Chapter 17
17
Greer
We’ve been in Los Cabos for eight wonderful, sex-filled days. Neither of us have checked our phones once. It’s been nice to disconnect from the world and just be in the moment with each other.
Grant and I are lounging outside of our room at our private pool. I stretch, looking over at my husband.
“I’m not ready to go back.”
“Me either,” he says with a sexy smile. “It’s going to be a real pain not being able to be inside of you all day.”
“Same.” I pause, not sure if I want to know the answer to the question I’m about to ask. “So…what’s next?”
“Well, we’re going to enjoy the last night of our honeymoon.”
“You know what I mean.”
“My campaign managers released a joint statement for us the day we were married. They spun our relationship to make it seem like we’ve been together longer than we have.”
“How did they do that?”
“There are a shocking number of photos of us together at the same events. A few well-placed friends have talked about how they knew we were in love, and it spread from there.”
Hearing him say the word ‘love’ does something to me. I rub my hand over my chest.
“When we get back, the press will be waiting to catch their first glimpse of us, which will be at the rally in Denver.”
“Well, this ought to be interesting.”
“That it will. Now, come here. I’d like to make love to my wife.”
“How can I say no to that?”
Twenty-four hours later, our jet lands in Denver. I smile at the bodyguard waiting with an umbrella, so I don’t get wet.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Mrs. Carter.”
In the distance, I see flashes go off. The media are under a tent, waiting to catch the first peek of us, just like Grant said they would.
Grant joins me, taking my hand.
“Let’s do this.”
More flashes go off as we get closer to the SUV. Three reporters wait to speak to us. They are the chosen ones, so to speak.
“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.” The petite woman says. “How was the honeymoon?”
“Wonderful, Karmen,” Grant answers, bringing my hand to his lips. “We’re already missing the sandy beaches.”
The gesture also shows off my wedding band and engagement ring.
Karmen turns to me. “Mrs. Carter, your wedding to Mr. Carter comes as a shock to many. What would you like to say to those people?”
I say, “It may be a shock to those who don’t know us, but our closest friends saw our relationship blooming before we did.”
Grant adds, “Just ask Brooks and Hannah Henderson.”
I see the reporter writing down their names.
“My bride and I are happy to be in Denver and can’t wait to meet the people who will venture out into the rain.” Grant looks up to the sky. “God knows we need it with the drought we’ve been in.”
One of the other reporters says, “That we do, Mr. Carter.”
Grant says, “We look forward to seeing you at the rally today.”
With a wave, he takes me by the hand and leads me to the SUV. The camera flashes are still going as we leave. Glancing out the window, I even spot a helicopter hovering above us as we drive.
“They’re persistent,” I say.
“This is just the beginning, which is why I’m having your security detail doubled.”
“Doubled? That’s a bit extreme, isn’t it?”
“Nothing is too extreme to protect my wife.”
I smile, because, dammit, I can’t stop myself.
“Fine.”
“I knew you’d see it my way.”
His phone buzzes and he glances at the screen, snorting.
“What?”
“They’ve already contacted Brooks, who is pissed because he was sleeping.”
“Sleeping? But it’s four in the afternoon.”
“Hannah has been napping a lot because of her pregnancy, and Brooks never turns down an opportunity to nap.”
I laugh. “That’s sweet.”
“That is it.” He pauses, as if he’s unsure about whatever it is he’s about to say. Finally, he says, “You know, you never told me if you wanted kids or not.”
“Didn’t I?”
“Well, we spoke about what our children’s lives would look like, but you never said if you wanted them or not.”
“Grant Carter. Are you asking me if I’ll have your babies?”
“I guess I am.”
I reach over, taking his hand. “Yes, I want to have your babies.”
“You do?”
“Yes, but don’t get your hopes up. I’m on birth control.”
As soon as I say the words, I still. Oh my gosh. I never called my doctor back to reschedule my missed appointment. Reaching into my purse, I pull out my phone and check my calendar. Dread coils deep in my stomach. I’m three months overdue for my shot, and Grant and I haven’t used protection once in the five weeks we’ve been together.
