Текст книги "Incumbent"

Автор книги: Joanne Schwehm

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

CHAPTER 22

~ Drake ~

No one had ever made me feel as complete as Lucy did. Yes, my family was wonderful and loved me unconditionally, but the place Lucy held in my heart was reserved just for her. When she told me she’d stolen Jack’s car, I stifled a laugh. Granted, he had a small fleet, and each one cost more than I made in a year, but they were his babies. He was going to have a heart attack.

After what Lucy did for me, there was no way I could renounce my candidacy. Not yet, anyway. But I needed to speak with her and make a decision because she was right. Politics was what I was meant to do, and it was my dream. I would have given it all up for her, but she didn’t want that. What she didn’t know and I hadn’t realized was that my dreams had changed.

“Ladies and gentleman, I’m not prepared to continue at this point.” The crowd of reporters grumbled and some shouted questions at me anyway, but I spoke over them. “I’ll be making a formal statement by next Friday. Thank you for coming.”

Ben, who had been waiting in the wings, walked up the steps and fielded general questions, usually responding, “No comment.”

Lucy was still off to the side waiting for me, standing next to Mason. As I made my way toward her, I noticed small worry lines creasing her forehead.

Mason smiled and extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Prescott.”

We shook hands. “Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself. Lucy told me you’re moving. We’ll be sure to visit you.” Lucy looked curiously at me at that, and I pulled her to my side.

Mason grinned at us. “Thanks. I’m going to take off now. I need to finish packing.”

“You’re the best, Mace.” Lucy smiled back at him and watched a moment as he threaded his way out through the reporters. Then looking up at me, she asked, “Drake? Are you okay?”

Her voice was like a warm blanket on a cold morning. And I hoped to be spending all my cold mornings here on out with her.

“Yes. But I’d like you to come with me. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

“Okay, but I should probably return Jack’s car first.” Her rosy lips curved into a smile.

“Probably. Do I want to know which car it was?”

“The SL Roadster. It’s a great car,” she said, her eyes shining.

I chuckled and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, and it’s his baby. Let’s get it back to him.”

• • •

After we dropped off Jack’s car and left him a note of thanks, she got in mine and we headed toward our destination. Curious, I asked, “How did you know about the press conference today?”

“I read about it online,” she said, frowning at me. “I really wish you would have spoken to me about it first. You can’t give up on your dreams to protect me.”

As we sat at a red light, I turned to take Lucy in. She had a renewed confidence about her, and wasn’t afraid or tense like she had been the past few days. Her entire body seemed relaxed, and I was relieved to see it.

The light turned green, and I reached out to take her hand before I pressed the gas.

“What you did today,” I said, “I was really trying to spare you getting hurt. But when I went online and read some of what was written, I couldn’t let it go on. You’ve worked too hard to put the past behind you. I’d feel horrible if you lost your job.” When she sucked in a breath, I gave her a sharp look. “What is it?”

“A lot has happened in the past few hours,” she said, which was an understatement if I’d ever heard one. “I spoke to the school’s administrator and told him I was resigning.”

I jerked my head her way, immediately feeling a pain in my chest. “What? Did he force you to do that? Let me talk to him.”

“No. It was my decision. But I already have another job.”

Rather than sounding depressed, she was the opposite. When I glanced back at her again, she was beaming.

“Your brother Jack hired me. Isn’t that great?” A cute giggle escaped her. “I honestly think he made up the position, but I’m looking forward to it. Details still need to be discussed, but I’m excited.”

Wow. I couldn’t believe the turnabout in her. I knew I loved Lucy’s strength, but the way she had adapted to the changes lately made me love her even more.

Squeezing her hand, I said, “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I’m proud of myself too.”

When we pulled into the parking lot of the veterans’ hospital a few minutes later, she gave me a curious look.

“Come on,” I said. “There are some people I want you to meet.”

After we said our hellos to the women at the reception desk and acquired our visitor badges, we made our way to the rec room, which was so bleak, it annoyed me. Some of the men and women had been here for months, and the drab gray walls were depressing.

Three guys were playing cards on a small rolling table that had been pulled over one of the beds. Hand in hand, we walked up to them.

“Gentleman, what is today’s game?” I looked down at the cards and smiled. “Ah . . . Gin.”

“If it isn’t Drake Prescott himself.” Tommy, who had lost his lower left leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, slowly got up to shake my hand. “Who is this beauty?” His eyes sparkled as he looked at Lucy.

