Page 93 of Room to Dream
“Whatever happens,” Ollie whispered, leaning close enough that Finn could smell the faint trace of his cologne, “I’m already so proud of you.”
The simple words steadied him, anchoring him in the moment. This wasn’t just about an award or public recognition—it was about finally allowing himself to be seen, to claim the work he’d poured his heart into for years.
The ceremony progressed with the expected mix of industry acknowledgments and heartfelt speeches. Finn was genuinely pleased for the winners in each category, the knot in his stomach loosening as he settled into the rhythm of the evening. Then, suddenly, the host was announcing the nominees for Best Contemporary Series.
“And the nominees are…”
Finn’s pulse thundered in his ears as his name was called, along with the title of his series. His headshot appeared on the screen, along with the cover of his upcoming release. Ollie’s grip on his hand tightened, a silent show of support that meant more than any award could.
“And the winner is…Rhett Wilder forSmall Town Secrets!”
The applause was immediate and enthusiastic. Finn sat frozen for a split second, the announcement not quite registering. Then Ollie was squeezing his hand, his face lit with pride and joy.
“That’s you,” Ollie whispered, giving him a gentle nudge. “Go on.”
Finn rose on legs that felt strangely disconnected from his body. The walk to the stage seemed both endless and too brief, not giving him enough time to gather his thoughts. As he accepted the award—a simple crystal book, heavy and cool in his hands—he turned to face the audience, the lights momentarily blinding.
“Thank you,” he began, his voice steadier than he expected. “This is…surreal, to be honest. For years, Rhett Wilder has existed only on the page, a name that allowed me to share stories I wasn’t brave enough to claim in my everyday life.”
The room was silent, attentive in a way that might have terrified him weeks ago but now felt like a gift—the chance to finally speak his truth.
“I want to thank my daughter Brooklyn, who taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward anyway. My agent Meredith, who never stopped believing these stories deserved to be told. My publishing team, who took a chance on a voice that didn’t fit neatly into any category.”
His gaze found Ollie in the audience, his face upturned and glowing with something that made Finn’s chest tight with emotion.
“And to my partner Ollie”—his voice softened, the words meant for one person despite the crowded room—“you’ve reminded me that the best stories aren’t the ones we keep hidden. They’re the ones we share, even when it’s scary. You were my biggest champion before you knew it was my books you were recommending. Hearing the passion as you talked about the stories I’ve written solidified why I do this. Thank you for giving me a chance to prove I’m worthy of the love you show me in the littlest ways every day. While I know Icando this on my own, I truly hope those days are in the past.”
The words settled in the room, quiet and certain. Finn felt the weight of them, but also the freedom.
The applause as he left the stage was warm and genuine. When he returned to their table, Ollie stood to meet him, his eyes suspiciously bright.
“That was beautiful,” he said simply, his voice rough with emotion.
Finn set the award on the table and pulled Ollie into a brief, tight hug, not caring who might be watching. “I meant every word.”
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur of congratulations and handshakes. Finn found himself fielding questions and accepting praise with a grace that surprised him, bolstered by Ollie’s steady presence at his side.
Later, as the formal proceedings wound down and people began to drift toward the after-party, Finn and Ollie found a quiet corner in the hotel lobby before heading into the bar for anotherround of drinks with the publishing team. The weight of the evening—the recognition, the final merging of his two worlds—settled over Finn like a warm blanket.
“You know that was basically a public declaration of your undying love for me, right?” Ollie said, half-teasing, as they stood close together, slightly removed from the flow of departing guests.
Finn’s smile was unguarded, the answer simple. “Good. I meant it to be.”
Finn reached for Ollie’s hand, lacing their fingers together. For the first time, nothing about his life felt compartmentalized. Nothing was hidden. He was Finn O’Riley and Rhett Wilder, father and author, partner and friend—all the pieces finally fitting together into a whole that felt right.
“Thank you,” he said quietly, “for being here. For pushing me to be brave.”
Ollie’s expression softened, his free hand coming up to straighten Finn’s tie in a gesture that felt strangely intimate. “I didn’t push you to do anything you weren’t ready for. You did this on your own terms, in your own time. Mostly.”
“Maybe,” Finn conceded. “But having you beside me made all the difference.”
Ollie’s smile was warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners in the way that never failed to make Finn’s heart skip. “Well, get used to it. I plan on being beside you for a long time.”
The simple statement, offered without hesitation, settled something in Finn’s chest—a certainty he hadn’t felt in longerthan he could remember. This was what it meant to be seen and chosen every day.
