Page 100 of Lieutenant

The guy closes the door behind him.

I sit in the vacated chair. “My chief of staff told me we have you to thank for helping to keep our lieutenant governor going.”

He sits up a little in bed. “You guys are really lucky.” He meets my gaze. “She loves both of you so damn much.” He tears up. “Ellen would have loved to have known her.”

“I’m very sorry for your loss.”

“Yeah, well, the main thing I’m thankful for is that she literally didn’t know what hit her.” He sadly smiles. “And I’m grateful for Susa. Once we can all think and breathe and are safely back on solid ground, you’d better believe I’m going to record some campaign ads for you guys, even if I have to form my own PAC to do it. And when she runs for governor. And whatever other office she runs for. I’ll strong-arm the GOP in my state to toss money her way however I have to.”

I honestly have no clue what to say. “Um…thank you.”

“I know. It’s weird talking politics right now, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“She and I are a lot alike, I think. I was going to run for governor, once this term was up. I think my chances just got a lot better.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, probably.”

He drops his voice. “You’re lucky men,” he says again. “And no, nothing she told me that’s personal will ever be repeated by me. We kind of have…” He sadly smiles. “I guess I have a lot in common with Carter.”

“They told me.” I shake with him again. “Thank you, Governor. And any runs you make, I’ll be happy to help you out, too. And get Benchley Evans to pitch in.”

“George. And that’s a deal.” He studies me for a long moment. “She did tell me y’all are trying to have a baby. I hope that works out for you.”

I snort, rubbing the back of my neck. “We still off the record?”

He nods.

I shrug. “Nothing’s for certain right now. It’s still soon. But looks like maybe there’s a reason she was throwing up. Only time will tell if everything’s okay and it makes it.”

His eyes widen, tearing up again, and he sits up to hug me, both of us crying now. “Congratulations, Dad. If anyone can pull this off, she can.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Boy, do I.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Susa

It’s two weeks before they feel safe discharging me and Connie. I’ve regained three pounds and while it’s recommended I don’t hit an all-you-can-eat buffet, I’m allowed to eat soft foods as I can tolerate them.

Mmmm.Pudding.

They said in another week I can progress to other things. Meanwhile, I can drink protein shakes and things like that.

Owen’s slept in bed with me every night. He was going to let Carter sleep in my bed, but Carter, that soft-hearted bastard, ordered Owen to do it.

Fuck, did I mention how much I love these men of mine?

I don’t know how Carter, Dray, and Daddy spun the story so it’s not suspicious that Owen stayed with me that long, but they did it. I guess having Connie here helped. The public’s been eating up the info released at every daily briefing, where they report how we’re doing.

Hell, more people are asking aboutusthan the usual legislative shit they ask about.

The politician in me ishowlingwith the scent of victory in the air.

The Ma’am, wife, pet, and mother-to-be will simply be glad to gethome.