“Nonsense. It’s official now. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone notifies the newspapers about the announcement tonight. It will make a good reason for the gathering without causing any media speculation.”
“Spoken like the true daughter of a politician.”
“I’ve been thinking—I see no reason to suffer through a long-drawn-out engagement. Why don’t we get married on my birthday next month?”
“Next month? What about school? I don’t want you dropping out.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. I’ll transfer credits and stay here. That would please my folks just fine. We could have a small wedding with just our families. What do you think?”
Nick stood and watched her in the reflected lights around them. He knew he’d never be able to tell this woman no. He hoped she never discovered the hold she had over him. If that ever happened, his life would be hell.
He smiled at her look of expectancy. “If your family will agree to a Valentine’s Day wedding, I’m all for it. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything else these days except thinking about all the things I want to do to you when I get you alone.”
She grabbed his hand and began to walk once again. “I may be able to think up a couple of good reasons to convince the family an early wedding would be just the thing!”
“Ashley, are you trying to say…?”
“Nope, but they don’t have to know that, do they? By the time I get through with them, they’ll be thanking you for wanting to marry me.”
“Uh, Ashley, you aren’t going to tell them what happened between us, I hope.”
She gave him a very seductive smile. “Only if I don’t get their blessings any other way!”
He had no doubt in his mind that she would do exactly that. She was determined to get him threatened with a shotgun yet.
Epilogue
The White House
December 24
Christmas in the White House. Ashley wandered through the rooms, looking at all the decorations. Now that she no longer lived there, she could better appreciate the history and the privilege of being a part of this magnificent old building.
This would be the first Christmas she would spend with her husband. His parents and both brothers and their families were also having Christmas at the White House this year.
Nick had gone to the airport to arrange for transportation to bring them here. She had teased him about making up for his missing Christmas with his family last year by having everyone gather in the nation’s capital. He’d just smiled and made no comment.
Ten months of marriage had not made much of a dent in her husband’s stoic facade, but she didn’t care. She knew how to get past his guard and get him to unbend. Not that she took advantage of her knowledge. She would never do that. She smiled at the thought.
Jamie showed up at her elbow. He’d grown at least three inches taller during the past year. Now she had to look up at him. “It seems weird, having you sleeping here again,” he said, draping his arm around her shoulders in a casual effort to show off how tall he was.
“Don’t worry. It’s only for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll be back at the apartment.”
“Do you miss living here?” he asked, his curiosity obvious.
“Not really. Although Nick and I are looking to buy a house. We’re tired of the apartment. It’s really too small for more than one person.”
“Mom said to tell you Nick and his family are here. She wants you to come greet them.”
“Jamie! Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, hurrying to the stairway.
“I just did,” he replied, baffled by her irritation.
She found everyone gathered in the same room where she and Nick had been married last February in front of the same group of people. As soon as he saw her, Nick started toward her. Ignoring everyone, he kissed her as though they’d been parted for days rather than hours.
Matt said, “Blech,” causing everyone to laugh.
Nick grinned. “Sorry. Must be this room. Every time I’m here I think I’m supposed to kiss the bride.”
Hours later the group was gathered together before bedtime when President Sullivan said, “I wanted to share something with you since there are such few occasions when we’re all together like this.”
He had everyone’s attention.
“As you know, this will be my last public office. I’ve enjoyed the work, but I believe I’ve earned the retirement.”
There was a ripple of amusement among them.
“I just wanted to say that I’m encouraging Nick to consider going into politics. I think he’d make a good representative of the party. I’d like to see him move forward by running for the House of Representatives in the next election.”
Everyone looked at Nick to see what his reaction was. It was Ashley who spoke. “Not so fast, Dad. At least let me get out of school first. Besides, we’re already talking about starting our family. I’d like my children to have two parents rearing them.”
Sullivan said, “Now wait a minute. I helped to rear you, young woman.”
Ashley looked at her mother and winked. “Sure you did, Dad. Besides, I was looking forward to having some privacy once you leave office. I was promised there’d be no more agents trailing along behind me.”
Mrs. Sullivan looked at Nick. “How do you feel about all this, Nick?”
He shared a love seat with Ashley and had his arm around her. “I think Ashley makes some good points. I’m not at all sure that I would want to work in the public sector of government. I’m comfortable with what I’m doing.”
His dad spoke up. “Come on, son. Don’t you want to be the president of the United States someday?”
Nick smiled before looking down at Ashley curled up beside him. “Actually, Dad, my ambition is to be married to the future president of the United States someday.”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6521-3
THE PRESIDENT’S DAUGHTER
Copyright © 1999 by Annette Broadrick
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