Page 2 of Marriage & Mockery

I was just finishing my drink when my wife came downstairs looking utterly gorgeous. As we walked out the front door to the waiting Town Car, Lucy warned, “Don’t trip on the way to the stage. That’d be so embarrassing.”

“Gee, thanks,” I grumbled.

Laina looped her arm around mine with a grin. “At least she’s confident you’re going to win.”

“I love how you always look for the silver lining.” I helped her into the back seat of the car before sliding in next to her. “It’s one of my favorite things about you.”

She batted her lashes at me. “Tell me more. Flattery will get you everywhere, darling.”

My wife wasn’t one to fish for compliments, so I knew she was joking. But that didn’t stop me from spending the entire drive whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

My hand slid to her thigh, slipping through the high slit of her gown to rest against her warm skin. I felt that familiar pull that had never faded over the years.

Fame had pulled me away more than I liked lately, but tonight wouldn’t be the same without her right here beside me. She was the reason any of it mattered.

We pulled up to the venue, and cameras flashed in rapid succession as we stepped out onto the red carpet. I kept Laina tucked close against my side, my arm wrapped firmly around her waist, shielding her from the worst of the chaos while proudly showing her off. People called my name, but I only had eyes for the woman beside me.

We settled at our assigned table near the front, surrounded by industry heavyweights in tailored suits and glittering gowns who nodded politely while their eyes assessed every detail. My gaze kept drifting back to Laina across the short distance between us. She looked stunning, radiant in the soft lighting, every inch the woman who had captured my heart all those years ago and never let go.

I was so damn proud to have her on my arm as we worked the room, but the nervous energy began to build again when we took our seats. Then the moment finally came when the host stepped to the podium and announced, “And now, the award for Best Comedy Series…”

Laina reached over and squeezed my hand supportively, her touch helping to bring my pulse back down a little.

“Bennett Parker for The Wrong Side of Right.”

The table erupted in cheers and applause, but I didn’t fully accept that they’d said my name until Laina jumped up and wrapped her arms around me. “I knew it!”

I stood and gave her a quick kiss before whispering, “I love you,” against her lips. Then I headed toward the stage, stunned that I’d be giving my acceptance speech tonight.

2

LAINA

Isank back into my chair as Bennett walked toward the stage, the residual warmth of his kiss still lingering on my lips. My heart felt full to the point of aching. I was so proud of my husband.

The energy in the ballroom was electric, with many people getting to their feet to clap Bennett on the back as he passed them.

Sitting down, I smoothed the soft fabric of my burgundy gown over my lap as my gaze followed him. Even from this distance, he looked every bit the man I had fallen in love with years ago. Tall and lean, with wavy brown hair he’d let grow out to his shoulders a few years ago. He’d trimmed his beard for tonight, which hid his square jawline. As he took the stage, his vibrant blue eyes scanned the crowd, and I got to be the one who had always believed he would end up here.

I felt so lucky. After all these years, he still reached for me first.

I settled deeper into my seat, my hands folded loosely in my lap, and waited for him to begin speaking, a quiet smile curving my lips.

Bennett’s voice carried easily through the speakers as he began the expected thank-yous. He named the cast, the crew, the network executives who had believed in the show from the start.

Watching my husband give his acceptance speech, I was so proud he was finally getting the recognition he deserved.

“Thank you to Laina for always being my inspiration.”

My smile widened, and I pressed my hand over my heart.

But then he added, “I wouldn’t have been able to write Sally’s character without knowing all your quirks so well.”

It took a moment for the meaning behind his words to register. The character from his show who America loved to make fun of had been inspired by me, and I’d had no clue.

The energy in the room shifted as the warm smiles of the people around me faded. Charlotte Graham, the actress who played Sally, let out a nervous cough. The rest of the table exchanged uncomfortable glances.

I sat very still.