"Are you ready, Love?" Derek asked from downstairs. It still amazed him how fast the weeks had gone by upon their return to New York. Sworn to secrecy their friends and family agreed not to inform anyone of the couple's wedding or of Karen's pregnancy.

The day after the young actress realized her cycle was late, true to their word Ana and several of the girls had snuck out during their dress hunt to purchase several tests. Excited and nervous Karen thought her shopping excursion would never end. She ultimately found the perfect dress but as much as she loved her purchase; her mind was on the tests in her purse and the man she loved. Jimmy and the other men had agreed to keep Derek from going stir crazy but she knew the task would be almost impossible. When she and the others ladies were heading back to the hotel, she text Derek and thirty minutes and two tests later; he was lifting his soon to wife in his arms happier than he ever imagined he could be. He was not only going to be marrying the woman of his dreams in less than 48 hours but she was going to have his child.

When they returned to New York, the producers informed the cast and crew another six months had been secured and sold out in advance. After scheduling a doctor's appointment Karen had been cleared by her physician to continue her performance as long as she felt comfortable. In Karen's mind this meant as long she could continue to perform in heels and didn't show. The estimate was three to four months and in the interim Derek would begin to work in her understudy. She was a month into her pregnancy and luckily morning sickness had not been an issue yet which Karen was grateful for.

"I'll be down in a minute," she replied. "Ana text and they're about 10 minutes away. The car just left Sam's," she informed. The producers for Hit List had arranged for a limo to pick up the cast and director to ensure their prompt arrival at the Tony Awards. Tonight was the biggest night in theater and critics anticipated it would be a battle between Bombshell and Hit List. For the couple the evening meant more than just accolades, it would be the solidification of their relationship. From this point forward Karen would be known on Broadway as Mrs. Karen Cartwright-Wills as the couple would be announcing their marriage to the world.

The sound of heels on the stairs drew his attention and the sight before him left him in awe. Stepping off the last stair was his beautiful wife and she was absolutely radiant. She was wearing a soft pink gown with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flowed. Her hair was in soft curls that hung loosely in a bun with a few strands framing her face. "You look gorgeous," he complimented.

"You don't look half bad yourself," she smiled while straitening his dark grey tie. "I may have to stay close to make sure the other leading ladies don't get any ideas," she seductively voiced.

"No worries, Love I only have eyes for you," he whispered as his lips lightly grazed hers. Before they could deepen the kiss a male voice was heard notifying them of the limo's arrival.

Karen giggled at her husband's disgruntled reaction. "Thanks Fred, we'll be right down," she said. Turning her attention back to the love of her life she smiled "come on big boy the lime light awaits."

Twenty minutes later and the group arrived at the Radio City Music Hall. Sharing in one last toast they exited onto the red carpet and into an assault of questions and flashing camera lights. Once inside they said the obligatory hellos and set about to find Julia and Ivy. The two women had no choice but to arrive with Tom, Eileen and Ivy's mother Leigh and would be sitting with the Bombshell group for the duration of the Awards. While Ivy wanted to be with Jimmy, when she had broached Tom about him joining the group the idea was shot down. Jimmy calmed the blonde actress and explained she had only a few months left on her contract and there was no need to ruffle feathers. They would meet before and after the ceremony. "There they are," he motioned to the others.

Ivy was the first to spot the Hit List gang and smiled when her eyes met those of her boyfriend. Dressed in a fitted black tuxedo he looked like a model. She excused herself and motioned Julia with her eyes. The red head smiled when she followed the young actress' line of vision. She and Leo also made their excuses to join the group. Tom watched the trio make their way to Jimmy and the others and instantly felt a pang of jealousy. He and Julia had made improvements in their friendship but it was nowhere near the closeness they one shared. In fact they had made the decision to dissolve their partnership allowing each to pursue other interest.

Tom wanted nothing more than to direct but needed to win this evening in order to secure his next project. His competition was Derek and the fact that his once partner now enjoyed spending time with the already decorated director bothered him. In Tom's mind Derek didn't need the Tony win as he probably had producers fighting over him; after all he had managed to guide a show from private previews at his apartment, to the Fringe, MTW and then Broadway. The composer was brought back to reality when Eileen informed him they should take their seats as she eyed Ivy with disdain.

"Hey handsome," Ivy kissed Jimmy.

"Hello right back gorgeous," he smiled. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, are you ready to become even more famous?" she asked.

