Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

I reached forward, taking the small envelope and pulling the card out. I miss you. I love you. Your husband always, Daniel

I put the card back into the envelope and shoved the card back into the arrangement. “Do you have an incinerator?” I asked.

The bellboy stared at me.

“Just throw it in the trash, please.” Arthur thanked him and closed the door.

Will came bursting into the living area. “Morning, Uncle Arthur. Morning, Mom,” he said as he barreled across the room and into my arms.

“Morning, Will.” I scooped him up, dropping a kiss on his cheek. Arthur watched me but didn’t say anything.

I felt Will press a wet kiss to my cheek and hugged him to me. His exuberant kisses and hugs helped restore my earlier cheer. It was going to be a good day. After all, it could only get better.

***

Josh was clutching his stomach as he laughed. He wasn’t alone. Our entire picnic was in various states of amusement.

“Who knew he was such a ham?” my mother whispered to me.

I had to admit I had no idea Will was capable of this. I was watching him in awe as he re-enacted the entire light saber duel between Darth Vader (his favorite Star Wars character) and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Arthur was quite good-natured about the fact that he was being completely upstaged by a five-year-old.

Will fell onto the ground and flopped about in staged agony, signaling the end of their vign

ette. Helen and Natalie jumped to their feet, applauding loudly. Josh joined in, whistling loudly. Arthur bowed, but Will stayed prone on the ground. He was going to milk it.

As the applause died down I said, “Too bad Darth Vader is dead. I have those chocolate cookies he loves.”

Will hopped up and into my lap, smiling. “I fooled you, didn’t I?”

“You were amazing, Will,” Shannon said. “Arthur, put a little more feeling into it next time.”

Arthur joined us on our blanket. “I’ve never seen this film, dear. I was winging it.”

Will sighed, shaking his head. “Uncle Arthur, that’s just sad.”

“Not everyone is as big a Star Wars fan as you are, Willy.” Natalie rolled her eyes. “I mean, you’ve seen it like three dozen times. It’s kind of overkill, if you ask me.”

Will wrinkled his nose. “You’re a girl. Girls don’t get it.”

My mother giggled.

“Three dozen times?” Arthur looked impressed.

“Without my approval. You are way too young to have watched that movie, you know.” I looked disapprovingly at my son. Will smiled up at me. I couldn’t help it. I smiled back at him.

Josh lay back on his elbows, watching us with a smile. His beat-up baseball cap rested low on his brow. “It’s one of my favorite battle scenes. I admit it. But it was a wee bit gruesome as well. Will, you’re awfully brave. We’ll have to watch it with Arthur, eh Will?” He waited for Will to nod before continuing. “It’s a glorious day. Have plans for tea this afternoon?”

“No.” I took a small bite of the chocolate cookie Will was determined to share with me.

“Excellent.” Josh smiled as I reached for my water. “My father would like you to come round for tea.”

Cookie and water became lodged in my throat. I coughed until tears were streaming down my cheeks.

“Is that a no, then?” He was smiling at me, his eyebrow arched.

My mother spoke up. “It’s not really fair, Claire. I’ve been able to get to know Josh and Helen. Josh’s father should get to meet you and the kids.”

“I didn’t say no,” I wheezed, taking another sip of water.