by Maya Hughes
Sitting in the audience here was much different than her view of a much more glamorous stage two months ago. Gazing up then, her bump not nearly as big, Alex had dabbed furiously at her tears as he mounted the stairs to the star-studded stage along with the rest of the production team and cast, to accept the final award of the night for his latest movie—Best Picture. The entire audience was on their feet. His first movie out of the gate as a producer, and he’d not only made it to the Oscars, but he’d won!
The other producers got to the mic first and began their speeches. He stood proudly beside them and mouthed, “I love you” to her. He held onto that award and said his speech directly to her.
“I want to dedicate this award to my wonderful wife and my beautiful daughter, without whom I wouldn’t have had the courage and drive to become a producer of this film. They were instrumental in giving me everything I needed to be able to develop this amazing cast and crew and get this film made on such a small budget. There are few things in life that you would give anything for. For me, that’s my wife, Alex, my daughter Emma, and our new little one on the way. I love you all.”
The music swelled as everyone held up their statuettes and made their way off stage. The crowd was on their feet again. It had been an early night for them, one round at the big after-party and then back to the hotel where Emma was already tucked into bed. They let the sitter go and ended up falling asleep on the couch, still in their evening wear. It was a night that she wouldn’t soon forget.
Still, this production was every bit as important. Emma came bounding down the aisle when her concert finished and nearly knocked her over with her overzealous hug.
“Easy there, kiddo; you’re getting so strong.” He chuckled, hugging her back.
“Did you like my singing?” She bounced up and down, holding both of their hands.
“We loved it sweetie! It was excellent,” he said, crouching down next to her. “And we can’t wait for the next one.”
Emma threw her arms around his neck and he picked her up and swung her around.
“Since you did such a great job, what do you say to some ice cream?” Like he even had to ask. Emma was holding onto both of their hands, pulling them toward the exit. As they walked down the steps of the school, the three of them holding hands, Gabe looked over at her and mouthed, “I love you.”
Alex mouthed it back and sighed, rubbing her belly. This was how it should be. This was their life now and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Also by Maya Hughes
Passion on the Pitch
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading, Blinded: Breaking Free Book 1, I hope you enjoyed Gabe and Alex’s story.
The series of standalone books with cameos by some of your favorite couples will continue with Mixed, which is Jen’s story with a sexy bar owner, Mark. After that it’s onto Concealed and Launched, which will be coming out over the summer.
If you enjoyed the book, I’d love to hear what you have to say via a review, email, Facebook message, or carrier pigeon :)
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About the Author
Maya Hughes is an emerging romance author. She’s is a longtime fan of romance novels, sci-fi books and films, and burning up massive amounts of time procrastinating on the internet.
When she's not writing, reading or procrastinating, Maya loves to spend time with her awesome kids and amazing husband, who has supported her every step of the way.
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