"I'm not looking for more fame, I like my life just the way it is especially my girlfriend."

Ivy blushed as the remaining group approached. "Ivy, you look beautiful" Karen complimented as she embraced her friend.

"Me, look at you Jimmy is right you do glow," she whispered. "Congratulations on both fronts by the way," she smiled.

"Thank you, we are really excited but no one knows yet."

"Your secret is safe," Ivy swore before turning to Derek. "Congratulations Mr. Wills."

"Thank you," he beamed. "I still pinch myself to make sure it's real," his comment earned a chuckle from the blonde actress.

Taking time to greet Julia and Leo the group enjoyed easy conversation, jokes and drinks before the call came for everyone to take their seats. Exchanging good wishes the trio parted ways. Once in their seats excitement took over as the ceremony began. An hour into the evening and Sam and Ana had each won a Tony for best featured actress and actor. Ivy along with the Bombshell ensemble had performed Wolf and it was now Hit List's turn to take the stage. Singing the "The Goodbye Song," the young actors and actresses performance instantly lightened the mood and had the crowd moving along in their seats to the melody. They ended to a roaring ovation.

When they returned to their seats it was time for the Tony for Best Direction to be announced. Karen grabbed Derek's hand and closed her eyes in anticipation. Her husband couldn't help but laugh "I don't think closing your eyes is going to prevent you from hearing," he told her with a kiss on her cheek. "It's alright if I don't win Love."

Before she could respond the presenter announced the winner is "Derek Wills." She jumped to her feet in excitement and turned to her husband. He chuckled at her reaction and gave her a quick kiss before he started walking to the stage. When he reached the podium he thanked the producers, cast, Jimmy, Kyle and Julia. When it came to Karen he smiled while reaching into his pocket to retrieve his ring. Once it was on his finger he said "last but not least I would like to thank my wife, Karen Cartwright-Wills." Gasps could be heard from the audience as he continued "she is my life and without her support, tonight would not be possible. I love you Mrs. Wills," he finished to thunderous applause. The camera panned to Karen who was crying at her husband's words and her tear filled expression played on the in house screen.

A few aisles away, Tom looked to Julia and Ivy for their reaction and from the lack of shock it was evident they had been aware of the couple's marriage. It was also apparent they were both truly happy for his win, which hurt the composer the most. The rest of evening continued and Julia won for best book, Jimmy for best score and Derek for best choreography for Bombshell. There were two awards left to announce Best Actress and Best Musical.

As the nominees for Best Actress were being read Derek leaned into his wife's ear "are you ready to start your collection?" Karen blushed at her husband's comments but as she placed a kissed on his cheek her actions stilled when she heard her named called. Unsure of what she should do Derek nudged her forward and said "It's your time, Love the stage is yours."

In shock and nerves getting the best, her voice shook as she spoke "Thank you, I wasn't expecting to win especially with all of the incredible women I was up against. I'd like to thank the producers and cast of Hit List; also Julia, Kyle and Jimmy for your support. But the one person most responsible for making my dreams come true is my husband. I love you Derek Wills and baby and I can't wait to start the next chapter in our lives," she smiled. At the revelation the audience went wild and the camera showed Derek wearing the most beautiful smile on his face and tears in his eyes as he mouthed "I love you both."

The young actress stayed in the wings as the award for best musical was about to be announced. Five minutes later and she was joining her fellow cast members and husband on stage. Kyle and Jimmy had run across the aisle to drag Julia on stage with them. Kyle accepted the award and thanked the red head for her guidance and friendship. "Julia Houston embodies the true spirit of Broadway where artist come together first and foremost to express and share their passion for the art of theater. Julia never let the fact that Hit List was competing against Bombshell stop her from mentoring me and sharing her experience. This award is hers as well." The young group whooped and hollered as they took turns embracing the older writer whose eyes were filled with tears and audience stood to give the entourage a standing ovation.

The formal events were over and the group was off to an after party at Bar46. "What made you decide to tell everyone?" Derek asked his wife.

"I don't know, in that moment all I could think about was when I was a little girl and the dreams I had of becoming a Broadway Star. You made those dreams come true and now we're going to have a baby who will have dreams of their own," she explained leaning her head against his chest.

"I give you my word I will do everything in my power to make our child's dreams come true."

"I know," Karen answered "But it isn't that hard, all you have to do is love them the same way you love me; unconditionally," she looked up grazing her lips with his. "What do you think gave me strength and faith if not your love," she placed his hand on her stomach.