For the Record (Record #3)(70)

“Try not to worry about the press, okay, baby? Things are going to blow over. We’ll always be in the spotlight, but there’s not a whole lot we can do about everyone else. As long as we’re good then that’s what matters. And we are good, right?”

“Of course,” she told him.

“Good.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I can’t wait to get you to Hilton Head and really be able to be with you.”

“Me either.” She wanted to replace the memories of when Brady had flown her out to Hilton Head. This time he wasn’t going to ignore her. There wouldn’t be another woman as his date—only be the two of them together with his family for a whole weekend on a much-needed vacation.

“Well, I should run through the speech before going up there. You know, I love that we work together and that part of the speech is part of you.”

Liz smiled at the compliment. He had started practicing his speeches in front of her and asking her to point out anything she would change. It had become a fun routine between them and always ensured that she heard his speech a million times before he walked up to that podium to deliver it.

Almost as soon as Brady walked away, Savannah took his place. “How are you holding up? I heard what those people were saying.” Her brown eyes were large and concerned.

“I’m all right. Just frustrated.”

“I don’t think most people actually believe the media.”

“Someone has to or they wouldn’t latch on to it,” Liz said.

“They’ll find something else to talk about soon. You and Brady are the real deal. I’ve never seen him happier,” Savannah said, glancing at her brother. “Others will see that too.”

“I hope so. What about you? Are you and Easton still hanging out?”

Savannah tried to hide her own smile. “Yeah. We’ve been together all summer. He’s really great.”

“But?” Liz prompted.

“I didn’t say but.”

“Yeah, but I know you.”

Savannah sighed. “I invited him to Hilton Head with us.”

“And?” Liz had a feeling she knew where this was going.

“Lucas is going to be there.”

“Do you think something will happen between you and Lucas?”

Savannah shrugged. “I don’t know. No. He’s been home all summer and we’ve been hanging out again. I just get mixed signals from him. Nothing has happened since Fourth of July two years ago, but it’s just weird between us. Or maybe it’s weird how normal it is. I can’t keep it straight.”

“It’ll work itself out, just like this media bullshit,” Liz said. “You really don’t need a guy who hasn’t made a move in two years. I made that mistake. Hayden was only interested in me once Brady and I had already started dating. I swear, it’s like a beacon for guys.”

Savannah laughed. “An ‘unavailable’ beacon. It screams, ‘I’m dating someone else, so come hit on me.’ ”

Both girls started laughing. There was really nothing else to do at that point. No matter what happened in life there were always going to be problems. It was finding out how to deal with them that determined character.

Brady was walking up to the podium to give his Fourth of July speech with his father. Liz moved over to the side of the podium so that she could watch him. Marilyn strode over a moment later, just as Jeff began speaking.

“You know, dear,” Marilyn said, not taking her eyes from her husband, “love blooms in the most unlikely of places. It flourishes in the most difficult circumstances. And it lasts despite all reasons it shouldn’t.”

Liz felt tears prick the corners of her eyes. That one piece of advice grounded her. She and Brady hadn’t said that it would be without difficulty. They had said it was worth it. And it was.

“Thank you,” Liz whispered.

“I have been in your shoes. It’s not without its moments of hardship. When I met Jeff, he was in business school at Chapel Hill while I was in college. I had no idea what I was getting into, knowing that he wanted to be a politician like his father. I’ve not regretted a moment. Sometimes you have to fight through the bad times to get to the best moments of your life.”

Marilyn reached out and grasped Liz’s hand.

“Yours are before you. Of that I’m sure,” Marilyn assured her.

They stood like that together with the weight of mutual understanding between them as they watched the men they loved deliver speeches. It might have been only a handful of times for Liz, but it had been a lifetime of speeches for Marilyn. And she still gazed up at her husband with utter admiration for the work he was doing and the man that he had remained during their marriage.

“Thank you so much for having me out today. Looking forward to another two years. Happy Fourth of July!” Brady called from the stage at the close of his speech.

The crowd applauded, and then father and son descended the stairs. Jeff clapped his hands together. He had a big smile on his face that showed how much he was looking forward to this trip. “Couple minutes with the press and then get out of here?” he asked.

Brady agreed and they wandered off to the media area. Liz and Marilyn trailed behind them to listen in on what was going on and to smile for the cameras. Two years ago Liz had stolen Brady away for five minutes to tell him how he had won her vote. They had ended up in an argument and then he had skipped the first day of his vacation to stay home with her. She was glad that this year they were able to vacation together.