She sighs softly. “I know. I’ve just had lots of time at my mom’s to think about what matters most to me. And it’s not a job or an elected office or money. It’s you. My family.”
I nod. “I’ve been thinking too, and you’re right. I don’t want all our memories of this time in our life to be about campaigning and rallies and fancy dinners. I want a family with you. And if you’re ready… I mean, if you want me to… I’ll walk away from this.”
“Jude, you can’t.”
“I can.”
“This is your dream. I don’t want you giving up your dream for me.”
I shake my head. “Forus, babe. And this isn’t my dream—you are.”
Tears well in her eyes. “Wow. You never stop amazing me, Jude. But honestly, no—I don’t want you to drop out. I don’t know for sure what the future holds for us, but I know how many times you’ve put me first, and it’s my turn to put you first. Just promise you’ll keep me by your side if you win.”
“You aren’t sure about that? Reagan, I always want you by my side.”
“I know, but there’ll be special interests and pressure, and—”
“Always. You’re first, and everyone else is second. That’s never gonna change.”
She nods and smiles. “I think you’re gonna do this, Jude. I was looking over the poll numbers on the flight, and I have a feeling it’ll be you.”
I kiss her forehead again. “We have to keep campaigning like we’re behind, though.”
“I know. And I’m all in. Anything you need. However I can help. I want to make up for the time I missed here.”
I wink at her. “You can make that up to me between the sheets, babe.”
Her sweet, sexy laugh makes my cock stir to life. “Like I said, I’m at your service.”
“Excellent.”
I zip up the hoodie and take her hand, heading toward the Starbucks I saw on the way to our parking spot.
“How’d you find us?” I ask, giving her a puzzled look as we walk.
“Tyson.”
“Ah. You guys are becoming BBFs on me, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t go that far. But we are having friendship bracelets made.”
Her quick wit was one of the first things I fell in love with. I squeeze her hand, using the other one to wave at the driver of a car who honks at us and waves, yelling, “I’m voting for you!” out his open car window.
“Thanks, man!” I wave back at him.
We make it to the coffee shop, which has a line. I look at Reagan as we wait.
“I was thinking that, win or lose, we should take a trip after the election,” I say.
She considers. “Yeah, but…if it’s win, there’ll be tons of transition work to start on.”
“It’ll wait.”
“Is there somewhere you want to go?”
I shrug. “Somewhere private with a beach. That’s all I care about.”
“That sounds nice.”
