Page 61

Madden

The next day, Odette and I navigate through the large hospital to meet our niece. Despite coming to this hospital many times to see my dad in the surgical wing, I’ve never been to the Labor and Delivery floor. Luckily, it doesn’t take us too long to find it, and we head straight to Sophie’s room.

The room is dim and quiet as we enter, smelling faintly of antiseptic and baby powder. I hear the faint cry of another newborn a few doors down. My sister is resting in her hospital bed while my parents hover happily by the window, cooing over a tiny, pink burrito. I assume the baby is in there.

I stride over to take a peek and a wide grin spreads across my face. She’s a precious little thing with a tuft of blonde hair, wispy little eyelashes brushing against her soft, pink cheeks, and perfect, tiny lips that resemble a cupid’s bow. I look behind me to see Odette’s reaction, but she’s not there. After a quick glance around the room, I find her curled up in the hospital bed next to Sophie as she cries quietly.

I breathe in both the beauty and the heartbreak of the sight. Odette has this innate ability to sense the needs of others. It draws her to those who are hurting and in need of comfort, and she never hesitates to meet those needs. I remember when we visited the elementary school on Kansas Day, how she went straight to the shy kids and crouched beside them to offer encouragement. It’s one of my many favorite things about her.

I join them cautiously, sitting on the edge of the bed near my sister. “It’s gonna be okay, Soph. We’re here for you.”

She sniffles and wipes at her tears with the sleeve of her hospital gown, chin quivering. “I know, and I’m so grateful. But it’s just not the same without Sam.”

“You’re right. And it’s not fair, so just let it all out.” Odette hands her some tissues.

I grab a tissue to dab at my now wet eyes. “Did you pick a name?”

Sophie looks up at me with a smile. “Samantha, in honor of her Daddy.”

Odette brushes some hair from Sophie’s face. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

“Me too. Little Sam is the cutest baby I’ve ever seen.” I grin.

Sophie laughs. “When is the last time you even saw a baby?”

I bring my hand to my chin. “Probably when Brooks was born. But she’s definitely cuter than him.”

Mom brings Samantha over to the bed. “Would you guys like to hold her?”

“I didn’t think you’d ever give her over to anyone else.” Dad comes up beside her with a laugh.

Mom just smirks and carefully hands the baby to Odette.

“Oh, Sophie, she’s absolutely darling,” Odette says as she kisses the top of Samantha’s head.

Standing behind Odette, I look down at my niece. “I can’t believe how tiny she is.”

Sophie snorts. “She didn’t feel so tiny a few hours ago.”

I cover my ears. “Agh! I do not want to hear details.”

Chapter 28

Odette

Six months later.

Tonight is the night, the one we’ve planned and waited for all year. Madden’s campaign team has slaved away for days, setting up the conference center we rented out for the occasion. The room looks amazing. Red, white, and blue streamers streak above our heads, flag centerpieces anchor every table, and the buffet line even sports an ice sculpture of an American eagle—thanks to Madden’s mom.

A general buzz of nerves and excitement permeates the room scattered about with people. Any moment now, we will receive word that Madden is the next congressional representative for the fourth district in the state of Kansas.

Or he will give his concession speech.

I have high hopes. Not only did Madden win the primaries in August, but he blew Larry Highman and Mark Jones away during their debate. Larry was so far behind Madden and Mark in the polls that he actually dropped out of the race after the debate. Tonight, though, we’ll finally know the official results.

Needing to keep myself busy, I took some punch to my parents and made sure they’re doing okay at their table. As I walk back toward Madden, my eyes take him in with admiration. He’s rocking a black suit with a red tie the same shade as my dress. He is as handsome as always. I savor any chance I get to see him in a suit; if tonight goes as planned, he’ll be wearing suits pretty often in the future.

He spots me coming toward him and grins. “Get over here, wife.”