Page 41 of My Puckin' Luck
“Always, angel. I would never let you fall.”
I launch into his arms, and he holds me tight, swinging me around. There’s no stopping my tears now.
“You’re really here,” I cry as he sets me back on the floor. “You missed my movie, but no matter.”
“I didn’t miss a thing. I got here just in time to see the opening credits and your name light up the screen.” He cups my face and swipes my tears away. I swipe his. We’re a mess.
My forehead creases. “Why didn’t you sit by me?”
“I wanted to give you space after everything that happened, so I took a seat in the back row. Besides, this night was yours to shine.”
“You watched it?”
“The entire thing, and it was really good. Funny and touching. Excellent dialog and banter between the characters. Don’t tell anyone, I shed a tear at the end.” He chuckles and kisses my forehead. “I’m so proud of you and your talents, angel.”
“I can’t believe you’re really here,” I say, wanting to pinch myself in case I’m dreaming. Forget forehead kisses. I throw my arms around him, my lips finding his jaw and kissing along the scruff there. “The way I left you on the roof wasn’t right. I’m sorry I let it get to me how you brood over Lilah, but I know what she means to you. I’ll be more understanding, I promise.”
“Butyoumeanmore.I got so hung up on the past, I couldn’t see what was in front of me. I can’t lose you, because I’m in love with you, Anastasia.”
“You mean that?”
“With all my heart. You saved me. Somehow, you were able to see the pain inside of me and help me lay it to rest by giving me hope again.”
My chest overflows with new hope for us and our future. I believe we can make it work now. Somehow we’ll get through this. “Oh, I have something for you.”
I produce the rabbit’s foot from my pocket. His eyes light up when I place it in his hand. “To replace the one you have.”
“No. Now I have two. Some people aren’t lucky finding love once, but I’ve found it twice. The past and the present.” He pockets both of them together.
“And the future. Because with a little luck, we’ll make this last.”
“Damn right we will, my angel.” He lifts me and twirls me around in his arms again.
“I love you so much, Saint. We should celebrate.”
“I love you, too.” He growls and drops his voice. “You know exactly what I’d like to do to celebrate.”
I chuckle and glance back at Nana. “Save that for later tonight in bed. There’s an after party with some of the cast and crew, and I promised Nana the full Hollywood treatment tonight. She’s too excited about it and I can’t let her down.”
“Hm. ThefullHollywood treatment?” He twists and peeks a few rows behind him. “Oh Mother? How would you like to meet your number one fan?”
“You brought your mom?” I ask with curious eyes.
“Today was her last day on the show. After you left the house, Jimmy called me to come get her. She’d gone to McCool’s after filming wrapped up and gotten wasted, sad about leaving the show. We actually talked in the car on the way here, and it did me some good. I broke down and told her about Lilah and about losing the child. We even talked about you. So, she and I have come to a much needed understanding,” he mumbles as she draws near.
“A fan, you say? Do I look okay?” Barbara smooths her hair into place, her words slightly slurred.
“You’re beautiful, as always. Nana has watched every episode and every show you’ve ever starred in. Would you be okay to meet her?” I point in Nana’s direction.
“Would I? Yes. Oh, I needed this today. Thank you.” She starts off, but then turns back. “And Anastasia? Lovely movie. Brilliant, in fact. I have some ideas. I’d love to share them with you and have you write a script for me to star in. We should do brunch soon.” To her son, she says, “Like I told you, Miles, Anastasia is a keeper.” She leaves us and marches right over, Nana’s smile growing from ear to ear as she realizes who is approaching her.
While the two women have a lovely conversation, Saint holds me in his arms and doesn’t let me go.
“I know we have a lot to talk about and figure out yet. But I assure you, I’m ready,” he offers.
“I’d like that. For tonight though, let’s just enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow we can wake up in each other’s arms and begin again, starting fresh, not leaving out any details.”
“Perfect, angel. I’m so relieved I didn’t lose you for good.”
