So this is the last chapter for this story. I'm thinking of writing a sequel involving the gang's next project, but I'm not sure yet. Thank you for all of your support and I apologize for the typos, misspelling or grammatical errors the various chapters contained. As usual, I don't own any of the Smash characters.

"Love are you ready?" she heard Derek call from downstairs.

"Just one more minute, is Lizzie ready?" she replied as she prepared to put on her dress. It was a black tight fitted halter. Extremely low cut in front it tastefully left little to the imagination, so she had taken all precautions not to have a wardrobe malfunction. The back of the dress was bare and her hair was styled in a high bun. She was certain her mother and father would have a few opinions but she was pleased with her selection. She wanted to show that although a new mother, she could still pull off a tastefully sexy look. It was the Tony Awards after all.

"I've changed her and I was about to put her dress on," her husband replied. "Are you sure you want to take her, Love? It's not the most child friendly environment." When both she and Derek received the nominations, Karen was adamant her daughter was going to join them on the night of the awards. Their little girl had been with them every step of this project from a play pin in the rehearsal studio during workshop; too a nanny in Karen's dressing room once the show hit Broadway. If either of them won a Tony tonight, while Elizabeth Grace Wills may not understand the significance, she was definitely going to share in their triumph.

"Yes I'm sure, plus mom said she would take her to the car for a bit if she got cranky," the actress replied. Roger and Elizabeth Cartwright had flown into New York for the Awards. They had missed their daughter's first Tony and wanted to be present for what could possibly be her second.

"I guess that means you're stuck with a bunch of stuffy people tonight," Derek cooed at his daughter. "Are you ready to put your dress on?" he asked lifting her from the play pin she was in. The 1 year old giggled as her father placed raspberries on her tummy.

"I hear that Derek Wills," his wife called from upstairs. "That is disgusting blowing fart sounds against your daughter's stomach," she chided.

Derek laughed at his wife's reaction "You think it's funny?" he ginned as he continued to tickle his daughter. Slipping the dark navy dress over his baby girl's head, he couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful she was. Maybe he was biased; but to him, his daughter was enchanting. She had soft dirty blonde curls and big doe eyes that betrayed every emotion she felt. They were emerald green in color but on occasion almost seemed to change to blue depending on her outfit. Her lashes were long and her nose and mouth perfect. Rarely was she seen without a smile on her face and her personality was every bit her mother's.

Derek had just finished straightening his daughter's dress when the click of heels on the stairs drew both of their attention. "Whose coming?" he asked the little girl. "Is it mommy?"

Standing in her father's arms, Elizabeth waited in anticipation as Karen stepped around the corn from the stairs. Seeing her mother, the little girl could do nothing to contain her excitement as her legs wobbled up and down. "Hello my pretty girl," Karen cooed. "Were you being a good girl for daddy?" she asked lifting her daughter up for a kiss.

Derek watched in admiration as his wife of a little more than two years looked absolutely ravishing. "Do I have something on me?" she asked as she caught Derek staring.

"No," he smiled "You look stunning that's all Love," he replied causing a blush from the actress.

"Thank you; you clean up pretty well yourself," she teased before capturing his lips. When she pulled away she asked "are we ready to leave?" Derek nodded as he grabbed the baby's bag and guided his two favorite ladies out the door.

The couple's limo stopped to pick up Karen's parents and within thirty minutes of leaving their hotel, the group arrived at Radio City Music Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright exited the car first, followed by Derek. As soon as he stepped onto the red carpet reporters and photographers readied to capture the moment Karen stepped out. The couple had remained Broadway Royalty and everyone wanted a piece of them. Derek turned back and leaned into the car which the media assumed was to help his wife. However, when he moved away holding their daughter in his arms, the media went wild. It was the first time the three appeared together at a formal event. Holding Lizzie with one arm he extended the other to Karen who gracefully exited onto the red carpet. Once standing next to him Derek immediately placed his arm around his wife's waist.

The couple smiled at reporters and contrary to what he thought, Lizzie enjoyed the media attention. She would playfully smile at the cameras before ducking her face into Derek's chest. "She likes the lime light as much as her mother," Derek whispered into Karen's ear. The remark earned a playful slap on his arm and a giggle from their daughter.

