Chapter 8

" W ait, I want to carry my bride over the threshold," Finn said when the driver dropped them off at their estate.

"You've been doing that since our wedding night. We've been married for over two weeks already."

"Just this one last time," he promised, picking her up. "It's tradition."

Ella giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "If the most handsome man in the world wants to take me in his tanned, muscular arms, who am I to argue?"

He stepped inside and gently put her down, giving her a kiss. "Welcome home, Mrs. Ella Sinclair Forrester."

"Our honeymoon was beyond my wildest fantasies," Ella gushed. "The Amalfi Coast is spectacular. The color of the water, how it felt to float in it, splashing around with you—it was pure paradise. That house you rented us, I don't even have the words. Positively heavenly."

"It was the most magical time of my life, being alone with you in that beautiful setting. The best part of all was watching you run around topless on our private beach, so carefree and at peace. God, you're sexy." She blushed and he continued, "It's no wonder I had to have you over and over again."

"The feeling was mutual. Everything was so romantic. But then again, it always is with you," she said, running a finger down his cheek. "As if that trip weren't enough, I still can't believe you bought us a house in France. It's the most extraordinary wedding present, but you didn't have to be so extravagant. All I want is you."

"Ever since that night in Sweden when you told me you pictured us having a little vacation place in France where you could write and our kids could roll around in the grass, it's become my dream too." She glanced down. Finn touched her chin and pulled her eyes up to meet his. "Don't worry, love. I know we're not ready for a family yet. All I want is to be with you and let our life unfold, one adventure at a time." She smiled softly and he added, "As difficult as it was to leave our Italian oasis, I'm glad to be here in our home, married."

"Me too. That escape came at the perfect time. The next few months will be hectic. My North American book tour will be here before we know it. Are you still sure you can come with me?"

"I wouldn't miss it. My next film doesn't start shooting for a few months, so I'm all yours. We'll have a blast, jetting from city to city. I'm no scholar, but it's clear you've taken the philosophy world by storm. The attention and reviews you've received are well deserved. Your books are brave, unapologetic, and so forward-thinking. Amazing," he said, shaking his head in awe. "I'm looking forward to sitting in the audience each night, basking in the glow of my brilliant wife. After all, I am your biggest fan."

Ella giggled. "After the tour wraps, I'll need to dive into my new book in earnest. I have a notebook filled with ideas, but I'm still not quite sure how to tackle this project. Love feels like such an expansive, abstract topic. It's hard to capture it all, to find a centerpiece. I'll need to buckle down." He kissed her forehead and she continued, "And with all the accolades Celebration received, awards season will be upon us in the blink of an eye: the Golden Globes in January, the SAGs in February, and then we'll fly to London for the BAFTAs. It's just so wonderful that they're honoring Albie with the Lifetime Achievement Award. I only wish he were here to see the success of both the film and our relationship. Jean wants us all to go to dinner the night before to catch up and celebrate. Before you know it, the Oscars will be upon us."

"You've really got the awards season schedule down. I'm impressed," Finn said.

"Well, I am your wife now. I suppose I have to do my part to keep up your leading man status." He laughed and she continued, "Jason schooled me, told me about everything you'll be expected to attend. He's coming over tomorrow afternoon to talk designer gowns and borrowed jewels."

"Baby, I know how you feel about that stuff. If he's bothering you, I . . ."

"Not at all," she replied, giving his bicep a squeeze. "We're partners, you and I. Throwing on something sparkly to accompany my movie star husband to an awards ceremony is hardly a big sacrifice. Plus, I have a few surprises in store for Jason. I don't intend to lose my personal style."

Finn smiled. "Sweetheart, just be yourself. Don't worry about anything else. Whether we're on the red carpet in front of the media or locked away alone in our home, I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Now that I've gotten hold of you, the last thing I want is for you to lose yourself."

"Well, maybe you could help me lose myself in another way," she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How about you carry me over the threshold one more time? But this time, carry me into our bedroom. After all, it's tradition."

"ELLA, I WAS SO EXCITED YOU TOOK me up on my offer," Jason said as he laid an armful of garment bags on the bed. "I've brought over some of my top picks, but don't worry, there are many more options where these came from. We can always go custom too. Every designer in town is vying for the chance to dress you. They expect that you'll get massive press coverage, both television and print. They're not wrong."

Ella furrowed her brow. "You can't be serious. I'm not even a celebrity."

"Uh, yes, you are. Ever since your appearance on the red carpet in Cannes with Finn down on bended knee, you're the toast of Tinseltown. As far as Hollywood is concerned, you and Finn are the It Couple. In fact, there's no one the world is more eager to see arm in arm and doing the glamorous power-couple sashay than you two. It's like a real-life fairy tale, you and Finn. People love it."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Besides, and I hope Finn doesn't fire me for saying this, you're more beautiful than any actress I've ever seen. It's no wonder everyone is so fascinated by your love story."

"That's sweet, but . . ."

"I know this is all new to you. That's what I'm here for. This is a big year for Finn; it looks like he'll be nominated for lead actor across the board. You'll both need to look the part. Shall I start showing you the gowns?"

"Before we get into that, I thought we could have a little chat since we're still getting to know each other. I realize it's your job to make sure the carriage doesn't turn into a pumpkin in public view, but I don't need you to bibbidi-bobbidi-boo me."

Jason laughed. "Got it, no fairy dust."

"I appreciate that this is all part of Finn's life," she said, gesturing at the garment bags, "and I'm willing to play the glam game for his benefit. That said, I'm not interested in what the world thinks about our relationship, nor am I concerned with fulfilling some sort of collective fantasy. I simply want to support my husband."

"I hear you loud and clear. Tell me what you need."

"I want to do this my way, and I'd like your help."