That means his step-mom, Katie, and is a deliberate dig at Owen’s mother, who isn’t here tonight because Owen has no contact with her anymore.
“Senator and Doctor Evans. Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Wilson. Our family and friends. Everyone stepped in to support me and help me and encourage me, and that humbles me.
“I never want to forget why we’re here, or what we’re here to do, or the fact that I’m not a governor only to the people who checked the box by my name. I’m the governor ofFlorida, ofallits residents, regardless of how they voted or what party they’re registered under.
“Tonight is truly the start of the next stage of my life. I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous. I’m not going to let that stop me, though. I’m going to remember this feeling and use it to make sure I weigh every action I take, every decision I make as governor, so I know that it’s what’s in the best interest of our state. Even if it’s an unpopular decision.
“I’m not going to pander to some mythical ‘base’ that doesn’t exist. I think the fact that we got elected as Independents means that there are voters on both sides of the aisle who are as tired of politics as usual as we were when we decided to run. I’m looking forward to working with lawmakers from both parties—and the growing number of Independents who are choosing to run outside the usual party lines—to make our state even better. Thank you, and let’s dance!”
Thunderous applause fills the room. Someone takes the mic from Owen. As our boy descends from the stage, Carter leads me out from behind the table, holding my hand. When we meet Owen at the bottom of the steps and the orchestra starts playing, Carter makes a point of handing me over to Owen with a smile and a flourish, bowing from the waist and making both of us laugh.
I step into Owen’s arms, and we’re dancing to the orchestra playingNext to Meby Imagine Dragons as a girl from the choir sings the opening lyrics before the rest of the choir chimes in.
Owen picked this song. It was one of the details they held back from me, Owen wanting it to be a surprise. It’s one of his favorites, one of Carter’s favorites. Somehow, I managenotto cry. I also force myself not to press my body against his like we’ve danced in private countless times. He’s wearing a smile and silently singing along with the words as we slowly sway in time with the music.
I stare up into his gorgeous green eyes and smile. “I’m proud of you, O.”
He smiles. “Thank you, Ma’am.”
As we dance, I’m aware that Carter has started dancing with his mother. Daddy and Momma, as well as Gerard and Katie, are dancing, too. Carter hands his mother off to one of his older brothers, because his father can barely walk due to his arthritis and begged off dancing. Then Carter walks over to us to cut in, as was planned. Owen’s supposed to dance with Katie next.
But instead of handing me off to Carter, Owen grins, grabs Carter, and leaves me standing there wide-eyed and laughing as he spins off across the floor with Carter in his arms to a chorus of laughter and applause from everyone who’s actually paying attention. It looks like nothing more than a couple of old buddies screwing around. They make their way back to me, Owen giving Carter a long, strong hug and the two of them clapping each other on the back before Owen hands him off to me with a flourish and a deep bow from the waist, just to earn more laughter from the audience.
Our boy.
As Carter and I dance, he’s still smirking and glancing over at Owen, who’s now talking to Senator Samuels.
“Did you know he was going to do that?” I softly ask, keeping my lips as still as possible.
“No.” He chuckles. “I should have known he’d do something.” From the playful gleam in Carter’s eyes, I can tell Owen didn’t earn any punishment strokes for that stunt.
The bastard extraordinaire is happy Owen got to share that little bit of joy with him, right out in the open in front of everyone.
Owen got to dance withbothof us.
I’ll happily take the win, and, apparently, so will Carter.
Personally, we get so few public chances like that, it means we savor and treasure them when they do happen.
We dance and talk, and I take a break to make the rounds again, as does Owen. At one point, I get a moment to hug Rebecca Soliz Martin, who, with her husband and father, were special guests of ours tonight. Her father is an old, dear friend of Daddy’s, and a good friend of the family.
Of course I wasn’t going to cut them out of this celebration. She’s given us valuable advice through the years, especially for Owen’s first run for office, for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission. Years ago, when we were both kids, Rebecca and I used to share a tent together during camping trips with our fathers and their friends. She’s only a few years older than I am. I suspect it’s no coincidence we both ended up in politics, she as a consultant and strategist, me as a politician.
When I eventually rejoin Carter at our table, I lean in. “Thank you for making sure Rebecca and her father were invited,” I whisper behind my hand.
Carter smiles and leans in so he can speak in my ear. “Don’t worry, pet. I’ll never forget those who helped us get where we are now.”
But as he leans back, I almost think…
No, I must be wrong.
Carter has different expressions—smiles, smirks, frowns. Over the years, Owen and I have grown adept at reading those expressions as if Carter were holding up signs telegraphing what he’s thinking. The three of us can hold entire silent conversations and understand everything.
There’s one expression in particular I’ve seen the bastard extraordinaire wear plenty of times when he’s pleased about something especially devious he’s achieved, whether privately with myself or when with Owen, or something having to do with our law careers, such as delivering a devastating point against opposing counsel at trial. Or even something to do with the campaign, such as Owen scoring a powerful blow during a debate.
Carter wore one such look when Owen took down Kevin Markos in that interview the Sunday after the school shooting.
Or, maybe it’s just nerves on my part, and I’m seeing things that aren’t there. I opt to let it go. Because I know my husband, and even if therewassomething behind that smile, there’s something else Idoknow for certain—
