Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3)

by Alexandra Richland

  As Kazan predicted, Olivia quickly established herself in the Broadway design community. Currently, she was contracted to provide the costumes for three up-and-coming plays staged by the Actors Studio.

  Connie and Matthew’s careers thrived as well. Connie signed on to star in a new motion picture, which started filming in New York next week, while Matthew was hard at work writing the new Golden Gloves theme song. In the midst of all the activity, they decided on a September wedding, less than a month away.

  Saul Stern referred Beth and Connie to an agent based in New York named Jay McGill. Mr. McGill would also manage their financial affairs as well as Aidan’s. They thanked Mr. Stern for his service and for setting them up with someone on the East Coast who had their best interests in mind like he did.

  Golden Gloves’ official release was scheduled for October eighth. Once they completed the publicity for the motion picture at the end of the year, Beth and Aidan had many film options to choose from, but they weren’t sure in which direction they wanted to head yet. Beth cherished her newfound professional freedom and wanted to weigh all options before committing to another project.

  The latest news out of L.A. was the permanent collapse of the old Starlight Studios system. Seven-year contracts were now a thing of the past. Actors were buying out their agreements and working as freelance artists like Beth, Aidan, and their friends, and independent production companies were purchasing permits to film in various soundstages on the Starlight Studios lot. However, all the money obtained from these transactions and contract buyouts still didn’t guarantee that investors wouldn’t have to step in to keep the institution functional, since location shoots were becoming more and more popular.

  Despite the drastic changes, the movie industry as a whole showed no indication of slowing down. Productions no longer needed to receive consent through a difficult studio boss. Directors and producers now financed films directly through the banks, so more projects were being green lighted than ever before on both coasts.

  Living permanently in Manhattan was an adjustment for Beth, but the support of Aidan and her friends made it easy to fall in love with her new home. She looked forward to experiencing her first snowfall in two years and discovering what else the city offered with her beau by her side.

  This morning, Aidan returned to New York after ironing out the final postproduction details for Golden Gloves with Kazan in Chicago. He had been unpacking with Beth for hours, working hard, as if he hadn’t spent most of the last two days traveling. They had a lot of wallpapering and painting to complete in almost every room, but they chose to pace themselves so they didn’t get overwhelmed.

  After unpacking cutlery in the kitchen, Beth was startled to see moonlight seeping in through the window above the sink. She couldn’t believe it was so late already.

  Before she could venture into the living room to suggest they finish for the day, Aidan entered the kitchen with a flushed face and hair wilder than usual—products of his stubbornness and frustration. Acting came to him with freewheeling ease. Setting up electronics did not—not that he would ever admit it.

  “Hey, baby.”

  “Hey, yourself.” Beth nudged him playfully. “Did you finally win the war with the television?”

  Aidan smirked. “How did you know we were fighting?”

  She giggled. “You were uttering profanities for the last hour.”

  “Yeah, well, I had to show it who’s boss.” He wrapped his arms around her and brought their lips together.

  Beth released a whimper, welcoming his tongue, his breath, everything he offered her. Something else that came to him with freewheeling ease? The ability to sweep her off her feet with just one kiss. Oh, how she’d missed him these last couple of nights.

  With a lingering moan, Aidan pulled back. “How about we take a walk through the park?”

  Beth placed her hand to his cheek. His suggestion appealed to her, but the dark circles under his eyes made her reconsider. ”Are you certain you’re up for it? You must be exhausted from your travels.”

  Determined green eyes fastened on her. “I’m never too tired to spend time with you. Plus, some fresh air would be nice after being cooped up in here all day.”

  “All right. If you’re sure, then we’ll go. But we shouldn’t stay out too long. You need your sleep.”

  Beth wore a pink cotton blouse and black pedal pushers. Her hair was proper, pulled back and curled, and her angel pendant was secured around her neck. She considered adding mascara and lip-gloss but didn’t want to fuss over her appearance for only a casual stroll. It was late enough already, and Aidan’s prompt bedtime was more important than her beauty rituals.

  “I’ll fetch my shoes and meet you by the front door.”

  “Okay. I’ll be there in a minute.” Aidan headed for the stairs. “I’m gonna change clothes first.”

  Beth’s eyebrows knitted together. He was dressed in a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Nothing needed replacing. Maybe the addition of a sweater to combat any evening cool down was appropriate, but that was it. “You look great in what you’re wearing.”

  “Thanks, baby.” Aidan returned to her side to brush his lips to her cheek. “But I’ll be right back.”

  After turning off all unnecessary lights, Beth chose her footwear and waited for her beau in the foyer. When Aidan rounded the corner, desire forged with happiness, inspiring a vivacious beat to her heart. His dark gray sport shirt, black dress pants, and black leather shoes were too stylish for a walk in Central Park. Well, not for Nathan or Matthew—or Cary Grant, for that matter—but for Aidan, yes. But goodness, she definitely wasn’t complaining.

  No wonder his picture adorned the bedroom walls of young women all over the country. He was the personification of a movie star, the type of man one could only dream about—so handsome, charming, and irresistible, he couldn’t possibly exist outside the pages of a magazine. Yet here he was, all warm flesh and warm breath, staring at her like she was the most beautiful person in the world.

