“Matt needs to butt out of my personal life. I’m an adult, and he has a cheek telling me what and what not to do,” Ashley said, on a roll now. She was in the mood to send her nosy brother a sharply worded email or blast him during a succinct phone call.
“Yes.” Josh’s smile was broader, and it lit up his blue eyes, drawing her in, stealing her breath.
“What?” Ashley asked.
“Yes, I want you in my life. I still have no clue what to do job-wise, but having you as my wife—that I’m certain about. Ashley Townsend, will you marry me?”
“Are you sure?” Ashley barely breathed, every part of her focused on Josh and his answer.
“Yes. It didn’t take me long to fall for you. You’re not only sexy and smart, but your determination and work ethic got me. You consider other people, care for them, and even though we might be on opposite sides of the political spectrum, I admire you. Whenever I think of you, I can’t imagine a time when you’re not at my side.”
“And my political career? If the Labor party gets voted into power, I’ll be the next prime minister. We’d have to live in Wellington for part of the year and Auckland the rest. We’d have to travel, and when foreign dignitaries visit New Zealand, you’d have to stand at my side.”
“It sounds as if you’re trying to put me off.”
“I’m not. Walking away from you would hurt, but you must understand what you’d be signing up for by marrying me. Yes, I’d love children, but not immediately. I’ve had my eye on the prime minister job since I was a kid. If I fail this time, I’ll try again. Giving up isn’t part of my vocabulary.”
“Since we’ve been together, I’ve had a taste of the future. I understand a little of what I might face. Yes to the children, but we have time to plan a family. Things will calm once the cops catch your stalker. I want this, Ashley. I want you.”
Josh closed the distance between them, and Ashley met him halfway. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and brought her flush with his hard frame. Their lips met, and he kissed her. Softly at first, then with growing passion.
A knock at the door interrupted. “We need to leave now,” Nelson called.
“Coming,” Josh replied. “Are you nervous about the results?”
“No, I did the best job I could. If I didn’t swing the voters around my way, I’ll try again in three years at the next election. I’ll wish the leader of the National party well, congratulate him and his party on their win, and move on. That’s all I can do.”
Josh stroked her cheek. “One thing, before you go. I love you, and your brother will be difficult. What do you say we get married during your first free weekend? We’ll zap up to Fiji for a long weekend and make our relationship official.”
Ashley considered his suggestion for all of five seconds. Her mother had turned into Bridezilla’s mother during her older sister’s wedding. “Yes. I’ll have Summer block out time in my schedule.”
“I owe Nikolai a favor and promised to babysit my nephew to allow him and Summer a special night. What if I arrange a babysitter and ask them to come to Fiji as our witnesses? Would you be okay with that?”
“Done deal. I’ll speak to Summer and tell her it’s my treat for stepping in and helping me with the campaign. We’ll spring the wedding surprise on them once we arrive in Fiji.”
“I’ll arrange the wedding part,” Josh said. “I’ll have plenty of time to sort out licenses and hotels. The flights.”
“Ashley. Josh.” Nelson pounded on the door again.
Josh brushed his lips over hers and clasped her hand. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“We’re gonna be late.” Nelson narrowed his brown gaze on them.
“We were having an important discussion,” Josh said. “Couldn’t wait.”
“Right.” Nelson’s tone edged toward a growl. “Normal procedure. Gerry will back up the car and give us an all-clear then Josh and I will escort you to the door.”
“Thank you, Nelson.” Ashley forced a smile. Tension simmered in the man, which ratcheted up her own anxiety.
They performed the maneuver they’d perfected over the weeks and were soon driving toward the hotel where the Labor party intended to celebrate or commiserate over the election results. Although tempted, Ashley had refrained from checking the early results.
“Are you worried you might lose your Manurewa seat?” Josh murmured.
“No. I’ve worked hard for my electorate, and I’m confident of retaining my majority vote. There is always the possibility of a surprise. That’s what makes this career so fascinating.”
“Not much job security,” Josh said.
“I figured I’d go into office administration if I’m ever ousted.” Ashley tilted her chin. She’d consider it a new challenge. A chance to grow. “That’s my backup plan. I’m skilled at scheduling, communication, most computer programs. I figure I could cope.”
