Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
He picked her up. That was a request he would never refuse.
Epilogue
Eighteen months later
Santa Monica, California
“Hey, I need a hiding place.”
“It’s a big tree, man. We can both hide here.”
Ally couldn’t help but smile because the guys were getting along spectacularly. They’d bonded over surviving the whole Hollywood experience. Brynn’s husband, Major, had welcomed West into the family with grateful and open arms. Honestly, they had a bromance going that would look adorable on camera. If they didn’t hide from it constantly.
“They’re so cute when they’re trying to hide. And they look awfully festive.” Brynn looked festive, too. She was wearing an adorable Christmas sweater that did nothing to hide her pregnant belly.
Ally was getting a nephew in two months, and she couldn’t wait to be the best fun aunt ever.
And one day she would be a mom. Some day. In the future. Right now, she and West had all they could handle between her busy shooting schedule and his classes. He was pursuing a career in cinematography. He was taking some classes, but the majority of his learning was hands-on. He’d gotten his first job working on Channing Lloyd’s directorial debut. He’d pretty much been the lighting department’s PA, but he’d soaked it all up. The genuine excitement that man got over the right lighting was probably something she would never understand, but damn she loved it.
“You’re sure you don’t want to film the birth?” Their mom joined them. No ugly Christmas sweaters for her. She was in an elegant twin set, the green color the only real concession to the season. She’d been unhappy at the idea of not dressing to the nines for this annual Christmas photo, but she and Brynn had put up a united front.
No tuxes and evening gowns. They were going for a little reality this year.
Though West would look excellent in a tux. She knew it because he’d been his brother’s best man, and he’d been so hot, she’d tackled him the minute they’d gotten back to their hotel room.
He was going to look hot in a tux again when they walked the red carpet this awards season. Crowne of Thorns was ready for release in a couple of weeks, and there was crazy buzz about it. Channing and Bryce were almost sure locks for nominations, and there had even been talk about her role.
Whatever happened, she would be forever grateful she’d gotten to work with the new director Channing had brought in. Joshua Hunt was more known for being one of the biggest box office draws in the world, but the man could direct, too. He’d taught her so much, and the cast and crew had adored him. His wife was pretty awesome, too.
“We are not filming the birth, Mother,” Brynn said with a shake of her head. “And honestly, Major and I decided we don’t want our baby on screen.”
Her mom took a long breath and then ran a hand over Brynn’s hair. “I think that’s an excellent idea, my love. This can be our last special. Between you starting a family and our Ally’s film career, it’s time to leave the show behind. I want this one last special to show how truly wonderful Ally is.”
They’d been filming for days, and Ally had expected all the normal parties and shopping days. West had sat with her for a few interviews, talking about how they met.
And then her mom had sat down and talked about how the business had affected Ally and Brynn. She’d been open and honest about her successes and failures, and her mother had asked for forgiveness.
She wasn’t the villain anymore. She was just Ally.
“Well, for the record, I’m good with it, too.” Gavin put an arm around her mom, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I knew the show was over when this one eloped. I thought for sure we would have a massive special if she ever got married.”
She hadn’t even thought about it. She’d been the one to suggest they fly to a beach in Bali and make their vows together there with only their immediate family around them.
She didn’t need photographers for validation anymore. All she needed was her family.
Which was getting bigger because of her. She was sure Brynn had gotten pregnant at the wedding. She kept trying to get her sister to name her son Bali.
Major apparently thought it would be better to name the kid after his beloved father or something.
While they’d been in Bali, the news had come out that Jay Clarke’s book deal had been canceled and a bunch of the crew was suing him.
Good times.
“I liked my wedding. And I’m glad this is the last year we’re filming this, but I think we should definitely keep up the Christmas cards,” Ally said, sipping on mulled wine.
“I would like that,” her mother said and then shook her head. “Oh, I’m going to be a grandmother.”