A Political Affair

by Mary Whitney

  “This is different.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  Helen didn’t reply for a moment, and when she did, her voice was stern and cold. “I’m not used to being told no, and I’m tired of hearing it from you. Do I have to remind you that you are in no position to reject a request from me?”

  “Do I have to remind you that you’re in no position to ever threaten me?” His eyes opened wide in anger.

  “Oh, really? Who has more to lose?”

  Catching a glimpse of his wedding ring, he smiled at Anne. “At this point . . . I think you do.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Just speculating.” He lowered his voice in warning. “You’re playing a dangerous game here. Drop it.”

  “Huh. I’ll think about it.” Her line clicked as she ended the call.

  “Is she going to be a problem?” Anne asked and winced.

  “Not any more than usual . . . if she knows what’s good for her.” He squeezed her hand and rubbed his thumb over her wedding band, a constant reminder of his newfound comfort in the world. Without saying another word, he tapped on his phone a few times and rang his mother’s line.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hello, Stephen. Are you home from your fishing trip with Grayson yet?”

  “Almost. I need you to call a family meeting at the house in an hour, and please tell Megan to get Greg there, too. It’s important.”

  “So are you going to make an announcement?”

  Stephen heard the grin in his mother’s voice in anticipation of an engagement. “Yes. Anne and I have something to tell everyone.”

  “I can’t wait!” Her gleeful tone was one Stephen hadn’t heard from his mother in years. “I’ll go do it right now. Oh, and tell Anne good-bye.”

  Anne smiled at all-knowing Lillian. “Good-bye, Lillian.”

  In less than an hour, Stephen and Anne entered the house hand in hand. High from anticipation, Anne smiled with nervous delight. Her smile vanished when she saw a stern Patty heading straight toward them, with Lillian following behind.

  Before any morning greetings, Patty accosted him in the foyer. “Why haven’t you returned my calls? Why is there a new woman’s saddle in the garage? And above all, why did the two of you pull up together in the same car? What the fuck is going on?”

  Lillian placed her hands on her hotheaded daughter’s shoulders. “Now, Patty, calm down. Let’s all sit in the living room before you interrogate your brother. I’m sure he’ll answer all of our questions.”

  Stephen smirked at his sister. “That, I will.” He whispered in Anne’s ear. “Patty ruined the surprise, but the saddle is your wedding present.”

  “Really?” Anne exclaimed, her eyes big with disbelief.

  He pressed his finger to her lips. “Shush for now. This isn’t how we wanted to tell them we got married.”

  The entire family plus Greg assembled on the sofas and chairs. Before Stephen said a word, Megan spotted the diamond on Anne’s hand. She gasped out loud and turned to look at Stephen’s left hand. “Oh my God. You’re married!”

  The reactions around the room varied.

  Greg appeared genuinely happy for Stephen and Anne. “Wow. This changes everything—and in a good way, I think.”

  Megan took her hand off her big, pregnant belly and placed it on Marco’s leg. She looked him in the eye and rested her head on his shoulder. “I feel sick.”

  Marco clenched his wife’s hand, and his smiled widened at his brother-in-law and new sister-in-law. “Well, hot damn. Congratulations.” He kissed his wife’s hair and said softly, “I think it’s a good thing. They didn’t have any good options. Why not take the one which makes them happiest?”

  “Please, don’t get me wrong,” Megan said and smiled. “I am happy for you two—really, I am. It’s just a surprise, and the press will be crazy.”

  Almost jumping out of her seat with glee, Lillian’s hands fluttered around her face. “I’m so happy! I’m so proud of you two. It reminds me of Patrick’s and my wedding. I want to hear all about it. Oh, I can’t wait to see the pictures!” Her voice lowered in reproach. “You do have pictures, don’t you?”

  Stephen nodded. “Of course, Mom. Phillip took them.” He turned to Patty, who’d been uncharacteristically quiet.

  “What the fuck?” She said with her eyes ablaze. “You went off and eloped? I swear to God, you’re trying to lose this race.”

