Page 36 of Accepted Precedent (Love & Politics #3)
“Don’t you dare ask what do we do now? like some helpless damsel in distress,” she growls.
“You removed a bullet from a man’s skull last night.
We both know what has to happen if you decide to have Mick’s baby.
You’ll have to be the dutiful wife to Andrew a little longer, just until we announce Jaclyn is running for President.
Then, you can quietly divorce Andrew. The spotlight will be on her and Ileah—no one will be the wiser. ”
“President? I love Jaclyn, but she’s not ready. She’ll lose.”
“You’re right.” Kristin bites her lip to hide her smirk. “Which is why we’re preparing her for the next election cycle. Ileah will be her running mate.”
“Are you insane?”
“That’s what I asked Mickey,” she laughs, then glances behind her to the door and lowers her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m going to be Ileah’s assistant and quietly run her campaign until it’s time to announce.”
“A two-woman ticket? I mean, that’s fucking fantastic, but in what universe would they be elected?”
“Don’t worry about that part. The Gallaghers have it handled—or at least Mickey does.” Kristin checks the test for me and her eyes widen. “Um, I… it’s too soon to check it.” She sets it down.
“You’re going to rig an election?”
With a quick shake of her head, she insists, “No. They’ll create the circumstances that would make any logical person vote for them.”
“Like funding candidates who could destroy this country," I mutter to myself. My eyes meet hers as my jaw tightens. “That’s just as bad as the PAC who funded the protest.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
Her voice softens, and the little lines between her eyebrows are no longer present.
“Then let me do my job.” We both glance at the test and she sighs, “When I checked, it was already positive, which means very elicited hCG levels… you’re probably having twins.
” Before I can react, she adds, “Don’t worry about Mickey or Andrew.
They can go fuck themselves. Do whatever makes you happy. ”
“Even if your happiness is destroyed?”
“What’s the saying? He’s just a guy, hit him with your car?
” Kristin chuckles, making me feel lighter than I have in a while.
“Is it Mickey’s?” I nod. “Don’t worry about me, or the guys.
We’re sisters—family comes first. You want to end this?
I’ll hold your hand through it. Want to see it through?
My hand is still here. I love you, Evie. You’re my priority, not them.”
“Okay,” I say softly, checking the dreaded stick for myself. “If you can keep me safe, then I’m ready.”
She hugs me in what has to be the tightest hug I’ve ever received from her. “I love you, Evie. I can’t promise your safety, but I’ll die trying.”
A tear slips from my eye and I brush it away on her shoulder. “I love you too, but we also need to protect Ileah and Jaclyn. We can’t let them be caught in the crossfire.”
“I have enough money saved. If you want to disappear, I can make it happen. Plus, Finn owes me big time for killing that guy last night.”
“No.” I huff a small laugh, shaking my head and pulling back enough to remind her, “Family comes first, but that includes you, Andrew, Jaclyn, and Ileah. Unless everyone is happy, my work isn’t done.”
“Mickey was right—you’re the anchor.”
A pounding on the door startles us. “I can only hold him off for so long!” Andy shouts.
“We’ll be out in a minute. Pissing on a stick isn’t easy when you’re a woman,” I holler, then whisper to Kristin, “Who can we trust?”
“I don’t know. Ileah and Jaclyn seem innocent, but everyone is tied to the Gallaghers at this point. Keep a low profile, but I don’t trust anyone after what went down last night. On top of the guy I shot, Tim is dead, the hitman is dead, and Christopher Blake is also dead.”
“What?” I screech and turn on the water, washing my hands longer than necessary.
“I’ll fill you in later, but Chris’ death was a fluke. Alex is stepping in for Chris like he did at the wedding. It’s a fucking mess. Okay, you have to get out there or they’ll suspect something.”
“I know,” I groan. “Fuck all of this.”
I walk out, head held high, until I reach the kitchen.
Andrew looks like a wounded animal and the hope Mickey possesses could electrify a major city.
I brace myself on the counter, unable to meet their gaze.
Kristin is by my side and covers her hand with mine.
After closing my eyes and several deep breaths in and out, a strong hand splays across my stomach, pulling me to them.
Breathing a shaky sigh, I whisper, “I’m sorry, Mick. ”
Mickey kisses the small spot between my neck and shoulder and whispers against me, “I don’t care what the result is. I love you.”
My gaze lifts to Andrew and my truth tumbles from me, “I love you… I’m sorry.”
A mix of love and horror mar his expression, and thankfully Mickey misses it. Eternity passes and I’m sick to my stomach. Thankfully, Kristin spots my discomfort and places the test in Mickey’s hand. “Mr. Gallagher, Mrs. Adams is with child.”
He stills, then turns me to face him. “Then why were you apologizing, angel?”
“You know what has to happen.”
“I don’t care.” He peppers kisses on every inch of my face. “You and Andrew are my world, angel. We’re going to figure this out together.”
“Even if Andrew decides to raise them with me?”
His eyes search mine. “Them?”
“She’ll confirm with a doctor,” Kristin offers.
“I don’t understand.”
Likely fed up with our theatrics, she blurts, “Evelyn’s test was positive after only a few minutes, which means there’s a good chance she’s pregnant with twins.”
“Fuck.” Andrew pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Yeah… fuck,” Kristin echoes.