented out a private room that overlooks the ocean.

“You ready?” Garret’s smiling.

“Um, okay.” I’m not sure what to expect.

He opens the door and Harper’s standing there.

“Happy Birthday!” She hugs me.

“Oh my God! Harper, I can’t believe you came all the way out here!”

“I couldn’t miss your birthday, Jade.”

Behind her, I see Sean. “Sean came, too?”

“I go wherever she goes,” he kids, as he comes over and gives me a hug. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thanks. This is such a huge surprise.”

Frank, Ryan, and Grace hug me next.

The room is all decorated. The ceiling lights are dimmed and white twinkling lights are strung all around. There’s a table in the back, which has a small stack of presents and a two-layer cake with candles on top. Clear balloons filled with silver sparkly stuff are tied to each chair.

Between the people and the setting I’m overcome with emotion.

“This is amazing. Really. I’ve never had—” My voice cracks and I can barely get the words out as I try not to cry. “I can’t believe everyone came for—” I’m unable to finish. Now I’m crying. Dammit. Why am I crying? “Sorry, I just need a minute.”

I race toward the side door which leads to the outdoor patio. Garret and Frank follow me.

“Jade?” Garret stops me, his face full of concern.

I smile at him. “I just need some fresh air.”

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