Chapter 29
TWENTY-NINE
ZOE
Two years later
Butterflies are breeding in my stomach.
It’s the only rational explanation as to why I feel like something’s taken flight in my abdomen—although it could also be the baby growing inside me.
Once again, I’m on the red carpet and five months’ pregnant.
I smooth my dress down and take a deep breath.
Declan’s presenting an award at the Oscars tonight—Best Adapted Screenplay for which Jessie and her co-writer, Adam Walton, have been nominated. They adapted Jessie’s life story for a movie about her past— Interrupted Life.
Never did I think I’d be going to the Oscars, let alone walking the red carpet. But it’s all happening tonight .
Declan walks into the room, adjusting his cufflinks as he goes. He’s such an effortlessly handsome man, but in a tux? Turns up the hot factor by a million. “You look beautiful.”
“So do you.”
He grins. Life has been a fairy tale since we moved in together. And for tonight, Pania designed my dress, and for only the second time in my life I’ve had professional hair and makeup people pampering me in my own home.
I’ve never felt better.
He pulls me into his arms. “Can I kiss you, or will it upset the makeup?”
“You’d better kiss me.”
He laughs, and plants one on me. “I love you, Zoe. I’m looking forward to taking my girl out.”
My parents are here for a visit. Declan and I have had dates with Delaney or Lana babysitting, but I know Daisy is in good hands tonight with my mother. Dad and Declan still circle each other from time to time, and the testosterone gets a bit too much, but they both love and want to protect me—one day they’ll work it out.
Delaney waves at us as we walk the red carpet, and I wave back before we join her. Josh is off posing for photos.
“This is Zoe’s first Oscar ceremony.” Declan places a kiss on my temple, and I sigh a little as he waves and then walks toward Josh.
“I remember my first. I was terrified.” Delaney sighs. “It’s all a bit overwhelming.”
“Can I ask you something?”
Delaney nods. “Sure. ”
“Does this ever go away? That sick feeling in your stomach over all this attention?”
She shakes her head. “It’s the part of Josh’s life I like the least. But I do it because I’m proud of him, and I want to send a message to the world that he belongs to me.”
I grin. “I didn’t think of that.”
“You’ll be fine. Just stick with us.” Delaney clasps my hand in hers and tucks me against her side.
“I guess you’re an old hand at this.”
She smiles. “I hate it, but I’m here for Josh. That’s what I keep telling myself. Besides, Pania, Lana, and Jessie aren’t far behind us, and we’re definitely partying after this is done with. If you’d like to join us …?”
I shift my gaze to Declan, catching his eye. He winks and nods at me. “We’d love to.”
“He’s so gorgeous,” Delaney says.
“I know.” I laugh. “Josh is pretty nice eye candy too.”
Her smile lights up her whole face. “He really is. I think we’re both very lucky women.”
“Who’s lucky? Pania’s lucky.” Reece’s drawl comes from behind us.
I turn and see Reece and Pania approaching. My stomach flips. All these movie stars in one place is a bit much—even if we’re all friends now.
“Oh please, you’re the lucky one.” Pania rolls her eyes.
“I know I am.” He pulls her into his arms and nuzzles her neck.
“Zoe’s the lucky one. We’ve all seen that sex tape.” Pania shrugs.
“Pania,” Delaney snaps .
“Sorry.” She bites her bottom lip.
I shrug. “I’m not. I’ve seen it too.”
We all laugh, and that tight feeling in my chest eases a little. I’m safe, I’m with friends, and I’m with the love of my life.
Delaney lets go of my hand as Josh approaches, smiling when he wraps an arm around her waist.
Declan captures my hand and raises it to his lips. And then I’m lost in his eyes, his confidence washing over me.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” he murmurs.
“Declan …”
“I’m so in love with you, Zoe. I know you feel like a fish out of water right now, but your place is by my side. You know that, right?”
I shrug. “You’re here with all these glamorous women and I?—”
“You are the only one I see. Besides, this is the last time I’ll do one of these award shows.”
I blink rapidly. He might not be acting anymore, but I never thought for a moment that he was finished with the whole lifestyle. “What?”
“It might have been me twenty years ago, but I’d much rather be at home cuddled up with you and our girl. If you want to dress up and come out to these things, then I’ll be with you, but this just isn’t me anymore.”
Huffing out a breath, I stand there like a fish, my mouth gaping open.
“Declan, I can’t ask you to give this up,” I whisper.
“I’m not giving up anything I don’t want to. I’ll give you nights out, but we never have to do this red carpet bullshit again.”
“Oh thank God.”
He chuckles as I fall into his arms and he kisses the top of my head. “I love you, Zoe. You’re all I need.”
Linking our fingers together, he leads me to our seats. We’re sitting not far from Josh and Delaney with Jessie and her husband Shane on the other side.
When the ceremony starts, I barely know where to look. I’ve never seen so many Hollywood stars, and it’s a very different experience to watching the Oscars on TV. I laugh, and I cry, and when Declan has to go backstage to get ready to present, I smile at the seat filler who takes his place.
Those nervous butterflies start up again.
And then his name’s announced and when he appears, my heart swells with pride. I’ve watched these shows for years, but never thought I’d be in the crowd.
And right up there on that stage is the man I love—the father of my child.
He smiles. “Adapting a screenplay from an existing story is a labour of love. Frequently, filmmakers become infatuated with a story, and when that happens, it’s magic.”
“The nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay are …”
I turn my head to watch Jessie. She takes a big breath, and Shane reaches for her hand and gives her a loving smile. Crossing my fingers, I shift my gaze back to Declan.
When he opens the envelope, his grin is a mile wide, and my stomach flips in anticipation. “And the Oscar goes to Jessie Lane and Adam Walton for Interrupted Life.”
Everyone around me erupts into applause. Then we’re all on our feet as Jessie hugs Shane tight before making her way to the stage where Declan kisses her cheek and gives her the award.
It takes a moment before the clapping stops, and Jessie wipes a tear from her cheek.
“Thank you,” she croaks. “I’ll make this quick.”
Taking a deep breath, she continues. “This has been such a hard journey that started when I was fifteen years old, and I can only hope that my story helps put a stop to abuse in our industry. I want to thank Adam Walton, who’s at home with the flu tonight, for helping me translate my story into the screenplay that gave it justice. And most of all, I want to thank my husband, Shane, for loving me unconditionally and giving me the strength to come forward.” She holds up the award. “I dedicate this to anyone who’s ever been hurt by the Hollywood casting couch or variations thereof. Thank you.”
She leaves the stage to rapturous applause. It wasn’t that long ago that speaking up about abuse would never have happened. I admire her strength and her honesty about everything she went through.
When Declan rejoins me, I grasp his arm. He kisses my temple, and I sigh contentedly.
Do I want to do this again? Not really.
Would I be happier curled up on the couch with Declan? Definitely.
But right now I’m just happy to be with him to celebrate our friend’s success.
Life couldn’t be sweeter.