  “Now Patty, that is no way to speak to your brother and your new sister-in-law.” Lillian shook her head. “I will not have it. Even your father would put aside politics at this moment.”

  Chastened, Patty hung her head down and mumbled, “Congratulations, but I have to think about this.” She rubbed her temples in silence.

  In the meantime, Marco went to the bar to grab a bottle of champagne. As he handed out the crystal flutes, the room erupted in hugs and cheers and questions asking how they had pulled it off. Everyone admired the rings, but they were far more impressed with the wedding story. While the impromptu party swirled around her, Patty continued to press her fingers into her forehead.

  Marco was the one to confirm what no one yet had asked. “So you’re going public, correct?”

  Anne and Stephen smiled at one another. “Of course. As soon as possible.”

  “It’s going to be one hell of a news day.” Megan giggled. “And I’ll love it.”

  After Anne and Stephen told all the details of their wedding tale, Patty piped up with a grin. “Okay. I’ve thought things through. I’m fine with it. This might even work. Congratulations.”

  “Don’t knock yourself out there, sis.” Stephen laughed.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t. We’ve got to get on this. I don’t know if a politician has ever tried to avert a sex scandal by eloping.”

  “I wouldn’t refer to my marriage to Anne as my ‘trying to avert a sex scandal.’ ”

  A pang hit Anne in the gut. She gave him an uneasy look and shrugged. “I think that’s what people will call it. Patty’s right.”

  “Thanks, Anne.” Patty smiled and turned to her brother. She was smug. “I’ve always liked your wife. She’s smart.”

  Megan interrupted the squabble. “Can we talk about the announcement strategy?”

  “Well, I’d like to tell my parents first, of course, and in person, if at all possible,” said Anne.

  Lillian smiled. “Lovely, then I’ll place a call to them afterward. I’ll tell them the truth—Patrick would have been proud to have you as a daughter-in-law.”

  “Good move on both parts,” Patty commented. “We need your dad standing beside you and Stephen at the press conference.”

  Anne sucked in a sharp breath. “Um. My mom and brother may be there. But I have no idea how we’ll get my dad there. He may think it’s a campaign stunt.”

  “That’s understandable.” Stephen nodded. “I don’t want to pressure your family to do something they’re uncomfortable with.”

  She cringed as she thought of the awkward position she’d put her parents in, especially her father. She’d tried not to think about it over the last week, concentrating instead on her own happiness. Now she faced the political fallout of her marriage. Whether it was at a press conference or some later date, her father was guaranteed to be asked about his son-in-law. Would he buck his party and endorse Stephen over Langford? She was certain he wouldn’t take sides, though she wondered how he’d convey his continued party loyalty, despite his daughter’s choice of husbands. She had an idea which could make it easier for everyone.

  “This is going to sound crazy,” she said with some apprehension. “But maybe my father and I should tell Langford before we release anything.”

  “What?” Stephen asked, his brow furrowing. “I don’t know what that gets anyone. Your dad will be uncomfortable, and then Langford and his campaign are prepared when we come out.”

  Anne shook her head. “We can get the timing right, and more importantly, it would allow my dad to be o
pen and honest with Langford. I mean, let’s get real. My dad’s a Republican. He’s friends with these guys. It would be nice for him to be able to do things on the up and up as much as possible.”

  “It’s a brilliant idea,” Patty announced and slapped her leg. “When Langford is asked to comment on your marriage, they’ll have to disclose that you and your father spoke with them. They can’t come out quite as hard if you actually give him a courtesy warning.”

  “Patty’s on to something,” Greg said from across the room. “It gives us another layer of respectability.”

  “It’s a really good idea,” agreed Megan.

  Stephen looked around the room searching for support. There was none. Every member of his family nodded in agreement with Anne and Patty.

  Lillian summed it up. “Tactically, it’s very smart.” She smiled at Anne. “It’s also the decent thing to do.”

  Stephen sighed in defeat. “Okay. But only because your dad will be there. I’d hate for you to do that alone.”

