Chapter 33
The flashes and screams overwhelmed Lauren when they exited the limo. She squeezed his arm tight, like she had that night they attended Adam’s banquet together and made their way through the sea of reporters.
“Remember, smile and wave,” Tyler said in her ear, “because you’re with the most handsome man in Hollywood.”
“I am.” Lauren leaned against his arm.
“And here comes the hottest couple in Hollywood, Tyler Stevens and Lauren Riley. Tyler is nominated for Best Actor for Into the Jungle.” A female reporter in a teal evening gown greeted them at the first station on the red carpet.
“Wow.” Tyler faced Lauren. “We’re the hottest couple.”
“Impressive,” Lauren said into the mic, “especially since we’ve only been dating a few weeks.”
“But we’ve wanted you together for so much longer.” The interviewer faced the crowd lining the street. “Right?”
The roar was deafening.
“Tyler, you received Best Actor last year while filming this movie in Africa.”
“Yes, I did.” Tyler waved to the fans.
“Are you feeling pressure since only a few actors have ever won two consecutive years?”
“Not at all.” Tyler lifted Lauren’s left hand. “She said yes.”
Lauren couldn’t help but laugh.
“That’s some ring!” The female reporter eyed it. “When did this happen?”
“About an hour ago.” Tyler kissed Lauren’s hand, then spoke into the camera. “I already won tonight.”
“Congratulations to both of you. Any idea when the wedding will be?”
Tyler shrugged. “Fall.”
“Spring,” Lauren answered at the same time.
“Sounds like you have some planning to do.” She motioned to Lauren. “Lauren, you look fabulous for having a baby less than a year ago. I love the short hair.”
“Thank you.” Lauren felt her face heating up as the attention shifted to her.
“Where is your little guy tonight?”
“He’s watching at home with my best friend.”
“We promised to say hello,” Tyler said to Lauren. “Hey, buddy.” He waved at the camera.
“Hi, David.” Lauren waved.
“You two are adorable,” the reporter said. “I wish you the best and look forward to pictures of the wedding.”
“Fall?” Lauren asked as they walked away. “Why so late?”
“I didn’t want to rush things.” Tyler shook hands with another star passing by. “Why so soon?”
A mischievous grin spread across Lauren’s face. “I thought I’d make the perfect birthday gift for you.”
“Mmmm.” Tyler kissed her cheek, slowly inhaling her sweet perfume. “You would. I’d like to plan the wedding though, if you’re okay with that?”
Lauren narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
“I’ve been thinking about it. God gave me an awesome idea.”
“Really? When was this?”
“A couple weeks ago.” Tyler waved at a fellow actress. “After Valentine’s Day. You’ll love it.”
“Well, I suppose if you want to.”
“I do.” Tyler squeezed her hand. “You won’t have to worry about anything. I’ll take care of it all. Even the honeymoon.”
“Well, I’ll need a dress…”
“Taken care of.” He flashed a smile and waved to the cheering fans. “Bridesmaids dresses, flowers, food, everything. You simply need to show up.”
“I don’t want anything too extravagant.”
“Only closest family and friends.” He stopped to await the next entertainment reporter. “Do you trust me?”
“Of course.” She caressed his cheek with her hand. “Now, you need to win and it will be the perfect night.”
He intertwined his fingers with hers as they walked. “If I never act again, I would be completely content. I have God, you, and David. That’s all that matters.”
“Ah, Boss, there you are,” a familiar voice said when they walked through the door of the theater.
Tyler swirled to see Raphael dressed in black African robes, towering over him.
“Raphael.” Tyler barely came to his chest when he hugged him. “It’s great to see you. Thought you couldn’t make it.”
“I did not think it was possible, but I prayed. Prayer changes things.” He raised his palms and eyes to heaven. “Our Lord is gracious.” Taking in Lauren, he smiled. “You must be Lauren.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Raphael bowed, shook her hand, and then pulled her into an embrace. “You are more beautiful than your photos on social media.”
Tyler chuckled. “Since when are you on social media?”
Raphael removed his phone from his robe. “Our church has a secret group for prayers. I will add you to it.” He looked into Lauren’s face. “I read your posts. God has gifted you with not only teaching, but wisdom and exhortation. You are a shepherd to His people.”
Lauren shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m only being honest about what I’m going through. I hid it for so long, I’ve finally learned there’s healing in the truth.”
“Confess your sins to one another,” Raphael nodded. He glanced at Tyler. “Soon enough you will be traveling with her as she shares the gospel across the land to heal hurting hearts.”
“No prophecies tonight, my friend.” Tyler slapped Raphael on the back. “Unless it’s about who’s winning Best Actor.”
“Ah, Boss, you know I cannot say.”
“I know. Are you in town a few days? You need to meet David.”
“Yes, Boss. Plenty of time to share stories of God’s goodness.” He nodded to Lauren’s hand. “And celebrate.”
