Mom looks to Dad, who finally nods.
“Thank you,” and I hug her again, holding her, fighting the urge to start crying. Dad lets me hug him.
“Love you both,” I say.
They wearily nod. “Love you, sweetie,” Mom says.
Dad pats me on the shoulder. “Love you, son.” Then the detail escorts them out the back entrance so they don’t have to pass through the crowds.
I watch them go. “I fucked this up, didn’t I?”
Leo drapes his arm around me. “It was never going to be easy, pet. But at least you did it completely on your terms. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
* * *
Somehow,I make it through the rest of the night. We attend five different balls before it’s down to just the three of us in the limo a little before one a.m. as we speed back to the White House.
I have a feeling Stella’s probably throwing up at their townhouse. Ellis can’t be having a much better night. It wouldn’t shock me if he’s working the phones trying to find out who’s talked to Leo and exactly about what.
Leo looks beyond pleased with himself as he holds me where I’m lying with my head in his lap. Jordan’s sitting on my other side and skimming through his phone. When he reaches over and runs his finger along Jordan’s ring, which is on his right hand, he smiles, but doesn’t comment.
“Cue the far-right conservative outrage,” Jordan mutters. “Casey-Marie’s press release is fantaaaaasstic,” he sing-songs. “The RNC is absolutelyshittingitself putting out fires and reining in what remains of the Freedom Caucus assholes. They’ve already put out three press releases congratulating you and Elliot and condemning the bigoted tweets and comments some of their members have released. The House and Senate minority leaders have also released statements condemning the backlash and are threatening sanctions against caucus members.” He snorts, smiling. “Guess we ruined their fun tonight and made them work.Ha.”
I refocus on Leo. “Where’d you get all that information about Stella, Master? And what, exactly, do you have on Ellis?”
Leo shrugs. “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” He smirks. “Doesn’t matter what I have or where I got it. Just matters that I’ve been sitting on it and waiting for it to pay off, some of it for years, and it has.” He pauses. “You said everything’s arranged for my parents and Kayley to fly in tomorrow?” They were already scheduled to fly in for a visit because his sister’s birthday is in two weeks. Jordan arranged it with them saying it was a surprise visit for Leo.
At least that’s the story he told them when he booked everything. They also thought they’d be staying in a hotel.
Not exactly, though. Obviously, they’re staying in the White House with us.
Jordan told Leo about them flying in on our way to the second ball.
“Yes, Sir,” Jordan says. “Their details introduced themselves and moved into position immediately after the announcement. Casey-Marie’s confirmed their flight details and everything.”
I close my eyes. “Please tell me I did the right thing.”
“Hey.” I open my eyes again at Leo’s tone. Looking up into his brown gaze I feel peace settle over me.
“You’refinallyout,” he quietly says. “That means I’ll be waiting for you at the end of every day. Or come to you, if you need me, whenever you need me. We can betogether. No more juggling. No more excuses. No more Jordan covering for us.” He smiled. “And Jordan can finally take a fucking break every once in a while, which he desperately needs.”
“Jordan doesnotmind that in theleast,” he snarks where he’s still on his phone. “Jordan is fucking happy ashellover that, thank you very much.”
Leo leans over and kisses him before focusing on me again. “A little howling and righteous indignation are to be expected but those assholes didn’t vote for you, anyway, and wouldn’t have voted for Ciro. So fuck ’em. And now Jordan gets to throw us a wedding.”
We look at him. He looks up from his phone, sees the playful expressions we’re both wearing, and finally laughs. “Jesus, you two will be the death of me. You know that?”
“Come on, you know you love us,” Leo teases. He grabs Jordan’s right hand, brings it to his lips, and kisses his ring.
Jordan sighs melodramatically. “Yeah, I do. It’s the only explanation for me hanging around this damned circus so long.”
I reach for his hand and tug so he leans in to kiss me. “Thank you, Sir,” I say. “Tonight was absolutely perfect.”
Jordan smiles as he brushes the hair from my eyes. “You’re welcome, boy.” Leo clears his throat, making Jordan grin and look up. “Hey,dude, he’s stillmyboy for the next four years. He’s yourpet.”
Shaking his head, Leo chuckles and kisses him again. “Yeah, he is.” His gaze returns to mine and he holds up four fingers. “Four more years until Ifinallyget both of you all to myself and don’t have to share you with the whole fucking world.” He sighs. “Guess I’m working in the East Wing now. That’ll be new.” He reaches over and pokes Jordan’s shoulder. “Glad I have someone I can ask for help.”
Jordan giggles. “Chris?”
