Epilogue
It's finally opening night, and the butterflies in my back are flying around like crazy.
"Are you okay?" my husband asks.
We're in the backseat of his limousine, and Jacques has been patiently holding my hand the entire time while I work hard to conquer my nerves.
"What if I mess up?"
"You won't."
"Sierah says the number of VIPs in our audience is absolutely insane. She says Alex Winterbourne is here with his wife. Oh, and Lysander Cyprianou, that famous pianist who's also a Greek billionaire? He's here, too! Can you believe that? He's never been known to attend---" My voice breaks off when I finally notice my husband looking a little stung.
"It's my wife who's the star of the show. Do you really think my friends wouldn't come here to show their support?"
I finally get why he looked like I've offended him, and it's just too cute.
"I love you, Jacques."
A light flush stains his high-boned cheeks, and it's another adorable thing about him. How is it that someone like me can make a wonderful man like my husband blush?
"I can see you fighting back a smile, darling."
"Huh? What? No."
But yes, it's true, actually.
I'm totally trying not to smile.
"And I'll make you pay for it...later."
"You promise?"
Exasperation glints in his eyes. "That was supposed to be a threat."
"I know, my love. And that's why I can't just wait. It will be my reward, oui?"
Sierah knocks on our window.
Time to go, she mouths.
My husband looks at me. "Ready?"
He offers his hand, and I take it. "Absolutely."
The butterflies are still fluttering like crazy in my stomach, but this time they're all flying around in excitement.
My husband loves me.
I'm doing what I love.
And I have God.
What else is there for me to be afraid of?
Nothing, obviously.
But as for something new to make me smile...