Chapter 49

• Jessie’s POV
• The wind, a gentle whisper, threaded its way through the open windows, carrying with it the faint scent of night-blooming jasmine from the garden. I held my breath, then slowly exhaled, a soft sigh of release as I lit the last amber-hued candle on the long, low table that dominated our backyard. Its flickering flame joined a constellation of other tiny lights, scattered strategically across the polished wood. Above us, in the embracing arms of the ancient oak, fairy lights twinkled like captured stardust, casting a whimsical glow. The cushions and throws, a carefully curated symphony of soft textures and inviting hues, were laid out perfectly on the low-slung lounge and the scattered floor pillows, beckoning weary bodies to sink in. From the small, discreet speaker nestled amongst the potted ferns by the garden bench, the soft, melodic hum of a jazz playlist — a carefully chosen selection of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday — drifted through the air, a soothing balm to the soul.
• Everything was ready. I stood back for a moment, my fingers automatically brushing a stray curl of hair from my forehead, a gesture of nervous anticipation and quiet satisfaction. I let out another breath, a deeper one this time, feeling the tension that had been building in my shoulders slowly dissipate. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the promise of a peaceful evening.