Shocking Sapphires - Ann Omasta Page 0,46

I’d thought we would get to spend more time together now that I was down to just one job, I was disappointed to find that Grant was busy most evenings.

It was hard to believe they needed that many night shoots for the film. If he wasn’t so insatiable for my body, I might have started to wonder if he was having an affair.

When he told me for the fourth night in a row that he had to work late, I couldn’t help whining a bit. “Again?”

“I’m afraid so, but I’ll make it up to you later,” he growled, making the tiny hairs along my arms stand at attention in anticipation of sensual delights to come.

“You better,” I grouched before saying, “Since your schedule is so booked, I guess I’d better ask early. Would you have any interest in being my plus-one for Max and Danica’s wedding?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he answered immediately.

I couldn’t stop the sigh of relief that whooshed out of my lungs at his wonderful response. I wanted him by my side, but also knew that I needed to be fully transparent about it.

“I should warn you… I’m one of Dani’s bridesmaids, so I won’t be able to be with you during the ceremony and while we’re taking photographs.”

“I think I can handle it,” he assured me.

Since that wasn’t the worst of it, I took a deep breath before forging on. The words came out in a flurry. “Also, my ex-boyfriend, Dean, is Dani’s brother and a good friend of Max’s. He is one of Max’s groomsmen. I guess he and I are going to be in-laws now, so we’ll end up at all of the same family functions.”

“Will it bother you to see him?” Grant seemed truly concerned.

“No, of course not. I’m completely over him,” I answered honestly, before adding, “I just don’t want it to be awkward for you.”

“Why would it be awkward for me? I’m the one that won… I get to be with you, the most wonderful woman on the planet.”

I grinned down at him, delighted by his sweet sentiment. “I can’t recall which of your movies that slick line is from.”

“That’s because it’s not a cheesy line from a movie. That is all me and my sincere feelings for you coming straight from my heart.”

37

Grant

I had been lying, sneaking around, and practicing for weeks in preparation for this big moment. I just hoped it turned out even a tenth as amazing as I imagined it.

We told Molly, and anyone else that didn’t absolutely have to know the truth, that we were preparing for a big fundraiser to help secure money to improve the handicap access to local town landmarks, which was partially true. Molly was astute enough to know something else was up, but she refrained from asking me about it. It was a good thing she showed some restraint because I was practically bursting from wanting to tell her, yet knowing it would be best to keep it a surprise.

The big night was finally here, and it looked like everything was a go. The weather was cooperating, and we couldn’t ask for a better night to make this happen. The outdoor stage was set up and the audience had been told to bring their own lawn chairs to sit in on the grass.

The paved area closest to the stage was blocked off for any attendees in wheelchairs, whom we had invited from all of the surrounding counties. The community event had been dubbed a ‘wheel-in movie,’ and I was delighted to see several people with disabilities and their families claiming their spots of honor right up front.

I was showing Molly the special area I had reserved exclusively for her and any guests she chose, and she seemed delighted.

Bonnie had promised to make sure Scout was kept occupied. When she approached and tried to take him, so Molly could focus on the evening’s entertainment, the little boy clung to Molly and cried, “Momma.”

The tear-filled gaze of pure joy that Molly gave me as she squeezed our son to her chest to comfort him almost did me in. Hearing him refer to her as ‘momma’ for the first time was something neither of us would ever likely forget. A seasoned Hollywood script writer couldn’t have created a more moving pivotal scene than this impromptu moment.

After blinking the happy tears out of my own eyes, I turned to Bonnie and said, “Looks like he’s staying with his mother until he falls asleep.”

Bonnie