Page 91 of The Movie Star and the Spy

“I’ll be there, but if I show up with you, everyone will notice. The reporters know you’re Julian’s ex-assistant, and they’ll wonder what you’re doing here. Of course, they’ll know soon enough, but we thought you’d rather wait for the reveal.” Louise gave a secretive smile. “Someone will take you to your seat. You’ll be sitting next to Julian, but he’s one of the presenters, so he’ll be backstage until after his performance.”

Cheyenne opened her mouth to ask more questions, but the limo came to a sudden stop. Louise gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you soon!”

Cheyenne would’ve preferred a year or two more to prepare, but an usher opened the door, and just like that, time was up. With no choice, she climbed out of the limo, stepping into a sea of gloriously dressed actors and flashing light bulbs. Nervous energy slowed her steps, subsiding marginally when the crowd focused on the celebrities emerging from the other limos.

“Ms. Kirk?” An impeccably dressed usher greeted her. She nodded, and he gave a literal bow. “I’ll take you to your seat.”

Cheyenne followed him, thankfully bypassing the red carpet. Yet as they entered the lower level, travelling closer and closer to the stage, her apprehension grew. Then, he gestured to the front row.

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

He smiled… and gestured to the same seat.

“Okay then. But when the president of the academy says I stole his place, I’m telling on you.”

The usher wouldn’t do something as undignified as chuckle, but his eyes sparkled. He gave a short bow before leaving, and Cheyenne sank down on the plush seat. Now people did notice her, whispering behind hands encrusted with massive diamond rings, exchanging hundreds of curious looks and taking (not so) subtle cell phone pics. They must wonder whose guest she was. Soon the whole world would know her identity.

The minutes passed quickly, and the hall filled up. She’d never been starstruck type, but it was a little surreal. She was grateful when they finally announced the show’s commencement and the lights dimmed.

A popular comedian from late night television was hosting this year, and he performed a hilarious opening monologue, complete with song and dance. Several speakers followed, celebrities in dazzling dresses and dapper tuxedos handing out the famous golden statues. There were a few tributes and videos, then a commercial.

After the break, the host returned. “The next speaker needs no introduction, at least not to his millions of fans. Please welcome the star of the upcoming movie,Spy Heat, Julian Starcroft.”

Apprehension stole Cheyenne’s breath. Months had passed since she’d seen him, but it seemed seconds as the handsomemovie star strode onto the stage. The crowd cheered and clapped and hooted, but their calls faded as an unspoken connection sparked, despite the distance. They smiled at the exact same moment, eliciting a dizzying juxtaposition of warmth, chills and purelove. Every doubt disappeared in a minute, every uncertainty vanquished. She had made the right choice.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen.” Julian’s voice boomed, as he stood completely at ease in front of the vast audience. “I’m thrilled to be here. In a minute, you’ll find out why.” He winked, sending off a new round of applause.

A funny feeling fluttered in her stomach.

“When the Academy approached me to do a presentation, they were looking for a segment on love in the movies. I explained I was an action star, but they didn’t believe me.” He paused to laughter. “But then something happened, and suddenly I found myself with the perfect material. But in this case, it wasn’t about fictional love, buttruelove.”

A murmur sounded through the crowd, and Cheyenne’s heart leapt into a gallop. He couldn’t possibly be talking about…

“It struck like lightning, like they always talk about in the movies, only this wasn’t in any script. It began with a woman, an amazing, strong, beautiful woman, who turned out to be more than I ever imagined. I may play a hero in the movies, but she’s the real thing.” He gazed right at her. “I simply had to get close to her. So I asked – okay, fine, convinced – her to spend time with me.”

Everyone smiled, including Cheyenne.

“As I got to know the true woman, something unexpected happened. Something I’d never experienced before. Love–” He paused to applause so thunderous, he couldn’t be heard even with the microphone. He stood tall and heroic, beaming like a man whose greatest dreams had come true. Finally, when the applause showed no sign of abating, he gestured to continue.“I used to believe true love only happened in the movies, but it happened to me. I met the perfect woman, a woman who is kind and giving, sweet and strong, noble and compassionate. A woman who is willing to sacrifice herself for others, who is honorable, fierce and so very intelligent. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.”

Now he spoke directly to her, as if they were the only two people in the entire world. “I don’t care what your name is. I don’t care who you are or what you do. All I care about is you. I want to be with you today, tomorrow and forever. This time, I’m not asking for a date – I’m asking for a lifetime.”

He descended the stage and strode to her. Then…

He bent down on one knee.

The world grew blurry as he held out a small velvet box to reveal a stunning ruby and diamond ring, the perfect match to her set.

She gasped.

The crowd gasped.

The world gasped.

“Cheyenne Kirk, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?”

She didn’t notice the crowds. She didn’t notice the cameras. She only saw her love, the man of her heart giving his own. She would take it, keep it safe, hold it next to hers as they journeyed life together. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, yes, yes!”

His smile shared the truth of his love as he slipped the ring on her finger, where it fit with perfection. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her like he’d never let her go. He never would.

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