Epilogue

"Girl, are you okay? You're looking a little clammy," Zee said while smoothing Alex's hair down in the back of their limousine.

"I'm okay, I'm just a little nervous. I wish Jordan was here, right now." Alex used her clutch to fan herself, taking a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"He'll get here soon enough.  Until then, you've got me. You have no reason to be nervous, Alex. Everyone is here to celebrate you!"

When the driver opened the door, the ladies stepped out onto a cobblestone walkway, which led to a large botanical garden. In the center of the garden was a massive ice sculpture of the 'It Magazine' logo surrounded by beds of flowers at the sculpture's base. At the edge of the garden was the famous Ecclestone mansion, which served as the backdrop to the, roped off, courtyard.  The roped off section was flanked by two 'VIP Only' signs, reserved for the Young Hollywood Issue cover star.

Alex couldn't believe it had been a full year since she last attended the Young Hollywood event but what was especially remarkable, was that she would be the face gracing the cover of this year's issue. Her series, 'Best Kept Secret' was a hit and was immediately picked up for a second season after a record-breaking first month on air. She was currently in the midst of filming a third season for 'Best Kept Secret' and recently landed a two-picture deal as part of a superhero comic book franchise. With more sponsorship and branding deals, Alex's year had been an unbelievable success.

When she and Zee walked, Charles, formally Vince's backup and now Alex's personal full-time security guard, jumped in front of her, instructing the dozens of camera people and reporters to step back. Alex saw a pink wig defiantly making its way through the crowd. She wasn't surprised to discover that Kitchen Kitty was the person attached to the wig when Kitty finally made it to the front.

"Alex! My Foodies want to know where the other half of Jalex is? You just celebrated an anniversary, so, shouldn't he be here to honor you tonight?"

Alex smiled at Kitchen Kitty's messy question and confidently responded, "Jordan is exactly where he's supposed to be. He had some scenes to shoot for the 'Midnight Sun' sequel, 'Rise of the Dawn's Moon' but you'll see him before the night is through." With that, she continued to follow Charles through the crowds, shaking hands and kissing cheeks on the way to the VIP section.

Various industry people started trickling into the courtyard, a few at a time, for friendly conversation and a few pictures with Alex. Getting a photo with her would almost ensure they landed in other major publications or blog sites, so, she would be on her feet for photos for at least another hour. As she bid goodbye to the fifth small group of guests, she smiled when Pamila Montgomery walked past the velvet ropes.

"Mom!" Alex said throwing her arms open for a hug.

"Hi, honey! You look so gorgeous." Pamila hugged Alex then reached out to Zee for a hug. Alex signaled to Charles to hold off on the picture line, for the time being. The three women sat down on the plush outdoor sofa and helped themselves to the tray of cocktails placed in front of them by a garden server.

"So, how are things going at the Montgomery Talent Agency?" Zee asked Pamila. Since her conversations with Jordan and Alex at the hospital eight months ago, Pamila started sessions with a counselor to help her properly grieve the loss of Alex's father and cope with the major challenges she'd had to deal with throughout her life. The sessions made her a better mother and friend to Alex, but also gave her the courage to start a management company. She'd learned a lot from managing Alex and although she was no longer her daughter's manager, she still had more to offer other talented people seeking guidance in the industry.

"Things are just fantastic! We recently signed this amazing kid who can act and sing. I'm really excited about him." Pamila gushed.

"May we interrupt?"

The women looked up to find Mr. and Mrs. W. standing before them. Rising to their feet the group excitedly exchanged hugs.

"Thank you all for coming! What a great surprise!" Alex exclaimed, feeling especially touched. Jordan's parents didn't attend his cover party the year before, so, their presence was extremely special.

A moment later, Alex noticed a few more familiar faces beginning to crowd around the roped off courtyard. Rubin, Derek, and other cast and crew members from 'Best Kept Secret' were all gathered around, each holding a single white tulip.

A hush fell across the crowd and Alex began to feel self-conscious. When she turned to ask Zee what was happening, she realized that her mother, Zee, and Jordan's parents were all holding white tulips of their own. Something odd was happening and she seemed to be the only person not in the know.

Pamila stepped forward and placed the single tulip she held on the ground in front of Alex. Mr. and Mrs. W. followed suit and Zee did the same. The people standing at the perimeter of the courtyard began to toss their tulips towards Alex's feet and as the shower of flowers puddled before her, she began to feel a surge of emotion rising in her chest.

When the tulips finally stopped falling, Vince appeared beyond the ropes and walked up to Alex to place a final tulip onto the pile before stepping aside for Jordan to walk up.

Jordan stood before Alex looking impeccable in a tailored Italian suit. He seemed nervous and self-assured all at the same time. His chestnut brown eyes beamed and his signature smile was broad and genuine. She wanted to ask him what was going on but for some reason felt tethered in place and unable to speak.

"You look gorgeous, Alexandra." Jordan said softly. He took both of her hands into his and her heart began to race.

When Jordan continued to speak, the room fell completely silent and every person was hanging on to Jordan's every word.

"A little over a year ago, I met you at the Young Hollywood party. My closest friends and family knew that I'd been wanting to meet you for a while because I'd seen you act and admired your talent. I also thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever laid eyes on and I had to find out more about you. I had no idea you would be at the party that night but God delivered you right to my section and I knew it was a sign. Even though I messed things up with you, when we first met, there was no doubt in my mind that your energy was exactly what I needed in my life."

Alex swallowed trying to hold back a sob as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Jordan stepped closer to her and gently swiped them away with his thumbs, kissing her softly before continuing.

"I'm sure you remember how I pulled you into a picture with me and then thanked you afterwards. I did that because I wanted to memorialize the moment I met the person I would spend the rest of my life with." Standing on the bed of tulips, Jordan dropped down to one knee and Alex clasped her hands over her mouth.

"Alexandra Montgomery, I can't say enough about how amazing you are. You're gorgeous, talented, sassy and funny. We can talk about anything. We push each other to be better. My family adores you and you truly are my best friend.  You know I would give my life for you and I want to build a life with you. Alex, baby...would you be my wife?"

Before Jordan could remove the oval solitaire ring from the small velvet box he was now holding, Alex dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck. She was now sobbing into his shoulder but Jordan simply held her tightly and softly rubbed her back, letting her have her moment.

"I love you, Alex," Jordan said into her hair as she continued to cry. When Alex finally pulled away and held her left hand out, saying, "Yes. I will. I love you, too!" the crowd erupted into cheers.

The newly engaged couple rose to their feet and were engulfed by hugs from everyone in the VIP section. Alex felt the tears of joy threaten to return as she saw her mother pull Jordan into a huge and excited hug. The moment felt unreal even after Jordan's parents embraced her, "Welcome to the family! We're going to have two daughter now!"

Zee held Alex so tight, she was afraid she might crack a rib, "Girl! You're about to be Jordan's wife!" Zee then pulled back and looked Alex straight in the eyes, "I better be your maid of honor! I'm basically the reason you two met."

"Who else would I ask, Zee? Duh?" Alex said, giving Zee another hug.

"Excuse me!" Jordan interrupted, "May I please get a moment with my future wife?"

Jordan and Alex embraced and ignored the dozens of camera flashes going off beyond the velvet ropes. Their lips met for a long kiss, which would not only seal their engagement but kick off the beginning of their happily ever after.