by Jessica Marx
I’ve been worried and complaining about how I have nothing pretty to wear. My body is huge and it doesn’t matter what I put on—I look like a giant balloon. Ryan keeps telling me how beautiful I am and that I’m carrying our little miracle inside me. I appreciate it and I know he’s trying, but what I see in the mirror is reality. Nothing I put on will make me look as exquisite as any of the famous actresses and models that I will be surrounded by. The only thing I have to wear is not even close to the level of style the other women will be wearing, but it’s my only option. I leave the store, feeling defeated.
Ryan isn’t home when I get there, but there is a large box with a ribbon on our bed. I open the card and I’m once again overcome with the love and kindness this man has for me:
I know you haven’t been feeling so pretty lately. You have no idea how beautiful you are, especially while you are carrying our baby. You are, and always will be, the sexiest woman in my life. I only have eyes for you, and I would love if you could show up in this tonight. I hope you like it. I had it specially made. There is matching jewelry on the dresser on loan from the designer. I know you will be the most beautiful woman on the red carpet.
I love you.
I open the box and pull the dress out. It is absolutely gorgeous. It’s light blue, the same color as Ryan’s eyes. I hold it up against me and look in the mirror. It’s the perfect complement to my tanned skin.
I take off my clothes to try it on and hope it looks good since I will be wearing it no matter what. I have a little trouble getting it on but when I turn and look at myself, it is actually the perfect dress. It accentuates my body in the right places and masks the areas I don’t want to call attention to.
I walk over to the dresser and open the jewelry boxes. The stones and gems shining back at me are like nothing I’ve ever seen. My fingers are actually shaking as I clasp on the necklace and earrings. I am in awe of my reflection. I actually look like a princess. Ryan has gone above and beyond anything he’s ever done, which is a lot, having this dress made. He made sure I will look and feel as wonderful as he thinks I am.
I take everything back off and send Ryan a text, thanking him. He’s busy with interviews and stylists, and all kinds of last-minute details, but I want him to know I got his gift and I absolutely love it. We won’t see each other until right before we arrive, but we’ll walk in together, for sure.
I spend the rest of the afternoon having my hair and nails done. I want everything to be perfect for Ryan. This is the biggest night of his career, and I want it be flawless. I come home and put the dress and jewelry back on. I wear a pair of flats. Nobody will see my feet and at this point my balance is so off there’s no way I could get into a pair of heels. I get into the awaiting car and take the short drive to meet Ryan.
He steps in and his eyes light up. “You look stunning,” he says.
“Thanks to you,” I reply. “This is amazing. Everything you do is amazing. You deserve everything that is coming to you, Ryan.”
The driver opens the door and hundreds of flashes of light are continuously going off. Ryan steps out of the car and holds out his hands to help me out next while the cameras continue to catch the whole scene. I stand up and straighten my dress, Ryan takes my hand, and we walk the red carpet to his first movie premier. The flashes don’t quit and microphones are shoved toward him and questions yelled quickly over the din as we pass.
We stop at the designated spot for a posed photo and Ryan listens to a couple of questions. He gives the rehearsed answers, and starts to pull me toward the entrance. One of the reporters shouts, “Ryan! Ryan, what’s your next big project after tonight?”
Ryan stops to answer. “We’re going to have our baby, and then I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams.”
He looks at me and winks and we continue the short distance to the entrance. The usher opens the door for us and we disappear inside. I glance around the room. It’s filled with everyone of importance to the movie and their guests. I notice some familiar faces from AGR and PGR, and then spot our friends. Ryan arranged for some of them to be here. The rest will meet us at the after party to celebrate.
“Oh my God, Ryan. I can’t believe this is real,” I whisper, awestruck.
Ryan turns to me and squeezes my hand. “None of this would mean anything without you.”
We hold hands and walk in to the premier of his movie, and the beginning of our dream come true. The lights dim, and a new chapter begins.
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