Page 67 of Cinematic Destinies
“The rest of your life?” he muttered.
“If you’ll have me.”
“Wait. This isn’t right.”
Georgia’s face fell. “Oh, I’m sorry. I hoped—”
“No, you misunderstand, my darling,” Roo said with a soft smile. “Don’t move an inch.” He walked over to a nearby credenza, opened the top drawer, and returned holding a small black velvet box. “I just meant that I imagined how this would go. Shortly after I got back from the shoot, I stopped by my mother’s flat and asked her for my grandmother’s engagement ring. I knew you’d show up at my door or I’d show up at yours.”
“You did?” she asked, tears in her eyes.
He nodded and caressed her cheek. “And I knew when the moment presented itself, I’d want to do this,” he said, getting down on bended knee. He opened the jewelry box to reveal an oval-shaped ruby surrounded by diamonds. “Georgia Sinclair Forrester, you are the love of my life. Do me the honor of becoming my wife, and together we shall soar. Will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said, salt water streaming down her face.
He slipped the ring on her finger and said, “The stone looks like fire, just like that burning spirit in you I so love.” He rose, wove his hands into her curls, and they kissed. “Now come on, love. Let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”
CHAPTER 18
The day before the children were due to arrive home, Albert called Ella.
“Well, hello, my sweet boy.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“This is a nice surprise. My phone has been ringing all morning. Your sisters both called to say they’re each bringing a friend for the weekend.”
“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. Can my friend Ryan fly back to California with me? He has relatives in LA.”
“Of course, sweetheart. You’ll have the jet to yourselves. The others are flying commercial because of scheduling issues. They won’t be here until later in the day.”
Albert was silent for a moment and then said, “He’s my boyfriend, Mom.”
Ella smiled. “That’s wonderful. I didn’t know you were seeing someone. Is it new?”
“Not exactly, it’s just that Dad doesn’t know. I . . . I’m planning to tell him tomorrow. Depending how it goes, I thought maybe I could invite Ryan to the celebration the following day.”
“I would love that. Sweetheart, there’s nothing to be anxious about with your father. There never has been. He loves you more than anything.”
“I just . . .”
“What has you so worried?”
“I just don’t want him to be disappointed.”
“In you?” Ella said. “Not possible. He’ll be glad you confided in him. I’m sure he’ll also be thrilled to hear there’s someone you care about. There’s nothing to fear. Not a thing. I promise you.”
Albert inhaled. “Thanks, Mom. I better go. I need to pack.”
“See you tomorrow. I love you.”
“I love you.”
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, ELLA WAS STANDINGat the kitchen sink drying dishes. Finn came into the room, slipped his hands around her waist, and whispered, “Hi, sweetheart,” before kissing her cheek.
She took a slow breath and turned to face him. She leaned her forehead against his for a long intimate moment and then pulled back and stared intensely into his eyes.
“What is it, love?” he asked, stroking her cheek.