“Yes,” Tyler smiled. “We have a lot of celebrating to do. Let me buy you a soda.”
Lauren glanced towards the door. “Paul’s here. Mind if I say hello?”
“Sure.” Tyler kissed her cheek. “Water?”
“That would be great.”
“Where are you staying?” Tyler asked Raphael as they walked toward the stairs.
“Tonight, a nearby hotel. The rest of the time, your beach house. Right, Boss?”
“Absolutely, Raphael.”
“Hi, Paul.” Even in heels, Lauren had to stand on her tiptoes to give her former student a hug.
“Hi, Lauren. Good to see you.”
“Wow.” She stepped back. “Even your voice has changed.”
“I know.” He straightened his black bow tie. “Directors take me more seriously now.”
“Congratulations on your nomination for supporting actor.”
Paul shrugged. “I don’t expect to win. Most don’t the first time. I mean, look at Tyler. It took several nominations.”
Lauren patted Paul on the back. “Keep that good attitude. Maybe I’ll see you on stage.”
“Lauren, you look beautiful.” Melissa, Paul’s mother, joined them. Her royal blue dress flowed behind her.
“You do, too,” Lauren hugged her. “Gorgeous dress.”
“Thank you. You’re the talk of the red carpet.” Melissa motioned to Lauren’s hand.
“That’s a huge diamond!” Paul’s eyes widened. “Tyler got that for you?”
Lauren chuckled. “Yes, he did.”
Melissa squeezed her hand. “Congratulations! We’re so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” She pointed to Tyler and Raphael on the third floor. “We were headed up to get sodas if you want to join us.”
“Yes.” Melissa glanced around. “We’ll meet you once I find Donald.”
Lauren nodded to the stars who smiled and greeted her as she passed them. Lord, help me to not feel uncomfortable tonight, she prayed with each step. This is my new life. Let me be a witness for you.
“Hello, Tyler.”
He arched his back at Lotus’s touch. God, give me the words.
“Hello, Lotus.” Tyler shifted toward her with an insincere smile.
“I hear congratulations are in order.” Her fingers grazed his arm and his cheek. “You’re domestic now. You even shave.”
Tyler chuckled. “Congratulations on your nomination. I didn’t see the picture, but I heard your performance was over the top.”
“Of course you didn’t see it. You’re Christian.” She spat Christian as if it was a curse. “No R-rated movies, no partying, no sex.” Walking around him, her chest brushed his back.
He shifted his eyes in front of him to avoid seeing her completely exposed backside once she settled beside him. “I have a very blessed life, Lotus. I couldn’t be happier.”
“Martini, dry,” she ordered before sizing up Tyler. “Good for you.”
“There’s more to life than partying and sex. You’ll never find fulfillment in sin.”
“Speak for yourself,” Lotus smirked. “The only thing I lack is that beautiful golden statue, which you will be presenting me tonight. You might have to kiss me—for old times sake.” She lifted the drink the bartender handed her before slinking away.
God, save her soul, Tyler prayed as she walked away.
“Lauren, Lauren!”
Pausing on the spiral staircase, Lauren glanced behind her. A woman in a black dress and spike heels with short, jet-black hair approached her. The front of the dress was cut down to her bellybutton, the side up to her thigh.
She looks vaguely familiar. Lauren searched her memory for the movie she may have been in.
“Congratulations on your engagement.” The smirk gave away her identity.
“Karen.” Lauren masked her disappointment in Karen’s appearance with a smile. “I didn’t recognize you with dark hair.”
“New film.” She ran her fingers through it. “It was easier to let them cut and dye it. My stylist tells me pixie cuts are in.”
A nominee for Best Actor sauntered by them. “Hey, Karen.” His fingers traced the curves of Karen’s hips as he continued walking.
“Hi.” Karen’s eyes followed him until he was out of earshot. “Jerk,” she mumbled, turning back to Lauren. “Anyways, congratulations. Tyler’s quite the catch.”
“Thank you. Want to join us for a drink?” Not entirely certain she could trust her, Lauren knew the invitation was the Christian thing to do.
“Please.” Karen continued up the stairs with her.
“How have you been?” God, I know she’s hurting. Help me minister to her.
“Oh, you know.” Karen flashed a disingenuous grin at a guy passing them. “Fabulous.”
“Have you been to church?”
“No time really. Too busy filming.”
“Oh.” Lauren raised an eyebrow. “You film on Sundays?”
Karen’s chuckle sent chills down Lauren’s spine. “No. You caught me there.”
God, give me the words, Lauren took a deep breath as she offered up the prayer. “I know we’ve never met, but I can see something’s wrong. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Where should I begin?” Karen paused on the landing. “I hate the movie I’m currently filming, I’m tired of being viewed as a sexy actress with no brains, and I might still have something for your boyfriend.” Glancing at Lauren’s ring, she snickered. “Excuse me, fiancé.”
