Page 154 of Faking the Shot

Ainsley glanced up at him, her smile soft. “Are you okay?”

“More than. Tonight is going well.”

She sighed happily. “So well.”

“And you look beautiful.”

“I feel beautiful.”

He smiled, and lifted her hand and spun her in a little twirl, which instantly drew an “Aww” from the crowd as her blue dress flared out along with her golden laughter.

He drew her in, and she placed a hand over his heart. “Have I ever mentioned that I love you?”

“For real?” he teased.

“What do you think?”

With a challenge like that, what was a man to do but prove it? So he drew her close and kissed her again.

* * *

Sometimes it felt like a dream.Loving Zac. Being loved by him. Finding strength and renewed purpose in her days. She didn’t deserve him, but was so grateful for God’s many blessings. God was so good, good,good!

She smiled at her parents, then glanced around the room filled with celebrities and ordinary folk, people who all believed in the cause of raising funds to bless women.

“Hey, you two.”

She hugged Jackie and Lincoln Cash, talked babies for a while, as Zac waited patiently as ever. He’d asked a time or two about what she’d like her future to look like, whether she’d like a family like Chris and Diana or wait a little while. She’d always hedged, not daring to believe he’d even be thinking about that yet, but maybe the option of special cuddles wasn’t too far from his mind. She understood that. Sometimes when they kissed it wasn’t too far from hers.

“And you?” Lincoln asked her. “It sounds like you’ve gotAs The Heart Drawsfor one more season, then what?”

“Last I heard they’re writing Abigail’s role out, at least into the occasional guest appearance to appease the fans.”

Jackie grinned. “I don’t think they could believe the backlash.”

“I’m glad, because I don’t want my actions to affect the show, especially as it affects Cassie and her family’s ranch. But I’m really glad I stood up for myself. Finally.”

“Good for you for sticking to your guns,” Lincoln said. “So what about the Christmas mysteries movies?”

“I’m contracted for another two episodes, but next season withoutAs The Heart DrawsI’ll have a lot more room for other things. So I’m exploring my options.”

They glanced at each other, then back at her. “So, we know this is not exactly the place to mention this, but there’s no time like the present.” Lincoln nodded as Zac drew near. “How would you feel about becoming a stakeholder in our new production company?”

She blinked. “Are you serious?”

Zac placed a hand on her lower back, steadying her as he always did.

“One hundred percent.”

“Is this the Christian one you talked about before?”

Lincoln nodded. “We’ve long seen a need for Christian content in the mainstream media, so we’re looking for others who are wanting to partner with us and offering real stories that really touch hearts. We’ve got a number of Christians, including Harrison, and even Chlolinda Drewe, who have agreed to come on board. It’s exciting, yet we’re only taking baby steps at the moment, but you never know where this will take us.”

“Wow. Of course I want to know more.”

Lincoln smiled. “Keep an eye on your inbox. We’ll be in touch.”

“Oh my gosh.” She turned to Zac as Lincoln and Jackie melted into the crowd. “Can you believe that?”

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