After wetting lips that had suddenly gone dry, I said, “I studied education because it’s imperative to teach our youth the importance of knowing our past so they would be in a better position to shape our future. So that when they were old enough to vote, they’d be able to knowledgeably decide for themselves who is the best person for the position. And in this case, it’s Drake Prescott. I know his opponents will spin this and say it was all a media ploy, but I can assure you it’s not.”

I turned toward Drake. “This country needs you. I need you. Please fight for not only those who don’t have a voice, but for your own voice to be heard.”

Drake said my name, but I turned and leaned toward the microphone.

“I don’t want to take more of your time because Senator Prescott still has an announcement to make. If any of you have questions for me, I’ll leave my contact information with the senator’s campaign manager.”

After I had taken one last look at the crowd, I smiled. “Thank you for your time.”

Reporters shouted out questions, but before I knew it, I was in Drake’s arms. Our embrace was tighter than it had ever been.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he whispered into my hair.

“Yes, I did. Please don’t go through with this. My past can’t be changed, but you can change the future. Don’t you see? People need you. I need you. You’re a great man, a selfless man, and we need more men like you. You’re a leader. Don’t follow the path of those who need to hurt others to gain what they want. Lead the way your parents taught you—by example. Be strong for those who are weak. Be you.”

When he rested his forehead on mine, I added, “By the way, I kind of stole your brother’s car.” I leaned back and winked at him, and then kissed him on the cheek.

Drake looked down and closed his eyes briefly. It was then I realized the room had gone silent. He looked up at me and smiled before he stepped in front of the lectern.

“Now you can all see why I’m in love with her.” His dimple appeared, and there were a few laughs in the crowd.

I made my way back to Mason, and he pulled me to his side and kissed my cheek. “You’re incredible.”

“No,” I said as we both looked at Drake. “He is.”

CHAPTER 22

~ Drake ~

No one had ever made me feel as complete as Lucy did. Yes, my family was wonderful and loved me unconditionally, but the place Lucy held in my heart was reserved just for her. When she told me she’d stolen Jack’s car, I stifled a laugh. Granted, he had a small fleet, and each one cost more than I made in a year, but they were his babies. He was going to have a heart attack.

After what Lucy did for me, there was no way I could renounce my candidacy. Not yet, anyway. But I needed to speak with her and make a decision because she was right. Politics was what I was meant to do, and it was my dream. I would have given it all up for her, but she didn’t want that. What she didn’t know and I hadn’t realized was that my dreams had changed.

“Ladies and gentleman, I’m not prepared to continue at this point.” The crowd of reporters grumbled and some shouted questions at me anyway, but I spoke over them. “I’ll be making a formal statement by next Friday. Thank you for coming.”

Ben, who had been waiting in the wings, walked up the steps and fielded general questions, usually responding, “No comment.”

Lucy was still off to the side waiting for me, standing next to Mason. As I made my way toward her, I noticed small worry lines creasing her forehead.

Mason smiled and extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Prescott.”

We shook hands. “Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself. Lucy told me you’re moving. We’ll be sure to visit you.” Lucy looked curiously at me at that, and I pulled her to my side.

Mason grinned at us. “Thanks. I’m going to take off now. I need to finish packing.”

“You’re the best, Mace.” Lucy smiled back at him and watched a moment as he threaded his way out through the reporters. Then looking up at me, she asked, “Drake? Are you okay?”

Her voice was like a warm blanket on a cold morning. And I hoped to be spending all my cold mornings here on out with her.

“Yes. But I’d like you to come with me. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

“Okay, but I should probably return Jack’s car first.” Her rosy lips curved into a smile.

“Probably. Do I want to know which car it was?”

“The SL Roadster. It’s a great car,” she said, her eyes shining.

I chuckled and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, and it’s his baby. Let’s get it back to him.”

• • •

After we dropped off Jack’s car and left him a note of thanks, she got in mine and we headed toward our destination. Curious, I asked, “How did you know about the press conference today?”

“I read about it online,” she said, frowning at me. “I really wish you would have spoken to me about it first. You can’t give up on your dreams to protect me.”

As we sat at a red light, I turned to take Lucy in. She had a renewed confidence about her, and wasn’t afraid or tense like she had been the past few days. Her entire body seemed relaxed, and I was relieved to see it.

The light turned green, and I reached out to take her hand before I pressed the gas.

“What you did today,” I said, “I was really trying to spare you getting hurt. But when I went online and read some of what was written, I couldn’t let it go on. You’ve worked too hard to put the past behind you. I’d feel horrible if you lost your job.” When she sucked in a breath, I gave her a sharp look. “What is it?”

“A lot has happened in the past few hours,” she said, which was an understatement if I’d ever heard one. “I spoke to the school’s administrator and told him I was resigning.”

I jerked my head her way, immediately feeling a pain in my chest. “What? Did he force you to do that? Let me talk to him.”

“No. It was my decision. But I already have another job.”

Rather than sounding depressed, she was the opposite. When I glanced back at her again, she was beaming.

“Your brother Jack hired me. Isn’t that great?” A cute giggle escaped her. “I honestly think he made up the position, but I’m looking forward to it. Details still need to be discussed, but I’m excited.”

Wow. I couldn’t believe the turnabout in her. I knew I loved Lucy’s strength, but the way she had adapted to the changes lately made me love her even more.

Squeezing her hand, I said, “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I’m proud of myself too.”

When we pulled into the parking lot of the veterans’ hospital a few minutes later, she gave me a curious look.

“Come on,” I said. “There are some people I want you to meet.”

After we said our hellos to the women at the reception desk and acquired our visitor badges, we made our way to the rec room, which was so bleak, it annoyed me. Some of the men and women had been here for months, and the drab gray walls were depressing.

Three guys were playing cards on a small rolling table that had been pulled over one of the beds. Hand in hand, we walked up to them.

“Gentleman, what is today’s game?” I looked down at the cards and smiled. “Ah . . . Gin.”

“If it isn’t Drake Prescott himself.” Tommy, who had lost his lower left leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, slowly got up to shake my hand. “Who is this beauty?” His eyes sparkled as he looked at Lucy.

“This is Lucy, my girlfriend.” As he shook her hand, I said, “Lucy, this is Tommy. We went to high school together and planned on enlisting at the same time, but then I couldn’t go with him.”

Lucy gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you. And thank you for your service.”

Tommy nodded and tilted his head at me. “You got a great guy here.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you.”