Incumbent(74)

“Ladies and gentleman, I’m not prepared to continue at this point.” The crowd of reporters grumbled and some shouted questions at me anyway, but I spoke over them. “I’ll be making a formal statement by next Friday. Thank you for coming.”

Ben, who had been waiting in the wings, walked up the steps and fielded general questions, usually responding, “No comment.”

Lucy was still off to the side waiting for me, standing next to Mason. As I made my way toward her, I noticed small worry lines creasing her forehead.

Mason smiled and extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Prescott.”

We shook hands. “Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself. Lucy told me you’re moving. We’ll be sure to visit you.” Lucy looked curiously at me at that, and I pulled her to my side.

Mason grinned at us. “Thanks. I’m going to take off now. I need to finish packing.”

“You’re the best, Mace.” Lucy smiled back at him and watched a moment as he threaded his way out through the reporters. Then looking up at me, she asked, “Drake? Are you okay?”

Her voice was like a warm blanket on a cold morning. And I hoped to be spending all my cold mornings here on out with her.

“Yes. But I’d like you to come with me. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

“Okay, but I should probably return Jack’s car first.” Her rosy lips curved into a smile.

“Probably. Do I want to know which car it was?”

“The SL Roadster. It’s a great car,” she said, her eyes shining.

I chuckled and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, and it’s his baby. Let’s get it back to him.”

? ? ?

After we dropped off Jack’s car and left him a note of thanks, she got in mine and we headed toward our destination. Curious, I asked, “How did you know about the press conference today?”

“I read about it online,” she said, frowning at me. “I really wish you would have spoken to me about it first. You can’t give up on your dreams to protect me.”

As we sat at a red light, I turned to take Lucy in. She had a renewed confidence about her, and wasn’t afraid or tense like she had been the past few days. Her entire body seemed relaxed, and I was relieved to see it.

The light turned green, and I reached out to take her hand before I pressed the gas.

“What you did today,” I said, “I was really trying to spare you getting hurt. But when I went online and read some of what was written, I couldn’t let it go on. You’ve worked too hard to put the past behind you. I’d feel horrible if you lost your job.” When she sucked in a breath, I gave her a sharp look. “What is it?”

“A lot has happened in the past few hours,” she said, which was an understatement if I’d ever heard one. “I spoke to the school’s administrator and told him I was resigning.”

I jerked my head her way, immediately feeling a pain in my chest. “What? Did he force you to do that? Let me talk to him.”

“No. It was my decision. But I already have another job.”

Rather than sounding depressed, she was the opposite. When I glanced back at her again, she was beaming.

“Your brother Jack hired me. Isn’t that great?” A cute giggle escaped her. “I honestly think he made up the position, but I’m looking forward to it. Details still need to be discussed, but I’m excited.”

Wow. I couldn’t believe the turnabout in her. I knew I loved Lucy’s strength, but the way she had adapted to the changes lately made me love her even more.

Squeezing her hand, I said, “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I’m proud of myself too.”

When we pulled into the parking lot of the veterans’ hospital a few minutes later, she gave me a curious look.

“Come on,” I said. “There are some people I want you to meet.”

After we said our hellos to the women at the reception desk and acquired our visitor badges, we made our way to the rec room, which was so bleak, it annoyed me. Some of the men and women had been here for months, and the drab gray walls were depressing.

Three guys were playing cards on a small rolling table that had been pulled over one of the beds. Hand in hand, we walked up to them.

“Gentleman, what is today’s game?” I looked down at the cards and smiled. “Ah . . . Gin.”

“If it isn’t Drake Prescott himself.” Tommy, who had lost his lower left leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, slowly got up to shake my hand. “Who is this beauty?” His eyes sparkled as he looked at Lucy.

“This is Lucy, my girlfriend.” As he shook her hand, I said, “Lucy, this is Tommy. We went to high school together and planned on enlisting at the same time, but then I couldn’t go with him.”

Lucy gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you. And thank you for your service.”

Tommy nodded and tilted his head at me. “You got a great guy here.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you.”

He sat back down, and I introduced Lucy to Mick and John, who looked to be losing to Tommy.

When the introductions were done, I said, “It’s good to see you all. I’m going to show Lucy around.”

Mick waved. “See you soon, Prescott. Thanks for stopping by.”