Page 103 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version
The officiant asks if anyone objects. Thankfully, no one does. Then he pronounces them husband and wife. We cheer when Rebecca and Jensen kiss and kiss and kiss until Lana and Mylan stand to break them apart.
Dinner is served and halfway through when Mylan taps a spoon on his glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine to get everyone’s attention. “As Jensen’s best friend, I have a few things I need to say. First of all, fuck you for not telling anyone about this.”
Jensen flips him off again, sparking more laughter from the guests.
“Second, I am so proud of you, Jenny.” Jensen’s face drops at the nickname. He’s not mad, but he looks like he’s fighting back tears.
Mylan glances at Lana and she nods.
“Lana and I actually have a confession.”
The crowd quiets. Only singing bugs in the gardens and trees on the property fill the air.
“We never told you this, but the hotel in Hawaii didn’t mysteriously lose Rebecca’s reservation. There was no glitch.”
“What?” Rebecca says. “I don’t understand.”
“We canceled it,” Lana finishes. “We knew you two were arriving around the same time, and Jensen had a spare room in his suite. We were tired of you two skating around your feelings for each other. We knew Jensen would offer to share his suite.”
“And the sweet clerk, Vilonia, was more than happy to play along,” Mylan says.
“It worked too.” Lana smiles, too proud of herself.
Rebecca scoffs. “What if he didn’t offer his suite? What if his flight got delayed and couldn’t be there to offer me the room? I cannot believe you two did this. I’m going to kick your asses.” Her words are laced with anger, but she beams with amusement.
“My biggest prank yet,” Mylan adds, and Jensen shakes his head. Mylan lifts his glass. “To Jensen and Rebecca.”
We all cheer and the newlyweds stand to give Lana and Mylan a hug.
Reynold stands too and holds out a hand to me. I don’t question him and accept. He asks Eloise and Kelly to watch Addy. We walk over to where his friends and their partners gather. Lana gives me a hug and I wave at Rebecca since we only officially met at the premiere.
The three of us watch as Jensen, Rey, and Mylan partake in a three-way handshake of three palm slaps, two fist bumps, a fist to the chest over the heart.
“Mates,” Rey says.
“Friends,” Jensen counters.
“Brothers,” Mylan concludes.
Epilogue – Reynold
One year, six months later
I’veneverbeenhappierin my life. My career is thriving. I’m choosing more projects outside of my action-movie comfort zone. After finishing filming my first rom-com, I booked a minor role in Jensen’s zombie flick. My character was the first to die, but I came back to life as the walking dead. I got to wear all the gory makeup and prosthetics. Then I chased Mylan around because he was the lead. I chose the minor role so I could spend more time with my family. It was nostalgic working with them again.
Savannah’s career as a stylist is growing thanks to Victoria. After hiring her, Victoria found herself on every best dressed list. Word spread fast that Savannah was behind the trendy looks, and clients swarmed her with appointments, booking her out months in advance. She had to hire an employee to help her with the demand.
Kyle and Carl went to trial, and Savannah and I took the stand. The trial lasted for a few weeks, but the jury deliberations were quick. Both were sentenced to prison. Kyle will serve longer since he broke parole. He will serve the rest of his original sentence from the bank robbery. Then a twenty-five-year sentence for attempted kidnapping and two counts of assault for attacking Savannah and Sarah. No chance for early release. Carl will serve a ten-year sentence.
Adeline had nightmares after the attack, so Savannah and I sent her to a therapist who helped her work through the trauma. Addy also discussed other topics like growing up without her birth mum, me being famous, and her own fame because of me.
After each session, the therapist reports Adeline’s progress. A year later, Addy is doing just fine. She skipped a grade in school because she’s so goddamn smart. She’s learned two languages already and knows how to play the piano and the violin.
She keeps begging me and Savannah for a brother or sister. We tell her to be patient because it’s in the plan. Because before we have a child together, I need to marry the love of my life.
It’s May. It’s been exactly two years since I met Savannah. Two years since she boarded that plane and sat in our row, leaving behind a cheating ex and her life in Arkansas.
The wedding is being held in her namesake of Savannah, Georgia, at a beautiful outdoor gazebo near a pond in a park. Savannah always talked about not getting to see her parents often. Before I started filming my first romantic comedy, Savannah, Adeline, and I flew down to visit. After staying here for two weeks, I knew this was the right place for the ceremony. Also, because Savannah’s dad is afraid of flying—which must be where she got her fear.
