Chapter 19
19
Greer
Grant does his best to keep both of us occupied, but I’m wide awake while he sleeps. Rolling to my side, I stare at the wall.
I’m pregnant.
And I don’t know how I feel about it.
The worst thing is that I keep comparing myself to others. Hannah was over the moon excited when she found out. Isa was scared because she and Alessandro were separated at the time, but even she showed a hint of excitement. Heck, even Aimée was happy, though that happiness faded when she found out she was having girls.
My hand goes to my soft stomach.
So, why in the hell don’t I know how to feel about this?
Sighing, I slip out of bed, grabbing my robe. Both Corbin and Somya will be in their own rooms, so I can sneak out of the bedroom and watch TV in the living room without disturbing Grant. He reaches for me in his sleep, mumbling something as I close the door behind me.
In the living room, I find the envelope the doctor I met with yesterday sent over. There are pamphlets, like she said, but I guess I didn’t think too much about what those pamphlets would contain.
The first is for new parents with basic information about what to expect during the first trimester. There’s a handy guide of things to try for morning sickness and also a chart of the fetus’ size each week. There’s nothing on there for the size that my baby would be, but at five weeks it’ll be the size of an apple seed.
The second pamphlet is for parents who wish to give their children up for adoption. My chest is tight as I look it over. Even though this isn’t something I would choose, it’s still very well put together and offers a lot of information. The third pamphlet is for parents who want to abort their pregnancies. Colorado is a state where the procedure can still be performed without legal ramifications. As with the other two pamphlets, this is full of information and things to consider.
I set it aside, reaching for the bag. Inside, there’s a week’s worth of prenatal vitamins and a coupon to use when I need more. Opening the package, I pop one into my mouth and then take a swig of water, swallowing the pill.
Leaning back, I exhale.
I think I know what I’m going to do.
“You okay, Little Fae?”
A sob works its way up my throat and has Grant rushing to my side.
“What is it?”
“I want to have this baby,” I cry into his shoulder. “But what if the Brotherhood tries to ruin everything?”
He holds me close, kissing the top of my head.
“They won’t, Greer.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because we have the numbers on our side.”
I look up at him, sniffling. “What?”
“Brooks and Moretti are going to be fathers soon, too. Do you really think they want their children to go through the same things they did?”
I shake my head.
“No, they don’t, and neither do I. That’s three out of five. We’re going to change this, and soon.”
I wipe at my eyes. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For telling me what I need to hear, even though we both know it won’t be that easy.”
“Oh, baby.” He pulls me even closer. “I don’t say things I don’t mean. We’re going to make sure that rule is changed. Okay?”
“Okay.”
He holds me until my tears have dried and I pull back so I can look up at him.
“Better?”
I nod. “I think so.” I give him a small smile. “Guess you ought to get used to these emotional outbursts. I hear they’re quite common.”
“We’ll take them as they come. So, does this mean we’re having a baby?”
“Yes.”
He leans down, kissing me.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For making me the happiest man in the world.”
“I’m happy, too.”
“Good.” He stands, holding out his hand. “Let’s get you back to bed. I’d like to cuddle with the mother of my child.”
My eyes water again, but this time it’s because I’m happy. Taking his hand, I let him take me back to our room, where we cuddle.
Later that morning, the suite has become a hive of activity with Somya and Corbin leading the way. Grant and I stay out of their hair, letting the team work. Around eight, clothes are sent over for us to wear. I touch the green tweed skirt suit, smiling.
“Someone is channeling Jacqueline Kennedy, and I love it.”
Somya joins me and says, “It was my idea. You remind me of her, and I thought it’d send the right message to the public.”
“I’m honored that I remind you of her. She’s always been one of my idols.”
Somya glances around and says in a low tone, “Mr. Carter told me the good news. I’ve made arrangements for you to see an obstetrician in Dallas who will be discreet.”
“Does this hurt the Presidential plan?”
It’s something I’ve thought about since I found out. While Grant and I are happy to welcome a child into the world, I know others might not see it in the same way. What if it hurts Grant’s chances at becoming the next President of the United States?
Somya’s lips twitch. “Being a family man helps Mr. Carter check off the invisible boxes that the public expects of him.”
“Even though it’s so soon after the wedding?”
“They’ll see the story we spin for them.” She touches my arm. “We won’t announce it until you're around sixteen weeks. That gives you time to get used to the idea without the added stress of the public eye.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Now, I’m going to speak to Corbin. If you’ll excuse me.”
She gives me another smile before crossing the room.
I exhale. We’ve got this.
After we change and have our hair and make-up done, we get ready for the interview. Cameras are set up while Grant and I speak to Somya about the questions that will be asked. She shows us a list of approved questions.
