"How do I look?" Karen asked her friends. It was two days away from the Tonys and the brunette had yet to find a dress. Derek and Julia had both offered to arrange for a private showing with a designer but that wasn't her. She wanted to shop for the occasion just like anyone else. What she hadn't counted on was so limited time between Bombshell and Hit List. Today was literally the last opportunity she had. The dress she had on was a dark charcoal grey halter that had no back and a diamond cut design in between her breast. The affect was just the perfect amount of exposed cleavage. The dress had a slight shimmer to it and hugged Karen's body in all the right places. It would go perfect with antique jewelry.
"Wow," Sam commented.
"Is that a good wow or a bad wow?" his friend questioned with a hint of nervousness.
"It's a very good wow," Bobby interjected. "I don't think I've ever seen you expose so much skin girl; but you look ravishing."
"He's right!" Ana and Jessica both concurred. "Derek is going to be undressing you with his eyes all night," Ana teased.
"He and every other man," Jessica laughed.
Karen blushed, "I don't want to make that type of impression." She stated.
"She didn't mean it like that," Sam corrected. "When a beautiful woman walks in a room, men take notice; you are naturally beautiful and in that dress with you hair and makeup done; you will be stunning."
"You really think?" she bit her lip as if in concentration.
"Yes," they all said in unison.
"I'll take it." She smiled. "I want to make a statement." Karen walked back into the changing room and a few minutes later the group readied to leave. While she was changing Bobby found her a pair of shoes and Ana and Jessica picked out her jewelry. As she was checking out Jessica asked "Are you going to get your hair and makeup done?"
"I was kind of hoping we could get ready together. I don't want someone fussing over me," she looked at her friends with hope.
"You're something else Iowa. Most women would die to get pampered but; lucky for you we don't judge," Jessica laughed. "I'm in you got my help."
"Me too," Ana assured, "I'll do your hair and Jess can do your makeup."
"Sam and I will lend moral support," Bobby explained.
"Whoa, I stop and helping pick out a dress." Sam smiled. "You are on your own Bobby." Karen laughed at her friends; she didn't know what she would do without them. Since they all would be performing Wolf that night she would ask Derek if he'd mind riding with them to the venue.
The group left the store pleased with their selection and grabbed an early dinner. Jessica and Bobby had a show that evening so they needed to get to Gershwin with Karen. Even though Jessica was playing Marilyn, the brunette was still required to be present unless a conflict existed. Over dinner they talked about wedding plans and venues. Karen explained they hadn't set a date yet but she asked if they all would be in her wedding. She already knew Derek intended to ask Sam as a groomsman but Karen wanted Bobby as a bridesmaid.
"I don't have to wear a dress, do I?" the dramatic young man asked.
They all laughed "No, and you will probably walk in with Sam or Kyle if that's alright? I'm not sure who Derek is going to ask to be his best man. I don't think it will be Tom but you never know?" The bride-to- be remarked.
"Will it be in New York?"
"I want it to be but I'm not sure. It would be an expense for my family to travel and cheaper to pay for the bridal party's accommodations in Iowa."
"What does Derek say?" Bobby asked.
"He'd get married in city hall if he had his way," Karen laughed. "But he says he wants me to have my fairy tale wedding and will support whatever I decide. Money isn't an issue for him; he's use to pricey things. I'm the one who gets scared every time I see the rates of venues here in New York." Hearing her comment, the group teased their friend suggesting the couple hold the wedding at the Brooklyn or Manhattan flea markets. The remainder of the meal was spent in laughter and soon it was time for the trio to leave for the theater. Karen arranged a time for group to come to her home the day of the Tonys knowing she had two shows the following day and wouldn't have an opportunity to talk to them. With everything in place she thanked the others for their help. Ana held onto the dress and accessories since she was heading to her apartment and Karen didn't want Derek to see the gown until the night of the event.