  As the debate went on around her, Megan scribbled notes. “I think we should handle things this way. We all fly to Denver tonight, and Stephen and Anne continue on to the ranch. First thing tomorrow morning, they tell her family, and Mom does a follow-up call. Anne and her dad then tell Langford a few hours later. In the meantime, I’ll have pitched The Denver Post an exclusive interview with you two, which will run the next day. That way the full story is out before we hold our press conference the next morning where you answer all questions.”

  “I like it.” Patty nodded. “We break the whole story on our terms first, and then we’re completely transparent at a press conference.”

  Marco snickered. “So in the sequence you’ve laid out, when does the shit hit the fan?”

  Megan raised her eyebrows and took a deep breath. “The moment the reporter calls Langford’s camp for a quote.”

  Later that evening, Walter rolled off Helen as they panted from their second round. The smell of sex mixed with the lingering scent of disinfectant, common to every Courtyard Marriott. Walter asked to rendezvous outside Dulles Airport in Virginia so they wouldn’t be noticed together. After a grueling day of twisting senators’ arms for votes, Helen was happy for the distraction.

  With his arms wrapped around her, Walter stroked her shoulder. “Helen, we’re friends. I hope you don’t mind me asking something of you.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Please don’t be offended.”

  She laughed. “Why would I be offended?”

  “Well, some women might find it insulting.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, I’m guessing you haven’t been faithful to your fiancé.”

  She laughed at the ridiculousness of his statement; at that very moment, she was naked in bed with another man. “What makes you say that?” She blinked in feigned innocence and shrugged. “I like the fact Smythe and I are engaged. I like that I’ve found someone to have kids with, but I’m not quite ready to settle down. Don’t worry, though, if you’re concerned about my reelection. I’m very discreet—as discreet as you, I might add.”

  “How do you know?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “How do I know?” She laughed. “Isn’t this the pot calling the kettle black? For starters, I know you’ve been screwing your receptionist for years. So if you add me and the secretary together, odds are there are others. You’re just discreet.”

  “You’re a smart woman.” He sighed. “So if you’re as discreet as me, I’m guessing you stick with men who have just as much to lose as you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Like your Senate colleagues?”

  “On occasion.” She gave him a wicked smile.

  “Have you ever crossed party lines?”

  “Yes. That’s not unheard of . . .”

  “Pardon me if this is too forward.” His voice changed from apologetic to interrogative. “But have you ever been with Stephen McEvoy?”

  Still angry from their conversation that morning, she sneered hearing Stephen’s name. “Well, yes, but who hasn’t?”

  “Funny you bring that up. Do you know any of his other . . . companions?” He looked at her dead on and spoke with determination. “I’m heavily invested in the Colorado race, and we have a lead he’s had an affair with an intern. Do you know anything about it? I wouldn’t ask if the race weren’t on the line. We could take the Senate with that seat.”

  Helen was quiet for a moment as she evaluated his question. She never expected to be asked about Stephen by anyone—let alone Walter. In the end, Stephen’s opposition to her amendment weighed little on her mind. Instead, party loyalty made her divulge the truth. Without hesitation, she declared, “I believe her name is Anne.”

  Chapter 26

  Early the following morning, Anne led Stephen into the Norwood family home. “Hey! I’m here,” she called out.

  Still in his pajamas, Mark walked down the stairs and gave a sleepy greeting to his sister. “Hey.” When he saw Stephen behind her, he raised one eyebrow and nodded. “You’re here, too?”

  “Morning, Mark,” Stephen answered, as he walked up and offered his hand.

  Shaking Stephen’s hand, Mark looked between Stephen and Anne. “Huh.” He scratched his head and headed to the kitchen. “This is gonna be interesting.”

  As they walked into the breakfast nook, Elton and Mary Beth looked up from their usual morning fare of hardboiled eggs, buttered toast, and The Denver Post. Neither seemed surprised at Stephen’s presence. Instead, they glanced at one another as if to confirm their suspicions.

  Elton spoke first. “Morning, Anne. Morning, Stephen. It’s good to see you.”

  “Morning, Dad. Hi, Mom.” Anne gave them hugs.

