Because Iknowas we stare into each other’s eyes that this man before me is going to be the man I marry. He’djustclaimed me.
Believe it or not, I’m damn good with that.
Chapter Four
Now
Owen and I walk into the massive ballroom to thunderous applause, a literal standing ovation. Dray and Carter have put together an amazing event for us tonight, one that’s personally meaningful to us as a campaign, as the people taking office, as an administration, and one that’s meaningful to our state as a whole.
We want to heal divides and put our best foot forward while showcasing our state’s talents in multiple areas.
There will be a light dinner first, buffet-style, before the actual dancing. And cake. We have a table near the stage where the bands will play. Momma and Daddy are seated nearby, along with Owen’s dad and step-mother. Other tables close to us seat Carter’s parents and some of his brothers and their significant others, Owen’s brothers and sisters, and other close friends and family.
We juggled the seating around a little to put Dray on Owen’s other side, since Carter was seated next to me. I jealously didn’t want any women seated next to Owen. I joked we could say I hogged Owen’s COS for the evening, so Owen hogged mine.
But bless their hearts, my guys made it so.
When I see that, I drop Dray a knowing wink, which he returns with a smile of his own. Gregory’s on Dray’s far side, and that’s the end of the table.
Carter and Dray also played around with the seating chart so that a larger and much more visible table holds quite a few dignitaries, such as the members of the Executive Cabinet—the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Ag, who are all elected, not appointed—along with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of State—who are appointed. That table’s occupants also include US Senator ShaeLynn Samuels.
It’s close to our smaller table, which unlike all the other tables is straight instead of round. It’s also much more visible than our own, which is positioned in the front left corner of the ballroom, and at an angle to the stage. An emergency door is located directly behind us, so it’s not merely to make Carter comfortable. It’s also a legitimate security issue. An armed deputy stands guard by the door to keep anyone from coming in, but Owen and I can easily rush out that way, if necessary.
More importantly, the dignitary table is placed so it’s easier for them to see andbeseen, especially by the press. Makes them feel important and spotlighted, and everyone has to pass by them to reach our table.
Meaning they’re getting a lot of attention, and people are hung up talking to them before they ever reach us. The dignitaries’ egos are stroked, and they’re happy.
Carter and Dray are geniuses. We’re not bogged down with as many people as we would be, because they’re stopping at the dignitary table first.
Brilliant!
Plus, Carter’s no dummy. Senator Samuels is a huge boon to have in attendance tonight. Rumors are flying she’s eyeing a run for POTUS in a few years, just like I imagined she would all those years ago when I interned for her mother.
Despite the fact that she’s a Democrat, a sophomore Senator, and only thirty-seven, we want her on our side for many reasons. She stumped for us during this election, and she’ll be an important endorsement for Owen’s re-election, as well as for my own run in eight years.
I learned so much from Daddy over the years by attending events with him, listening to his talks with other politicians and party officials. But I learned a few valuable lessons from Senator Marlene Samuels, ShaeLynn’s mother.
The first thing I learned was to never be ashamed of your goals, never apologize for them.
Ownthem.
Carter and I are involved in a discussion with Daddy about—what else—a bill that will be hitting committee, when I realize Owen’s left the table. I never saw him leave, and I don’t have time to look around for him. But when he returns a few minutes later, he’s carrying two plates of food.
One for himself, and one for me.
It’s perfect, too, because he knows exactly what I like and would want to eat from the offered selections.
I somehow manage to blink back tears while I give him a friendly smile and poke his shoulder. “Thank you, O.” It’s our public-safe code when I don’t dare call himboy. His first name’s Owen,duh, and we’re friends.
He smiles, my sweet boy. “You’re welcome, Ma’am.” He tucks his napkin into his lap and glances my way.
I give him a quick nod, knowing what he wants.
He starts eating.
We won’t always be able to do this, so I want to give him what I can, when I can. Carter long ago lifted his requirements for Owen to ask permission to start eating, or before leaving our sides when we’re in public, rules Owen loved and thrived on for years.
That he made a point of doing this for me tonight means the world to me. It’s one small way he can also let me know he still considers himself mine, even if he’s now my boss.