It was 10 o'clock p.m. and Jessica had finished taking her last bow. Karen loved to watch her friend perform. Jessica had come such a long way since they first met. Being friends with Ivy, the young actress had never considered herself capable of being a lead. But with hard work she was amazing in Karen's opinion. Her eyes captivated by what was happening on stage, the brunette didn't hear anyone approaching but smiled when she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist and the clean smell of her fiancé's cologne tickle her nose.
"Hello beautiful," he mumbled into her neck. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
She hummed with enjoyment as she slightly tilted her next so he could continue his ministrations. "Yes," she moaned. The director smirked at the pleasure he was providing.
"Good," he replied sucking lightly on the sensitive spot just behind her ear. "You know as much as I'd love to continue this, we should probably stop before it becomes inappropriate behavior for the wings of a theater," he begrudgingly pulled away as the cast and crew made their way over. The couple said their goodbyes and headed home.
The stream of sunlight peeking through the curtains in the couple's bedroom caused Karen to stir from her sleep. Unable to find just the right spot to block the light, the young woman gave in to the call of morning. Since today were the Tonys neither Hit List nor Bombshell had performances or rehearsals scheduled and the couple purposely did not set an alarm. When she looked at the clock she saw it was 9:00 a.m. Just as she had predicted the prior day had passed in a blur. Eileen had booked a pre-Tony interview for the creative team in between the matinee and evening Bombshell performances; and by the time the couple got home they were completely exhausted and went straight to sleep.
She turned in the bed and smiled at her fiancé. His hair was messed up but he looked completely adorable, a small grin on his face peaceful in sleep. She took the time to admire his firm chest and muscular arms. When they started dating she remembered how surprised she had been the first time she saw him without a shirt. The loose shirts and baggy workout pants he wore to rehearsals hid his toned physique. Now she found there was no place she'd rather be then wrapped in his strong arms.
She reached out and touched his chest, lightly grazing her hands over his abs. He stretched but didn't wake. She replaced her hands with her lips placing soft kisses and giggled when he let out a soft moan. When his eyes finally opened he bore the most beautiful smile and Karen couldn't help herself from capturing his lips with hers. The couple enjoyed each other's company in bed for a few more hours before surrendering to the start of their day. Derek took to his study to work on Hit List and Karen readied the guest room to serve as a dressing room. They enjoyed a late lunch, relaxed in front of the television and before they realized it, the time had come to get ready. Their home was abuzz with excitement as Derek had been regulated to their room or downstairs. After getting ready himself, he was joined by Sam and later Eric downstairs and enjoyed drinks. All three men struggled to comprehend the amount of time women took to get ready. However, when the clang of heels was heard on the stairs; all three stood in stunned silence. Julia looked radiant in a golden brown dress. The bodice was fitted but the bottom free flowing. "You look beautiful," the men complimented.
"Thanks, wait until you see Karen," the read-head replied. As if on cue; another set of heels was heard followed by a stream of voices. When Derek looked up and his eyes locked with his fiancée's, she took his breathe away. In that moment, the Brit discovered it was possible to fall even more in love. The word goddess was all that came to his mind in trying to describe what he saw. Her hair was up in a tight bun exposing her bare back and arms. Her eyes were a smoky shade of gray accentuated by thick black liner and extended lashes. Her lips were a subtle yet distinct shade of red and her blush natural in color. She was the personification of sexy and classy.
"Wow," Sam was the first to say.
"I warned you," Julia replied. "Doesn't she look stunning," she smiled when she saw Derek's expression.
"Breathtaking," was all he could say as his expression was one of pure admiration and love. Karen beamed at his compliment and blushed under the intensity of his stare. When she reached the last step and walked up to him, he blushed saying "I don't deserve you."
The women all oohed and awed breaking the director's trance. "Through my eyes; you deserve the world," Karen whispered in his ear and followed with a kiss.
"Enough you two before I gag from the sweetness of it all," Bobby exclaimed. The group laughed as they made their way to the car outside. They stopped to pick up Tom and Kyle and forty-five minutes later the limo pulled up to the red carpet. The ensemble stepped out first followed by Tom and Kyle. Next Julia and Eric, and lastly the couple everyone waited to catch a glimpse of.