  Stephen again extended his hand. “Good morning, sir. Good morning, Mrs. Norwood.”

  “Stephen, can I get you a cup of coffee?” asked Mary Beth with a hesitant smile.

  “Thank you. That would be very nice.”

  “I’ll get it, Mom. You don’t have to get up,” answered Anne.

  “Pour me a cup, too,” said Mark, as he rubbed his eyes.

  Anne looked at her brother and could tell he was hung over. He spent most of his vacations reliving his college years of drinking and sleeping. Pouring a trio of coffees, she chuckled. “You’re looking a little worse for wear.”

  “Thanks.” He smirked. “We’ll see if it gets worse.”

  Elton motioned to an empty chair. “Stephen, why don’t you take a seat?”

  “Thanks.” He sat down, and as Anne distributed the coffee cups, he announced, “You’re probably all wondering why we’re here.”

  Anne’s eyes darted about the room. Her call the night before saying she needed to talk had been short. Over the months since Christmas, they’d heard brief snippets of her life with Stephen. She made sure she always gave details of what was going on with his family, hoping they’d understand the relationship was serious. As time wore on, she got the feeling her mother was warming slightly to him. Anne hoped she’d help convince her father and brother.

  Mark was the first to respond to Stephen’s statement, but he directed his reply to Anne. “So now you’re pregnant.”

  “Jeez. No.” She rolled her eyes. “Will you give me some credit?”

  Mary Beth looked at her husband, and everyone could see the relief in their eyes. Stephen gave Anne a nod and dropped the bombshell. “Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, Anne and I are married.”

  “What?” Mary Beth exclaimed.

  “Oh my God.” Mark shook his head and laughed.

  Elton sat motionless and without expression.

  After a reassuring glance at Anne, Stephen looked again at her parents. “I realize we haven’t gone about this in the traditional route. I mean no disrespect; I did tell you at Christmas I wanted to marry her. So instead of asking you for her hand, I’m asking for your blessing. We eloped on Saturday.”

  “You did? How? Where?” her mother asked, her mouth agape.

 
“We were married at my family’s cabin in West Virginia by a family friend who’s a federal judge. Senator Grayson York and his wife, Laura, were our witnesses. It was a very respectable wedding. I love Anne more than anything in the world, more than my own life and certainly my career. Will you give us your blessing?”

  Elton sat in silence, maintaining his expressionless stare. Mary Beth’s eyes flicked down to the rings on their hands, and her eyebrows rose at the diamond Anne wore. She caught Elton’s eye and gave the tiniest of nods toward the ring. Finally, Anne could decode their silent communication, for it was one she’d seen before. It was the look they gave one another when something serious had taken place that needed special attention.

  Elton spoke calmly. “You told me you wanted to marry her. You said you wanted to earn my blessing. But you also told me you were going to wait until after the election. What made you change your mind?”

  “I wanted to, Dad.” Anne’s voice was strong as she claimed her own ground as an adult. “There was no reason to wait.”

  Elton nodded at his wife, and Anne awaited her opinion. Her mother was a practical woman. Anne hoped that she’d see her daughter was happy with a man who loved her. And her new son-in-law was a United States Senator from a hallowed family with significant wherewithal. Mary Beth looked at the dazzling jewels on Anne’s hand one more time. The ring said it all. Stephen McEvoy was a catch, and Anne had caught him—hook, line, and sinker.

  She smiled. “Well, Anne, you certainly have made your life more complicated than it needed to be, but it is your choice. We still love you, and I see you’re happy. Congratulations, sweetheart.”

  “Oh, Mom,” she said as she reached to hug her mother. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, dear. We just want you to be happy.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Norwood.” Stephen smiled.

  Everyone looked at Elton, waiting his opinion on the matter. He cleared his voice and spoke directly to Stephen. “You have my blessing—not because I think this is a choice Anne should have made. Her mother and I both think she’s too young to get married, and we’d say that regardless of who the man was. But you have my blessing because I love my daughter, despite her decisions, and you’ve acted about as honorably and honestly as you could, given your situation.”