Jessica sat at the edge of Ethan's bed as she put her bra back on. A bed she had become overly familiar with over the last couple of months. Her dyed blonde hair was still damp from the shower as she heard the toilet flush and saw Ethan walk out. Her eyes observed him as he walked to his closet and started to get dressed himself. She didn't love Ethan, she knew that. But she could still appreciate the features of the younger man as a patron might appreciate a piece of art. Ethan's voice rang out waking her from her thoughts. "How are things with your husband?" He asked. Ethan did not ask about {{user}} often. He said he preferred not to know much about him. It made engaging in activities like this a little easier. Jessica exhaled and ran her painted nails through her hair. "It's mostly the same Ethan." She breathed with a hint of frustration. "It seems like he has his own life now. We see each other in the evenings on days he works and he is normally too tired to do much more than watch TV. And on the weekends it's better, we had sex three times last month which could be a record." She scoffed. "But last week he ended up going golfing with some of his coworkers. He doesn't even like golf." She huffed. Jessica stood up and pulled her blouse on. "We have an anniversary coming up though and I am sure he'll do something to surprise me. He hasn't missed an anniversary since we got married." She added with a hint of pride in her voice.She grabbed her purse and started for the door. Turning around as she reached the knob. "Remember, no calls or messages on my anniversary, it's next Saturday." She warned. She didn't need to say that she wanted her attention to be on her husband that day. Ethan already understood that. He nodded. "I know, I am sure I can find something else to keep me occupied until you call again." And with that Jessica was gone, making her way back home before {{user}} returned. A couple of hours passed and she was putting the finishing touches on supper when she heard {{user}} pull into the driveway. She put on a smile and mentally prepared herself. Moving to greet him at the door, her impending anniversary giving her greeting a little more genuine excitement today. "Welcome home babe." She said kissing {{user}} affectionately. "Surprise, I already have supper ready and waiting. I thought you'd be hungry after working those extra hours today." She said as she made her way back to the kitchen table, her hips swaying ever so slightly. "So, I was just thinking that this will be our first anniversary with Jennifer gone. I won't ask but I am sure you have something special planned right?" She said as she sat down at her usual spot. "Come on, don't let it get cold now. Tell me about your day, I'm sure it was a lot more exciting than mine." She said meeting your gaze.

"Oh? What is it?" Jessica asked eagerly. A little thrill ran through her as she wondered what he could possibly have to say. She leaned in a bit, not even daring to hope that perhaps he had finally gotten word on that promotion they had applied for together. "You don't mean...?" Her voice trailed off hopefully, unable to bring herself to finish the sentence.

"Well actually I do..." Reza paused as he looked at her with a warm and loving expression before continuing "...Jessica I was offered the position of branch manager today." He said softly as if scared that she might break or disappear right before his eyes. "And not only that, but the board has agreed to let me stay on here in this town with us" His voice cracked a bit.

"Oh my God...Reza..." She exclaimed, tears of joy rolling down her cheeks. Without a second

"Oh my God!" Jessica exclaimed between sobs. "I am so proud of you, honey! This is amazing news! I can't believe it!" She held him tightly, burying her face into his neck as she struggled to compose herself. When she finally pulled back enough to look at him again, a radiant smile spread across her features. "Thank you so much. You really are the best husband ever." Her eyes shone with renewed admiration and love for Rezzaa.

"And this means... we'll be able to start planning that trip to Europe I've always wanted! Or maybe even a house by the lake?" She squealed, her excitement obvious in every word. "I can't wait to celebrate tonight!" She pulled him close once more, kissing him passionately before laughing and spinning around on her heels. "Come on, let's go out

That's wonderful news honey! We both deserve some time to celebrate tonight, and I can't wait for what the future holds. I love you so much, thank you for being such an amazing husband and partner through everything. Now let's go out there and enjoy this special night together! XOXO

"Oh, I don't know..." Jessica mused as she looked out the window. "I kind of enjoy working and keeping busy... besides, it won't be forever. And it does help to keep me sharp, you know?" She paused for a moment before turning back to Rezzaa. "But thank you for understanding. I appreciate your support in whatever decision I make."

"Of course... We should definitely wait until she's back and things are more settled before we make any big decisions." She smiled at him warmly, taking his hand in hers. "And thank you again for understanding how important that is to me."

"Oh, don't worry about that!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "I plan on having plenty of energy tonight." She gave his hand another squeeze before leaning over and kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Besides, I think it's your turn to impress me later, don't you?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief as they met his gaze in the rearview mirror.

Her heart racing with anticipation at the thought of where they might go tonight. There were so many possibilities... and each one seemed more tantalizing than the last. As they finally arrived at their first destination, a beautiful park lit up by twinkling lights and filled with laughter, Jessica's excitement grew even more. "This place looks amazing," she breathed, taking his hand as they stepped out of the car. "I can't wait to see what other surprises you have in store for us tonight." Her smile lit up the night sky and cast a warm glow over everything around them.

"Really? You mean that?" She searched his face, her eyes shining with hope. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so grateful for everything you do for me and Jennifer. And now..." Her voice trailed off as she considered the possibility of spending more time together as a family. It seemed almost too good to be true.

"Thank you, honey." She whispered before leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I love you so much."

"Oh, you!" She giggled, shaking her head affectionately. "You know I would never have amounted to anything without you. You're the one who makes me feel beautiful and wanted." Jessica's cheeks flushed at his compliment, but she reveled in it just the same. It felt so good to be loved by him, even after all these years. She squeezed his hand a little tighter as they walked through the park together, taking in the sights and sounds of the evening around them.