For the Record (Record #3)(103)

“How long will we have after this?” she asked him while the kids debated ice cream flavor choices.

“I negotiated the rest of the week. I thought we could take the kids to the lake house.”

“They’d like that.”

“Should we bring a babysitter?” he asked with a wink.

She laughed softly. “Might not be a bad idea, knowing you.”

“And I’m the only one?”

She couldn’t keep a coy smile from her face. “Of course not.”

“I love you,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her lips.

“I love you too.” She reached out and straightened his blue tie. “You’re going to be wonderful.”

“With you at my side.”

Heather walked back into the room at that moment. “Brady, it’s time.”

“Come on, kids,” Liz said, ushering them behind their father.

They reached the entrance to the stage and Liz saw the massive crowd that had come out that day to hear Brady speak. Tears welled in her eyes and she tried to push them down. This was a happy day. They had been looking forward to this for a long time.

Liz already knew the drill after so many years of being a politician’s wife. Press conferences and rallies had become second nature. She felt the time approaching and gave Brady a big hug.

“Wish me luck,” he whispered.

“You don’t need it.”

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I know. I’m so proud of you,” she said, laughing lightly. “I’ll always be your airplane.”

He kissed her cheek. “That’s right. Airplanes, baby.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat and then pulled back from her husband. She gave him an encouraging smile and then she heard it.

“Governor Brady Maxwell!”

The crowd roared all around them and Brady stepped out onto the stage. Liz followed close behind with the kids holding her hands. They stood on the stage to the left of Brady, who immediately launched into his prepared speech.

Liz let her eyes drift over the crowd. It was filled to the brim. She would never get tired of the cheers that ran through the crowd. Max-well. Max-well. Max-well. It was a chant that never failed to bring a smile to her face. A chant that she had once associated with her husband’s success now she associated with their success. She was a Maxwell too, after all.

Brady was coming to the close of his speech and he gestured to her. She smiled and walked forward with the kids. Brady took her hand in his and smiled down at their children.

A lifetime of politics leading up to this one moment.

Brady’s strong voice carried through the speakers. Liz sighed when she finally heard him utter the words she had been waiting for since she had met him all those years ago.

“I am Governor Brady Maxwell, and I’m running for President of the United States.”