Page 22 of Places in Time

His entire face lit up. “You got it?”

I grinned. “I got it.”

“So proud of you, E.” He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly.

I rubbed my hands over his flanks. “I know how much you hate dressing up, but we need to get you a suit.”

“Me?” He leaned back and looked at me in confusion.

“Uh-huh.” I bobbed my head. “You’re the reason I’m nominated. That means you have to come with me to the ceremony.”

“You’re nominated because you’re a gifted actor. I had nothing to do with it.”

That was true, but nobody would have known about my abilities if Jude hadn’t kicked down several doors.

“You found me the part. You made me realize I could do it. You—”

I stopped midsentence. For the first time in my life, I wanted someone next to me at an important event. For the first time, I was with someone who mattered to me. For the first time, I was able to look at the person beside me and know that nothing would make me happier than seeing that same face every day for the rest of my life. I wanted Jude to come to the Academy Awards with me and it wasn’t because he had told me about the role.

“I want you there with me, J. I want to hold your hand on that red carpet with the flashing bulbs and the questions about our clothes and the stupid jokes. I want to tell the world who you are to me and I want them to know who I am to you. I want you next to me if they announce my name up there. And I want to look into the audience and see your face when I’m thanking you for helping me become the actor I am today and the man I hope to be.” I caught my breath and leaned my forehead against his. “I love you, J, and I want you to come to the Oscars with me.”

Jude cupped both my cheeks. “Then we’d better go suit shopping.”

The End