Page 79 of Power Term

“He asked, and I said yes.”

I wince at her high-pitched scream. Before I know what’s happened, she’s on top of me, arms wrapped around my neck, crying, laughing, and still screaming.

That’s how he finds us.

Leaning against the doorframe, Trey smirks down at us. “I don’t even want to know how you two ended up on the floor. By the amount of tears and happy screaming that can be heard through the entire White House, I’m guessing you told her.”

My cheeks hurt with my wide smile. Her soft blonde hair tickles my nose as I lean forward and take a deep inhale.

“Mom, you’re so weird.” Her tone lacks the bite it used to. Gone is the snarky teen who thinks she has to help her mom through life because she can’t catch a break. Gone is my little girl; she now has a little babe of her own.

Gone is my loneliness.

Gone is the need to fight this thing called life alone.

Whole is how I feel.

Whole and happy.

* * *

“Where are we going?” My breath fogs the tinted window of the Beast. The busy sidewalks and crowded businesses of downtown DC flicker past. The leather cools my overheated skin as I lean back and rest my head against the headrest.

“You okay?” Trey’s fingers tighten around my own.

I nod only for it to turn into a shake, then a half shrug. “My stomach is in knots, and my palms are as sweaty as a teen boy’s on his first date. But is that because this is my first time really out and about since… since the abduction or because I don’t know where we’re going and what you have waiting for the surprise you’re clearly giddy over?”

“I’m a badass. I don’t get fucking giddy.”

“You’re giddy.”

I shoot a grin at T, who sits as far away as possible. Holding out a hand toward Trey’s best friend and future best man, I say, “See? He sees it too.”

“It’s a surprise. A good one. You already got the best part I had planned.” Lifting my left hand, he holds the engagement ring close to my nose. My eyes cross staring at it so close. “Now I get to enjoy the night too, since I’m not nervous about messing it all up.”

The limo slows. Turning toward the door, I press my cheek to the window to see to the top of the building we’ve parked in front of. My skin slowly peels away from the glass as I sit back after a moment, allowing the agent outside the door to swing it open without me falling face-first to the sidewalk.

I only get a hairbreadth across the leather seat before I’m tugged back to make way for T’s massive frame to squeeze past as he exits the limo first. His all-seeing dark eyes scan the area, a finger pressed to his ear while he listens to the rest of the team. Seeing his earpiece triggers me to lean back against Trey’s chest.

“Where’s your radio?” I ask, leaning back farther to check both ears. I was right, no earpiece.

“I took the day off. This is about us, not work.”

“But you’re carrying.”

“Baby, I’ll never not carry around you. These guns go wherever you go. Call it paranoia, but I’d rather be prepared even if I’m not on duty.”

“What about when you’re the First Husband?” I wait, holding a breath.

“Let’s figure that out later, Mess. Tonight, let’s just be a regular couple celebrating the fact that they found the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with.”

“Okay.” How could I not agree with that love-filled gaze, pouting full lower lip, and tender tone?

Careful to not crush me, Trey climbs over my lap and steps out the open door. After adjusting his suit jacket, he turns and extends a hand into the limo. Without hesitation, I place my hand in his, allowing him to guide me out into the evening air.

Several agents block off a clear path, keeping the spectators at bay as we walk hand in hand toward the nondescript revolving door. The glass door slowly whooshes past. Trey urges me into the next compartment and follows me in, keeping a tight hold on my hand.

The moment we step from the revolving door, a blast of cold air-conditioned air brushes my face, cooling the sheer layer of sweat building along my hairline. Even though we were only outside for a short time, I feel overheated, like fire flickers in my veins. It’s strange considering I’ve always been cold even in the heat of summer, but something triggered in my body those hours Shawn held me hostage. Now I can’t get cool enough; I’m always just a tinge too warm wherever I go.

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