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Murphy
Aweek later, Sabrina and I are mingling in the grand ballroom of the Rittenhouse Hotel, a gorgeous boutique hotel not far from Kroydon Hills. The massive room has big arched windows framing an entire wall. Shimmering chandeliers are dotting the boxed ceiling and the overpowering scent of flowers from the tall red, white, and blue floral arrangements is making my nose itch. The drinks are flowing, and the energy is building to a fevered pitch through the room.
We’re waiting for the political pundits to officially call the race in favor of Senator Cabot. It was a closer race than anyone expected this morning. But by mid-afternoon, the senator had a hefty lead. Now it’s just a matter of formality. The senator has won this race. There’s no way for his opponent to overtake him now.
Sabrina’s currently talking to her dad’s speechwriter, probably going over last-minute changes.
I swear she’s spent more time polishing this speech than I knew was possible. I’ve heard her read it so many times, I think I’ve memorized it. She’s holding a bottle of water in her left hand. Light is glinting off the crown on the charm bracelet hanging from her wrist.
She may be worried about what’s going to happen to her life because of her father’s political aspirations, but I have no doubt she’s going to be fine. Better than fine. My girl is going to thrive. She may never see herself the way I do, but she was born to do this.
I lean against one of the many white pillars scattered through the room, taking it all in when I see Mrs. Cabot approaching. Steeling my spine and schooling my face, I greet her. “Mrs. Cabot. I didn’t realize you and the senator had come downstairs already?”
“Harrison wants to be down here for the official announcement. It should be made soon.”
I nod but say nothing. I haven’t seen her since the night at the Union League and don’t exactly know how I’m supposed to respond.
She places her glass of champagne on the table. “Aiden, I owe you an apology and an explanation.”
“It’s fine, Mrs. Cabot.”
“Please, call me Elizabeth. It’s not fine. My daughter isn’t speaking to me. You mean something to her, which means I need to get to know you and give you the benefit of the doubt. I am sorry for what I said. If you choose to believe me, that is up to you.
“I love my family, Aiden. I have dedicated my life to them and would protect them from making a mistake at all costs. I’m sure you’ll understand that one day. But, in the course of trying to protect them, I managed to hurt my daughter, and for that, I am sorry.”
Her eyes dance over Sabrina before taking in the rest of the room and finally coming back to meet mine. “Prove me wrong, Aiden. I’m giving you a chance. I want nothing more than for you to prove me wrong. Make her happy. Make her proud of you and proud to be with. If you do that, I will be your biggest champion.”
Mrs. Cabot steps closer, lowering her voice. “But, make no mistake, if you hurt her, I will make sure you hurt worse. My husband may seem like the strong, scary politician, but he’s got nothing on me.”
Sabrina chooses that moment to join this strange little head trip of a conversation, head held high, a look of complete control on her face. “Do you need something, Mother?”
“Sabrina, your father would like you and Aiden to join us on stage for the announcement.” Mrs. Cabot looks to me, smiles a predatory smile, and links her arm through mine. “Game time.”
I hold my other arm out for Sabrina and escort these two women up the stairs and onto the stage.
The queen and the princess.
As I look out from the stage, I wonder if this is what my life will be like by her side.
Will she change her mind?
Will she want to be the king instead of the kingmaker one day?
Or will she be happy to stay behind the scenes?
Either way, I’ll be there to protect her and support her.
* * *
Hours later, when we crawl under the cool sheets, exhausted, Sabrina lays her head over my heart as her fingers trace circles on my chest. “What did my mother say to you earlier?”
“I think we came to a mutual understanding.”
She leans up on her elbow, her dark hair tumbling down around her shoulders and chocolate-brown eyes boring into my soul. “Oh yeah? What kind of an understanding?”
“An easy one.”
She pinches her eyes shut. “That’s really all you’re going to give me?”
Leaning up, I brush my lips over hers. “Yup.” Then flip her onto her back, my hands caging her in. “Move in with me, Sabrina.”
“That didn’t sound like a question.”
“That’s because it wasn’t. You spend every night in my bed already. Why waste time going back and forth to your dorm room every day? You are my home, Sabrina. Why not make it official?”
“Are your roommates okay with adding another person to the house? Did you even ask them?”
“Of course I asked them. They love you, Princess. Your kind of crazy fits in perfectly here.” I cover her lips with mine before she gets the chance to protest. “Say yes.”
“Yes.”
