The Promise of Change

Chapter 13


The movie, as they say, was ‘in the can.’ Of course, that phrase was no longer technically correct, since production companies no longer use celluloid, but Sarah thought it was fun to say nonetheless. Post-production, including film and sound editing, sound and visual effects, and musical score, would begin next week.

Alex was flying out to California for a couple of weeks to work with Michael, the editors, and other members of the post-production team. Although she’d like to go as well, after four months away, she needed to go home and relieve Ann and Becca from their caretaker duties.

Alex would be back in time for Thanksgiving, his first taste of the American tradition, and Sarah wanted to make it extra special. With her family, as well as Ann’s joining them for the celebration, she had her work cut out for her.

Sitting at the vanity, putting the finishing touches on her appearance, Alex walked up behind her and moving her hair aside, placed a kiss on her neck below her ear.

“I don’t believe I tell you enough just how beautiful you are.” His warm eyes met hers in the mirror. “I also believe I’ve been remiss in my gift-giving. The only gift you’ve ever received from me is that dodgy Jane Austen cross. It’s time to rectify that.”

From his fingers dropped a gorgeous dime-sized topaz pendant set in gold filigree.

The exquisite gem swung from his hand, catching the light, flashing bronze, then gold, then amber. Sarah was dumbfounded as he unfastened the clasp and wrapped the delicate chain around her neck.

It felt warm against her skin as it nestled in the hollow at her throat. She raised her fingers to touch the golden stone, tears welling in her eyes.

“Careful Sarah, you’ll spoil your makeup.” His face, which wore one of his brilliant smiles, was next to hers in the mirror. “Do you like it?” he whispered.

Sarah turned to kiss him, wrapping her hands around his neck, threading her fingers in his hair. He pulled her up from the chair, and turned her in his arms, kissing her so passionately that if it weren’t for his arms around her, she thought she would lose her balance.

“I take it that’s a yes,” he murmured against her lips. He reluctantly withdrew. “You keep kissing me like that we’ll miss the wrap up party.”

In keeping with tradition, Alex, as the producer, was holding a party for the cast and crew to celebrate the completion of the production phase.

“We can be a little late,” she murmured as she pulled his lips back to hers. Much to her dismay, he retreated again, leaving his hands on either side of her neck.

“Sarah, it would be a shame to waste your toilette.” He stepped back, dropping his hands from her neck, giving her an appreciative look. “You look stunning. I’ll be the envy of everyone, but I have especially high hopes of galling Michael.” He grinned mischievously. “At least allow me a few hours to flaunt it.”

“If you insist we go,” she said with a mock sigh. “I suppose as the host, you should make an appearance. After all, we wouldn’t want to damage your reputation.”

She checked her appearance in the mirror again. The topaz winked in the light. It was stunning in itself, but with her bronze chiffon dress, it was magnificent. That’s when it dawned on her. “Is this why you insisted I buy this dress?” she asked as she turned from the mirror to face him, her eyebrow lifted.

“Guilty,” he said, lifting his hands as if in surrender. “But, in my defense, that isn’t the only reason.” He took her hand and twirled her around so that the knee-length chiffon skirt floated out like a chocolate cloud. “It fits like it was made for you, and the color on you is dazzling.”

“Alex, you really are too much. You keep offering such effusive praise I’ll begin to believe it.”

“I sincerely hope so madam.” He took her hand, and tucking it into the crook of his arm, escorted her out of the room.



The party, which was held in one of the hotel’s smaller ballrooms, was in full swing, and true to form, the cast and crew were animated. The wine and champagne were flowing freely, with the volume of laughter rising in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed.

As a waitress walked by with another tray of champagne, Alex took two glasses, handing one to Sarah. “Drink up, Sarah. This is a cause for celebration . . . your first book, your first movie.” He raised his glass in a toast. “I’m so proud of you.”

She raised the glass to her lips. She didn’t need an excuse to drink champagne, this being her third glass, but who’s counting. “Why Lord Rutherford, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me,” she said, mimicking the Southern accent of her ancestors and flirting in her best imitation of Scarlett O’Hara.

“On the contrary, Ms. Edwards, I prefer you in possession of all your senses when I take you to bed.” He leveled a steamy gaze at her, reminiscent of Rhett Butler.

Oh. Her mouth formed the word, but nothing came out.

“The real celebration doesn’t begin until we leave the party,” he whispered seductively in her ear.

She shivered in response.

He flashed her his provocative smile. “Ponder that while I make a toast.”

He stepped to the front of the room and clinking his glass with his Christ Church ring, miraculously gained the attention of the boisterous group. He was so handsome, so poised, commanding attention with little fanfare.

“Ladies and gentleman . . . there are a few gentlemen here I believe—”

“Very few,” someone interjected to everyone’s amusement, including Alex’s.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and tireless dedication to this film.

“In my mind,” he continued, “you are the best cast and crew with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure of working. This project was flawless, on schedule, and on budget. For that, I salute you.” He raised his glass to the room and everyone drank.

“I would also like to thank Michael for his gifted directing. He captured the essence of the story in a way few could. Michael.” Again he raised his glass in toast, nodding his head in Michael’s direction.

The room erupted in applause while Michael took a brief bow.

Alex turned to look at Brooke. “Brooke, what can I say, except that you’re a brilliant actress.”

She preened at his words.

Sarah was hopeful that she was the only one who recognized the double entendre in Alex’s words, having said them herself in her e-mails to Ann and Becca.

“I have no doubt you will go far in your career, and that we will see you on the silver screen for years to come.”

Again, everyone drank a toast.

Yep, Sarah thought wickedly, especially if she sleeps with her directors.

“Finally, to the woman without whom this project would not have existed.” He turned to Sarah, glass raised, eyes sparkling. “Thank you for writing this brilliant novel and for creating characters that will live on among those in other great works of literature. I love you, sweet Sarah.” His eyes held hers as everyone sipped their drink, before draining his own glass.

Sarah was embarrassed over the attention, but she raised her glass to his generous praise, mouthing the words ‘I love you’ in response.

He set the glass down on a table as he made his way through the crowded room towards her, moving gracefully among the throng. When he reached her, he removed the glass from her hand placing it on the table behind her. “Come Sarah, it’s time for our private celebration.” Taking her wrist, he pulled her willingly from the room.