Page 125 of Lucky 22

“Yes! For Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance in ananimated character role. Oh, sweetie. This is huge. Congratulations!”

I’m stunned. And completely speechless.

“Ella? Ella, are you still there? You know we’re going toline up some interviews for you, so let me work on that. I’ll email you thedetails in a bit, okay?”

“Uh…sure. Yes. Thank you. Bye.” I hang up and realize maybeI shouldn’t have. But when I turn to Christian, his grin is the absolutebrightest. “Did you hear?”

“That was my mom on the phone,” he says. “And then therewere about a dozen texts from my siblings. Everyone says congratulations.” Hehauls me into his arms. We fall back against the pillows, and he kisses mesenseless. We break apart, breathless and giddy. “So? How does it feel to benominated for an Emmy?”

“I don’t think I’ve processed it yet,” I say as he loosenshis embrace. Beside me, my phone is still blowing up with texts I’m sure arefrom friends and family. I hate ignoring them.

“How about I make us some coffee, and you deal with youradoring public?” I know he’s teasing, and it makes me laugh. He gets up andbows like he’s my butler or something, and it’s so darn cute.

Boxers and all.

Rolling over, I see texts from Jen, Penny, Freya, Whitney,Will, my sisters, my parents, Christian’s family, my co-stars, and even Tracy.

Go figure.

I don’t even know who to respond to first, but when my phonerings, and I see it’s my mom, I’m relieved.

“Good morning,” I say as soon as I answer.

“Good morning, sunshine. Congratulations! Your father and Isaw the announcement. Were you watching? Did you know you were going to benominated? Are you celebrating?”

“Oh, my goodness, Mom. That’s a lot of questions.” I laughsoftly and prop the pillows up behind me so I can get more comfortable. “I hateto say it, but…we weren’t watching. I honestly didn’t think we’d get anomination since we haven’t in the past. Nora called. She woke me up and toldme. Now, I hate that I missed it.”

“Well, I’m surprised your father and I didn’t wake you upwith our screams from all the way in Florida. We yelled so loud we must havescared the neighbors. You can see it online,” she assures me. “Don’t worry. ButI swear, your father and I both screamed when they read your name, and we sawyour picture on the screen. It was very exciting.”

That just makes me groan.

“I can’t believe I slept through it.”

“Go online and watch it. It will still be exciting.”

“I guess.”

“So? What are you going to do to celebrate?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. Christian’s making me coffee,so…that’s a start, right?” I joke. “I’m still waking up. But Nora is working onsetting up some interviews, and I have no idea when those will start. I’mguessing maybe today?”

“That makes sense. Well, don’t let me keep you. I’m sure youhave tons of people to call and talk to. We love you, and we’re so proud ofyou. Give Christian our love.”

“I will, thanks. I love you, Mom. Love you, Dad.”

After that, I’m replying to texts until my fingers are numb.Christian serves me my coffee in bed before grabbing my laptop. Then we sit andwatch the replay of the announcement.

And it is most definitely exciting.

“Look at your name up there,” he says, his voice full ofpride. “That’s my girl. I’m so proud of you. And it’s about time Hollywoodacknowledged your talent.”

“Christian…”

“What? I’m serious. I know you didn’t write The EchoWars, but your acting—your voice—it has brought Ashla Voss to life. Andshe is like…she’s the true heart and star of the series. You are thetrue heart and star of the series.”

I don’t know why, but his words, his praise, make meemotional. “Thank you,” I whisper with a trembling voice. “In a million years…Inever thought…I never expected this role to turn into the breakout it hasbecome, but I am beyond thankful for it. I thought that after I turned down themovie, my career would coast. That playing Ashla would be fun and fulfilling,but I never expected her to bring me this level of recognition.”

“No one deserves it more than you,” he says, his foreheadgently resting against mine. “We need to celebrate.” Sitting back, he’ssuddenly like a kid on Christmas morning. “What would you like to do today?Name it, and I’ll make it happen.”