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“Mom, can you not freak my girlfriend out? I just convinced her to move in with me. Give me another month or so to convince her to marry me,” Drake said.
Before Margo could respond, Drake’s dad was using a microphone to get everyone’s attention.
“Merry Christmas, everyone. Thank you for joining us this year for our annual holiday party. We have so much to be grateful for.”
The crowd cheered.
“I want to thank my beautiful wife for throwing yet another amazing festive party and putting up with me for another year.” Their mom stood next to their dad and smiled. “And we wanted to officially announce that I’ll be running for governor of our fine state of Virginia. This will kick off our campaign.”
There was an initial hum of surprise before the crowd all cheered.
“I hope we can count on your support for the campaign, and I’ll expect the Maguire clan to show up in force throughout the next year.”
“Here, here,” several of Drake’s uncles called out from the crowd. The Maguires were a close-knit lot and quite large, considering his father came from six brothers, all married and all with several kids. At one point, Drake had at least twenty cousins.
“All right then, let’s all raise a glass; may we all be blessed in the next year, that our families stay healthy and strong, and that we forgive and appreciate each other. To the future and to the state for lovers.” The crowd cheered at Mr. Maguire’s use of the state’s slogan.
Margo didn’t miss Ian’s grimace. “Well, this is exciting,” she offered.
“I just hope he doesn’t expect us to be out on the campaign trail,” Ian said.
“Oh, I have no doubt, they will both expect us to participate, and I’m sort of looking forward to watching you in that setting,” Drake said.
Ian pulled on his bespoke black suit jacket he wore over a stark white dress shirt with no tie. “I can clean up just as well as you, pretty boy. I just choose not to.”
“Like I said, it’ll be fun watching you squirm and be on your best behavior. Snark is not going to help win over voters,” Drake said.
“No, but as soon as the women of Virginia get a look at the governor elect’s gorgeous sons I have a feeling your dad will have sold-out crowds,” Margo said.
“I was thinking the same thing, Margo,” Mrs. Maguire said, rejoining them. “And with Drake taken, that will leave a lot of eyes on you, Ian.” His mom winked before a guest stole her away into an excited conversation about the campaign.
Drake just laughed as Ian’s frown deepened.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Margo
After what could only be described as a magical Christmas with Drake in their new home, Margo was back at the hospital first thing Monday morning and eager to see the director to discuss her future. But first she wanted to speak with someone else. Stepping off the elevator on the fifth floor, she entered the oncology department.
“Dr. Monroe, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon since Mrs. Maguire is in remission,” the desk nurse said softly. “Happy holidays.” She held up a tin of homemade holiday cookies.
“Happy holidays,” Margo whispered, aware there were patients within hearing distance that might not share their enthusiasm while getting cancer diagnosis or treatments. “Is Doctor Stone in today?”
“He is. You can head on back. He’s probably eating too many cookies too.”
Margo made her way back down the soothing blue hallway and knocked on the last door, where the head of the department’s office sat. The door was open, and she knocked on the frame.
“Margo, come on in.”
“Dr. Stone, happy holidays. I was hoping to catch you for a quick career chat.”
He clapped his hands like a child about to open a gift when he already knew what was inside.
“I was hoping you might say that because I happen to know your contract will be up this summer in the ER.”
“You do?”
“Yes. I make it my business to know when doctors I admire will be up for renewal. Have a seat.”
