The Secret (Single in Seattle 1)

“Don’t you feel ready to tackle the day now?” I ask as I close the laptop. “Kelly and Jamal will be here any second.”

“I’m ready to tackle you,” he says and wraps his arm around my waist. But while he kisses me, I hear the doorbell ring. “That’s them. We’ll pick this up later.”

I laugh and follow Vaughn to the front door, where Kelly and Jamal are waiting with Paisley, who squeals when she sees Vaughn.

“Bon!”

“Hey, gorgeous girl,” Vaughn says, kissing her cheek as he pulls her into his arms. “How’s my best girl?”

“Iv!” she says, and I blink in surprise, then let out a little gasp.

“Oh my gosh, she knows my name.”

“She’s saying all kinds of words these days,” Kelly says as we all walk toward the kitchen. “I love what you’ve done in here.”

I take a second to glance around, happy with the little feminine touches that I’ve added here and there. Nothing crazy but just a few things.

“What was wrong with the way it was before?” Vaughn wants to know.

“Nothing, if you’re a bachelor,” Jamal says with a wink for me. “I can’t believe you’re living with this jerk.”

“He’s only a jerk sometimes,” I reply and then giggle when Vaughn scowls at me. “I’m just kidding. You’re not a jerk at all.”

Vaughn’s phone starts to ring, so Kelly takes the baby while he answers.

“Hello?” His eyes meet mine. “You’re kidding.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Who is it?”

“Wow, that’s incredible. Thank you so much. I’m honored.”

He hangs up and stares at me.

“What just happened?” I ask.

“Spill it,” Kelly says.

“I just got the call that every actor dreams of but few get. I’ve been nominated for an Academy Award.”

I blink as my blood rushes through my body. “Oh my God. OH MY GOD!”

I run to him, leap into his arms, and kiss him so hard.

“Holy shit, this is so great! I’m so proud of you.”

“Hell yes, that’s what I’m talking about,” Jamal says and does the whole manly handshake-hug thing while Kelly and Paisley dance around the kitchen.

Now my phone rings. Without glancing at it, I answer.

“Hello?” I kiss Vaughn’s cheek.

“Olivia Conner?” a voice says.

“Yes, this is she.”

The blood rushes through my head, roars in my ears, but I make out the words. “You’ve been nominated for an Academy Award for best costume design for your work in Small Town Girl.”

I blink at Vaughn, who just grins at me. He can obviously hear what’s happening.

“Are you sure?” I say at last.

“I’m absolutely sure. Congratulations, Miss Conner.”

“Thank—thank you.”

The phone slips from my hand, and Vaughn catches it before it crashes to the floor.

“Holy shit.”

“Holy shit is right,” he says and swings me around in celebration as the other two whoop and holler, and Jamal asks where the champagne is. “You are incredible.”

I can only stare at him. “We’re both nominated.”

He grins like a loon. “You’re gonna win.”

“Vaughn, this is—I don’t even know what this is.”

“You’re gonna win.” He pulls me to him. “So fucking proud of you, babe.”

“I’m proud of us both,” I inform him. “We need to celebrate.”

“I found the champagne,” Kelly announces as she pours four flutes full of the bubbly wine.

Jamal holds his glass up in a toast. “To two of the best, most deserving people I know. Here’s to kicking ass and taking names.”

“Here’s to the freaking Oscars,” Kelly echoes as we all take a sip.

I smile, feeling all bubbly inside, just like this champagne. “And here’s to having everything I never knew I wanted. Here’s to love and friendship.”

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