“The reporter has been hand selected because of her relatability with her audience. I don’t think she’ll go off script, but if she does, then get her back on topic as smoothly as possible.” She smiles. “I know both of you are more than capable.”
Grant winks at me. “My wife certainly is.”
Somya says, “Agreed. The reporter from CNN should be here. Now’s your time for any last-minute bathroom breaks or make-up checks.”
I assume the last part is for me.
“I think we’re ready.”
“Good. I’ll see if she’s out there and let her know she can enter.”
Somya steps out into the hallway. A moment later, she returns with a woman following close behind. The reporter from CNN moves past Somya, and her gaze is on Grant and Grant alone. I mean, I can’t say that I blame her, but she zeroes in on him like there’s no one else around.
“Grant! It’s so good to see you.”
He glances at her, frowning. “Good morning.”
Somya steps in and says, “Mr. Carter, this is Lana Loveless with CNN.”
Lana says, “Grant knows who I am! We dated, for crying out loud.”
Grant’s eyes widen and he glances at me. I’d laugh, but I truly feel bad for Ms. Lovelace because it seems my husband has no idea who she is.
Grant reaches for my hand and says, “Ms. Lovelace, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Greer Carter.”
His emphasis on my last name has me biting back another laugh. This man.
Lana’s gaze snaps to me as she takes in my appearance. Thank god I look freaking stunning. I send Somya a silent thanks.
Lana finally says, “Congratulations. I didn’t know you had married.”
“Funny. I was certain CNN was the one who aired the story.” Grant continues on smoothly. “My wife and I recently returned from our honeymoon.”
“How nice.” She pushes a piece of her red hair behind her ear. “I was told this is an urgent interview?”
Somya steps in, handing Lana the same paper she showed us earlier with the approved questions.
“Mr. Carter is announcing that he’s dropping out of the GOP race and running as an Independent. We’re happy to work with CNN for this interview.”
Lana’s eyes widen, and you can almost see the wheels turning in her head.
She murmurs, “This is going to win me an Emmy.”
I glance at Grant, snorting softly. He tugs my hand, pulling me into our room, where we both laugh.
“Guess the cure for a broken heart is an Emmy. Who knew?”
Grant says, “I might be sending out a handful of Emmys then. What about you?”
“Less than a handful. So you had no idea your ex was working for CNN?”
“Ex is a very loose label to put on my relationship with her. We went on three dates and then I ghosted her for her friend, Angela Whitmore. My fling didn’t last long with Angela, because she soon moved on with her high school sweetheart. I honestly don’t even remember much about her except that she spoke of the man often.”
I smack his arm lightly. “That’s terrible!”
“It is,” he agrees. “But I was too busy lusting after you to care about anyone else.”
“Poor Lana and Angela.”
“Don’t forget about Penelope and Violet.”
“Oh, dear.”
He says, “Never fear. Violet married a famous Broadway star. Last I heard, she was happily living in New York City. Penelope is in Montana, working on a ranch that she bought where she raises horses.”
“Good for them.”
“Hell, I’d wager even Lana is doing well.”
“Well, she is going to get an Emmy, right?”
We both laugh again.
He says, “We better get back out there and get this show on the road.”
“Let’s do this, Mr. Carter.”
Three hours later, Grant, Somya, and I sit on the couch in the living room of the suite. Corbin is pacing on the other side of the room. We’ve done all we can do. Now, we wait for the news to break.
Somya glances at her phone and says, “The story is about to air, sir.”
Grant puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.
“Republican candidate Grant Carter has shocked the world by announcing that he’s dropping out of the GOP race against Senator Walt Ryans.” The reporter looks at a different camera. “But don’t count him out of the Presidential race. Mr. Carter has announced that he will run for President as an Independent. Our own Lana Lovelace spoke to Mr. Carter today, and here’s what he had to say…”
The story airs, making Grant look charming and relatable. At the end of the interview, I’m introduced, and Lana asks a bit about our relationship. I’m surprised when photos of me and Grant over the years pop up on the screen, making it look like we were in love all along.
“That’s wild,” I say.
Somya replies, “That’s politics.”
Grant says, “I’m going to step into the other room. I have a feeling my phone is about to blow up.”
As if he summoned the call, his phone rings. He winks at me as he answers.
“Blanc. This is a surprise…”
I’m not surprised that Charles is calling. He’s going to see this as a personal attack, even though it’s not. I stand, following Grant from the room to the bedroom, closing the door behind us. He puts the call on speakerphone, and I hear Charles in the middle of a rant.
“…think you are? You answer to the Brotherhood, boy, and this was not approved by us!”
