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“Now that Jameson and Gerald are out of the picture, are you having second thoughts about the nomination?”

“No,” he says soberly. “It feels like something I need to do—dare I say, what my life has been leading up to. Besides, I’ll probably only rule a hundred or so years and then step down.”

“Only.”

He smirks. “Do you think you can run our business here without me?”

I get giddy just thinking about my new flower farm.

“I think I’ll manage,” I say.

“If you need me, I’ll only be an ocean away.”

“Ifyou get elected.”

He gives me a droll look, confident as ever. Then he turns back toward the door. “I’ll go so Noah can rest.”

“See you soon.”

I close the door and then look around the house, wondering what changes we’ll make now that Noah and I are married. Maybe we can even buy it from my grandparents. The bank will probably give us a mortgage since my husband has a reliable income.

Everything is looking up.

“Was that Cassian?” Noah asks from the top of the stairs.

“Yeah, he just stopped by to check in. Did you take your medicine?”

“I did, but I don’t feel any better.”

“It’s been five minutes. You’ve only been a vampire for four years. Did you already forget how this sick stuff works?”

“Come watch a K-drama with me. I don’t want to be miserable by myself.”

I head back up the stairs to join him.

“Why are you smiling?” Noah asks, suspicious.

“Because I’m happy.”

“You’re happy I’msick?”

“No, but I am happy that the only thing we have to worry about is a very normal case of the flu.”

He wraps his arms around me from behind, and we penguin-walk our way into the bedroom. “I’m not happy about the flu.”

“You’re going to be fine.”

“Quick—bite me again.”

Laughing, we fall onto the bed together and crawl under the covers. “I’m not biting you.”

He nuzzles my neck. “Maybe I’ll bite you.”

“Stop it—you don’t feel good.”

Chuckling, he wraps his arms around me.

“What do you want to watch?” I ask.

“Something about a vampire and a flower farmer,” he murmurs, awfully sweet when he’s sick.

“I don’t think they have that one,” I say wryly.

“That’s too bad.” He yawns and closes his eyes, looking like he’s ready to nap, not watch a show. “It’s my favorite.”

I smile as I cuddle in close. “You know what? It’s my favorite, too.”