“This is Lucy, my girlfriend.” As he shook her hand, I said, “Lucy, this is Tommy. We went to high school together and planned on enlisting at the same time, but then I couldn’t go with him.”

Lucy gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you. And thank you for your service.”

Tommy nodded and tilted his head at me. “You got a great guy here.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you.”

He sat back down, and I introduced Lucy to Mick and John, who looked to be losing to Tommy.

When the introductions were done, I said, “It’s good to see you all. I’m going to show Lucy around.”

Mick waved. “See you soon, Prescott. Thanks for stopping by.”

As we walked away, Lucy squeezed my hand. When I looked at her, she was wiping away a tear.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, it’s just all so sad.” With concerned eyes, she scanned the room. “There are so many people here.”

“There are, and I try to come as often as I can. Those men I introduced you to are my age. We most likely would have all been together, if I’d been able to enlist. They’re doing okay, given the circumstances. Mick lost his vision in one eye, and John, well, his story was sad. His PTSD was so bad, he had recurring nightmares. He’s here on a grant my family provided. Some thought he might need to be institutionalized, but he just needed to be near his men. He was a commander of a platoon, and only he and another soldier survived.”

A sigh escaped her. “They should paint the walls yellow or something cheery.”

I walked her away a few paces, near a small round table where some men were reading and others were just hanging out.

“Earlier you said you didn’t want me to give up my dreams, but lately, I feel as if what I thought I wanted isn’t what I should be doing.”

Her brows drew together as she peered up at me. “What are you saying? You don’t want to be in politics?”

“I love my job, I do. But when I saw what it was doing to you, it forced me to look at the big picture. When I threw my hat into the political ring, I did it with the intention of helping people, being a voice for them and doing what’s best. But you and I both know I can only do so much. Yes, if I were president, I’d be able to do more, but I can do more now.”

“Drake, what is it that you want to do?”

“See these men and women? There are so many more like them. Most don’t have jobs once they leave here, and it’s hard for them to get back on their feet. Some have suffered severe trauma and have to reteach themselves how to read and write.”

I took both her hands in mine. “I want to help them, Lucy. They shouldn’t have to continue to fight to live when they fought for our freedom, so I want to start a non-profit to assist them. I’d do legal work pro bono, and get volunteers to help them find work and anything else they may need. Granted, I need to make a living, so I’m going to return to practicing law again and rejoin my mother’s firm.”

Lucy’s eyes grew wide, and before she could say anything, I said quickly, “I love politics—you know I do—and I plan to be involved, but I won’t be running for another term. Not right now. Being able to help men and women like those here is what I want to be doing.”

Hopeful, I looked into her beautiful eyes and was relieved to see that she understood.

She nodded. “That sounds like an excellent plan, if you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“Then I think that’s what you should do.”

After she placed a quick kiss on my lips, a man sitting in the corner reading Curious George drew her attention.

“That’s Christopher,” I said.

“What happened to him?”

“He had a stroke when he returned from combat. They think it happened there, but they can’t be sure.”

Lucy got up and walked over to him. I watched as she shook his hand and sat next to him. For the next hour, they read together while I made my rounds, chatting with others in the room. As I did, I couldn’t help but continue to glance at Lucy. Her patience was unwavering as she and Christopher slowly turned the pages of a children’s book. Then they smiled at each other and exchanged a few words before she walked back to me.

“I’d like to help too,” she said with a big grin. “Where do I sign up?”

So proud of my girl, I pulled her to my chest and hugged her before giving her a quick kiss. “You put yourself out there for me today, and I’ll never forget it.”

“Initially, I did do it for you, but when I was speaking, it was as if a weight was lifted off of me. Granted, I’d told my story to you and your family, but what I did today felt different. It was for both of us. I love you, Drake, and I want to be by your side and help wherever and however I can, no matter what you decide to do.”

My heart soared. That was exactly what I’d wanted to hear.

“So, we’ll do this together?”

She nodded. “Yes. Together.”

We headed back to the parking lot, and as we were buckling up in my car, I said, “Today must have been so difficult. Especially since that tacky reporter was there.”

“That’s the thing,” she said with a shrug. “It wasn’t. It’s funny, and not in a comical way, but in a strange one. For so many years, I protected myself against what people would think, but today, I wanted to protect you. It felt like second nature. I know how strange that sounds, because it even sounds strange to my own ears.”