"Are you ready to start your Broadway legacy?" Derek asked his lover.
Karen smiled, "Our love is my legacy. Tonight is just a special memory we'll make together."
"I love you," he kissed one last time before stepping out.
"I love you more." She replied as she waited for him to exit and take her hand. As soon as the Brit appeared on the carpet flashes blinded him. When he leaned into the car extending his hand and Karen stepped out; it was pandemonium. Reporters and photographers were fighting for position and everyone wanted to know who was responsible for her stunning appearance.
"Karen, can tell us who the designer of your dress is? Who did your makeup and hair? Derek what do you think of your fiancée?" the questions were hurled a mile a minute and Karen's grip on the director tightened.
She knew the red carpet would be overwhelming but this was beyond what she imagined. "It's alright Love, just take a deep breathe," he whispered. "You don't have to answer all of them just pick someone and answer what you can."
The young actress smiled and nodded "My dress is a vintage Christian Dior I purchased from a small boutique on 5th Street and my friends helped with my hair and makeup." She shyly replied. "I wasn't sure what look I wanted so I let them decide."
"What do you think Derek?" someone asked the director again.
"Breathtaking is the only word I can think of to properly describe how she looks," he smiled.
"Sorry everyone, Mr. Wills and Ms. Cartwright are needed inside the Hall." A Tony organizer announced as she ushered the couple in. An hour later and Bombshell had won for Best Score and Best Book. It was now time to announce Best Choreography. Karen grabbed Derek's hand and the director smiled at her comforting touch. "And the winner is Derek Wills, Bombshell." Derek turned to kiss Karen and made the walk to the stage.
When he reached the podium he took a brief minute to thank Eileen, Tom and Julia before there was a noticeable pause. Clearing his throat in an attempt to keep his voice from cracking Derek began, "Last but not least, I would like to thank my fiancée, Karen Cartwright. Seeing the theater and stage through her eyes inspires me every day. Before I met her I was merely going through the motions of life but now, her love has given me purpose. It is the reason I wake up every morning wanting to be better than I was the day before. She is everything to me. Karen Cartwright, I love you." He finished with a smile as he walked off stage to loud applause.
Twenty minutes later and the Brit's name was called again as he won the Tony for Best Direction. The announcement was followed by Karen's performance of Wolf and when the song was over and the Award show was brought back from commercial break, it was time for the Lead Actress to be announced. Once again she grabbed Derek's hand. This time however, when the announcer read "the winner is Karen Cartwright," the young actress sat stunned in her seat.
"Love," Derek whispered breaking her trance. "It's your time," he kissed her cheek. The young woman rose from her seat and walked to the stage. She thanked Eileen, Tom and Julia but when it came time for Derek, she her voice choked. "Derek Wills I love you more than anything and I hope the following verse from a song I'm about to quote; expresses to you how you've changed my life. The song is called My Destiny.
With you finally I can break free
With you it's all changing in my destiny
Dream come true, it's so funny now that I see
How different life turned out to be
You were always by my side
That you believed in me was enough reason why I didn't stop, didn't give up…
The actress finished by blowing a kiss to the man she loved as the applause filled Radio City Music Hall. She waited in the wings and five minutes later she was on stage again this time joined by her fiancé, Julia, Tom, Eileen and all the cast present as Bombshell was awarded the Tony for Best Musical. Backstage waiting for their required photo opportunity the couple took a quiet moment to bask in their success. "I promise Love; tonight is just the first of many awards that will come your way." The director kissed her lips. Karen blushed at his statement.
"And I'm sure you will only add to your collection," she teased.
"I don't need any more awards," Derek replied. "I got the best one when you said yes." He smiled. "Never forget Karen Cartwright, you are my star." He leaned in and forgetting where they were captured his fiancé's lips for a kiss that relayed every emotion coursing through his veins that very moment.