Michelle Walters was Elizabeth’s third assistant in two years. It was ridiculous that good clerical help was so difficult to find. Unfortunately, it appeared that Michelle was no different from the others. Such a shame. She certainly possessed all the other assets Elizabeth had been looking for. Distinguished bearing, well dressed, and well mannered.
But no one was perfect, and this final paragraph certainly hailed that truth.
“Yes, ma’am?” Michelle hurried to Elizabeth’s desk. “I was just on my way out the door.” Her harried gaze met Elizabeth’s. “Remember Imentioned that my eight-year-old has her first dance competition today.” She glanced at the clock. “I really need to be out the door already.”
Three children. Two years younger than Elizabeth and the woman had three children already. Elizabeth understood how important parenting was and how challenging holding down a full-time job on top of that must be. Still, there was work to be done. And this simply would not wait.
“I really hate to do this to you,” Elizabeth said with heavy regret, “but this press release has to be perfect before it goes out.” She pointed to the final paragraph. “There’s something not quite right with the wording here. The mayor needs to come across as firm, not harsh. Soften the verbiage a bit.” She smiled, not wanting to sound overbearing. “Then you can be on your way.”
Michelle blinked, her expression somewhere between horrified and frustrated. “But we’ve changed that paragraph three times already.”
Elizabeth tamped down her impatience. “I know and I’m so sorry. But this is extremely important. I’m sure you’re aware thatbothour jobs depend upon moments like this.”
Her assistant nodded jerkily. “Yes, ma’am.”
Elizabeth wasn’t particularly fond of making the hard decisions, but someone had to do it. And it was her job to ensure the mayor always looked good. No matter the inconvenience to others. What would happen to those poor patients at the center if Elizabeth failed to follow through with her work when plying money from the wealthy of Birmingham? A large portion of the patients in residence depended upon the contributions of others. Her family had been hefty donors for decades. Ever since Congressman Weller’s favorite cousin had been diagnosed as autistic.
One didn’t walk away from a challenge until it had been conquered.
Michelle hesitated at the door, then turned back to face Elizabeth. “I’m sorry. I almost forgot. The vet’s office called. Gallagher is fine. He’ll be ready for pickup around five. No broken bones, just a little banged up.”
Relief poured through Elizabeth. “Excellent. Thank you, Michelle.”
That was good news indeed. Elizabeth had been so worried about him. Perhaps this time he had learned his lesson about going into the street. Thank God her mother had been there to take care of him when the hit-and-run happened.
Surveying her desk to ensure that all was neatly organized and nothing left undone, Elizabeth considered that tomorrow was her first date with Carson in more than fifteen years. Excitement fizzed in her tummy. She couldn’t wait to see him dressed in a tux. He was so handsome. He worked so hard. The evening would be a nice break for the both of them, though it would assuredly be work for her. There was always a good cause in need of funds.
She had waited so long to have her life get back to the way it used to be. The way it was supposed to be.
No one knew how long she had wanted this time to come.
Perhaps she should invite Carson to participate in the telethon for the children’s hospital. Last year had been a resounding success. She particularly loved helping the children. One day she hoped to have children of her own.
Probably already would if her parents hadn’t ruined everything. She should never have listened to them. Elizabeth should have stayed right here in Birmingham and comforted Carson in his greatest time of need. But she had been a good daughter. She had listened to her father and mother, allowed them to make all the decisions. Even after returning to Birmingham and earning this prestigious position, she had permitted her father to be in control.
No more. She and Carson belonged together. That source of tranquility that was always her saving grace overflowed for her now, filled her completely. It was well past time Elizabeth took charge of her own life.
Tomorrow night was only the beginning.
Nothing would ever get in her way again.
This time she would not fail to protect what she and Carson shared.
22
2:40 p.m.
Montevallo Road, Birmingham
Magnolia Hills Individualized Care Center
Annette sat in her car for several minutes after arriving at the center. She had handled her two o’clock with Campbell by phone. Now Annette had to take care of her sister. There was no way around it. But she dreaded with all her heart the trouble that might lie inside.
She was strong. She would handle whatever fate tossed in her lap.
Hadn’t she been doing that her whole life?
In just a few hours she had a historical society fundraiser to attend. No matter that everything was falling apart; she had commitments. She had to hold whatever ground she had left until the bitter end.