I shook my head. “That’s how I felt too. It wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction, but I wanted to renounce my candidacy to protect you from anything that could hurt you. But my lady love is much stronger than I gave her credit for.”

Her cheeks took on a pinkish hue at my words, and the freckle that I loved to kiss rose as her lips curled into a smile.

“You bring out the best in me, Drake.”

“We bring out the best in each other.”

• • •

Instead of going to Jack’s house, I took her to mine. Thankfully, there weren’t any reporters camped out, which was a relief.

I needed to tell Ben before I made a statement about pulling out of the race, so I called him. He understood and was happy for me. He was a great campaign manager and knew the job well; I was sure he’d land a great job helping someone else.

After I made a light supper, I put on some music as Lucy and I relaxed on the couch, just like we had when we were at her home that first night.

Pulling her close, I said, “Remember when you couldn’t keep your hands off of me?”

When her face reddened, I smiled. I loved that I could make her blush.

“You looked so good,” she said shyly, “and the way your muscles felt underneath my fingers made me swoon.”

I chuckled. “Did you say ‘swoon’?”

“Yes, you’re very swoony.”

“Ms. Washburn, is that even a word?”

“It is now.”

Before I could say any more, Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” began to play. Lucy stood and faced me with a wicked gleam in her eye that I hadn’t seen before. Just as I was about to get up, she held up her index finger, and I froze.

She lifted her hair and moved her hips in a circular motion. Then she teasingly unbuttoned her dress painstakingly slowly, one small button at a time . . . teasing me. My dick stirred in my dress pants as it stiffened. She turned and looked back at me through her lashes as she shimmied her dress over the curve of her ass. When it fell to the floor, I practically needed to sit on my hands not to reach out and grab her.

Then it dawned on me. This was Lucy’s stripper song, and I wasn’t about to stop the show.

Her fingers slid from the top of her panties to the swell of her breasts as she caressed her body. But when she slipped her index finger into her mouth and wrapped her tongue around it, I almost came in my pants.

“You’re killing me,” I said on a groan.

Flirtatiously she asked, “Well, I wouldn’t want to do that now, would I?”

Right when I was about to grab her, she straddled my lap and gyrated on my hardened shaft—back and forth, and around and around. Her hands threaded in my hair as she brought her lips to mine.

“Mmm. You feel so good, Senator Prescott.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood, forcing her to wrap her legs around my waist to hold on, and carried her to my bedroom. When I laid her down on the bed, her half-lidded eyes raked over my body. Yes, she was definitely trying to kill me.

I’d never taken my clothes off so fast in all my life as I said, “I need you now, Lucy.”

She shed her panties and bra as I grabbed a condom from the side table and sheathed myself. When I lowered my hand between her legs, she groaned, and I slid one finger in her before adding another.

“All of you, Drake. I need all of you.”

“I’m all yours.”

I positioned myself between her splayed legs and thrust into her. We moved in unison until our orgasms claimed us.

As we lay there, trying to catch our breath, I pulled her close. “Someday you’re going to be Mrs. Prescott.”

“Is that a proposal?”

“What if it was?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Are you serious?”

I’d never been more serious about anything in my life. I had never imagined proposing while we were joined in the most intimate way possible and without a ring, but it was how I felt. I needed to make her mine in every way possible.

“Yes, I’m serious.”

She smiled. “I’d love to be your wife.”

I brought my lips down to hers. When we broke apart, her eyes sparkled.

“One more thing, Lucy.”

“Yes?”

“Promise me that you’ll never listen to “American Woman” unless I’m with you.”

The cutest laugh escaped her. “I promise. Only for you . . . always you.”

EPILOGUE

~ Lucy ~

Drake and I headed to his parents’ home for Sunday dinner. The entire family was going to be there, including Dane. Drake wanted to hold off telling the family we were engaged until we were all together, which drove me nuts, because every day since he proposed, I’d wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

Happiness consumed me as I look out the car’s window to see everything so green and alive with summer. So much had changed in the last couple of months. I glanced down at the one-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring Drake gave me, realizing that I truly loved my life, which wasn’t something I’d ever said before, much less thought of.

Freedom was the word that came to mind as I thought of how I was living my life. Abigail Winston was finally free. For years, I’d been afraid of the truth coming out. I was always looking over my shoulder, afraid someone from my past might recognize me, and it was a heavy burden to carry. But now that my history was out in the open, I was free to be me—Lucy Washburn, soon to be Lucy Prescott.

