Running Mate

At the banquet room door, we were momentarily held back from entering. Then the song the twelve-piece band was playing abruptly ended, and a rousing rendition of “Hail to the Chief” erupted. The doors opened wider, and James and Jane strode into the room. It was still hard to wrap my mind around the fact that whenever I heard the song now, it was for James.

After Barrett and I made our entrance, we did our best making the rounds with smiles and small talk. I found the first two balls rather stuffy and pretentious; they were made up of old money and political connections, people who had spent ridiculous amounts of money supporting James’s campaign. Although my heart wasn’t completely in it, Barrett and I waltzed while giving beaming smiles for the cameras.

Thankfully, the evening took a turn for the better at our next stop, which was the Texas-themed Black Tie and Boots Ball. There was just something about cowboy boots and Stetsons that made me feel welcome. The big surprise that sent me out of my mind was when I saw it was my old friend, Abby Renard, and her brothers’ band, Jacob’s Ladder, who struck up “Hail to the Chief” as James entered. Wide eyed, I turned to Barrett. “Did you know about this?”

He gave me his signature smirk. “I might’ve made a suggestion to the planners.”

Squealing with delight, I threw my arms around his neck. “I love it.”

“I thought you would.”

After giving him a quick peck on the lips, I pulled back so we could make our entrance. When the song came to an end, Abby smiled as she took the microphone. “President Callahan, Mrs. Callahan, Vice President Smith, Mrs. Smith, I just want to say what an immense pleasure it is for my brothers and me to be here to perform for you. It truly is an honor and a career highlight to be part of such a special night.”

Abby paused as applause broke out in the room. Her gaze then met mine, and she once again smiled. “In case some of you don’t know, I’m an old friend of the First Son’s fiancée, Addison. Our families were both part of the same missionary abroad program and after spending a few summers together as kids, we became pen pals in the pre-internet days. Thankfully, with the onset of technology, we’ve gotten to keep in touch over states and continents. I’ve loved every minute of watching her on the campaign trail in support of our newest president, and for our first song of the evening, I’d like to play one of her favorites.” Abby winked. “Addison, this one is for you!”

“Where I Roam” was the song that had launched Jacob’s Ladder back before Abby had taken her older brother, Micah’s, place. The upbeat tempo and twangy mix of fiddle and banjo had people rushing to the dance floor.

As soon as the song ended, I made a beeline for the stage so I could say hello to Abby as soon as possible. While Eli and Gabe started up the opening chords of their latest hit, Abby hurried down the steps to hug me. “I cannot believe you’re here!” I screeched over the music.

Abby laughed as she squeezed me tight. When she pulled back, she gave me a beaming smile. “I could probably say the same thing to you considering you’re engaged to the First Son. That is pretty amazing, Ads,” Abby gushed.

“It’s more like the Second First Son since Thorn’s the oldest,” I teasingly said.

“Whatever. It’s still pretty amazing.”

“That’s high praise coming from the woman who has won Grammys and CMA awards, not to mention marrying a smokin’ hot rocker.”

Pride and happiness radiated in Abby’s eyes. “We’ve both come a long, long way from our missionary kid days, haven’t we?”

I nodded. “We sure have.”

“But I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. They taught me so much.”

“They sure did.”

After Abby threw a glance over her shoulder, Eli jerked his chin at her. “I gotta go. Jake’s at the hotel with the twins, and I’d love for you to meet them before we go home on Friday.”

“I’d love to. Let’s plan on lunch tomorrow.”

“Okay.” She waved before hurrying back up the stairs to the microphone.

When someone tapped me on the shoulder, I whirled around to see that it was Barrett.

“Ready to get your boot scootin’ boogie on?”

I laughed. “I’d love to, just never use that phrase again.”

Barrett grinned as we walked out onto the dance floor. We danced through two fast songs before the music changed over to a slow, smooth ballad, and I closed my eyes as Barrett drew me flush against him under the glittering lights of the ballroom. Once again, I fought the urge to pinch myself. It felt just like being in a fairytale where I was Cinderella at the ball with my handsome Prince Charming. I never wanted the moment or that feeling to end.

Inevitably, the song eventually came to an end, and Barrett’s breath warmed against my ear. “I need to be alone with you, Addison.”

Nervous laughter bubbled from my lips. “There are too many people, too many risks,” I countered.

“Just trust me.”

Against my better judgment, I let Barrett lead me off the dance floor and out onto one of the balconies. I smiled as it reminded me of election night. Barrett pulled me against his body, shielding me from the cold. “Addison?”

“Mmhmm,” I murmured cautiously, waiting for him to tell me to hike my dress up and bend over the railing.

“Would you still like a wedding in the Rose Garden?”