  “Ready to go, baby?” He removed their house key from his pocket.

  She frowned. “Are you sure I shouldn’t change?”

  Aidan raised his hand to drag it through his hair—which had been tamed during his trip upstairs—but at the last moment, he didn’t go through with it. Instead, he brought his arm around her waist. “You look perfect the way you are.”

  “But I—”

  He abolished her self-doubt with a knee-buckling kiss, and then they were on their way.

  The late-August air was rich with a humidity that was absent in L.A. and took some time getting used to, but the wind was gentle and stars blanketed the city, creating the perfect atmosphere for a walk without the need for a coat.

  They traveled along Central Park West to the traffic lights upon Aidan’s insistence, despite the lack of cars and Beth’s suggestion to jaywalk in front of their building.

  With his hand placed against her lower back, they crossed the road and entered the park via a narrow stone staircase, which brought them to a quaint pathway lined with elm trees. Black cast-iron lamps lit their route, guiding them deeper into the park.

  Tucked safely under Aidan’s arm, Beth sighed contently. What a treat it was to share this time with him after rushing around the apartment all week, trying to get everything in order. “We had so much fun in the park on our first date. I’ve missed it here. It’s too bad we didn’t have time to visit during our trip to the city in June.”

  Aidan kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry, little dove. I should’ve brought you back sooner.”

  “Remember our conversation with the hot dog vendor?” Beth giggled into his shirt. He smelled like nature and mint aftershave—hardworking, robust male. “You pretended you weren’t who you really are, even though he was convinced you were.”

  Aidan chuckled. “What I remember is my shock when you insisted we eat hot dogs when I would’ve taken you to any restaurant in the city.” His face contorted on a yaw
n, which he tried—rather unsuccessfully—to smother.

  Beth paused under the lamplight. “If you want to go back home, let me know. We can return to the park another day.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t worry about me. I slept on the plane.”

  “But it’s such a short flight. It couldn’t have been a sufficient amount of rest.”

  Aidan scratched behind his ear, his gaze drifting to blackness beyond the pathway. “I’m fine. Really.”

  Beth shrugged. “All right. I won’t press the matter.”

  She reclaimed her spot under his arm and they commenced their walk.

  Aidan seemed to have a destination in mind, because every time they came to a fork in the road, he knew which direction to take immediately. It wasn’t long before Beth recognized their surroundings as well. Although she hadn’t been in the park in almost a year, the path unfolded before her as though she had traveled along it only yesterday.

  They stopped at the top of a vast stone staircase, one of two presiding over Bethesda Terrace. In the center of the vacant courtyard, the Angel of the Waters fountain reflected the moonlight, glowing like a spaceship from a science fiction film, ready to take flight.

  Beth took in the view with wide eyes, as if she was seeing it all for the first time. “It’s just as beautiful as I remember. Thank you for bringing me here again.”

  “You’re welcome.” Aidan gazed at her in evident satisfaction. Never mind the scenery. His grin alone was worth the return trip.

  They descended the staircase arm in arm. Fortunately, there was no one else around, like the park was open only for them. The splendor of this moment and how grateful Beth was to have Aidan safe and back in her life overwhelmed her.

  She clasped her hands to her chest. “I’m so happy I feel like…I feel like dancing!”

  “Dancing?” Amusement fluttered across Aidan’s face.

  She nodded. “I know I wasn’t much of a dancer in Venus Rising, but having this gorgeous terrace all to ourselves inspires me to just let go.”

  Aidan motioned to their surroundings. “Go ahead. You don’t have to hold back on my account.”

  Beth beamed. He was right. She spread her arms out at her sides, tilted her head toward the sky, and spun with laughter. The gentle breeze toyed with her hair and tickled her skin. She felt liberated and oh, so content. She could dance, she could sing, she could do anything or nothing at all. She was finally free.

  The funny thing was she no longer had the desire to fly away like she did when she lived in Clarkson. She was completely satisfied with her life and didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than with Aidan at the Bethesda Terrace right now.

  With flushed cheeks, she stopped spinning and dropped her arms, struggling to catch her breath and establish her bearings. She wobbled on her feet, but Aidan was next to her immediately, steadying her with a tight yet tender arm around her waist.

  Beth giggled. “I’m sorry. I bet I look pretty silly.”

  “Not at all.” Aidan tucked an errant curl behind her ear, admiring her with a devoted twinkle that rivaled the stars. “You reminded me of a dream I had. We were at my childhood home in Fairfield. You were wearing a white dress, and I watched you spin in a field of wildflowers…” His musings faded to pensive silence.

  He took her hand and walked backward, luring her toward the fountain. The angel hovered behind him, her Romanesque wings framing his gentle face.

  When they reached the rim, he gathered her in his arms again. “Do you recall the story behind the fountain?”

  “Some of it. It’s from the Gospel of John, correct?”

  Aidan nodded. “In one hand, the angel carries a lily, the symbol of purity, while her other hand blesses the water below. She represents the angel who bestowed healing powers on the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.”

  Beth smiled. “Now I remember. Legend has it that similar to the fountain in Jerusalem, this fountain has the power to save people from their ailments.”

