Chapter 722 - JoAnna's birthday (2)

JoAnna shivered at the thought what would happen if Jeff didn't clear up things with Isabella. Would he be married to her by now? Who knows…? Luckily, no one knows… because Jeff and Isabella, that was not meant to be.

JoAnna met Jeff seventeen years ago, and even though she didn't recognize him, or remember him… her heart did. She took care of hundreds maybe thousands of patients since she started working on her residency, and not a single one got her attention. But when she met Jeff, that changed.

Now she knows that at that time, she struggled to keep that grumpy patient from room 412 out of her mind because her heart was fighting against it. Her heart was telling her that he is the one. JoAnna wonders, if at that time she understood what her heart was telling her, would she listen? Would she believe that the man from room 412 is destined to be the love of her life? Probably not.

His next birthday they will be married. She needs to come up with something to make it very special. What can she do for a man who has everything? She smiled… Yes, Jeff has everything, but there are few things that only she can give him.

"I'm ready for you…", Jeff's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"You are in a good mood.", he observed her gentle smile directed at him when she stood up.

"Yes.", she admitted. "I was thinking how we are not long together, but I already have so many sweet memories with you."

Jeff smiled hearing her words. "And there is a lifetime more of those ahead of us."

JoAnna melted in his embrace. And his gentle kiss was just right to make her head spin. She didn't realize when he lifted her up. By the time she came around, he carried her into the dining room which was lit up only with candles. Looking back through the door, she can see that the whole lower floor has lights off.

"Wow…", JoAnna said under her breath at the sight of an elaborate meal set up on the dining table mixed in with candles and flower arrangements. Soft music coming from the hidden speakers completed the absolutely romantic atmosphere.

"Happy birthday…" Jeff kissed JoAnna's temple and placed her to sit on the chair.

They had their meal while exchanging loving gazes. JoAnna was over the moon and she felt like she is drifting between reality and imagination. But she never imagined anything like this. This is perfect. Jeff made it perfect.

When they finished food, Jeff told her not to move. He swiftly collected plates and went to the kitchen. Less than a minute later, he returned with a heart-shaped white cake which had one candle lit up in the middle.

"Don't forget to make a wish before blowing…", Jeff reminded JoAnna as he placed the cake in front of her.

JoAnna looked at the cake and was so touched that she felt like crying. This man… is amazing. "It's been a long time since I blew birthday candles… Why one candle?"

"Because it's your first birthday with me.", Jeff explained with a cheeky smile on his handsome face.

JoAnna laughed. "Thank you. Everything is perfect!"

Her laughter filled up the space, and to Jeff, that is like a song of an angel. He hopes that he has the power to protect it, because knowledge that she is happy makes him feel alive.

She closed her eyes to make a wish. JoAnna was not sure what to wish for. She already has everything she wants. Do these things even work? Just in case, she should make a wish… it can't hurt. After some mental scramble, she decided on a wish: 'I wish that my every birthday from now onwards is with Jeff by my side.'

After making her wish silently, JoAnna opened her eyes and blew at the candle.

She looked at Jeff and saw that he is excitedly glancing at the table in front of her. She followed his line of sight and her eyes fell on a flat, velvety, dark blue box.

Based on the style and the size of the box, JoAnna can guess that it's for jewelry. Something much bigger than a ring or a bracelet… maybe a necklace, or a set?

She sighed. "I thought we agreed that you will not buy me a present. I wanted a day offline, just the two of us, and nothing else."

"Who said I bought this?" Jeff ignored JoAnna's protests and signaled with eyes toward the box.

JoAnna took the box in her hands and observed that even if she spreads her fingers fully, the box is covering her palm and fingers completely.

She reluctantly opened the box and held her breath at the sight of an exquisite golden necklace with intricate details laid out around numerous clear blue gemstones which lined the neckline and interlinked chains which formed a 'V' shape. A truly ageless design. And the gemstones in the necklace are from medium to quite large in size. JoAnna observed the stones and she is almost confident that these are blue diamonds.

'This must cost a fortune!' , JoAnna didn't dare voice her thoughts out of fear that she will spoil the mood. She can see that Jeff is very excited to give her this as a present, and she reminded herself that a small fortune is not a big deal, for him.

"This is something for the lady of White family." Jeff explained with a smile. "The story goes that my maternal grandmother always wanted three children, and as a condition to marry my grandfather she requested him to make three necklaces worthy of his daughters or daughter-in-laws. My grandfather set off on travels and about two years later returned with three necklaces. Shortly after, they got married. Unfortunately, my grandmother's health worsened, and she didn't have children other than my mother. Elanor got her necklace when she married Oscar. My grandfather decided to keep other two necklaces for future generations… This one is yours."

"I don't know what is more beautiful… The necklace or the story behind it." JoAnna looked at Jeff with eyes full of emotion and kissed him gently on the lips. "Thank you."

Jeff smiled and looked at her expectantly. JoAnna could guess that there is something else on his mind.