4 months later
The couple shared a platonic love, they only wished to be intimate after marriage.bThey grew more in love over the past four months, knowing themselves more and pondering about their future together.
Last December, Zach joined her in Badagry where he met her parents Mr and Mrs Oscar and Veronica Jones along with her elder sister Xenia Dane and her husband Abel with their three boys; Kingsley, Richard and Samuel of 11,6 and 4 years of age respectively.
Now they were in a new year, Yvonne wasn't concerned about being thirty years as long as she had Zach, he was all she needed.
'Today is going to be a great day.' she mumbled as she looked at her phone, the date showed up on her screen and she smiled, she was now officially 30 years old.
Texts and calls from close friends, co-workers and family members came one after the other.
Its a good thing today is a Saturday, I don't have to go to work so I have all day to myself.
But now she was awaiting Zach's call instead, she got a text.
Zach❤️: Happy birthday babe
Me: Thanks, why didn't you call?
Zach ❤️: Something urgent came up in the office, I'm busy.
Me: So you'll be busy throughout today?
Zach ❤️:It seems so but I'll find a way out as soon as I can.
Me: It's okay.
Zach ❤️: Can you go to my house right now?
Me: Is something wrong?
Zach ❤️:It's something important get there as soon as possible.
Me: Okay. I'll go right now.
Zach ❤️: Sorry for stressing you out on such an important day.
Me: No, I was bored.
Zach ❤️: Love you.
Me: Love you too.
She sank into the bed and recalled their conversation.
On my birthday! Why did he have to be working.
She was annoyed but rushed to see what was happening at Zach's house. She pulled into the the large compound with her kia forte and was startled to see a lot of busy people running around the house.
She alighted from the car and stopped to ask what was going on when Irene walked up to her.
"It's good you've come."
"What's going on here? "
"It's a party for you obviously."
"There's no need."
"It's Zach's idea of course there is a need ... let's go in, your makeup artist is waiting for you."
"Makeup artist?"
"Do you intend to attend this party with a bare face as the celebrant?"
"No but..." Irene gave her no space to continue and dragged her into the large house and then into a room.
The already waiting attendees greeted her and wished her a happy birthday as she sat down.
"Ok as we discussed nothing should go wrong the guests are already on their way." Irene instructed them.
2 hours later
Cece came into the room and acknowledged Irene and Yvonne.
"Cece you knew about this?"
"What can I say bestie? Zach said I shouldn't say a thing... You're looking beautiful by the way. Happy birthday."
"Thanks, you're really something else but I didn't need this."
"As long as you're close to Zach's heart, your birthday cannot escape without being celebrated you should get used to it." Irene replied.
"Cece did you come alone?"
"No, Lawson, Nova and Jane are outside...the party is top-notch." Cece answered while admiring herself in a black V detail short sleeve jumpsuit.
"What's the need of all these if Zach won't even be here?"
"He will come, he's making some arrangements just wait a little while and you will see him. Trust me, today is going to be one of the best days in your life." Irene answered and walked to the other side of the room to retrieve her dress.
"I'll take your word on that."
The next one hour was rounded up with the appearance of Yvonne at the party which was held outdoors. Clad in a white off-shoulder party dress, Yvonne looked attractive, the dress didn't fail to show her curves.
"Mum, dad you're here, I can't believe this." she said and approached her parents.
"It was all Zach's idea. You're looking gorgeous. Happy birthday." Veronica started and hugged her daughter once more.
"Yes she does, just like her mother."
"Don't do that now, today is her day." Her mum blushed
"I'm missing from this family gathering." Yvonne turned to see Xenia "You u look nice sis. Abel couldn't come but he sent his best wishes." Samuel ran into Yvonne's arms "Sam is looking good today. "
"You look better aunt." Xenia took Samuel and cautioned him "Didn't I tell you to stay with your brothers, go and stay with them now." Samuel silently obeyed. "That boy can't stay at a place."she said under her breath and noticed Yvonne's roaming eyes.
"Looking for someone?" She inquired "I haven't seen Zach all day, Irene said he should be here soon." she was getting impatient "Don't stay here and look for him, walk around."
In a blink of an eye, Yvonne left her family to look for Zach. She noticed his tall figure from afar in his well-suited jean coloured suit. She went closer and wrapped her arms around him from behind.
"Mr Williams I've been looking for you and you're here taking a call."
"Sorry but it's the last call for today." He turned around and slipped the phone into his pocket.
"Happy birthday my love." he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"I've been dying to hear your voice all day long ...you really outdid yourself, this is just too much." she said still in his embrace and he kissed her forehead "Anything for you, it's a bit small if you ask me."
"This is huge Zach."she argued "Alright, I have something to show you, let's get into the house first."
He took her hand and they darted into his house, he led her into a room full of gifts given by the guests.
"This is from me?"
He gave her a big box which she opened to see a birkin bag set.
"Zach, this is lovely. Thanks so much babe." She looks closely at the gifts "Turn around for me Yvonne."
She did as she was instructed and was surprised to see Zack on one knee with a small box in his hand revealing a diamond ring 14k in white gold.
"Since the first day I set my eyes on you, I knew you were the one. These past four months have been more like four years. I wish to marry you if you'll please do me the honour of becoming my wife. Will you marry me?"
Yvonne nodded and answered "Yes, I'll marry you." Zach stood up and inserted the ring in her finger, he held her chin up and covered her lips with a gentle long kiss.
"You're amazing Zach, I love you with all my heart."
"I love you too babe." He released her lips "Let's get back to the party." she obliged and as they got out of the house, everyone scream their hearts out
"Congratulations!!!!"
"They knew this would happen?"
"Yes, right from the very beginning. "
"I was the only one left in the dark." She shook her head "Do you still have any tricks up your sleeve?"
"Not now for now but you may never know, one could be around the corner." He teased and she nudged him.
"Fine, there are no surprises just enjoy the party it's all for you." He whispered in her ear and appreciated the guests as they came forward.