❤️Mac❤️
I look around the dressing room that Jazz and I have shared for the past five years. The shelves and countertops, once adorned with our perfume bottles, photo frames, and knickknacks, now stand empty. Jazz has already cleared out her belongings, and I've spent the afternoon packing mine into boxes. The room is now ready for the next actor to make it their own.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but Hart's Valley had an incredible five-season run before Blainesworth decided to end it. "It's better to leave on a high note," Blainesworth had said when he broke the news. "Make the audience want more. Never let them be happy to see you go."
The show had broken records in ratings and DVD sales with each season. The characters of Hart's Valley have found their way into people's hearts, and I can't help but smile as I think about the emotional finale we just filmed. Stone and Brianna, now happily married, welcomed their first child in the final episode. It's true what Jazz predicted—Stone and Brianna were meant to be.
And although real life doesn't always guarantee a happy ending, I can't help but feel that Ryan and I are endgame as well. We've been together for three and a half years, facing our fair share of challenges amidst the press and people trying to come between us. Taking care of Ryan's mother has also been a constant strain on him, even with his sister sharing the responsibility.
Despite the ups and downs, the past three years have been filled with joy and cherished memories. Ryan and I recently moved in together and adopted a Dalmatian named Loopy. While marriage has come up in our conversations, we both agree that we have enough on our plates for now. Apart from acting in 'Hart’s Valley,' Ryan and Brad are also preoccupied with writing episodes for a new TV show called 'Sunset Dreams,' a satire about the lives of six actors.
Vanessa, another member of the original Hart's Valley cast, has landed a role on a new "twenty-something" drama show, while Jazz has been offered several TV roles but is taking some time off. Jazz's decision might have something to do with her being four months pregnant and battling morning sickness.
After years of dancing around their feelings, Jazz and Brad finally gave in to their attraction and are ecstatic about becoming parents. Well, Jazz is ecstatic when she's not stuck with her head in the toilet. As for Matt, his character was killed off in the third season, and he's now acting as a sidekick in a B-grade action movie in Los Angeles. He keeps in touch with us, always promising that his next role will be the big breakthrough.
Lyndel chose to leave Hart's Valley midway through the final season to pursue travel. We all miss her dearly, especially Jazz, Vanessa, and myself, as we had grown close over the years.
Despite the comings and goings of various stars, the original cast members have remained close, feeling like a part of something special. While it's sad to see the end of Hart's Valley, I know it's just the beginning of something new. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm excited to find out. Last year, I won a Logie, a significant achievement for me, and I'm confident I can find another job when the time is right. Plus, I have lifelong friendships and the love of my life by my side.
"Mac! You're needed on set right now," Jazz exclaims, appearing breathless at the dressing room door.
I raise an eyebrow, confused. "What...?"
"Mitch didn't like the last scene we shot yesterday. We have to reshoot it," Jazz explains urgently.
That's strange. Mitch seemed pleased with the scene when we wrapped up yesterday. I try to protest, but Jazz insists I follow her without asking any more questions. The sense of urgency in her voice only deepens my confusion. Yesterday was the finale, and tonight, the entire Hart's Valley team will gather for a party. What could be so pressing?
"Wait a minute," I come to a sudden halt. "Mitch liked the scene yesterday, and I haven't even had my hair and makeup done. My clothes are still in wardrobe."
Jazz turns, mischief twinkling in her eyes, and I realize something unusual is happening.
"Jazz, what's going on?" I inquire, searching for answers.
"Please, don't make this difficult for me," Jazz pleads. "You're needed on set right now. Just follow me and trust me."
More bewildered than ever, I silently follow Jazz. As we step into the dark studio, my eyes widen in surprise. Ryan stands on stage, bathed in a spotlight, surrounded by the cast and crew. They part as I enter the room, and Ryan's smile appears nervous, sending shivers down my spine. Something extraordinary is about to happen.
Motioning for me to join him on stage, Ryan crooks his finger, and I approach him with trepidation. Mitch shakes his head, grinning, signalling that there won't be any more filming today. So why is Ryan here? Why is everyone watching us?
