Chapter Forty-Six
Brooklyn
“Are you nervous?”
He’s rubbed his hands on his pants at least three times in the last two minutes.
“Of course I’m nervous.”
“You didn’t really get off to the best start with James, did you?” I ask, taking his arm and leading him into the White House.
“That’s an understatement.” He rubs his free hand on his thigh again.
“He doesn’t normally try to murder people the first time he meets them, you know?”
“I guess I’m special.”
I just shake my head. “Come on. Will is coming. You’ll have an ally.”
As soon as we walk into the residence, Olivia and Will rush to greet us. We haven’t seen them in person since our doctor’s appointment. Olivia wraps me in a big hug.
“I’m so excited for you.”
“I’m a bit terrified for me, but thanks,” I respond.
Will is holding Ansley in one arm, and he pulls Kip in for a hug with his other arm. “Good to see you.”
“You too,” Kip says. He leans forward to get a better view of Ansley. “She’s tiny.”
“She’s so much bigger than she was just a month ago, It’s crazy how quickly they grow.”
Liv is beaming at Ansley while she talks.
Will laughs. “Well, she does nothing but eat.”
“And poop and sometimes sleep,” Olivia adds, smiling at Will.
“It’s the best.” Will’s looking right at Kip.
“I can see that,” he replies.
“Oh, good, everyone is here.” Elizabeth walks across the room toward us. She hugs both of us and then says, “You’re starting to show.”
I put my hand on my stomach and smile. “I’m going to get so huge. I can’t believe there are two babies in there.”
“It’s so exciting.” Elizabeth motions us to follow her. “I’m sure everyone is starving. Dinner is ready.”
“Where’s James?” Will asks as we walk toward the dining room.
“Unfortunately, he got caught up in a pressing matter. He’ll be in as soon as he can. He told me not to wait though. We’ll go ahead and eat without him.”
“Where’s Vivi?” Kip asks.
“Already to bed. She has an early bedtime.”
Kip nods and looks at his watch. It’s barely seven.
“I heard you were eating meat again,” Elizabeth says as she sits down.
“Oh my god. It’s like a switch has flipped. I’m like a cavewoman now. I think I could exist an on all-meat diet.” I take a seat beside Kip.
“Well good, we’re having roast.”
I moan. “That sounds amazing.”
James makes an appearance as soon as we are about to finish eating.
“We saved you a plate. Do you want the kitchen to heat it up for you?” Elizabeth says as she walks over to him. She gives him a quick kiss and a hug.
“That sounds great. Thanks.” He rubs his eyes and stretches out his neck.
“Never ends, huh?” Will asks.
James smiles tightly. “Don’t feel bad for me. I knew what I was getting into. Kip, good to see you.”
“Thank you...Mr. President.” We all turn and look at Kip. James lowers his brows. Will starts laughing.
“Call me James. Please.” He’s shaking his head.
“We aren’t that formal around here.” Will says.
Kip nods. “Didn’t want to offend anyone.”
“He won’t make you bow if you’re nice,” Liv says with a wink.
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” Kip quips.
James leans his hand on the back of one of the chairs and then says, “Brooklyn, I need to tell you something.”
My stomach sinks, and my heart starts to pound. Kip grabs my hand.
“We found your mom and sister.” I cover my mouth with my hand. Kip squeezes my hand harder.
“Are they alive?” I ask.
“I think so. I have a team going in for them now.”
I stand up. “Now?”
He nods.
I’m looking around the room frantically like that will help. “Do you think they are in trouble?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
We follow him back to the office. My heart pounds the entire time. He motions for me to sit on the couch but in view of a television screen.
“We can watch everything from here if you want,” he says, looking nervously at me.
I nod.
“You don’t have to. I can let you know when it’s done,” he continues.
“No, I want to watch.” I take Kip’s hand again.
I don’t think I breathe for a full five minutes while we watch the team surround the building and then go up to the door. They knock.
“Breathe,” Kip whispers.
I let out a shaky breath just as the door cracks open. I barely process anything else – nothing that anyone is saying because I see her, and I know.
It’s my mom.
She’s alive.
She’s fine. Terrified. Hiding.
But alive.
After some discussion, she leads them to the kitchen cabinet and shows them where my sister is hiding.
Safe.
Both of them are safe.
“We got them, Brooklyn,” James comes over, kneels down in front of me, and grabs both of my hands. “We got them.”