Sins of the Father (36 page)

“
Yes, I wrote
the part for Jack, and it seemed fitting that the people we
portrayed experienced heartbreak of their own – kind of like
getting therapy at work.”

“
It’s the
first film you’re credited for writing. Is that something else you
thought it was time to share?”

Alicia thought about that
for a moment. “I’ve been writing for years, but I always wanted to
keep the two roles separate. This time it felt like a gift – I
wanted people to know I wrote it for Jack.”

“
That’s
understandable. It’s clear that the project meant a great deal to
you both.” Joe turned to Jack. “And I understand, now that it’s
over, you’re going to be taking a little time off.”

Jack beamed, feeling the
wonder as he always did. “Yes, my wife and I are expecting our
first child.”

The audience lapped it
up, extending their approval with rambunctious applause.

“
How does it
feel? You’re going to be an aunt,” Joe asked Alicia when the noise
began to fade.

“
It feels
wonderful - the perfect ending to a difficult year.”

“
I’m sure.”
He smiled before facing the audience and looking into camera.
“We’ll talk more about that and the film after our commercial
break.”

The rest of the interview
flew by. They’d been given a fifteen minute slot, and as usual on
Joe’s show they ran out of time.

Jack was buzzing with
enthusiasm as they walked back to the dressing rooms. They’d been
on the road almost three weeks, so he was happy it was almost time
to go home.

Alicia was thinking of
Brad as she pushed through to her own room, so thought he was an
apparition when she saw him leaning casually against the mirror.
She let out a cry of pure joy when she realised he was actually
there and flung herself into his arms.

He laughed as he caught
her, even harder when she began to shower kisses on his
face.

“
I’ve missed
you so much. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“
I had to see
you. The wait was driving me crazy.” He captured her busy mouth
with his for a lingering kiss. “I missed you too.”

“
Not that I’m
complaining, but if you’d waited until I got back to the hotel I
could have shown you exactly how much.”

“
You can
still show me. But I need to talk to you about something
first.”

“
Oh?” She
dismissed the nerves gathering in her stomach.

“
I wanted to
wait until we were completely alone. I had it all planned out, but
I got nervous so I had to find you.”

“
You’re
scaring me a little,” she said, standing back so she could look
into his face.

“
Sorry, I
didn’t mean to. It’s just that I’ve been trying to find a way to
tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. I
love you, Alicia, marry me.”

She threw herself at him
again, overcome with emotion. “Oh, Brad, I love you too. So much,”
she said against his chest.

He pulled her away,
needing to look in her eyes. What he saw there had him puffing out
a relieved breath. “Is that a yes?”

“
It’s a yes,”
she said, tears spilling over into laughter. “It’s a definite
yes.”

Their lips met
instinctively, eager to seal the deal. Brad cursed silently for
their lack of privacy. He wanted to demonstrate just how happy she
made him.

“
How quickly
can you get me back to the hotel?” she whispered in his
ear.

“
Ten minutes,
if I break every speed limit.”

She smiled, feeling giddy
with excitement. “Then let’s break a few more rules.”

She walked over to the
small table to retrieve her handbag. He was at the door when she
turned, holding out a hand. She took it, pulling the door closed
behind them and walking towards her future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Barker-Simpson is a multigenre
romance author. Her stories are about connection, friendship, and
love in all its forms. So whether in a magical setting, an
alternative universe, or a world where anything can happen – and
often does – there is always an

element of romance.

Melissa is currently residing in the
North of England with her two daughters, and when not writing, is
fulfilling her other role as a British Sign Language
Interpreter.