  Aidan looked up at the statue. It appeared as though the angel gestured directly to him. “Beth, earlier we mentioned what we remembered most from our time in the park during our first date. We brought up the hot dogs and the vendor, but I gotta tell you, my most poignant memory was sitting at this fountain with you, reciting the Angel of the Waters story. There was a kindness in your eyes I’ll never forget. You gave me hope that I wasn’t such a lost cause, after all. That I could be healed eventually as well, even though on that day and for many months following, I rejected the notion.

  “I always thought the legend was a bunch of nonsense, but after meeting you…well, I’m now a believer. Because just like the fountain, I, too, have been blessed by an angel. However, my angel doesn’t exist in the water or in Heaven, but with me right here.” He placed her hand over his heart. “Beth, my angel is you. But you’re more sacred than any biblical tale, any fountain of healing. I couldn’t imagine going through the rest of my life without you as my friend, my lover…my wife.”

  “Oh, my gosh.” Beth brought her hand to her mouth.

  Aidan dropped down on one knee and removed a black velvet box from his pocket. “For so long, I was broken, desiring to be a man worthy of your love—free from guilt and torment. I kept working toward this goal, even though I thought it was too far out of my reach, because I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

  He took her left hand in his. “When I abandoned you at the studio, I had given up on myself, but you hadn’t given up on me. You’ve taught me so much, and after everything we’ve been through together, I’m proud to say I kneel before you now a changed man—the man I always wanted to be. I believe in myself. I believe in your power of healing. I also believe in the power of us. Baby, I love you with all of my heart and I will cherish you always.”

  Beth trembled as he popped the lid, revealing a large cushion cut diamond set upon a platinum band.

  He peered up at her with broad, hopeful eyes. “Elizabeth Sutton, will you marry me?”

  Beth lunged at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Yes! Yes!” She shrieked and jumped up and down. “Of course I’ll marry you!”

  With steady hands and a dedicated gaze, Aidan removed the ring from the velvet interior and slipped it on to the proper finger. He rose to his feet and hugged her. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”

  Beth graced him with a sensual kiss. “Even though you’ve always been a man of worth to me, I’m glad you waited until you believed it, too, before you proposed. I want you to enter into this next stage of our lives with the utmost confidence, without secrets or reservations.”

  “While we’re on the topic of secrets…” Aidan cringed. “Baby, I have to confess something. I hope you won’t be mad at me.”

  She flashed a teasing smile. “Well, that isn’t the best way to start off our engagement.”

  He chuckled, but then his expression dimmed with solemnity. “You know how I went out of town this week…well, I didn’t go to Chicago.”

  Beth’s eyebrows furrowed. “You didn’t?”

  He shook his head. “I went to Clarkson to ask your parents for your hand in marriage.”

  Beth gaped at him. “You traveled across the country for that? You could’ve called them.”

  “No.” His lips pulled into a frown. “I needed to do it the right away, talk to them face to face, so they know how serious I am about you.”

  Beth cupped his cheek. “That’s one of the loveliest, most thoughtful things you’ve ever done for me.”

  Aidan sighed. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that. I hated lying to you, and I didn’t even do a good job. I thought for sure when I talked about getting enough sleep on the airplane, you thought something was up.”

  Beth giggled. “Well, it was perplexing, but I never questioned your whereabouts. And I certainly didn’t have any inkling you were going to propose. One day, I hoped you would. But I assumed if it did happen, it would be after our Golden Gloves promotional tour, or
once we’re more settled here.”

  Aidan kissed her forehead. “I considered that, but my accident gave me a new perspective on things. I didn’t want to put it off any longer.”

  Beth smiled. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to be Mrs. Aidan Evans!”

  All traces of levity plummeted from Aidan’s face. His eyes flared, burning with a fierce, primal obsession. “Damn it, baby. You say that one more time and I’m not gonna be able to control myself.”

  Beth’s heart pounded. The thrill she received from his look and touch torched her blood. “I’m going to have your name. Everyone is going to know I’m yours…that I belong to you. Mrs. Aidan Evans.”

  Aidan dipped his head…licked his lips. He was close—so, so close, she couldn’t handle it. “You’re wrong, baby. You’re the one who owns me. You’ve always owned me.”

  His mouth claimed hers. Beth shuddered and collapsed against him. The ache was too much, her need for him too zealous. If she weren’t so greedy, so intent on having him all to herself all night long, she would’ve begged him to take her right here in the middle of the park.

  She whimpered against his lips, pawing at his hair, his clothes. “Take me home, Aidan.”

  Without delay, he swept her across the terrace. His heated hold on her conveyed just how far gone his own restraint was.

  The walk back to their apartment took much less time than the reverse trip did. Somehow, they kept their hands to themselves in front of the security guard in the lobby of their building and the elevator operator who brought them to the top floor. But as soon as they entered their apartment, all bets were off.

  Their lips met frantically, making up for their brief separation. Although it was dark, they maneuvered through the apartment as if they had always lived there. When they reached the master bedroom, their clothes were discarded quickly, and then Aidan lifted Beth off the floor and reunited their lips.