“Anyway I’ve mostly been writing for you and following Brady to campaign events before grad school starts,” Liz said.

“Give yourself some credit.” Brady nudged her. “You’ve practically been writing my speeches all summer. If you weren’t already set on journalism, then I might suggest speech communications. You’re better than my speechwriter.”

Liz beamed at his compliment. “Thank you.” She had never considered speech communications or even speech writing before Brady, but she did enjoy it.

“You’re at Maryland, right?” Justin asked. “How much is that going to interfere with the site?”

“I’ll make time. I like the blog.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Justin turned his attention back to his cigarette.

Liz glanced over at Brady. “It completely slipped my mind until Justin just mentioned it, but when we were at the JJ gala I was asked what charity I’m heading.”

“You’re not heading a charity.”

“Well, yes. I know that. But I told them I was working with underprivileged children and education. I figured it was a politician’s truth.”

He tilted his head to look at her. “You mean you want to do the work?”

“I don’t want to head any charity,” she quickly amended, “but you know how passionate I am about education, especially reform in primary education. I thought it would be an easy thing to move into and I thought . . . you know . . . since, well . . . you know people.”

Brady eyed her curiously. “Are you asking for my help?”

“I thought it might be good to have something to stand behind while I stand beside you.”

“Are you sure you want to add more work to your plate?”

“It isn’t work,” she insisted. “It’s doing something I believe in and helping people less fortunate. The same thing that you’re doing in Congress, just on a different scale.”

“I’m going to keep you,” he whispered into her hair.

“I sure hope so.”

“I’ll get you in contact with the right person. Thank you for letting me help you.”

She closed her eyes and breathed in the late-night air mingling with the smoke from the bonfire. She let her mind drift away as she lay snuggled in Brady’s arms, content in the company of good friends and the love of her life.

Chapter 24

A REDO

Liz tugged anxiously on the black-lace sheath that hugged her figure like a glove. It had detailed cap sleeves and a lace V neckline. Her hair hung loose to the middle of her back in delicate finger waves, and light, smoky makeup had been carefully applied. This was her big debut at Brady’s biggest fund-raising gala of the year.

Two years ago Brady had brought someone else to the event, but had ended up confessing that he loved Liz later that night. It had all been so confusing at the time, and some of that old anxiety materialized inside of her once more.

“Would you relax? You’re going to be fine,” Brady assured her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and slowly kneaded the tense muscles.

“I know. I know.”

“Then would you lose some of the tension? You’ve been to gala events with me before.”

“I know, but never one for you, where I’ll have to parade around and pose for pictures with you all night,” she said softly.

“You’re not just arm candy. You’re the woman I love. I want people to get used to seeing you with me. Where you belong.”

Liz sighed softly and turned to look up into his brown eyes. “Do you always say the right thing?”

“It’s my job.”

“Okay. Let’s go then. I can’t be any more ready than I am right now.”

“You’ll do fine. Don’t worry. The limo is waiting,” he said as he walked toward the door. “Can you grab my phone?”

“Sure.” Liz snatched her gold beaded clutch up off of the table. Brady’s phone was sitting next to it. She grabbed that too, stashing it into her purse as she followed him out the door.

The driver opened the door for them and they both slid into the darkened interior. Brady wrapped an arm around her waist and planted soft kisses down her neck and over her shoulder.

They pulled up to the front entrance of the convention center a few minutes later. Heather was waiting outside with a photographer and a woman who Brady told Liz was the event planner. The photographer snapped shots of each of them stepping out of the limo. Brady placed his hand on the small of her back and more photos were taken. Liz smiled until her jaw hurt and then smiled some more. The photographer finally stopped and the event planner rushed over.

She walked Brady through the last-minute details as Liz stood a short distance from Heather, waiting to go inside.

“Are you happy that the primary is so close?” Liz asked Heather, trying to strike up conversation.

“Sooner it’s over the sooner we can work on the real race,” she said, barely glancing at Liz.

“Crazy how much has changed in two years. This was the night you first found out about me and Brady.”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t just say everything that’s on your mind tonight. No one needs to know you were here before,” Heather said harshly.

“Look, I know you hate me, but do you mind toning down the condescending-bitch voice for two seconds? I was just carrying on a perfectly normal conversation with you, and every time I try, you snap at me. I’m not here to mess up Brady’s chance at reelection. In fact, I’ve done nothing but support him. I’ve even been writing Brady’s speeches. Good speeches! I’ve done everything exactly how I’ve been told.”

Well, aside from the Dear Congress articles, but she wasn’t about to bring them up.

“He loves me. He told you two years ago, and it still hasn’t changed. I’m going to be around for a while. I’d appreciate if you started treating me like a human being.”

Heather didn’t say anything for a moment, and then she turned to look at Liz. “You’re right.”

“What?” Liz gasped.

“Would you prefer I disagree with you?”

“No. I just . . . was expecting you to.”

“You’re a liability. That much is very certain, Liz. I’ve stood by that from day one.”

“Yeah. I remember.”