Page 36 of Just for the Holidays
“It’s no hardship to brag that the sexiest man alive according to six different magazines just put a ring on it,” she said, inciting a bark of laughter from her fiancé. They kept walking until they were stopped by one of the show hosts who were standing around intercepting celebrities to ask them about their clothes.
“Gael Montez!” beckoned a Latina in a teal mermaid gown Perla recognized from a competing network. There were people walking in all directions and if you even blinked, you ran the chance of missing a Hollywood living legend passing by.
“Hey, Sandra,” Gael said, leaning in for a kiss, then gestured to Perla with a smile. “My fiancée.”
“Of course, Miss Sambrano, congratulations on the engagement,” she cried as she tried to commandeer a corner for all three of them to stand. “I’d heard you’d be wearing vintage Charles James today,” Sandra exclaimed and made a bowing motion in front of Perla’s gown. “Exquisite,” the woman exclaimed, as she looked at the camera. “All the folks at home, behold the Latinx Power Couple of the moment, Perla Sambrano and Gael Montez.” Sandra actually clapped as if they were worthy of a standing ovation.
Perla’s stomach fluttered slightly, her nerves getting to her a bit as she took in the moment. And as if he could sense her discomfort, Gael brought Perla closer, pressing her to his side. “How are you feeling for tonight, Gael?” Sandra asked, then turned to Perla. “It could be a big one for you both.”
Gael’s smile was almost beatific as he looked down at Perla, taking his time before answering the reporter’s question. Someday her heart would stop pounding in her chest whenever he looked at her like that, but today there was no helping it. He bent down to brush a kiss to her cheek before he turned his attention on the expectant woman who was looking at them with obvious delight.
“I’m honored for the nomination and immensely proud to be a part of this production. I became an actor with the hope that I could someday get to play a role like this one. To Boricuas, Francisco Rios is more than a legend. He represents the bravery and dignity of our island, and I will always be grateful to the love of my life for convincing me to take the role of a lifetime. But I have to say, I’m already walking in feeling like a winner knowing I get to spend my future with this woman.” Perla struggled between almost swooning at Gael’s words and blinking furiously in an effort to hold back tears.
“Gael!” she wailed. “You promised you wouldn’t make me cry!” That got a laugh from Sandra and the few others who had gathered to watch Gael Montez be interviewed.
“It’s true,” he told her as he softly kissed her forehead.
“There you have it, folks,” Sandra said with a bow as they got ready to move on. “True love at the awards tonight. We wish Mr. Montez and Miss Sambrano the best of luck tonight and for the wedding.”
Within moments they were walking the last yards of the red carpet and heading into the foyer of the theater. As soon as they were past security, Gael pulled her into a little alcove where she could catch her breath.
“Are you all right?” he asked as he ran his hands in soothing circles over her back.
She nodded with her head pressed to his chest. “I’m good, even though you made me cry.”
She heard the rumble of his laugh, but stayed right where she was, safe and warm in Gael’s arms. The only place in the world where she felt completely at ease. “I was only telling the truth. The nomination is an honor, but no matter what I will go home with the greatest treasure I could ever ask for.”
“I’m already marrying you,” she said, feigning an annoyance that was a sharp contrast to the swarm of butterflies in her stomach.
“Look at me, baby.” His fingers gently nudging her chin until their eyes were locked on each other. “Thank you.”
“For what?” she asked breathlessly.
He smiled, shaking his head like she had asked the silliest of questions, and bent down to kiss her. It was a small brushing of lips, but she felt the depth and strength of his love even in that minimal contact. “Thank you for giving me the chance to make you happy.”
“I love you,” she whispered, certain in their love and the life of happiness that awaited before them.
