Election Day (By Design Book 10) Read online

  ELECTION DAY

  JA Armstrong

  Text © Copyright 2017 Bumbling Bard Creations

  All Rights Reserved.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced without permission.

  ISBN: 0692990046

  ISBN 13: 978-0692990049

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  April 30th — Pennsylvania Primary

  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  Loud cheers erupted in the hotel suite. Jameson’s attention immediately fell on Candace. She’d expected to be met with a jubilant smile. Amid the fervor, Candace remained composed. Michelle, on the other hand, was bouncing. Jameson laughed.

  Dana sidled up to Jameson. “What’s funny?”

  Jameson gestured to Michelle. “I was just thinking the twins could probably use helmets in there.”

  Dana joined in the laughter. Candace’s daughter, Michelle was due to deliver twins in just over a month. She’d had to beg both her wife and her mother to let her make the trip to Pennsylvania. “She wouldn’t dare go into labor and miss this victory speech.”

  “Probably true.” Jameson’s lips curled into a smile when she saw Candace approaching. Before she could offer Candace her congratulations, Candace’s lips found hers. “What was that for?”

  Candace wiped a smudge of lipstick from the corner of Jameson’s lips with her thumb. “I think you know.”

  “I didn’t do anything,” Jameson said.

  “Yes, you did.” Candace turned her attention to Dana.

  “Congratulations, Governor.”

  “Still a long road ahead,” Candace replied.

  Dana nodded. By all accounts, Candace had just clinched the Democratic nomination. To call the moment historic would have been a massive understatement. No woman had ever traversed these waters. The fact that Candace Reid was a lesbian added a layer most would never have imagined possible. Candace understood the gravity in that distinction. Dana knew that. Dana took Candace’s hand and squeezed gently. “And, everyone in this room will be there to travel it with you.”

  Candace nodded her thanks.

  “Are you going to address the troops?” Jameson wondered.

  “In a minute.” Candace pulled Jameson aside into the kitchen.

  “Are you okay?” Jameson asked.

  Candace smiled. “I’m better than okay. I need a minute.”

  Jameson moved to take Candace in her arms. “I thought you’d be on cloud nine.”

  “I can’t afford cloud nine.”

  “Candace, let yourself enjoy the moment. You deserve it.”

  Candace sighed. “No; they deserve it.”

  “So, do you.”

  “Maybe. I don’t want to lose sight of what comes tomorrow.”

  Jameson placed a gentle kiss on Candace’s forehead. “You won’t.”

  A relieved sigh escaped Candace’s lips. She let her head fall against Jameson’s chest. The moment that the news declared her the winner of the Pennsylvania primary, Candace’s heart began to pound. She struggled to calm it. Every poll had predicted the outcome. For days, major news outlets had speculated about the general election match-up. It seemed inevitable that Governor Candace Reid would face business tycoon Bradley Wolfe. Candace had not permitted herself to buy into the press. A game was not over until the buzzer sounded. George Keyes had served as a formidable opponent throughout the primary season, and sometimes a thorn in her side. He’d challenged her patience at more turns than she had anticipated. It served as excellent preparation for the next leg of the journey. Candace also knew that the road ahead would be littered with every piece of debris Bradley Wolfe and his team could find to throw in her way.

  “Candace?”

  Candace pulled back and smiled. “I know.”

  “You know?”

  “I know what you’re thinking. I am happy. I just know what tomorrow looks like.”

  Jameson nodded. Bradley Wolfe’s campaign had been running against Candace for months. The self-proclaimed business guru had yet to seal the nomination. He’d successfully banished four people from the field of potential candidates. Kansas Governor Luke Revere was still standing shoulder to shoulder with Wolfe. Wolfe would need to win California. Jameson was sure that Candace would prefer to run against the governor of Kansas. Wolfe was not a career politician. He was a master manipulator. Jameson wondered if anyone in Wolfe’s sphere possessed an ounce of decency.

  “You know, Revere could still take California,” Jameson offered.

  “Doubtful,” Candace said.

  “Maybe this win for you will….”

  Candace shook her head. “He’s so deeply entrenched, Jameson. Wolfe’s people don’t believe in boundaries.”

  “Candace, you have to know that we are all with you.”

  “I do know. I do. I am happy. I just need to keep my feet on the ground.”

  Jameson understood. She pulled Candace close again and held her.

  “Mom?” Michelle walked into the kitchen. “Seriously? Bible study now?”

  Candace chuckled. “No one is quoting scripture.”

  Michelle detected something unusual in her mother’s voice. “Are you okay?”

  Candace stepped back from Jameson, stretched her back and smiled. “I’m fine, Shell.”

  “You disappeared.”

  “I just needed a minute,” Candace explained.

  “When do you want to go down to address everyone?”

  “I need a few minutes. You know the drill.”

  “Twenty minutes?” Michelle guessed.

  “Give or take.”

  Michelle nodded her understanding.

  “Let me guess,” Jameson said. “You need to call Cassidy.”

  Candace smiled. “I do. I just want to run a couple of things by her before I go down.”

