EPILOGUE
Keely
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WITH HUGH AT MY SIDE, I watched my cast and crew celebrate the completion of another fantastic project as well as the dual wedding. The day was festive with everyone eating, drinking, singing and dancing. It was the perfect blend of a wedding reception and a wrap party.
Once again, everyone had done a wonderful job; no hiccups, no infighting, no unfortunate incidents... with the slight exception of Damen’s indiscretion.
Hugh reached out to grab two champagne flutes from a passing server’s tray. “Congratulations,” he said with a kiss as he handed me the champagne. “You did it again.”
“I’m glad you could make it.” I smiled, happy to see him. “I know you’ve been busy as well.”
Ayra and Abbie joined us.
“This is quite the celebration,” Abbie said. “Gabriel is so pleased. He’d never officiated a double wedding before.”
“And Jai had never been best man before,” Ayra added.
Still in their gorgeous gowns, Holly and Susan joined the group.
“Thank you so much for allowing us to marry on what is also your big day, Keely,” Susan said.
I smiled. “It just makes my wrap party all the more joyous.”
“And, Ayra,” Susan said. “What you did for our mother... I can never thank you enough. We were under the impression that her condition was permanent. It never even occurred to us that she might regain the full use of her legs again.”
“Gordon is a miracle worker. I’m just sorry I couldn’t tell you about it. Your mother swore me to secrecy.”
We all laughed as we raised a toast to Mrs. Selma.
Penny and Cliff came by to congratulate the brides and as Cliff left us, Hugh saluted us and gave me a parting kiss.
“If you ladies don’t mind, I’m going to join that small group of very well-dressed gentlemen.”
With him gone, all the ladies turned to me.
“So,” Abbie said with a pleased grin on her face. “What’s next?”
“Well, the cast is going to head back to their respective homes. I’m sure you’ve already noticed that a few key actors were not in attendance as they already had contractual agreements.”
Everyone glanced at Holly as Damen was one of those actors who’d had to leave early.
“But I’ve asked the crew to stay on. Of course, there will be a week or two of preparation. Moon Manor will, once again, be transformed.” I looked at Ayra.
“Can’t wait to see what they do this time,” she said.
“And of course I have to find my new cast...”
“Are you going to divulge the next title?” Holly said with open curiosity.
“I’m not sure yet,” I said. “But I already have a good idea who I want as my main actors. There’s a devilishly good-looking man I’ve wanted to work with for a while now, and this very coquettish young actress who has caught my eye.”
“I know what our next project will be,” Abbie said.
“At this point, it can only be one thing, right?” Susan said.
“Will it be Jane Eyre?” Holly suggested.
“Wrong author,” Susan shot back with a grin. “That’s Charlotte Bronte.”
“Oh.”
“No, it could only be the one,” Abbie said.
I nodded. “And that will be...” I held my hands up, prompting them all to say;
“Mansfield Park!”