“It’s an honor just to be nominated,” she told Maxi, but she had to admit, at least to herself, that this meant a little more to her than the other actresses in her category. After all, she was the only one who’d probably never have the opportunity to act in another film.

He squeezed her hand as they announced the winner in the category of Best Supporting Actress, and Abigail Hendricks, who was wearing a stunning silver gown, stood when her name was called.

Cecily leaned around the two men between them. “Do you know what you’re going to say?”

“I know what I want to say,” she replied. “But I might forget every word of it if they call my name.”

“Just a genuine thank-you is sometimes best, anyway,” she said.

Seth agreed before saying something to Brady that Tia couldn’t hear. When they both laughed, Tia couldn’t help smiling at the resemblance between them. She was so happy for Seth. That he’d taken the risk of responding to his older brother at last—and that it had worked out so well. Now Derrick, his younger brother, was going to pay them a visit next month.

“I never thought I’d be attending the Academy Awards,” Brady said. “Thanks for the tickets.”

“Of course,” Tia said. Seth had invited Aiyana to join them at the ceremony first, but she’d said she preferred to host an Oscar party for Eli, Gavin, their families and anyone else who’d like to attend.

Tia knew she’d done that to open the way for Seth to invite Brady, and that made her love Aiyana all the more.

When the winner of Best Supporting Actor was called, Seth leaned close. “You’re up next.”

Tia could hardly breathe as they read off the nominees. She thought she might pass out from the anxiety. But when they called her name, she felt Seth stand and help her to her feet.

“Congratulations. I love you,” he said with a brief kiss, and by the time she reached the podium to accept her gold statue, she saw that the entire audience was giving her a standing ovation.

If you enjoyed this story, don’t miss

Brenda Novak’s next novel,

Summer on the Island,

coming soon from MIRA.

Keep reading for a sneak peek!

Excerpt From Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak

Summer on the Island

by Brenda Novak