Chapter 10

F inn struggled to clasp his cuff links as Ella emerged from the bathroom in a strapless chartreuse gown that hugged the curves of her body, her long spiral curls pulled into a messy bun, her lips stained red, and strands of sparkles dangling from her ears. "Wow!" Finn exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. "You are breathtaking. God, look at your incredible green eyes. I'm . . . I'm speechless."

Ella blushed. "Here, love, let me do that," she said as she fastened his cuff links and smoothed his lapels. "Now you look Oscar worthy. You're impossibly sexy in a tuxedo. Makes me a bit blue that this is our last hurrah."

Finn was barely listening, too fixated on his bride. "I'm serious. You are stunning. Showstopping. I wish we could just stay home," he said, taking a whiff of her perfume. "Are these diamonds?" he asked, touching her earlobe.

"They're costume, paste, I think. Found them at a flea market. The dress is vintage too. Jason helped me scour all the best places until we found the right pieces. I wanted to wear something special and one of a kind for your big night."

"Sweetheart, try not to get your hopes up. I don't have a shot in hell of winning. The whole season, they've been honoring the acting in the film through Willow. It'll be amazing if she wins Best Supporting Actress tonight, such a comeback story. I'm thrilled for her. As for lead actor, Grey Hewson took the Globe and the SAG for that biopic he did. It's his year. I have no expectations of an upset."

"Oh, I don't know. Someone once told me that lightning always strikes when we least expect it. Shortly after, I met you."

"This film already gave me everything I could possibly want," he said, kissing the tip of her nose. "Besides, if there is somehow a surprise tonight, it should be Albie who takes it, posthumously. I'm flattered to be nominated alongside him."

"Trust me, if Albie has any pull from the beyond, he's using it on your behalf. No matter. It's just wonderful how the film has been recognized."

"I've never cared about awards season or any of this stuff, but it's been different this time around. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Tonight is the end. It's been a blast reconnecting with Jean and the whole gang, celebrating the film. It reminds me of how our love story began," he said, kissing her forehead.

Ella smiled. "Our love story has many chapters. Maybe after tonight, we'll start writing the next one. But for now, we should party with the gang into the wee hours. Now come on, let's go get you that trophy."

Finn laughed, linking his arm with hers, and they headed out.

"YOU LOOKED SO GORGEOUS ON THE red carpet that I could hardly focus on what the reporters were asking me," Finn whispered as they walked down the theater aisle to their assigned, front row seats. "You'll be on the cover of every magazine tomorrow, yet again. You outshone every actress here."

Ella giggled. "I think you may be biased."

"It wasn't just me; no one could take their eyes off you. Jean practically drooled when we bumped into him. He's still got a crush on you, you know."

"Jealous?" she joked.

"Always."

"Silly. You are my one and only. I'm so lucky to be on the arm of the most handsome, most extraordinary man here, the man of my dreams." They gazed at each other for a moment before she continued, "Did you see Willow speaking with the press? She looks like a fairy princess in that gorgeous, sparkling ball gown. I'm so happy for her."

"If she scores gold tonight, it'll be another one for Albie. He predicted great things for her, and it seems he was always right."

Ella smiled just as Michael and Lauren, as well as Charlotte and her husband, stopped by to say hello on the way to their seats. Ella leaned over and kissed Finn's cheek. "Good luck tonight, my love," she whispered, just as the host took to the stage to begin the ceremony.

Before long, it was time for the final acting category. Out of the corner of her eye, Ella saw Willow clutching her gold statuette, still teary-eyed from her speech in which she dedicated the award to her mother and grandmother. Ella took Finn's hand and gave it a squeeze as the nominees for Best Actor were announced. "And the winner is . . ." The presenter tore the envelope open, did a double take, and announced, "Finn Forrester for Celebration !" Finn gasped as the entire audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Stunned, he turned to his beaming bride.

"Congratulations, my love," she said, touching his cheek and kissing him softly. He shook his head as if to process what was happening, and then made his way to the microphone as the audience continued to roar.

When everyone finally took their seats, he said, "I am truly floored. Thank you to the Academy for this most incredible, unexpected honor. I have to thank my parents for taking my childhood dream seriously and helping me achieve it." He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head, clearly in shock. "Making this film was the artistic and personal experience of a lifetime. I'm indebted to Jean, the entire crew, and our incredible cast: Charlotte, Michael, Willow, and the incomparable Albie Hughes." He paused to catch his breath as the audience jumped to their feet, cheering. "There's another very special person to whom I owe a great debt, my brilliant wife, Ella, who was on location inspiring us every step of the way." The entire Celebration gang turned toward Ella and clapped vigorously. Finn looked directly at his beloved, who had tears in her eyes, and said, "Ella, this will always be the most magical shoot of my life because it's where we met and fell in love. When I look at you, I'm certain that love is everything. Thank you for taking the leap with me and turning my life into this glorious adventure. I'm looking forward to every moment of our journey together, my partner and one true love."

Ella smiled through the tears cascading down her face as Finn held up his award and said, "Thank you so much," before exiting the stage to more applause.

THEY SPENT HOURS CELEbrATING WITH their friends at the after-party, finally wandering into their bedroom at two in the morning, equally exhausted and energized.

Finn set his Oscar down gently on his nightstand. "I still can't believe this happened."

"I believe it and I'm so proud of you," Ella said, brushing her hand along his wrist.

"Tonight was such an incredible way to end the journey of this film, beyond my wildest dreams. It's hard to believe it's over."

"Finn, maybe it's time to start writing the next part of our story."

"What do you mean, love?" he asked.

"I'm ready. Let's make a baby."

He smiled so wide he could hardly speak. "Just when I thought tonight couldn't possibly get better."

"You know, if we're going to try for a baby, we'll need to make love over and over again."

"There's no time like the present. Let me help you out of that gown."