For so many years, I thought I knew who I was and what I wanted; after all, I did create the person I’d become. But that perception became muddled, unclear and unfocused, and I didn’t even know it. But when I met Drake, it was as if a dark cloud shifted and my world was brighter. Things became clear, thanks to him. What I thought was important actually wasn’t, and the fairy tale I never dared dream of became a reality.

I’d never been more shocked when he first asked me to marry him while our bodies were connected in the most intimate way possible. To me, that was enough, but Drake wanted me to have it all. A few days after I’d said yes, Drake called Mason, not to necessarily ask for his permission, but to tell him not to worry about me when he moved to California. Drake vowed to him that he would be the best husband to me, and would be by my side forever.

Naturally, Mace was happy because I was, and he did like Drake. However, I couldn’t help but laugh when Drake told me Mason said if he ever hurt me, he’d come back from California to kick his ass.

I’m going to miss my best friend.

When Drake got down on one knee to officially propose, my heart practically grew wings and fluttered in my chest. His proposal was something I’d never forget.

“Lucy,” he’d said, “there comes a time in one’s life when you realize what’s truly important, what dreams you want to become reality and what being in love actually means. When I met you, I knew you were someone special, someone I wanted in my life. What I didn’t realize at the time was that you are what dreams are made of. Nothing can compare to how you make me feel. I’ve felt love from my family my entire life, but your love is what makes my world go round. I want to create new dreams with you. Will you marry me?”

I’d cried at his words. He was everything I never knew I wanted—not only in a man, but in my life. Joyful tears had flowed freely down my face as I enthusiastically nodded.

Drake had wiped my tears away and slid a gorgeous ring on my finger. My fiancé wanted to consummate our engagement, so we’d spent the rest of the day in bed exploring, enjoying, and loving each other.

The memory made me smile as we pulled up and parked in the driveway behind Jack’s car that I loved so much.

“I’m nervous.” My voice was a bit shaky, which was ridiculous. Drake’s family had never made me feel like an outsider, but their son and brother’s entire life had changed since he met me.

Drake reached over and cupped my cheek. His thumb grazed the freckle that for some odd reason was one of his favorite things about me.

“There’s no need for you to be nervous,” he said. “Everyone here loves you; you’re family.”

Family. Would I ever get used to that?

“You know that Gretchen is going to be thrilled,” he added, “and believe me, she’ll want to help plan the wedding. You may want to elope.”

Drake chuckled, but the thought of having his sister want to help me was comforting. Although an elopement might have sounded exciting a couple of weeks ago, it no longer did. I wanted the world to know I was marrying the most amazing man on the planet.

He jumped out of the car and came around to open my door, and then held out a gallant hand for me. “Let’s do this, future Mrs. Prescott.”

I smiled as I took his hand, but was nervous just the same.

When Drake opened the front door, the house seemed empty. We were about to head to the backyard, but then Jack stepped out of the kitchen, holding a glass of red wine.

“There you are. Nice to see you two. It’s been a while. Everyone is out back.”

Family pictures were scattered throughout his parents’ home, and the love that filled the room warmed me more than the sun that peeked through the French doors. The streams of light created what looked like rainbows on the white marble floor we were walking on. Before we stepped outside, Drake brought my hand he was holding to his mouth and kissed the back of it.

“You ready to let them in on our secret?”

“Definitely.”

He gave my hand a quick squeeze, and we headed out back.

His mom came up to greet us, followed by Rick, Gretchen, and Josh, but Dane was nowhere to be seen. Drake would be disappointed if he wasn’t there, but then he came around the corner wearing a pair of low-slung swim trunks and a towel around his neck. Droplets of water that should have been freely running down his body were halted by the rippling muscles on his torso.

Never in my wildest imagination did I picture a golfer having a physique like his. He definitely didn’t seem like your typical plaid-wearing golfer, but nothing about Drake’s brother was ordinary.

“Hey, lovebirds.” Dane shook Drake’s hand. “Sorry, I was in the hot tub. My muscles needed a break, and I didn’t have time for a massage.”

Dane shifted his attention to me, and although he was definitely sexy, I wasn’t attracted to him. But that never stopped him from using me to poke at his brother.

“My, my. Don’t you look particularly beautiful today, Lucy.” Dane’s deep brown eyes scoured me from head to toe. Then he leaned in and gave me a swift kiss on the lips. “Blue is definitely your color.”

