Chapter Forty-three
Excitement flowed through the house the next morning while everyone headed to the voting stations eager to show Jack their support.
He arrived early to place his vote, and a multitude of over-zealous reporters peppered him with questions.
Cameras flashed and cellphones clicked in constant rhythm.
The barrage of well-wishers fighting to get close enough to shake hands and backslap created confusion, filling the place with good spirits that echoed throughout the large room.
Jack joked with everyone and laughter rang throughout the crowd. Not wanting to steal his limelight, Mia purposely hung back. This was Jack's moment… his day.
She noticed him peering around the room until he spotted her. He winked and motioned for her to join him, but shyness held her back.
Angie gave her an encouraging push until she stepped his way and stood quietly next to him.
Overwhelmed, having enough of the limelight, he winked at her, took her hand and led her away.
Seeing the predatory gleam in his eyes had made her shiver.
His demanding hand reaching for hers had made her smile.
Macho show-off! She loved it. Him telling the crowd in no uncertain terms that he now had a girlfriend.
A noise somewhere between surprise and satisfaction emitted from behind that let her know their secret was out. Angie slid in close grinning with delight. “You two were meant for each other. I couldn’t be happier.”
Jack swept the older woman close so they could share a group hug. “So, you approve?”
“Are you kidding me? I’m claiming cupid status, first class. Having you two together is my dream. I’d seriously begun to wonder if I needed to give you lessons, Jack.”
Laughing, he fell into her ploy. “What kind of lessons?”
“On how to snag a female, of course. I’m glad you finally got your sh… stuff together. I recognized long ago that you kids deserved each other.”
“Well, we’re glad we’ve made you happy.”
“If you think I’m over the moon, wait until Maisie finds out you’ll be her papa, Jack.
She’s been asking about why she doesn’t have a daddy.
All the other kids in the park have one.
Poor pet’s a bit lonely surrounded by only adults who are too busy to give her the time she needs.
But this will give her something to focus on. ”
“Good. I adore the little princess. If having me around full time will make her life better, it’s a bonus.”
Mia noticed a group of councilmen looking their way with a determination she couldn’t miss. They wanted Jack’s attention. She quickly gathered Angie and Mark and gave Jack’s hand a squeeze. “We won’t hog your time, Jack. We’ll catch up later.”