I really, really did.
Two years seemed like a logical amount of time to be together until I proposed.
But let’s face it. I’m shit at waiting. And we’ve been together and super happy for a year. A year is solid, right?
In that year, Emma and I figured out a lot. A few of my projects have been delayed or canceled, as often happens with movies, so my schedule cleared significantly. And I’m more selective about what I sign on to for the future, prioritizing projects filming in LA. So I’ve been able to spend a good portion of the year in LA with Emma. That’s also meant I’ve had more time to work directly with the charity foundation my grandparents set up. And I’ve spent more time with Dario. He’s even giving me tips about directing. I guess I’m learning who I am outside of just being an actor.
Emma and Sadie’s business has, of course, skyrocketed. Emma is incredibly busy and loves it. But her talent for wrangling schedules has allowed us both to juggle everything. She’s even been able to visit me on set. And we combined the Venice Film Festival with an epic Italian holiday and a visit to some of my relatives.
“It’s all ready,” Matt replies. “Everything’s in place. As you already know because you’ve double-checked it all, like a control freak. Which is very unlike you.”
“You’re absolutely sure Emma doesn’t suspect anything?”
“Not a thing. Arranging for Dario to set up a special weekend in Napa for Emma, Sadie, Olivia, and Daisy was a stroke of genius.”
“I know. It was brilliant of me to think of it.”
“It was my idea,” Matt says blandly.
I slap his back. “If she says yes, you just got yourself a raise.”
“And if she says no?” he teases.
“Don’t jinx it.” I fight down the unease.
His eyes widen in surprise. “You’re really nervous, aren’t you?”
“Hell yeah, I am. I’m not taking anything for granted.” I reach into my pocket and touch the ring box as if it were a talisman.
“You weren’t even this nervous about being nominated for an Oscar.”
I snort. “This is way more important than some stupid Oscar.”
Matt raises an eyebrow.
“Okay. Being nominated was a cool surprise. Plus, it pissed off Peter. And that was fun. But it’s nothing compared to this. Nothing.”
My phone pings. As I look at it, my palms start to sweat. It’s happening.
“She’s here,” I say. “Duncan just dropped her off. She’s on her way inside.” I look at Matt. “You know what to do?”
Matt rolls his eyes. “For the two thousandth time,yes. Now, go. Get in place.”
I make my way up to the master bedroom Emma and I share. We made minor renovations when Emma moved into my Malibu house last year.
We’d basically been living with each other from the start, alternating between her place and mine. So moving in just made sense. Plus, she needed the extra space at her office because she was so busy she had to hire an assistant. She tried to steal Matt, but I wouldn’t let her.
This mansion always felt too big for just me, and it still is too big, but it’s not lonely anymore, not with Emma. We even hosted a Christmas party, inviting all our friends and family members. My new family came. It’s been surprisingly easy and angst-free getting to know my father, stepmother, and sister. My mother also came to Christmas. It was awkward. But she spoke with Emma’s dad for a long time, and I think he might have convinced her to get counseling. It’s not much. But at least it’s a start.
I run my sweaty palms on the legs of my pants and straighten my linen shirt as I walk through our spacious bedroom with the sweeping view of the Pacific and into the newly constructed adjoining room.
I take the box out of my pocket and set it on a shelf.
And then I take a deep breath, step back into the bedroom, and wait.
“Matt, what’s so urgent? And what do you need to show me?” Emma’s voice filters in from the hall. My heart thunders as loudly as a thousand screaming fans.
The door swings open and Emma enters the room. “Sebastian!” she cries in surprise when she sees me, gifting mea blinding smile. Her smile turns confused. “Why are you just standing there?” she asks. “And why do you look so… I don’t know. Shifty.”