Once inside the Hall Karen suggested they find Julia and the others. "She said they would be by the second set of doors leading in," she informed her husband as the couple slowly and carefully maneuvered their way through the sea of performers and artists. Everyone they passed offered their best wishes and early congratulations as their production was predicted to sweep the Awards.

Julia and Kyle's book had been nothing short of amazing and coupled with Jimmy's scores 'The Great Gatsby' had been everything the red head writer dreamed of. The media raved that the book was more of a play than a musical with the score adding a subtle yet compelling backdrop compatible to that of a movie. They praised Derek's vision and choreography naming him one of; if not the best directors of this generation. The critics called the production a piece of art that could easily be transformed to fit the big screen. Ironically that is exactly what was about to take place. Julia and Lions Gate had reached an agreement and should the show win for best musical; the movie company would announce its intentions later at the after party. Derek had been contracted to direct the film adaptation and the Broadway leads would make be making the jump to the big screen as well. Karen and Ivy had been giddy all day when they heard the news as neither had ever worked on a movie before.

Ivy had joined Gatsby when her contract with the revival of Oliver was complete. Her performance in the revival had finally won the blonde her elusive Tony for lead actress and the night of her win, Jimmy asked for her to marry him. The couple's wedding was set to take place in two months' time. In Gatsby, Ivy played Jordan Baker and both she and Karen found that they truly enjoyed the opportunity to work together and when not competing for the same part; actually had good on stage chemistry. Julia had also wanted Ana for the show but when the actress returned from Hit List's national tour; she was asked to star in an action film and shooting times conflicted. Sam had been casted in the role of Nick Carrway and was up along with the actor who played Gatsby, for the Tony for best lead actor. Off the stage, much to everyone's surprise; Sam and Kyle had begun to date shortly after workshop started and were now very serious. Lastly there was the Great Gatsby himself, played by Seth Nixs, a new young actor fresh off the plane from California. New to Broadway, the creative team had casted him for that reason and the young man had fit in seamlessly with the group.

"There they are!" Karen exclaimed as she grabbed Derek's hand and began to push through the crowd.

"Slow down Love, I don't think they are going anywhere and you are going to end up hurting someone the way your elbows are flying," her husband commented. "Don't forget your parents are trying to keep up as well."

At the second comment Karen slowed "I forgot," she stated turning to see her parents trailing a few feet behind. "I'm just so excited. Julia deserves this night so much and I hope it goes like everyone is predicting."

Derek leaned in and kissed his wife's cheek, "I'm sure things will work out as they should."

While the couple waited for Karen's parents to catch up; Julia and the others made their way over. "Karen you look amazing," Julia complimented once she reached the couple. "Wow, I'm surprised Derek let you out of the house with that dress."

Suddenly self-conscious the actress asked "Is it too much, I don't want people to think I'm a bad mother for wearing this."

"Are you kidding, you look fabulous. I wish I could pull off a look like this," Ivy interjected.

"What are you talking about you look beautiful in anything you wear," Jimmy informed his fiancé.

"He's right Ivy, you look stunning tonight," Karen remarked. "Julia you look amazing too."

"Ladies I must say the men of Great Gatsby are truly lucky to be in the presence of such remarkably gorgeous and incredibly talented women," Derek commented.

"Agreed" voiced Jimmy, Kyle, Sam and Seth which earned a laugh from Elizabeth.

"Hey there beautiful," Jimmy greeted the little girl. "You want to come with your Uncle Jimmy?" Elizabeth's eyes widen as her smile reached from ear to ear. Much to Derek's dismay his daughter seemed to have taken a liking to the young composer and immediately upon seeing him, would extend her arms in hopes he would carry her. The young man knew it drove his friend crazy so he enjoyed it even more. But he had to admit the little girl was beautiful.

Karen's parents finally reached the group and their daughter quickly apologized for losing them. After a few drinks and laughs the gang decided to take their seats.

Once the lights were turned off Elizabeth to the surprise of her parents fell asleep on her father's shoulder. When it came time for the Award for Best Choreography Karen attempted to move her daughter but the little girl opened her eyes, gave a shy smile and merely dug herself deeper into Derek's neck and fell back to sleep. "It's alright Love," Derek whispered as the announcer read the list of nominees.

