Page 38 of Accepted Precedent (Love & Politics #3)

Mickey

W aking up with Evelyn and Andrew on either side of me, I’m more at peace than I’ve been in years. She stirs, shifting in my arms to face me, just like the first night we spent together. So much has changed, but my feelings for her have never wavered—only strengthened over time.

“Mornin’, love.”

“Morning. What time do you need to leave?”

“Soon,” I sigh, holding her closer.

Our legs tangle, and for a minute I let myself pretend the world around us doesn’t exist. Tilting her chin, I bring her lips to mine, desperate for her sweet kisses. The urge to steal both of them away and never look back is incredibly tempting.

I groan as I pull back to tell her, “I should be back later tonight, but I won’t be able to stay unless we tell Ileah about us.”

“I know, but she just lost her husband. Give her time before I have to explain to my friend that my husband’s boyfriend knocked me up.”

“Brat.” I playfully smack her ass, making her giggle. “You know damn well I’m more than that to you.”

“You are, but it’s more fun to make it sound like a really bad soap opera.” Evie stretches, letting out a sweet sigh. “I should get up. I need to feed my sourdough starter so I can bake bread tonight for Ileah. But”—she nestles closer—“I’m so cozy.”

“Five more minutes.”

I give her twenty, and she dozes off. I’d happily spend several more hours with her in my arms, but I need to deal with Finn going behind my back to murder Tim. I tap Andrew’s leg, and he shifts to let me sneak out of bed. “Take care of her for me today.”

He offers a soft smile that doesn’t meet his eyes. “I will.”

I kiss him goodbye and get ready, then make my way into the kitchen to retrieve one of the two blue boxes. I find a small notepad and write Evelyn a message to open the one I left behind when she wakes up.

On the drive to Finn’s, Kristin and I comb through political research reports from the past few months, pulling out key talking points for Ileah. When we arrive at his house, I insist, “Stay here. I may kill my brother, and I doubt you want to see a dead body twice in the same week.”

“Oh, you may need this then.” She retrieves my gun from her large purse.

“You are always full of surprises, Ms. Proctor.”

“Kristin,” she insists with a smirk. “I’m pretty sure we’re past formalities.”

“Aye, that we are. Once I’m done dealing with my brother, we need to sit down and talk about your future.

You’re far from inadequate.” Her eyes widen.

“Think I didn’t overhear you telling Andrew that?

You are one of the very few people I trust, and it’s about time I acknowledge all that you’ve done for me, Evie and Andrew. ”

“Then maybe don’t kill Finn? I don’t want to upset Ned with another call to clean up a dead body.”

I bark out a laugh and take the gun from her. “I’ll be back in a few.” Climbing out of the car, I tuck the gun in the back of my waistband and button my jacket.

Not waiting for his staff, I try the front door—it’s unlocked. I make a show of slamming it shut behind me and shouting into the house, “Finn, we need to talk! What is this about you killing Tim?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mick!” he yells back. “I’m in the kitchen with Ileah.”

I take my time, letting him sit with his guilt a little longer. As I enter the kitchen, he’s with Ileah who is dressed in all black—the perfect widow ensemble. “Hello, Mrs. McKinnon. My apologies for my outburst.”

Finn’s fists are balled at his side. “It’s Vasileiou.” There’s a good chance she’ll want to use her maiden name, but I enjoy getting under my brother’s skin far too much.

“You hired the man,” Ileah mumbles to herself, piecing together what Finn has done.

“It would seem so,” I sigh. “My brother had his own agenda. My sincerest apologies, Mrs. McKinnon.”

Finn snaps, “You held up your end. Tim’s opponent is gone too. The only way Ileah can reach her potential is far away from the arsehole who kept her captive all of these years.”

Jaw tight, I narrow my eyes on him. “You killed him.”

“I did it for her!” he roars back.

Ileah’s arms fly wide. “I’m right here! Shouldn’t I get to decide what happens with my life? You’re no better than my father.”

“I’m sorry, love. I did what I had to do.”

“No, you did what you wanted to do,” I correct. “Now we have both Miss Taylor and Mrs. McKinnon to prepare for Senate races.”

“Miss Taylor? Don’t you mean Mrs. Blake?” Ileah asks, brows pinched.

“You didn’t fully brief her?” I rub my hand down my face.

“Fuckin’ hell. I’m sorry, Mrs. McKinnon.

I’m sure you’re privy to Alexander Blake stepping in for his brother at the wedding.

” She replies with a nod. “Miss Taylor never filed the marriage license, she’s not legally married to Christopher.

Poor lass never wanted to marry him, burned the original in a firepit in Hawaii. ”

“No,” she gasps. “She’s married, I was at the wedding.”

“Aye, they shared vows, but it’s not legal,” I explain.

“Since Alexander has chosen to assume Christopher’s identity in the wake of his death, they have plans to make it official later this week.

” Shaking my head, I huff a small laugh.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a man more in love.

He’s giving up his career for your friend.

” I pin Finn with a glare. “Which reminds me, moving forward, please ensure you address Alexander as Chris or Christopher. This is why I’m so angry with my brother—we have enough on our plate. ”

“How could you do this? You killed my husband.” While she never loved Tim the way she loved my brother, the betrayal is enough to make her eyes glassy.

“I’m sorry.” He reaches for her, but she steps back. “I was selfish when I hired the hit.”

