“I can’t order Secret Service to spy on them.”
I mean, more than what they already have. I don’t even want to admit I did that much.
“Narcissistic injury runs deep in people like Ellis and Stella,” she says. “If you’re lucky it might only manifest in something as harmless as giving a negative tell-all interview that coincides with you announcing some big public policy win.”
“‘Harmless’?”
She shrugs. “Compared to fomenting an attack on the Capitol.”
“Oh. True.”
“But,” she continues, “they’ll likely try to find any weakness, real or perceived, to attack your agenda. Something they can crow about and use to burnish their own reputations while tarnishing yours. No matter what you do, don’t trust either of them.”
“Thatwon’t be a problem.”
We talk and get absorbed in a documentary about Yellowstone National Park, and before I know it it’s a little after midnight and Jordan’s smiling down at us where we fell asleep on the couch.
He escorts Kayley upstairs to her room, because she’s half asleep. By the time he rejoins me I’ve made it into the bathroom.
“I take it this means you two have reached detente?” he jokes.
“Yeah. We were talking and I guess we fell asleep.”
“Obviously.”
Once we’re curled up together in bed, I ask. “How’d it go tonight?”
“Secret Service loved that they didn’t have to secure yet another location,” he jokes. “Most of the guests were either current or former Secret Service agents. Chris and Kev. George and Declan were there, too. Oh, and Ward Callahan and Liam Davis, and Liam’s husband, Daniel.”
“Oooh,” I say. “Like it’s a secret poly society.”
Jordan snorts. “Sort of.” The last three men are another secret political triad, although Callahan and Davis, two former senators, are now happily out of office. I believe they’re practicing law again in Massachusetts. Daniel used to be the chief of staff for a congressman and, from what I’ve heard, the triad’s convoluted path to happiness makes ours look like a damned cakewalk.
“Did you all have fun tonight?” Jordan asks.
I close my eyes and snuggle tighter against him. “Yeah, but I’m glad you’re home.”
He kisses the back of my neck. “Me, too.” After a moment, he speaks again. “Okay, you want to tell me what’s wrong now, or are we playing twenty questions tonight?”
I roll to face him and relate what Kayley said about Stella and Ellis.
“Yeah, I might have already instructed Secret Service to maintain an adequate buffer around you tomorrow where they’re concerned. That, and because the Second Family will be there, and we really don’t want your sister ending up in traction with all the press around.”
“Oooh, I didn’t even think about that excuse. That’s genius.”
“Yeah, well, that’s why you get to suck my cock, baby. Because I’m the brains of the support operation.” I snort as he continues. “Admittedly, as much fun as it’d be to see Ily kick Stella and Ellis’ asses, I’d rather not have to saddle Angie with additional work handling the fallout.”
“I’d pay money to see it, though.”
He snorts. “You and nearly every congressman in the House, along with a few senators from both parties.”
CHAPTERFIFTY-THREE
Our Saturday weddingmorning dawns crisp and clear with a beautiful, light blanket of snow on the ground soaking up the purple light ahead of the sun cresting the horizon. The weather was taken into consideration and there is a large heated tent set up just outside, where the reception will be held. The guest list tops out at 192 people so I don’t think we’ll have any problems fitting everyone inside the White House for the wedding.
Especially if Stella and Ellis don’t show.
I stand at our bedroom window with the curtains pulled open just enough I can look out over the White House grounds. I’m glad we’re not doing this on Valentine’s Day, because that’s trite.