  Jameson placed a kiss on Candace’s cheek. “I’ll see you in a few.”

  “Yes, you will.”

  ***

  Pearl placed the phone back in its cradle and closed her eyes. Not now.

  “Grandma?” Marianne’s voice echoed.

  Pearl turned to the sound.

  “What is it?” Marianne asked.

  “That was your Uncle David.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s your grandma.”

  Marianne took a deep breath, expecting the news. “Is she?”

  “They rushed her to the hospital. It looks like a stroke. She’s… Well, without support…They’re going to wait for your mother. David didn’t want to call her and spoil tonight.”

  “Are you going to call Mom?”

  Pearl cringed. “I’m going to call Jameson.”

  “Why now?” Marianne sighed. “How do you think she’ll take it—Mom, I mean?”

  Pearl’s lips curled into a somber smile. “It will break her heart, just a little bit.”

  Marianne was genuinely surprised at Pearl’s observation. Candace had never enjoyed a close relationship with her mother. Marianne had a few fond memories of the woman, but Marjorie Stratton had never been a doting, cookie baking kind of grandmother. Visits with Grandma Stratton had always been defined by polite conversation at an elegant dinner table. Marianne had always been able to sense her mother’s unease during those visits. Pearl had acted as Candace’s mother and she had assumed the role of a grandmother fo
r Marianne and her siblings. Marianne noted tears in Pearl’s eyes.

  “Grandma? Are you okay?”

  “Oh, you know, sure I am.”

  “Worried about Mom?”

  “I always worry about your mother.”

  “She’ll be okay, Grandma.”

  “I know she will. Doesn’t mean I like seeing her hurt.”

  “Do you want me to call JD?” Marianne offered.

  “No, Spitfire; you go on up to bed. I’ll take care of it.”

  ***

  “Excuse me,” Jameson stepped away from Dana to answer her phone.

  “Hey, Pearl.”

  “How is everything there?” Pearl inquired.

  “Uh-oh. What’s wrong? Don’t tell me that roof is leaking again.”

  Pearl sighed through a chuckle. “No leaks,” she promised.

  “Uh-huh. I can hear it in your voice. You didn’t call to congratulate Candace. What’s going on?”

  Pearl took a deep breath. “David called me a few minutes ago. He didn’t want to call you two while you were there.”

  “Okay?”

  “It’s Marjorie, Jameson.”

  Jameson sucked in a nervous breath. Candace’s mother had been battling dementia for years. She was confined to a wheelchair, and most days she had no idea who Candace was. Even with her declining health, Jameson had witnessed the woman’s ability to reduce Candace to tears. Nonetheless, she was Candace’s mother. Jameson also understood that a part of Candace always had and always would yearn for the woman’s love and acceptance. She was confident that Pearl knew that too.

  “What happened?” Jameson asked.

  “Looks like a stroke. It’s not good, Jameson. They’re… Well, they are just waiting for Candy.”

  “Shit.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.”

  “I’ll tell her after she makes her speech.”

  “Jameson, if you want me to…”

  “No,” Jameson put the thought to rest. “I’ll give David a call now. How about you?”

  “Me? I’m all right,” Pearl promised. “You just take care of Candy and let me know what you need.”

  “I will.” Jameson rubbed her temple for a minute before placing a call to Candace’s older brother. “David?”

  “JD?”

  “Yeah. Pearl just called. Candace is in the other room getting ready to go address the crowd.”

  “I’m sorry. I debated whether I should wait to call until morning. I figured Pearl would know best.”

  “You did the right thing,” Jameson assured him. “Candace would be furious if you had waited.”

  “Maybe, but this is a big night for her. I hate to have anything taint it.”

  Jameson smiled. She liked Candace’s brother. David was far more stoic than Candace. He had a reputation for being rigid. Jameson had seen a different side of him. On occasion, he would tease and taunt Candace as if they were still small children. He knew every button to push where his sister was concerned. One thing Jameson had recognized, David Stratton adored his sister. He might not have been demonstrative, but the affection that lit his eyes when he looked at Candace was evident to Jameson.

  “She’ll be okay,” Jameson promised. She heard David sigh. “She will.”

  “It will be the hardest for her, JD.”

  Jameson was surprised by David’s summation. “I…”

  “She talks a good game. You know Candy. Our mother was always hardest on her. Candy did everything she could to please her.”

  True. “I’m sorry, David. Are you sure…”

  “The machines are keeping her here,” he replied. “We won’t do anything without Candy.”

  “Where are you?” Jameson asked.

  “St. Peters.”

  Jameson closed her eyes. “Okay. We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

  “JD…”

  “You know her. She’ll insist on leaving as soon as she steps off that stage.”

  David chuckled. “Just do me a favor.”

  “If I can.”

  “Tell my sister that we’re all proud of her.”

  “You can tell her yourself,” Jameson said.

  “I will.”

  “I’ll have her call. I’m sorry, David. I really am.”

  “I know. I am too.”

  Jameson disconnected the call and sighed. Fuck.

  “Hey? Jameson? What’s wrong?” Michelle grabbed hold of Jameson’s arm.