God, is it my place to say anything? Lauren prayed. I don’t know her and she’s obviously jealous.
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
The verse gave her confidence to continue. “If you want to be respected for more than your looks, choose your clothing more wisely. Your dress is pretty, but—” Lauren’s eyes wandered down the front of it.
Karen crossed her arms over her chest. “My agent forced me—”
“You can make your own decisions.”
“Kar-ran.” The deep, sultry voice had them both turning their heads. A tall, blonde man sidled up to her. When he ran his hand down Karen’s arm, her face became expressionless. “See you at the after-party tonight? I can give you a lift home in my limo if you want.” He kissed her neck before walking away.
“See.” Karen rolled her eyes. “I can’t stop them.”
“You can. By changing your reputation. Dressing differently, making better choices, seeking God.”
“It’s hard. The alcohol and drugs are everywhere.” She stared at Tyler, sipping his soda with Raphael. “I don’t know how he does it.”
“By putting God first.” Lauren paused until she had Karen’s attention. “Reading the Bible, attending church and Bible study, praying.” Lauren frowned. “If you’re not fellowshipping with believers, you can’t stand against temptation.”
“I guess after my breakup with Mason and failed attempt to seduce Tyler, I stopped caring. I pursued what I thought would make me happy.”
“Yet you feel empty.”
Karen nodded.
“I’ve been there. It’s not a fun place.” Lauren patted Karen’s arm. “Come to church with us on Sunday. We always go to lunch after. Maybe when you finish filming we can meet weekly for discipleship.”
Closing her eyes, Karen shook her head. “Why would you do that? I told you I’m still hung up on Tyler.”
“Because Christians encourage one another in the faith. Let me buy you a soda.” Lauren linked arms with her. “Hang out with us tonight. We’ll have a good time without drugs and alcohol. Raphael can be your bodyguard so guys stop touching you.”
“Good idea,” Karen snickered.
To see her talking with Paul’s family and Karen thrilled him. Tyler’s prayer all week was that she would feel she belonged. The anxiety in her eyes as they exited the limo reminded him to pray. When she slipped her arm around him while socializing, Tyler knew God answered it.
“Do we have to sit so close?” Lauren whispered as they walked toward the stage.
“Yes. They tell us where to sit. You’re fine. Front row seats are the best, right?”
“At a concert, yes. On national TV, I’m not sure.”
“You’ll be able to see me better when I’m on stage.” He winked. “By the way, Lotus is up for Best Actress.”
“And you’re presenting the award.” Lauren sighed.
Their usher motioned to the third row before heading back up the aisle. Tyler gently placed his hands on Lauren’s cheeks. At the meeting of their lips, he felt her relax.
“She has nothing on you, remember?” he whispered when the kiss ended. “You have my heart. I just wanted you to know.”
“There’s the Couple of the Hour!” Lucas greeted Tyler with a hug. “We ready to win this?”
“I already won.” Tyler held up Lauren’s left hand with a sheepish grin.
“Indeed you did!” Lucas nodded to Lauren. “Congratulations, Lauren.”
“It’s so beautiful,” Darlene, Lucas’s wife, said as she examined the ring. “I love the necklace and earrings, too.”
“Thank you,” Lauren smiled. “I was a little spoiled on Valentine’s Day.”
“How’s David?” Lucas asked.
“Great.” Tyler grinned. “Growing like crazy. Talking more every day. Pretty soon he’ll pass up his mother in number of words spoken per day.”
Lauren playfully hit Tyler. “How’s Whitney?” she asked Darlene.
“She had her year scan last week.” Her smile expanded. “Came back clean.”
Lauren hugged her. “I’m so glad. I’ve been praying.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you so much.”
Raphael and Karen joined them in the aisle.
“Here’s the plan.” Lucas rubbed his hands together. “We win for every category we’re nominated in and take home six awards.”
Tyler chuckled. “Nice plan. You been praying about that one?”
“Well,” Lucas shifted his lips, “a little. But it did sound selfish.”
“So, how about this?” Tyler closed his eyes. “God, Your will be done. Whatever happens tonight, may we glorify You in all we say and do.”
“Amen,” they all echoed.
Lucas nodded. “Guess I have a few things to learn about becoming a prayer warrior.”
“The best way to improve is practice.” Tyler slipped his arm around Lauren. “I’ve had a lot of practice this past year.”
He held her hand the entire program, but his palms never sweated. Tyler laughed at the MCs impression of him during the beginning dialogue, kissed Lauren on the cheek when the camera panned to them, and appeared calm and collected when he called Lotus’s name for Best Actress. Lauren laughed to herself when he congratulated her with a pat on the back and quickly stepped out of her reach.
