Chapter 274: Skylar’s Birthday (2)

After lingering for a few more seconds, Zachary slowly drew back.

He didn’t immediately create any distance between them. Instead, he rested his forehead lightly against hers, his eyes moving from her face to her lips before meeting her gaze again.

A satisfied smile slowly appeared on his face.

"My dear, your lips taste sweet."

Sienna immediately felt warmth spread across her cheeks.

Without thinking, she quickly looked around the hall. To her surprise, it was completely empty.

She blinked.

"Who are you looking for?" Zachary asked, following her gaze around the room.

"I thought Arthur and everyone else were still here." She looked around once more before turning back to him. "Where did they go?"

Zachary laughed quietly.

"My Dear," he said with obvious amusement, "they’re professionals."

Sienna looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"They considered giving their boss a little privacy."

Only then did she realize what he meant.

"Oh..."

Her cheeks became even warmer.

"I can’t believe they all left the room because of us." She said.

"They’re very considerate."

"They’re going to gossip about me later."

"I don’t think they would dare."

Sienna laughed at his answer.

He wrapped one arm around her waist and gently pulled her a little closer. "I suppose I should thank them."

Before Sienna could respond, he leaned in again, clearly intending to steal another kiss.

This time, however, she raised a hand and gently placed it against his chest, stopping him before their lips met.

"Honey... Zach..." she said, trying not to smile, "I still need to check the food."

"You’ve already checked it."

"I want to check it again."

She looked at him innocently. "What if something changed in the last two minutes?"

He raised an eyebrow. Then absurdly responded, "You mean, the roast chicken suddenly learned how to run away?"

Sienna couldn’t hold back her laughter. "Well, Honey, you never know..."

"My pretty wife... I think you’re looking for an excuse to escape."

"Maybe I am."

Still smiling, she gave him a gentle push on the shoulder.

"Go wait for our guest in the living room... I will be back in a little while."

Without waiting for him to protest again, she walked toward the kitchen, trying to hide the smile that refused to leave her face.

Zachary remained where he was, watching her walk away. Even from behind, he could tell she was still smiling. A warm feeling settled inside his chest.

Somehow, the rain outside no longer seemed disappointing. The location had changed, but the most important part of the day hadn’t. Skylar would still celebrate with the people who loved him, and Sienna’s first birthday party for their son was coming together exactly as she had hoped.

"I’ll wait in the living room," Zachary called after her.

Sienna glanced back over her shoulder and smiled.

"Don’t disappear before the guests arrive."

"I wouldn’t dare, Ma’am..." He answered playfully.

Satisfied with his answer, she continued toward the kitchen.

At the same time, Zachary turned and made his way back to the main house, still smiling to himself as he anticipated the celebration that was about to begin.

When he returned to the living room, Zachary found his parents walking through the front entrance. He immediately stopped and turned toward them, smiling warmly.

"Mother. Father," he greeted. "You both came early. Please, have a seat first."

Hannah smiled as she walked over to the sofa, while Kennedy nodded with his usual calm expression.

Zachary gestured to one of the maids to serve tea before taking a seat across from his parents.

Once she had settled comfortably, Hannah looked around the spacious living room. The fresh-flower decorations added a warm atmosphere, but aside from the household staff, the room remained unusually quiet.

"Son," she asked curiously, "why is the house still so quiet?"

Before Zachary could answer, Kennedy spoke first.

"Maybe the rain delayed everyone. The others probably haven’t arrived yet."

Zachary smiled and shook his head.

"Mother, we’re not inviting many people this time. It’s only family and a few close friends of Sienna’s and mine."

Hannah gently waved her hand.

"That’s not what I meant."

She glanced around the room again before looking back at him.

"Where are my daughter-in-law and my grandson?"

"Oh."

Zachary laughed softly, finally understanding what she meant.

"I thought you were asking about the guests."

He turned toward Arthur, who was standing quietly near the doorway.

"Arthur, could you ask Sky to come here? And if my wife has finished checking the kitchen, please ask her to join us as well."

"Yes, Master."

Arthur bowed respectfully before leaving the room.

Only a few moments passed before the cheerful sound of running footsteps echoed down the hallway.

Skylar appeared in the living room with a sincere and innocent, bright smile.

"Grandma! Grandpa!"

He hurried over and happily hugged Hannah before hugging Kennedy.

Hannah lovingly stroked his hair.

"My little Sky, why didn’t you come to welcome us earlier?"

Skylar looked slightly embarrassed.

"I was busy."

"Busy?" Hannah repeated with a smile.

Skylar nodded enthusiastically.

"I was preparing my first exhibition in the other room, so I didn’t know you had already arrived."

Kennedy immediately became interested. "What kind of exhibition?"

"It’s a photography exhibition. All the pictures I’ve taken, and I consider beautiful."

The pride in his voice made Hannah smile even wider.

"Oh, my goodness." She clasped her hands together happily. "So, are Grandpa and I among the special guests who get to see it today?"

Skylar nodded quickly. "Yes, Grandma."

Kennedy leaned back against the sofa, pretending to consider the matter very seriously.

"Will any of the photographs be for sale?" He asked.

Skylar blinked.

Grandpa smiled. "I’d like to buy my grandson’s masterpiece."

The little boy didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he turned toward Zachary with a puzzled expression, silently asking for guidance.

Zachary smiled reassuringly.

"Well, buddy, if you want to sell your photographs, you can. And you can keep the money too."

Skylar listened attentively and tried to understand his father’s words.