“You killed a man, and… I killed a man ,” Ileah cries. “Which never would’ve happened if you didn’t do this.”

From what Kristin was able to squeeze out of Ned, Ileah killed the hitman after he killed Tim.

I can’t say I’m surprised—she’s as strong and capable as the Proctor sisters.

These women should be leading instead of being hidden away in the shadows.

It’ll be my last project before I walk away from it all.

“Finn, you’re going to meet with the Taylor girl and Alex… Christopher ,” I groan. “Fuck, I’m going to need a damn flowchart to keep track of this shit. I’ll ensure Ileah is ready for the special election.”

“What about my father?” Ileah carefully asks, lacking the fire she had moments ago.

“He’ll be at your house within the half hour,” I reply, hating how we have to involve him. “You’ll need his support for this to work.”

She chews on her lip. “And if he doesn’t?”

“Then he’ll join your late husband,” Finn roars.

“No, he won’t,” I insist. My brother needs to set his emotions aside if we want to pull this off. “You can’t solve everything with a gun, Finn.”

“Speaking of, we need to register one for Ileah.”

“You may be able to boss me around in bed, but you need to stop making decisions for me. I don’t want a gun,” she tells him under her breath, but I still hear her.

I clear my throat. “We need to go.”

“Only if you keep her safe.”

I ignore my brother and address Ileah, “Your new assistant, Kristin, is in the car. If you’d like a replacement, or to hire additional staff, you’ll be allotted a budget to do so.

Shall we?” I offer my arm, and after she retrieves her large-brimmed black hat, she hooks her hand in the crook of my elbow.

We leave the kitchen and when we reach the car, I finally break the silence with a sigh. “I’m sorry about my brother. You and I had an arrangement, and he took advantage of it.”

Ileah nods as I open the door for her, and she slides in. “Hi. You must be Kristin.”

Rounding the car, I take my time to let them get acquainted, then open the front passenger door and take a seat. I glance back at them, giving Ileah a curt nod. “All right, ladies, you have thirty minutes of prep before we’re at Mrs. McKinnon’s home.”

“Actually, I’d prefer to use my maiden name, if that’s okay?”

The driver pulls out, and I turn to face her. “For now, you’ll use your husband’s name. At least until after we see initial polling. In a few months, we can spin the narrative, but you’re supposed to be a grieving wife.”

“As soon as we meet with my father, can we begin funeral service planning?”

Turning back in my seat, I reply, “Of course, Ms. Vasileiou .” My phone vibrates and I retrieve it from my breast pocket, bringing it to my ear as I answer, “Hey, angel, now isn’t a good time.”

“I’m sorry, I thought you would’ve picked up Ileah by now. I just wanted to know if next Thursday worked for you for an ultrasound.”

My heart nearly escapes my chest. “Yes, that’s perfect.”

“Great. I’ll schedule it. I was thinking once you’re home, Andrew could distract Ileah and we could have some alone time.”

“Were you good for Daddy?”

She scoffs. “When have I ever been a good girl?”

“Never,” I laugh, but I’ll absolutely have my face between her legs the moment I have her to myself. “Did you get my note?”

“I did, but I didn’t open the box yet.”

“Why not?” My brows furrow.

“I was waiting for you.”

“Don’t wait.” I insist, hating that she’ll have to wait years to open the other one. “I’ll be home late tonight.”

“Fine.” There’s a pause, then a gasp. “Mickey! It’s beautiful, but this is too much.”

“It’s not enough.”

“You didn’t need to buy a lavish gift for the bundle of cells I’m growing.”

“You’re right; I may need to buy a second.”

“You’re impossible,” she groans but there’s still a smile in her voice.

“I’m sorry, angel, I need to get going. I’ll see you later, okay? I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We hang up and Ileah asks, “How old are your kids?”

The question takes me by surprise. As much as I want to scream from the rooftops that Evelyn is pregnant, I reply, “I don’t have kids.”

Kristin stifles a laugh, and my phone vibrates with another incoming call as she quietly tells Ileah, “Thirty-six.”

I check the caller ID and groan—the last person I want to talk to today is Christopher’s new assistant. “Ms. Johnson,” I answer, unable to hide my disdain for the woman.

“Mickey, we have a problem! Christopher is dead.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I say flatly. “What can I do for you?”

“We had a deal.”

“Aye, we did. You asked to be hired as a political aide. And now you are, as promised.”

“No, I’m out of a job,” she exclaims. “I know damn well you’re having Alexander Blake stand in for Chris.”

“It doesn’t matter. The deal was fulfilled regardless,” I remind her. “Now, are you going to make things difficult for me?”

“If you don’t get me hired anywhere I will.”

“I see. Give me twenty-four hours and I’ll see what I can come up with.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gallagher.” Her faux-sweet voice sours my stomach.

We hang up, and I need to keep an eye on Ms. Johnson. I’ve worked too hard for too long for it to all be destroyed by a mediocre wedding planner.

Ileah, Kristin, and I meet with Ileah’s father, who is understandably reluctant to support his daughter, but I’m able to convince him to step away from his seat on the Supreme Court.

With Justice Vasileiou’s support, we’re now on track for Ileah to be Jaclyn’s running mate in a few years.

Ileah deserves her moment to shine—to be the beacon I know she can be.