Risk Taker by Sonia Stanizzo
Epilogue
Two years later.
“And the Oscar for best makeup and hairstyling goes to…” Holly and Ethan held their breath as they waited for the presenters to open the gold envelope. They were snuggled up in bed in a tent at the Bahati Safari Resort on their honeymoon watching the award show on a laptop computer with dodgy internet reception. By Ethan’s definition they were roughing it, Holly called it glamping because of the fancy canvas surroundings and all the mod-cons. They were learning to live a happy balance between Ethan’s luxuries and the simpler life Holly favoured.
“…Nancy Doyle, Holly Ainsworth and Simone Carter!” The actor announced with excitement.
Ethan yelled and vaulted out of bed. The crowd clapped as Nancy and Simone stepped onto the stage to accept the award. Holly sat stunned propped against pillows trying to process what was happening.
“You did it!” Smiling, Ethan grabbed her shaking hands, pulled her onto her feet and wrapped her in his arms. “You did it!” he said again, twirling her in circles.
He placed her back down and she held onto his arms to stop from tumbling over. “I can’t believe it,” her voice filled with wonder.
“I’m so proud of you.” He kissed her deeply making her knees wobble.
“I could never have done this without you. Your film is the reason I’ve won.”
Ethan dropped his hands on her shoulders and dipped his head to look directly into her eyes. “It’s because of you. You finished first in your class and had job offers thrown at you. I was lucky you accepted mine.” He smirked.
Ethan had backed the writer with the amazing script. And it paid off. The Last Man was nominated for best actor in a leading role, best film, and the category Holly had just won. But he hadn’t picked up a gold statue for his leading role.
“You missed out—”
“You won my movie a freaking Oscar, baby!” He pressed a firm kiss against her lips. “I couldn’t be happier or prouder.”
Her heart swelled in her chest and tears swam in her eyes. “There’s still best picture.”
As they waited until the end of the award show, a text beeped on Holly’s phone. The message from her mother read:
You can’t compare it to the International Hotel Awards, but if it’s important to you, congratulations.
“Not exactly warm and fuzzy,” Ethan said, reading the message over her shoulder.
During the last few months, Holly’s relationship with her parents was mending. To keep her in their lives, they were tolerating her choice of occupation. Although it didn’t mean they changed their minds about the hotel shares. Holly didn’t care about that; she was living the dream with the man she loved.
“That’s my mother’s way of showing affection.” She’d never change, and that was okay because Holly had love and affection in her life every day.
A few minutes later, a previous leading actress winner read the names of the movies nominated. “And the Oscar goes to…” Again, they held their breath as she opened the envelope. “The Last Man!”
They bounced around the tent, hugging, kissing and laughing. “I can’t believe it! I must be dreaming,” Ethan said with amazement.
“A dream you made come true.” Holly beamed.
“We make an awesome team,” he said beaming down at Holly.
“We sure do. Do you regret not postponing our honeymoon to be at the award show?” she asked.
Ethan glanced at the computer screen and then back at Holly. “I wouldn’t trade where I am for all the awards in the world.” He gave her a feather light kiss and her heart thumped behind her ribs. “What about you?”
She pressed her body up against her new husband and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”