Page 27 of Conquered

Noelle nodded.

He took a deep breath before proceeding.

The call you heard this morning was from James Powell. Remember him from last night?”

She remembered the imposing black man and nodded.

"You know, he heads the council who has been giving me a tough time about getting a nomination ticket in their party. Those guys have been making a huge fuss about me being single and therefore not credible for the office of Senator. Well, those crafty idiots also know that I have no immediate plans of getting married anytime soon. James knows I am just as stubborn as those old farts."

Noelle listened and wondered where this was all going.

“Well guess what? James and I had a long talk this morning. It seems his admiration for you goes beyond just your beauty and brains. He basically spelled it out that they will give me a ticket tomorrow if I wanted it. But I have to do this one thing.”

“What?” Noelle asked.

“He wants me to ask for your hand in marriage.”

“What?” Noelle recoiled in shock.

“I know. I told him he was crazy. But he was adamant…said that my public persona would increase tenfold. Having a wife would make my image sweeter to the voting public.”

Noelle was so stunned she couldn’t say a word.

"I know you're probably shocked out your mind. I was just as shocked when he said it this morning. But think about it. When you shared your problems with me, I promised I would help you. I still didn't know how this morning, but I said I would. Now it all makes sense. If you marry me, all your problems about your alien status will be resolved. You need not lose the café.”

Despite the rioting thoughts in her mind, Noelle realized that to be true.

“And more importantly, I can get the nomination I desperately want. I can help you. You can help me too. Call it a marriage of convenience, if we need to put a tag to it. Please, Noelle, say yes?"

Noelle felt her spirit detach from her body and hover above their heads, similar to an out-of-body experience. She noted these two people talking while seated in the sand. She saw the need in Hunter’s face to become a senator, just as she saw her own need to keep her store and her son safe. It was so clear in her mind, as clear as the assuredness that what she felt for Hunter transcended the bounds of friendship.

She was in love with him.

It wasn’t important what he truly felt about her. She will never deprive him the chance to follow a dream. She would give him anything he wanted.

It was through this dreamlike state that she heard herself say, “Yes, I will marry you."