"The winner is Derek Wills, "The Great Gatsby,"

Karen gave her husband a quick kiss as he rose from his seat and made his way to the podium with his daughter wrapped around his neck. He smiled "As you can see, I decided to wear a little something different around my neck tonight as an accessory," he joked earning a laugh from the crowd. "In all seriousness, when my wife told me she wanted our daughter to come tonight I thought she had gone mad. But standing here with her in my arms I understand. Without my wife and daughter I would be nothing and my success would be meaningless. I would like to thank the producers of Gatsby as well as Julia and Kyle who wrote the most amazing piece of art I have ever read, Jimmy who is a true musical genius and the cast and crew who I enjoy working with every day. You have allowed my family to be a part of something special." Just as he finished the blonde little girl in his arms raised her head and still half asleep kissed her father's cheeked. The moment captured on camera moved everyone and earned the proud father a standing ovation.

The next Award handed out was Best Book. Julia and Kyle as predicted won and Julia gave a touching speech thanking her son Leo along and her Broadway family for helping bring to life a story she had always dreamed of telling on stage but never imagined possible.

The rest of the evening produced no surprises as Ivy won for Best Featured Actress, Karen for Best Lead Actress, Derek for Best Direction, Jimmy for Best Musical Score and Sam for Best Actor. The last Tony of the night for Best Musical was about to be announced. "And the winner is The Great Gatsby,"

Everyone stood in their seats and followed the three producers to the stage. Darren spoke on behalf of the group and was followed by Julia who gave a few parting words. "It is rare in the theater world to find a group of young artists that you click with. Having worked with these individuals on two shows I can honestly say this writer, this composer and these actors and actresses are the future of this industry. It is an honor to work with them and consider them my family."

Two hours later at the after party Julia was sitting at a table waiting for Derek to return with drinks. Karen's parents had taken Elizabeth back to the hotel with them and the couple was now free to enjoy a night full of celebration. Lions Gate had announced the making of 'Gatsby the Movie' and informed the media filming would begin at the conclusion of the lead actors' Broadway contracts.

"Hey" Julia heard a familiar voice call from behind her table. Turning her attention to where it came from she was surprised to see Tom Levitt. Although the two remained friends, their relationship was never the same after the writer's departure from Bombshell. On occasion they would enjoy lunch together but it had been almost six months since they last spoken; 'Gatsby' had just started previews to be exact.

"Hi," she replied.

"I know I'm probably the last person you thought you'd see tonight but I promise I'm not crashing; I was invited," he joked.

Julia laughed "I know, Ivy told me. I wanted to invite you but I wasn't sure what you would think," she replied.

Tom laughed "I think I'm an idiot."

The writer gave a weary smile "I wish you had been with me," she told him.

"The result wouldn't have been the same," he answered. "You always wanted to create something deeper and I was never at the same level. My music is sing-a-long and your work deserved depth. You also needed Derek's vision. He always seemed to understand you better."

"You are an amazing composer and a great director, Tom. It was never a matter of your ability; it was just different paths we wanted to take."

"I'm proud of you," he smiled. "Congratulations on Lions Gate."

"Thank you," Julia beamed.

"Is it off to Hollywood next?"

"Yes and No; Kyle and I have to make adjustments to the script and Jimmy to the score in order for it transfer to film. Derek has experience with that so the four of us will work from here in New York. Once the original six month contract is over here on Broadway, the understudies will assume the leads and Ivy, Karen, Sam and Seth along with the creative team will head to LA. We will film there for a few months and then come back to New York for the remainder."

"I'm so happy for you," Tom said just as Derek and Karen made their way to the table.

"Tom," Derek greeted with a hand shake while Karen gave the composer a kiss on the cheek. "This is for you," he stated handing his colleague a glass of champagne.

"We decided it was time for toast," Karen informed as Derek called for everyone's attention. I would like to extend a toast to a wonderful woman whose talent is the reason we are all here tonight. Julia Houston, it is an honor to call you a colleague and friend. Your creativity and the passion is beyond amazing. Thank you for allowing us to join you in this journey. To the bright lights of Hollywood," Derek finished with a raised glass.

"To Hollywood," the crowd roared.