Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“Is he okay?”
“Amber says he’s okay. He’s in the hospital and will need surgery for a badly broken leg.”
“Oh, no! Is she okay? Maybe we should go visit?”
“Let’s wait and get her updates. If I’m reading the situation correctly, there will be a lot of chaos. If I go, it will be a big publicity event. They probably don’t need that now.”
“You’re right. The newsies will swarm all around you,” Maisie agreed.
“We’ll go quietly in a few days. As friends and not as a senator,” Beau proposed.
“I could go without you,” Maisie said hesitantly.
“Amber is probably living at the hospital with Rio. There’s nothing you can do for her or Rio, Little girl.”
“I’d probably just be in the way.”
“She’d love to see you but will choose to spend her time with Rio, of course. Let’s see when his surgery is and then we can send some prepared meals to them at home to make their lives easier for a while. We’ll send them under your name to keep me out of it.”
“That’s a perfect idea. I’ll text her back when I get a minute to tell her to keep us updated,” Maisie offered.
“Good idea, Little girl.”
“I can’t believe this is happening in Avondale. Daddy, you need to do something about all this violence.”
“I know, Maisie. I’m already working on it with some colleagues.”
“I know you are. Kisses.”
“I love you, Maisie.”
Things heated up in the Senate. A bill Beau sponsored was upsetting the status quo. It was under fierce debate on the floor, and many senators had given news interviews to sway public opinion to their side. Beau kept a low profile, preferring to reserve the power of the media later in the process.
The couple had neither hidden nor advertised their living arrangements. Beau’s personal assistant had handled the transfer of his personal effects to Maisie’s apartment before relinquishing his DC area digs and quietly donating Beau’s furniture to a women’s shelter. Thanks to a lull in the political appearances required by Beau’s position, they’d enjoyed spending time together alone.
The couple kept up with Rio’s progress through regular communication with Amber. When Amber invited them to the surprise party being held at the bar, they’d decided not to go so that the evening was focused on Rio and not on Beau’s political actions.
“I’m going to video call Amber. I’m sorry I’m not there tonight to help them celebrate,” Maisie declared after dinner.
“Good idea. Shall we call together?”
Maisie thought for a moment and decided, “Let’s call separately. It doesn’t seem like the time to share that we’re living together.”
“I think they’d be happy for us.”
“The gathering should focus on Rio tonight.” Maisie squashed Beau’s suggestion.
“Alright. You call and then I’ll call.”
Maisie sat on one end of the couch and placed her call.
“Maisie? Where are you?” Amber asked with a delighted smile.
“Washington. Sorry I can’t be there. Tell Rio I’m glad he and the bar are okay.”
“Here. Talk to him yourself.”
Maisie grinned at her friend’s quick pass off of her phone. Beau was right. Things were very busy there.
“Rio, I won’t take much of your time. I know people have to be swarming all over you. How’s the leg?”
After chatting happily with Rio for a short time, Maisie ended the call. “Your turn,” she said to Beau. “Just turn that way so the background is different.”
“They’re going to figure this out soon,” he warned, but complied with her request. When Maisie nodded her approval, Beau placed his call as well, placing it on speaker so Maisie could listen.
“Hi, Beau!” Amber greeted him.
“Hi, Amber. Just checking in on Rio. Sorry I’m missing the party. I should be back in town soon,” Beau reported just as his phone clicked, signaling an incoming call. “Shoot. I have to go. See you soon.”
Maisie wandered off as Beau accepted the other call and removed it from speaker mode. Grabbing Floof, she curled up on her side of the bed with her e-reader and dived into the story of a Little girl she loved to read and reread.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Beau crawled onto the bed and shifted her to rest on his chest.
“I was reading,” she pointed out.
“Good. I’ll read with you. Let’s talk about tomorrow first.”
“The big fundraiser?” she asked.
“Yes. I know I said you didn’t need to go with me.”
“Are you changing your mind?” Maisie asked, squirming to look at his face.
“Yes. I’d like you to go with me. I don’t want to hide our relationship.”
“I’m not really a fancy party girl. You know I didn’t have all those etiquette classes you did growing up.”
“You have lovely manners. I am always very proud to have you at my side,” Beau assured her.
“You want everyone to know we’re a couple?”
Beau shifted slightly to pull a black velvet box from his pocket. “I want everyone to know you’re mine. Maisie Rae Woodson, will you marry me?”