Epilogue

Nervous energy bubbled throughout the theater. Dressed in probably the most amazing gown she’d ever seen in her life, including her wedding dress, Ella sat next to Rome holding his hand, and waiting for his award category to come up. The long red ball gown shimmered in the dim light, its full skirt moving and flowing when she walked like butterflies’ wings. If Rome’s category didn’t come up soon, she thought she might explode with anxiety. It already seemed like they’d been waiting for half a day, even though it had only been a few hours since they’d gotten into the limo and made their way to the famous theater in Hollywood where the biggest award show of the year was always held.
Rome squeezed her hand and smiled at her between announcements. Just about three weeks ago, he was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. Now, here he was, on the biggest night of his professional life, getting ready to--hopefully--receive the recognition he deserved. No one could argue that he didn’t deserve the award for his portrayal of a young man who’d been through several tragedies in his short life, sort of like Rome himself.
Once the tabloids and newspapers latched on to the idea that Rome was dating Juliet Montague, there was a bit of comparison between Juliet and Ella Sinders Verona, but no one had come right out and accused Juliet of actually being Ella. Nor had anyone given Rome grief for spending time with a woman who looked so similar to his deceased wife. It was sort of just accepted by the community, which was a huge relief to Ella. Juliet was out of the spotlight now, since she was no longer dating people like Henry and Parker, so she could spend time with Rome at the beach recovering. The only other place she’d been in weeks was to visit Fae who was thankful everything had turned out all right for Ella--even though the same could not be said for Henry.
“Here to announce the winner of the Best Supporting Actor award is two-time Oscar winner Bridgette Milian and Grammy winner Todd Judge!” the announcer said. Ella’s breath caught in her throat. She squeezed Rome’s hand and he smiled at her again. This was it. At last, in a few minutes, they’d know whether or not he had won, and it would be behind them.
Bridgette and Todd began their banter, telling a few jokes and schmoozing the crowd before Bridgette, a stunning brunette in a long green gown, said, “And the nominees are….”
One by one, the two announcers took turns reading the names of the nominees, showing a short clip of them acting in their nominated role and then cutting to the actor in the audience. Not only was the clip from Rome’s film emotionally moving, when they showed him sitting in the crowd, he looked unbelievably dashing. Ella was so proud to be sitting next to him.
“And the winner is....” Todd said, “Rome Verona!” The crowd went absolutely wild. Ella hopped up, unable to contain her excitement, but reminded herself that Rome needed to be handled with care. Slowly, he pushed himself up to standing, kissed her, and then turned to head up to the podium.
As he went, several people stepped over to congratulate him, but all of them were cautious, no one pounding him on the back or squeezing him too hard. Rome took his time making his way up the steps. The crowd was on its feet, cheering for him.
By the time Rome reached the podium and took the heavy silver statue. He considered it for a moment before he turned to the microphone. “Wow… this is, uh, unexpected,” he said, setting it down on the podium in front of him and taking a deep breath. Quickly, Rome rattled off all of the people who’d helped him on the film--the other actors, the director, and the crew. “I would’ve never been able to give this kind of performance if it wasn’t for the direction and examples I saw on the set every single day.
“It’s not enough to thank the people who worked on the film with me, though. I want to thank my parents for their support over the years, for my friends, especially Bart, Mary, and Gus, without whom I would not be standing here at all. I want to thank the doctors and nurses at the hospital who stitched me up and also got me back to standing. I want to thank Charles, The Tank, and Lenora for being like family. Fae Ward,” there was a huge applause at the mention of her name, “you are an incredible person, and we are so blessed to know you.”
Rome cleared his throat and said, “I want to thank a few people who are no longer with us. My good friend, Mark Hutio, who left us too soon. Tim Bolt, an incredible actor who would’ve done amazing things. And of course Ella Verona, whose goodness, kindness, and loving nature are unrivaled by anyone I have ever met.” He had tears in his eyes now, and everyone in the crowd did as well. “If it wasn’t for the love and understanding of sweet Juliet Montague, I never would’ve made it through all of the obstacles I’ve faced recently. Rarely, does a person find the kind of love I had with Ella in their lifetime. To find it twice is a blessing I cannot put into words. Thank you, Juliet.”
He looked directly at her, and she couldn’t help the tears that streamed down her cheeks as the others applauded the love she’d found with Rome.
Rome finished up by thanking the academy and then was escorted off of the stage, the announcer letting them know who would be coming out next.
A few moments later, a man dressed all in black with a microphone attached to his head approached Ella. “Ms. Montague, you can go to the back to be with Rome, if you’d like,” he said quietly.
“Yes, thank you,” she said and let him escort her to the backstage area where Rome was being photographed and interviewed by several people. She could tell he was getting tired of standing, but it looked like he was almost through. She stood back, waiting for him, at the ready, in case she needed to offer him support in any way.
Eventually, Rome finished with all of the photographers and reporters shouting questions at him. Walking a little way from the crowd, Rome beckoned to her, and Ella caught up with him. “How are you?” she asked.
He smiled, giving a little wince. “Tired,” he admitted, “but glad to be holding this.” He hoisted the statue. “And this.” He lifted her hand.
She smiled at him. “Why don’t we just go?” she asked, thinking it would be better to head home than to go back out and watch the rest of the show. They’d already decided not to attend any of the parties afterward since he got tired so easily anymore.
“That is a great idea,” Rome agreed, pulling his cell phone from the pocket of his tuxedo and texting their driver. He smiled at her. “Thank you, Ella, for everything.”
She couldn’t help but grin back at him. “Thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I’d still be living in an attic.”
“You’ve come a long way from the days you spent hidden away from the world.” His eyes twinkled at her, and she nodded in agreement. “Now, you’re one of the most fierce female entrepreneurs in the world. No one will ever try to lock you up again.”
“Not if they have to come through you,” she said, giggling. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too. Nothing will ever keep us apart, baby. Nothing.” Rome leaned down, and Ella closed the space between them, finding his lips with hers. Memories of their very first kiss, in the moonlight, near a beautiful bubbling fountain came to mind. If she’d only known then what she knew now, perhaps she would’ve made different choices. But then… as long as she and Rome were together, she wouldn’t change anything.
Hand in hand, they headed for the door, ready to return to the beach and their secret life together where even the stars couldn’t defy or define their love.