Incumbent(22)

Because she’s worth it.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Just for once, let me handle things. What do you think she’s done? Gone to jail?” Knowing he only had my best interest at heart, I took a cleansing breath before adding, “Thank you for your concern, Ben. If I need anything, you’ll be the first to know.”

Ben nodded without saying a word. That was all the confirmation I received, but it was enough for me to know he understood—or he better have.

After we went over the schedule for the coming week, finalizing a few future events at my office and the logistics that went along with them, I headed home.

My brownstone was in the Capitol Hill district, which made my daily commute a breeze. But now that I had an interest in the Northern Virginia area, I wished I’d moved there instead.

At the thought of Lucy, I grabbed my phone and called her. With each unanswered ring, the pounding in my chest strengthened. Her voice was sweet on her voice mail message, and I waited for it to end so I could leave mine.

“Hi, Lucy, it’s Drake. I had a great time at the game, and I hope you did too. Call me when you get a chance.”

I tossed my phone beside me on the couch and leaned my head back, resting as I turned on the TV and tuned it to SportsCenter.

About twenty minutes later and just before the Top 10 Plays segment, my phone rang.

Lucy.

“Hey there,” I said, and instantly second-guessed myself. Who answers the phone like that, you idiot? But when she let out a cute giggle, I mentally sighed in relief.

“Hi, Drake. I meant to call you earlier to thank you for the game last night. I had fun and really enjoyed meeting your family. They’re wonderful.”

Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, and it warmed me from the inside out. Family was the most important thing to me, and if the person I was interested in didn’t like mine, it would be a deal breaker.

“I’m glad to hear that. They really liked you too.”

She sighed. “I’m glad.”

“So, since everyone likes each other, how about coming with me tomorrow to my parents’ house?”

When she said nothing for a moment, I tried again.

“My family gets together every Sunday to have an early dinner together. We’re all so busy, but that seems to be the best time for all of us. It’s relaxed and informal, and I’d love for you to come with me.”

After another small pause, but not too long for me to worry, she said, “I’d like that.”

“Great. I’ll be at your place at noon. And, Lucy?”

“Yes?”

“I’m turning my phone off so you can’t call to cancel.” I chuckled, and she matched it with a laugh.

“Fine. No canceling. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“’Bye, Lucy.”

“Drake?” Her sweet voice made me want to keep her on the phone all night. Or better yet, to go to her place and spend all night there.

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I hung up and went back to watching ESPN until sleep claimed me.

? ? ?

Sunday promised to be a beautiful sunny day. Since I normally woke at the crack of dawn, I went to early Mass before changing and going for my morning jog near the Washington Monument. I loved this city and the amount of history it held.

But as my feet pounded the pavement today, all I could think about was getting to Lucy’s. When tourists began to fill the streets, snapping pictures here and there, I pulled the brim of my cap down low and made my way back home.

Just after noon, I picked up Lucy at her apartment. We were on our way to my parents’ house when I noticed her staring off into space as she twirled the ends of her hair between her fingers.

“Would you like to listen to some music?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, what?” Her hands dropped to her lap as she turned toward me.

Not thinking twice about it, I placed my hand on top of hers and curled my fingers around her palm. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s just I’m a bit nervous. Will your whole family be there?”

“I’m not sure who will be there. Usually, it’s me, Gretch, Josh, and Jack. My other brother, Dane, isn’t around too much.”

“I had no idea your family was that big.” Her right hand crept up, and she went back to twirling her hair.

“I’m the oldest, then there’s Jack, Dane, Josh, and Gretchen.”

“Poor Gretchen, surrounded by big brothers. That had to be rough. Honestly, I can’t imagine having siblings, especially so many.”

“You’re an only child?”

She looked at me with sadness in her eyes and nodded.

Had she always wanted a big family?

“Well, when you’re with the Prescotts, you’re one of us.” I gave her a quick wink before I pulled into my parents’ driveway. Their large brick home was situated on a beautiful lot in Vienna, Virginia. It could look intimidating from the outside, but my mother decorated the inside to feel warm and welcoming.

As I took her hand to help her out of the car, my eyes drank her in. She looked beautiful in her black slacks and sleeveless cherry-red top. I couldn’t help but notice the fine hairs on her arms stand up as I took her hand in mine.