“Actually, we know it is.” Bianca holds up a piece of paper, full of Harold’s scratchy handwriting. “He left this on his desk, a note leaving the club in your and Andra’s names.”
The rest of the group nods.
Callum’s hold on my arm tightens and I turn to him, the bubble of happiness in my chest on the verge of popping. I can’t take over the club if it means damaging his campaign.
But there’s a smile in his eyes as he asks me, “Is this what you want?”
“I think so,” I whisper, afraid to latch on to this possibility if it’s only going to be snatched from me. “But I won’t, if it means—”
“Don’t even think about turning down something you want because of me.” He cups my cheek in his hand, his thumb running along the line of my jaw.
I lean into his touch for a brief second before turning my attention back to the women in front of me. Some of them are watching Callum and me with expressions bordering on sappy. Some, like Tes, look like they want to throw up. But all of them grin when I tell them I accept, enveloping me in a stifling hug that I never want to end.
The hug breaks apart only when Alex comes to tell us Callum is about to be announced, and the girls head out to the main lobby.
I start to walk toward the grand staircase, where Callum will deliver his first speech as the Scotan presidential candidate, ready to stand by his side, but he pulls me back, his brow furrowed. My heart sinks. Despite the impending disappointment, I still feel like taking over the club is the best decision for me. “I can stay backhere. We can delay the marriage announcement, or cancel the marriage altogether.” For some reason the thought of losing something I don’t even know for sure I want makes me incredibly sad.
“Cate. How many times are we going to have to have the same conversation?” The corners of his eyes crinkle with an exasperated smile.
“I don’t know. Several, I’m assuming.”
He takes my face in his hands and kisses me softly. “Are you happy? Is this truly what you want?”
I nod, the movement breaking his hold on my cheeks. “It is. And I am happy. But only if my decisions don’t affect your future.”
He takes a deep breath. “I had something different planned for my announcement, you know.”
This time it’s my brow that furrows.
He continues without giving me time to interrupt. “I was going to tell everyone that you are the one who killed Harold, and that you not only earned the candidacy, but you had my full support. That’s why I chose La Puissance for the location to deliver this address. This place is what made you the person you are today, and the person you are is someone who would make an incredible leader, Cate.”
My heart softens, squeezing inside my chest. “Callum. You are wonderful and perfect, and so incredibly misguided sometimes.”
He frowns. “I don’t know about that.”
“I have no desire to be president of Avon. That is a job you were born to do. Just as I was meant to be the head of the club. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be and I can’t wait to stand by your side.” I loop my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me.
I’ve already heard the speech he will deliver to his people in a few moments, have heard him speak about how he has plans for a future where everyone in Avon has equitable resources, where the Giftedare no longer treated as second-class citizens. He is going to do great things for the people of this country.
He leans in and kisses me, soft at first, and then deeply. Warmth shoots through me and I rise up on my toes, pressing my body to him. His heartbeat pounds in his chest, and mine syncs with his.
A throat clears. “It’s time.”
We break apart and turn to see Alex waiting for us, a frown creased on his perpetually tense face.
I fix Callum’s hair, taming those gorgeous copper-colored curls. “You ready?”
He nods, his hand slipping down to lace his fingers through mine. “Are you?”
“I’m ready for anything if you’re there with me.”
He tugs on my hand and we start a slow walk through the kitchen and out toward the grand staircase, waiting to hear our names announced to the sound of raucous cheers from the large crowd. “My lady, that comment was downright sappy.”
“This is what you’ve done to me, Your Highness.”
He lifts our interlocked hands to his mouth and kisses the back of my hand. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He pulls us to a stop just out of the sight line of the crowd of people. “I love you, Cate.”
“I love you too, Callum.”