“I really wish you’d stop kissing my fiancée.” Drake nudged his brother, who snapped his attention back to Drake with wide eyes.

“Your fiancée?”

Gretchen shrieked as she ran up and threw both her arms around us. “Oh my God! I knew it! I told Josh you two would end up together! I’m so excited! When’s the wedding? Am I in it? Please say I’m in it! This is going to be so much fun!”

Her enthusiasm and rapid-fire questions made me laugh. Drake gave me a look that clearly said I told you so.

“Does Mason know?” she asked. “Is he coming back to celebrate?”

“He does, and I’m not sure,” I said with a smile. “We haven’t talked about it yet.”

“I’ll text him later and ask,” Gretchen said, which surprised me. I didn’t know they kept in touch, but was happy they did.

Rick welcomed me to the family, but when his mom hugged me, I felt it down to my toes. Her embrace was motherly, heartfelt, and pure; everything a mom should be.

Tina swiped a tear away and hugged her son. “You made a fantastic choice.”

“There isn’t anyone who I’d rather spend my life with. Lucy is my other half,” Drake said before he kissed his mom on the cheek.

Jack and Josh gave their brother enthusiastic congratulations, and then Dane walked up to Drake. He held out his hand, and Drake shook it. “I’m happy for you, big brother,” he said, and they embraced.

“Lucy, I couldn’t be happier that you’re going to be my sister-in-law,” Gretchen said, and squealed as she gave me another hug.

Rick brought out a bottle of champagne while Tina carried glasses. Once we each had a flute filled with bubbly, he stood at the end of the table and raised his glass.

“To my son, Drake, and my future daughter-in-law, Lucy. May your lives be filled with every happiness, and may your hearts always be filled with love. We all wish nothing more than for all your dreams to come true.”

After we’d all clicked glasses and had taken a sip of the sparkling wine, Josh called out, “Who’s ready to eat?” He went back to the grill to take the steaks and chicken off the heat, and piled them on a large platter he placed in the center of the table.

The food tasted as good as it looked. Josh was an excellent cook, and if he weren’t needed in our wedding party, I’d have him cater the reception.

“Bro, this is fantastic. It’s so much better than the food I’ve had lately.” Dane shoved a piece of bread in his mouth.

Josh smiled. “Thanks, but aren’t you eating at some of the best country clubs?”

Dane shifted in his seat but didn’t answer.

Jack leaned forward and caught his eye. “So, Dane, what’s her name?”

We all stilled and looked at Dane as his tanned face darkened, taking on a red tint. He didn’t say anything at first, but then after more sibling prodding, he finally said, “Which one?” with a chuckle.

When Jack didn’t buy it, Dane’s shoulders slumped a little as he said, “Beverly. I met her at a party I had to attend, and there was just something about her.” He glanced at me as he added, “She’s a teacher too.”

I smiled at him, but Dane shrugged. “But I’m not in the position to have a girlfriend, nor am I looking for forever.”

“Sure you’re not.” Drake chuckled. “I hate to tell you this, buddy, but even when you aren’t looking for it, that doesn’t mean it won’t find you.”

“Well, I don’t want to be found.” Dane ignored his champagne and grabbed a beer instead.

“Sometimes it isn’t up to you. When you meet the one, you’ll understand what I mean.” Drake looked at all his siblings. “You’ll see.”

We had a great time that day with his family . . . my new family. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about one another.

My own mom tried to contact me after the press conference I’d crashed, but I didn’t reply to her message. It was odd hearing her voice, but the word “sorry” was never spoken. She did, however, say that the local media had tried to interview them, and that she was mortified that our personal business had become so public.

I briefly thought about calling her back and giving her a piece of my mind, but I refrained. It wasn’t worth my time or effort. Not once did she say she was happy that I was okay and with a good man; it was always about her . . . about them. Her call only reinforced my conviction that I made the right decision when I left.

Life is nothing more than a series of choices, and I’ve learned the hard way that the decisions we make can impact not only our life, but the lives of others. Through our mistakes and successes, we not only learn right from wrong, but how to cope and how to heal. We may not be able to choose the life we’re born into, but if we make the right choices, we have the chance to create the life we want.

I’m so thankful to those who’ve paved the way before us, the brave men and women who fight the battles that make us stronger as a country. Thanks to them, Drake and I are able to live our dream and create a history together we can be proud of.

Drake Prescott will always have my vote. He will forever be my incumbent, and no other can take his place. He taught me that love is the only vote that counts.

THE END