Raphael and Karen were nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, yet neither won. The picture lost Best Screenplay and Director. All that remained was Best Actor and Best Picture.
“Are you nervous?” Lauren whispered at the commercial right before his award was announced.
“Nah.” He kissed her cheek. “Are you?”
Lauren bit her lip. “A little.”
“Don’t be anxious about anything.” Tyler grinned.
“I’m thankful for you.” Lauren squeezed his hand. “For us.”
“Me, too.” He squeezed it back. “Do you think David is still up watching?”
Lauren’s eyes widened. “He’d better not be. If he is, you get to hang out with him all day tomorrow when he’s cranky.”
“Fine with me, but if I win, I have to be on the Morning Show at seven a.m. You okay with him going with me?”
“Absolutely not,” Lauren said.
“Will you go on with me?”
“What am I going to do with David?”
“Our entire family is in town. Kris is staying with you. She can watch him. He and Justin can destroy the house together.”
“Yes, they could.” She laughed at the thought. “It’s your interview. They don’t want me to come.”
“Wherever I go, you are welcome.” His finger grazed her ring. “That’s what this means. I want you by my side, always.”
“You’re that in love with me?” she asked not out of doubt, but because she was in awe.
Eyes still locked on hers, he lifted her hand and kissed it. “Absolutely.”
Complete peace covered his face as they announced the nominees. The peace he displayed when she was admitted to the hospital, when she continued to get worse, and when her world was shaken with tremendous pain during the magnesium treatment after she had David. Peace that came from the assurance that God was in control.
Thank You, Lord, for the man he has become. Whether he wins or loses tonight, may You be glorified.
“And the winner for Best Actor in a motion picture is—”
Lauren found herself leaning forward as the brunette ripped open the envelope.
“Tyler Stevens!”
He closed his eyes at the announcement of his name. She immediately kissed his lips and pulled him to his feet.
I can’t believe I won, Tyler thought the entire way to the podium. I don’t deserve it, Lord. I don’t deserve this.
Tyler stared at the award in his hands, then the mic in front of him as the applause faded and people took their seats. He reached in his pocket for his speech, suddenly realizing he didn’t write one. Give me Your words, Lord.
“I didn’t want to accept this role.” He slowly lifted his head. “I was texting my agent ‘No, thanks,’ when I remembered the wise words of my late best friend Adam Riley. ‘Regardless of how insignificant or certain your decisions seem, always pray first.’ So, I prayed, sought direction from the Bible, and ended up in Africa. I tried to run from my fears and calling, but God wouldn’t let me. I had to face every one of them on the savannah. Now I realize it’s by losing our lives that we find it. When we lay it down for a greater purpose, we realize our potential.” He smiled. “Like the central theme of the movie.”
Tyler shifted his attention to the third row. He thanked them in order—the writers, producers, Lucas, Karen, and Raphael. “Most of all, I want to thank God for His grace. First He saved me from my own destruction, then He brought me a woman I don’t deserve. Lauren, this one is for you.” He raised his award in the air. “Thank you for living your life with such passion for Christ that it’s contagious. Thank you for spurring me on to be a better person, a better Christian.” He smiled as his exit music began. “Thank you for forgiving me time and time again. And, most of all, thank you for saying yes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.”
Tears filled her eyes as he spoke of Adam and of God making him face his fears. She saw the change in Tyler, the way he addressed and treated others. He no longer carried himself with arrogance, but humility. He had surrendered his entire life to Christ. Now he was truly God’s. And hers.
The first tear fell when he lifted his award toward her.
Lord, thank You for making us complete, lacking nothing.
“I’m so proud of you.” Lauren greeted him with a kiss when he slid back into his seat.
“This is for you.” He placed the statue in her hands. “The next one is for the Lord.”
Their entire row sat on the edge of their seats as the presenters announced the nominees for best picture. Tension mounted with the ripping of the envelope.
“Into the Jungle.”
They laughed, springing to their feet with cheers and hugs. Monty and the other three producers circled the podium. Tyler and the others filed in behind.
Monty approached the mic first, award in hand. “You’re sure we won?” he asked the presenter. “Because once I start talking, you don’t get it back.”
The audience chuckled as the man handed him the card as evidence.
“Good.” Monty cleared his throat. “Apparently what you need to win Best Picture is a group of religious freaks as the lead actors. You ask them,” he pointed to Tyler and the others, “and they’ll tell you they prayed their way through the whole film. They even converted the director in the process.”
The audience laughed as Lucas nodded and raised his hand. Monty shook his head.
“I had even less faith in Stevens than I did in God. I didn’t want him on the film any more than he wanted to be there.” He turned to Tyler. “But you did it justice. Forgive me for thinking so little of you.”
The next producer stepped up to the mic and then another. Tyler kept his eyes fixed on Monty. Something was different.
God, soften his heart. Bring him to You. I know nothing is impossible for You.