  Jameson looked up and saw Candace emerging from the bedroom. “Not now,” Jameson replied. She straightened her posture and smiled.

  “Yeah, right,” Michelle muttered.

  “Not now, Shell,” Jameson cautioned. She caught Candace’s gaze and winked. As soon as Candace turned her attention away, Jameson sighed.

  “JD? Come on, what is going on?” Michelle pressed.

  Jameson grabbed Michelle’s arm and pulled her into a corner. “It’s your grandmother.”

  “Grandma Pearl...”

  “No.”

  “Grandma Stratton?”

  Jameson nodded. “I just talked to David. She’s on life support.”

  Michelle’s eyes closed and she bit her lip.

  “You okay?” Jameson asked.

  Michelle shook her head. “I’m okay,” Michelle promised. “I really am, JD.”

  “I’m sorry, Shell.”

  “It’s okay.” Shell looked over at her mother. “Poor Mom.”

  “Well, let’s give her the space to address the troops.”

  “You’re going to wait to tell her?”

  “Yes.”

  “JD…”

  “Trust me, Shell. Your mom will understand. She needs to be clear-headed up there tonight. No sadness until later.”

  Shell shook her head. “JD, I don’t usually argue with you about Mom. You’re wrong this time.”

  Jameson was stunned.

  “Listen to me; the press will find out that grandma was there and they’ll either accuse Mom of acting like it didn’t matter or they’ll make a case that our family is in crisis. You have to tell her before she goes up there. You have to.”

  Jameson’s heart plummeted in her chest. She’s right. Damnit. Jameson clasped Michelle’s hand. “Thanks.”

  Michelle watched Jameson navigate the cluster of staff in the hotel suite until she reached Candace. “Shit.” With a deep breath, Michelle began to make her way to her mother.

  ***

  “Jameson?” Candace questioned an undistinguishable expression on Jameson’s face.

  “Candace, we need to get moving,” Glenn Freeman urged.

  Jameson addressed him directly. “I’m afraid I have to steal the governor for a moment.”

  “JD, we,” he began to argue.

  Candace’s gaze grew concerned.

  Jameson remained firm. “We’ll meet you in the hall.”

  “JD,” he began again.

  “In the hall, Glenn,” Jameson said.

  “Jameson?” Candace’s voice quivered.

  “I’ll go get the crowd ready,” Michelle offered. She kissed her mother on the cheek. “See you in a minute.”

  Jameson nodded her thanks when Michelle closed the door.

  “Jameson?” Candace urged again.

  “I wish there was an easy way to tell you this.”

  “Tell me what? Jameson, what is going on?”

  “It’s your mother.”

  “What?”

  “David called. She’s…. It looks like a stroke.”

  Candace collapsed into a chair and let her face fall into her hands. “Is she…”

  “She’s alive,” Jameson replied. She knelt before Candace. “But she’s on life-support. He didn’t want to tell you…I didn’t want to tell you until…”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I know,” Candace said. She took a deep breath.

  “Candace, if you need to…”

  “Tell me this—is this it? Do they think
she…”

  Jameson squeezed Candace’s hand gently. “They’re just waiting for you.”

  Candace nodded. She sucked in another deliberately long breath and exhaled it slowly. “Let’s go.” She reached for Jameson’s hand.

  Jameson silently followed, caressing the back of Candace’s hand with her thumb. Candace needed to stay focused. She needed to be in control. Jameson mentally prepared herself for the collapse that would ultimately follow. Why can’t it ever be easy?

  ***

  Candace held up her hands to quiet the crowd. She decided to stick to her original speech before delivering the news about her mother’s health. The crowd gathered was, as Jameson had put it, “on cloud nine.” She hated diminishing the energy in the room. In Candace’s mind, her personal life was closely mirroring her professional world. Candace was elated by the result in Pennsylvania. The reality that awaited her tomorrow provided gravity. That’s how life was. Candace had learned that over the years. Once you reached your intended summit, you were inevitably faced with a trek downward. Candace was happier in her personal life than she had ever been. Her marriage to Jameson served as her life’s anchor. She was awaiting the birth of two more grandchildren, making her a Nana six times over. And, she reveled in being Cooper’s mommy. Now, she would face loss—again. Cycles—life ran in cycles, just like elections.

  Candace took a deep breath as the crowd began to quiet. Her smile remained, but her posture grew rigid. She clasped the sides of the podium and began to address the crowd again. “I want to thank you all again for your enthusiasm and your hard work. I also want to let you know here—before it hits any airwaves that Jameson and I will be headed back to Albany tonight to be with our family.” Candace paused. She often thought it a strange reality that silence could be more deafening than sound. “As most of you are aware, my mother has not been well for a few years. Earlier this evening, she suffered a major stroke. For the next few days, my campaign appearances will be on hold. Believe me; the campaign continues,” she added. She stretched out her hand for Jameson.

  Jameson moved a few steps closer and took Candace’s hand with a reassuring squeeze.

  Candace felt more than heard the audible sigh that reverberated through the room.

  “We love you!”