With the spotlight fixed on us, Ryan takes hold of my hands, and I feel a surge of electricity pass between us. His gaze is intense, and my body tingles with anticipation as he drops to one knee.
"Mac," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "Before I met you, I couldn't fathom spending my life with one person or loving someone indefinitely. But you changed everything for me. Now, I know without a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making you happy every day. Mackenzie Lauren, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
My heart races, and I struggle to find my voice. He's proposing—the man of my dreams is asking me to spend my life with him. It feels surreal, and tears well up in my eyes as I manage to whisper, "Yes! God, yes."
The studio erupts in applause as Ryan slides a stunning solitaire diamond onto my ring finger. We share a passionate kiss, surrounded by cheers and wolf whistles. When we finally break apart, Ryan's eyes gleam with happiness, and he holds me close.
"You scared me for a moment," he whispers in my ear. "I thought you were going to say no."
I lean back and smile. "The guy whose poster I used to gaze at on my wall when I was fifteen just proposed to me. I needed a moment to make sure it was real."
Ryan laughs, and we savour the moment before being enveloped by the well-wishers in the crowd.
“Congratulations,” Jazz says, embracing me before moving on to Ryan. She then takes a moment to admire my ring. Brad joins in the excitement, clapping Ryan on the back and then hugging me tight, whispering about his happiness for us.
“Can I tell her now?” Brad asks after releasing me.
“Tell me what?” I respond, intrigued.
“We got the funding,” Brad reveals.
“Seriously?” I gasp.
“Yep. The bank gave us the green light today. You’re looking at the producers of Sunset Dreams,” Ryan announces.
“Oh my God!” I pull both Ryan and Brad into another hug. “Congratulations! I'm so thrilled and proud of you both.”
“It’s a huge deal,” Vanessa chimes in as she ascends the stairs, with Matt following behind. “A massive accomplishment.”
Matt envelops me in a hug. “What are you doing here?” I tease. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Hollywood?”
“I had to come and see Romeo down on his knees in front of a woman,” Matt quips.
Vanessa gives him a playful shove. “Really, Matt? Some things never change with you.”
“But that's not the only reason for his return,” Brad says, beaming. “He’s one of the leads in Sunset Dreams now.”
Matt grins sheepishly. “They promised they'd propel me to stardom. Plus, I’ve missed the gang.”
After some light-hearted ribbing, Matt turns a shade redder and tells everyone to knock it off.
“And guess what? Jazz is thinking of making a cameo for us,” Brad mentions.
Jazz rolls her eyes. “Apparently, I’m no Emma Stone, but I'll do in a tight spot.”
Brad, grinning, drapes an arm around her, giving her small baby bump a gentle rub. “To me, Jazz is every bit the star that Emma is, especially in my life.”
Jazz playfully swats him in response.
Ryan looks at me, his eyes full of hope. "We still have unfilled lead roles. Would you like to work together again? Although this time, I'll be your boss."
My heart swells with happiness. “You want to work together again?”
“It worked out well this time, didn’t it?” he wraps his arms around me once more.
I couldn’t agree more. “Yes, it did.”
“Is that a yes then?”
“I think it’s a maybe.”
The sound of Ryan’s laugh pours over me, drenching me in happiness. The idea of working with Ryan again sounds fabulous, but we probably need to talk about some things first— especially if he is going to be my boss this time!
"Romeo, you might have to convince your fiancée," Brad teases, and we all laugh.
"Fiancée," Ryan says, savouring the word.
Blainesworth calls for a picture, and we gather together, arms around one another, beaming for the camera. Ready to immortalize this moment, we pose for Blainesworth and his camera, cherishing the memories we've created together.
"Now, I need a shot of the happy couple," Blainesworth announces, capturing a few photos of Ryan and me. Suddenly, a spotlight shines on us, casting us in a magical glow.
"Lights," someone calls out, setting the stage for our final moment.
"Camera," Blainesworth adds, laughing and gesturing to his camera.
"Kiss me," I whisper, unable to resist the pull of the moment. Grasping Ryan's lapels, I draw him closer, and our lips meet in a passionate last staged kiss, sealing our journey with Hart's Valley and marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Loved this story! Just as much as the ones on Inkitt. Can’t wait to read more