Page 29 of Love Story
But tonight’s celebration was important and appreciated. Bailey was glad to be here in person, because they had all worked hard to create this movie. In the interview area, one of the reporters asked them about their other life, the one in Bloomington.
“We promised each other we’d make Indiana our home,” Brandon answered first. “We’ve kept that promise... and it’s working well for us.”
Bailey explained that she and Brandon had developed nearly an entire city block of downtown Bloomington, an area they called the Arts Center. They had created a beautiful theater as part of their B&B Productions.
Brandon shared that half the block contained discounted office space for local missions and ministries. “And our new coffee shop and café are constantly busy.” He sounded passionate as he finished answering the question. “We committed this dream to God when we married. And now it’s coming true.”
The reporter seemed satisfied—though Bailey wondered how much of Brandon’s answer she would use. The two of them could’ve talked for hours about their life in Bloomington. Not only the Arts Center, but their personal lives in Indiana. The blessing that she and Brandon could raise their little girl around family, and still see her brothers’ football, baseball and basketball games.
Life was rich, indeed.
Even moments like this when Bloomington felt very far away.
When the interview was over, Bailey and Brandon walked with Dayne and Katy into the theater and they took their seats. Brandon held Bailey’s hand and she savored the feel of his fingers against hers. Tonight was important. A way of acknowledging a job well done.
When the time came, Dayne stood and walked to the front. He wore a fitted navy suit, looking the part of Hollywood royalty.
Brandon leaned close to her. “I smile every time I think of his story.”
“Me, too.” Bailey watched Dayne as he found the wireless mic. He tapped it a few times, but it wasn’t working. Bailey kept her voice low. “He’s such a different person now.”
A smile lifted Brandon’s lips. “I know.”
Of course, Dayne’s transformation had been years ago. Today many people might not know or recall his early wild years of fame. But his true fans would always remember his story. How Dayne had been the oldest son of John and Elizabeth Baxter, given up at birth and raised by adoptive parents—missionaries overseas. John and Elizabeth never knew their son’s adoptive parents had died in a plane crash when he was just eighteen years old. Or that he had grown up to be Dayne Matthews, the actor. They never imagined Dayne would find them days before Elizabeth died of cancer.
But he did.
The story could’ve made its own amazing movie. Dayne had lived dangerously back then, known for his good looks and wild behavior.
But finding the Baxters had changed everything for Dayne. He had told Bailey and Brandon that though he would always love his adoptive parents, he considered himself a Baxter. He always would.
At the front of the theater, a couple of tech guys finally got the mic to work. “There we go.” Dayne faced the audience. “Welcome, everyone.” He smiled at the tech duo. “I think we all know who the real stars are. We’re nowhere without tech support.”
A chorus of easy laughter filled the theater. Bailey looked around and chills ran down her arms. Every seat was taken, and an electricity filled the air. She wondered if everyone felt the same way she did. Like something very special was about to happen with this film. The story might not only entertain those who saw the movie, it might actually change culture for the better. Bring into focus what was really important.
Forgiveness. Redemption. Second chances.
Dayne waited until the crowd quieted. “I want to thank a number of people who helped makeThe Chancethe amazing movie you’re about to see.” He smiled, obviously comfortable in front of the packed house. “But I decided to do it this way instead.”
He paused and looked slowly at the hundreds of faces in front of him. “If you were an assistant, a grip, someone who carried coffee or moved cords or served us in any way during the making of this movie, would you please stand.”
Gradually a couple dozen surprised attendees rose to their feet. The applause started loud and stayed that way. No one looked more appreciative than Dayne. “You, my friends, are the most important people here.”
“Love this.” Brandon squeezed Bailey’s hand and whispered, “Class act.”
Dayne asked those standing to remain that way. Then he asked others to join them. Those involved in directing, in producing, the actors, the set designers, family members and friends who lent weeks of support, and so on until everyone was standing. Dayne added his applause to the mix, and when everyone had returned to their seats he squared his shoulders to the crowd again, as if he were taking in the moment. “I thank God for each of you. Really.” His smile softened. “Let’s pray.”
Dayne asked God to bless the night, and even more to bless the film. “Let it touch this generation with truth. Let it remind us that whatever the division, with God there can be healing. Racial healing. Relational healing. Marital healing. Even a healing with God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”
Brandon leaned close to Bailey and whispered, “He makes me want to be a producer.”
“You’d be fantastic.” Bailey brushed her face against his. “I love this, by the way. Being here. It’s so different from other movies.”
The next two hours flew by and Bailey found herself laughing at some parts and wiping tears at others. The entire theater seemed moved.
When the film ended, the crowd erupted with applause, and as the theater emptied into a reception in the lobby, Bailey and Brandon celebrated with full hearts. The feeling that something special was about to happen with the movie remained with her on their flight back to Indiana.
When the plane landed, Bailey leaned her head on Brandon’s shoulder. Her doctor had told her she could fly this late in her pregnancy because she was healthy. But still she was tired. She yawned. “I’m ready to be home.”