Grant asks, “What is it?”
“Just realizing that I’m late getting my birth control injection. Like, really late.” I close my eyes as I say the next part. “And you and I haven’t exactly been careful.”
“Greer, look at me.”
Opening my eyes, I meet his gaze.
“I want kids with you. If you’re pregnant right now, then that’s wonderful. But if it’s not the right time for you to become a mother, we have options, and I will support your choice.”
“How are you so damn perfect?”
He shows his white teeth as he smiles. “I’m far from perfect, baby.”
“I guess I should make an appointment with my doctor.”
“Let me know when it is, and I can go with you.”
I snort before I can stop myself.
“What?”
“You know, if I end up being pregnant, everyone is going to say that’s why we rushed to get married.”
“Fuck what people say.”
“Your team might not feel the same way.”
“Look at me, Little Fae.” I do and he says, “I don’t care what anyone other than you thinks. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
His eyes darken, but the SUV comes to a stop, making him groan.
“Really, my team should be more concerned that I’m about to walk into this rally with a boner…”
I’m laughing as the doors open, and I step outside. People cheer for Grant, who rounds the SUV, coming to my side. But what’s shocking is the amount of people who cheer for me. We smile and wave to the people before making our way into the convention center.
I’ve never been to a rally like this before. It’s similar to the events HYPE used to host, but on a much larger scale. It makes me wish Felicity was here with me. She’d get a kick out of everything and probably have some great ideas. Grant and I are ushered to a room for hair and make-up. Grant winks at me as an older woman powders his face. I mean, we’ve got to look good on TV, right?
After hair and make-up, we’re led to a room where Grant speaks to his campaign managers. He’s given a final draft of his speech and then Somya turns to me.
“Mrs. Carter, would you like to say something at the end of the rally?”
My eyebrows lift. “Me?”
She smiles. “We have two different statements drawn up for you, if you’re interested. No pressure, of course. The people will be just as thrilled to see you standing on the stage.”
I glance at Grant, who nods.
“Sure, I’d like to see them.”
She shows them to me, and I find myself in awe. The statements are both along the same line. I’m supporting my husband and I hope the good people of Denver will, too. The crazy thing is the statements are worded as if I wrote them myself.
I tap the second piece of paper. “I like this one.”
“Excellent. I’ll make sure it’s sent to the teleprompter.”
Grant asks, “Have we seen any numbers yet?”
“No, sir, but I’ll let you know as soon as we do.”
Grant says to me, “I was down in the polls after the rally in Miami, but the team seems to think we can recoup today.”
“Jeez. No pressure.”
He pulls me close. “No pressure at all, baby. We’ve got this.”
The rally lasts about three hours and I’m floored when people cheer for me after I give my speech. Grant comes to my side as soon as I finish. Hand-in-hand, Grant and I exit the stage, going behind the red curtain.
Somya and Corbin wait, smiles on their faces.
Corbin says, “Numbers are up, and the public responded positively to Mrs. Carter.”
Grant winks at me. “Of course they did. What’s next?”
“We’d like to go over some plans tomorrow. We’re getting down to the wire, and it’s worrisome that Senator Ryans hasn’t dropped out yet. At this point in the election season, you should have already been named the Republican candidate.”
Somya adds, “We keep hearing murmurs that Senator Ryans is about to be backed by a large organization that will change the game.” She makes air quotes around the last three words.
I meet Grant’s gaze. There’s only one group that has the power to change the game.
The Defiant God Brotherhood.
He says, “We’ll do what it takes to win.” To me, he says, “Let’s get out of here, baby.”
He’s trying to appear at ease, but I know this has to be eating him up.
In the SUV, I say, “I’m here if you need to talk.”
“I know you are.” He pauses. “I just need to figure out what in the fuck I want to do. I promise you’ll be the first person I talk to when I come up with a plan.”
I don’t say anything, because there’s nothing I can say that will make him feel better. Instead, I hold his hand all the way to the hotel.