“Boy?” Grant scoffs. “You’re being dramatic, but I understand. You’re under a lot of pressure.”
“Did you not hear what I said? We did not approve of this!”
“Then let’s hold a special meeting where the Elite Members can vote on it. I’m free right now.”
Charles sputters, “You are not calling the shots!”
“You’re right, I’m not, but neither are you. The Defiant God Brotherhood is.”
“You’ve made a grievous error today, Grant. One I won’t soon forget.”
“I’m demanding a special meeting for the Elite Members. Are you going to refuse me?”
Charles is silent for a moment. “I’ll make the call. You’ll be hearing from me in ten minutes or fewer.”
“If I don’t, I’m going to reach out to the others.”
The call ends and Grant exhales.
“That went well.”
I reach for him, taking his hand. “You did good, though. I know it was tough standing your ground against him.”
Before he can reply, his phone rings again.
“It’s him.”
“Do you want me to leave?”
Grant shakes his head. “Stay.”
He answers the call on speakerphone. My stomach flutters at the gesture. Spouses aren’t supposed to know what happens within the Brotherhood, so Grant is technically breaking several rules by having this call where I can hear it. But I love that he wants me to hear what’s being said because he knows this affects my life, too. I have to take in a deep breath to get my emotions under control. We’ve got this. I’ve got this. I smile at Grant. I can do anything with him at my side.
Grant says, “This is Carter.”
“Don’t act coy. The other Elite Members are on the line,” Charles snaps.
Brooks asks, “What is this about? Has something happened?”
Grant says, “As some of you may know, I’ve dropped out of the GOP race and announced I’m running as an Independent. Head Elite Member Blanc seems to think I’ve bypassed the Brotherhood by making this choice, so I told him we’d take it to vote.”
Alessandro asks, “And what is this vote, exactly?”
“Does the Brotherhood back me running as an Independent?”
Alessandro says, “I do.”
Brooks says, “I do.”
Blanc is silent, but Jones says, “I do.”
“I do.” Grant winks at me before saying, “That’s majority.”
Brooks asks, “Anything else?”
“I’d also like to suggest changing Rule 84. The rule that states our sons become instant members of the Brotherhood and uses our daughters as bargaining chips.”
Brooks asks, “How do you want to change the rule?”
“I think it should be up to our children whether they want to be associated with the Brotherhood.”
Alessandro says, “I’d like to hear more information about this. Can you draft up something?”
“It’s being sent to your emails as we speak.”
There’s silence and then Alessandro says, “I vote yes.”
Brooks agrees. “It’s a yes from me.”
Jones says, “No. This is a terrible change.”
“I agree,” says Charles, but his tone is laced with anger because he has to know what’s about to happen.
“I vote yes,” Grant says. “Again, majority rules.”
Brooks says, “I’ll make sure the other members of the Brotherhood are made aware of the change.”
“Now, just wait a minute,” Charles snaps. “I’m still the Head of the Brotherhood, which means I have the power to veto this vote.”
“You do,” Grant agrees.
My gaze snaps to his. I didn’t know Charles could veto something. My heart races. This puts us at risk! He knows that we’re against him and he won’t sit by and let this pass without retaliation.
Grant continues, “You must take this in front of the entire Brotherhood and plead your case. If this is the path that you choose, then it’s your right.”
“It is the path I choose.”
Brooks says, “Then I’ll let the members know a special meeting will be held three months from now. If that’s all, I must get back to my wife.”
The others drop from the call until it’s just Grant and Charles.
“That was rash, boy. You’ve made a mistake today. One you won’t soon forget.”
Grant doesn’t respond and ends the call.
He gives me a small smile. “Well, that went better than expected.”
“Did you know he was going to veto the vote?”
“I had a suspicion. It helps us, though.”
“How so?”
“It gives us time to reach out to more people. People who will back our plan.”
I say, “You mean men who will back the plan.”
“I mean people . The men may be in the Brotherhood, but their spouses and loved ones hold influence, too.”
“Look at you. Thinking of everything.”
He’s serious as he says, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure you and our child are protected.”
My eyes water. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I love him.
Instead, I say, “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, baby. We still have an uphill battle to change things.”
“But we’re going to do it.”
“Oh?”
I nod. “Because we can do anything together, Grant Carter.”
He leans over, kissing me lightly. “That we can, Greer Carter. Now, let’s get out there. I’m sure Somya has other interviews lined up for us.”
We make our way to the living room and get back to work. The entire time, the realization that I love Grant dances around my head. Maybe I’ve loved him all along. He glances at me, smiling. But does he love me? That’s the real question and I’m scared to find out the answer. Because, at the end of the day, the Defiant God Brotherhood will always come first.