VALOROUS (A Quantum Novel)(68)

I give him a squeeze in support.

“And the Actor goes to… my friend Flynn Godfrey for Camouflage!”

The place goes bonkers.

He kisses me, hugs Hayden, Jasper and Kristian and then heads for the stage. We’re all on our feet clapping, cheering and, in my case, trying not to cry. Marlowe greets him with a hug and hands him the award.

It takes a long time for the applause to die down. Wearing that humble smile I love so much, Flynn stands before his peers, holding his award and drinking in his big moment.

Even if I’d been watching the show at home having never met Flynn, I’d be happy for him because Camouflage is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. But as his wife and the woman who loves him… I’m over the moon with happiness and pride in his accomplishments.

“Thank you so much to the Screen Actors Guild for this incredible honor,” he says after the crowd finally settles. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many of you and to call you my friends and colleagues. We’re the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this job we love. To be recognized for the work is frosting on a pretty nice cake. You all know this film is very near and dear to me and to everyone at Quantum. Jeremy’s story took me on an amazing journey and gave me an all-new appreciation for the sacrifices our military members and their families make for us every day. Please do your part to support our veterans and their families. We owe them everything.” Another round of enthusiastic applause follows that statement.

“No one gets here,” he says, holding up the statue, “without a lot of help, and I have the best people in the world working with me as well as the greatest family anyone could hope to have. And now…” He takes a moment and seems to be collecting himself as he looks directly at me.

My heart stops and I hold my breath, waiting to hear what he will say.

“Now I have Natalie, too. It’s no secret that these last few weeks have been rough for my wife—I sure do love saying that—and for me. Neither of us will ever forget the love and support we’ve received from this community. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Natalie’s wildebeest dog, Fluff-o-Nutter,” he says to a crackle of laughter from the crowd. “Without Fluff’s bad behavior, Natalie might’ve walked right by the park where I was filming in New York, and I never would’ve known that the love of my life was getting away. So thank you, Fluff.” Looking directly at me, he adds, “Natalie, I love you with all my heart, and I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

He holds up the award. “Thank you very much for this incredible honor.”

I wipe away a monsoon of tears as Flynn and Marlowe leave the stage arm in arm, laughing as they go. I can’t believe he actually thanked Fluff! He’s back a few minutes later with the Camouflage cast to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

What an amazing moment to witness, even if I had nothing at all to do with it. His joy is mine, and I’m filled to overflowing with pride for this man who has swept me off my feet and captured my heart. That day in the park feels like a lifetime ago, when it was only a couple of weeks. Flynn and I have packed a year’s worth of living into that short time, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for us.

As the show ends, Flynn comes down the stairs from the stage. Even with an award in each hand, he manages to lift me right off my feet and kiss the daylights out of me with most of Hollywood looking on.

I put my arms around him and kiss him back.

He seems to finally remember where we are and breaks the kiss, but I can feel his reluctance.

“I’m so proud of you and so happy for you,” I whisper into his ear so he can hear me over the din around us. “Thank you for recognizing Fluff’s contribution to our relationship.”

“She played an essential role. Best supporting actress.”

I smile up at him, and he hugs me again. Since I’m wearing sky-high heels, I can see over his shoulder. My gaze locks on Valerie, who’s looking at us with barely restrained hatred. I’m not sure what comes over me, but I smile at her as I hug my handsome, successful husband. Let her eat her heart out, because she let him get away.

The look she gives me is positively vile, and I realize that with one smile, I’ve made an enemy for life. That’s okay. I hold on tighter to Flynn. We’ll get our revenge by being happy together.

“Let’s get out of here,” he says in a low growl.

“Don’t you have to do interviews and stuff?”

He moans. “Yeah, I do, and then we’re getting out of here.”

“I’m with you, love.”

“Yes, you certainly are.”





Chapter 16





I love watching him do the interviews. With his Actor statues in hand, he’s all the things I love best about him—humble, charming, funny and sincere. The reporters ask the same question over and over: How does he feel about being the front-runner for the Oscar? It’s exciting, he says, but a lot of things in his life are exciting these days. The last reporter wants to know how he’s enjoying married life.

“It’s spectacular,” he says with a smile for me. “And about to be more so if you’re done with me.”

“Far be it from us to keep the newlyweds apart any longer,” the giddy female reporter says. “Congratulations again, Flynn. Camouflage was amazing. You deserve all the acclaim and awards.”