New Additions (By Design Book 5)

by J. A. Armstrong

  Candace chuckled. “Stubborn,” she raised her brow at Dana.

  Dana shrugged. “It’s in the genes.”

  “Mmm…and you, Dana? What do you have to say on this?”

  “The truth?” Dana asked. Candace nodded. “I think you are both right.”

  “That helps!” Michelle groaned.

  Candace laughed heartily. “Go on.”

  Dana had worked with Candace for years. Candace was not easily swayed when she made a decision, but she was reasonable. If Candace felt inclined to engage in discussion, it meant that she saw some validity in the argument she was presented. Dana sensed that while Candace’s misgivings regarding the proposed interview were real, Candace was taking an opportunity to teach Michelle. That meant there was a glimmer of hope.

  “I think Shell is right on this one,” Dana said honestly.

  Candace took a deep breath and released it with a groan. She pursed her lips and looked back at her daughter. “Who?”

  “What?” Michelle was perplexed by her mother’s question.

  “Who do you propose does this interview?” Candace asked.

  Michelle’s eyes widened. “There are a couple of options.”

  Candace sighed again apprehensively. “Get me a complete proposal by this evening. I want to know who and when. I want clear guidelines for questions. Laura is out of bounds. One question and the interview is over.”

  Michelle’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Done.”

  “And, Shell?” Candace began in a cautionary tone. Michelle waited nervously for her mother to continue. “I will speak to Jameson. Only me, not you. Are we clear on that point?” Candace asked. Michelle looked dumbly at her mother. “If I feel your proposal is fair, and the network and host trustworthy, I will speak to Jameson. In the end, she decides. No pressure, do you understand?”

  “Mom, if you ever run for…”

  “Is that clear?” Candace repeated.

  “Yes,” Michelle conceded.

  “Good. I suggest you get moving. I’ll expect your notes later,” Candace said.

  Michelle nodded. She had her marching orders and she was determined to be victorious. Dana winked at her as she left the office. Once Michelle had closed the door, Dana started laughing.

  “Man, is that what it was like that time she skipped school and you caught her?” Dana asked.

  Candace rolled her eyes. “No, that was worse.”

  “Do you think J.D. will agree?” Dana inquired.

  “Of course, she will,” Candace said. “She won’t want to, but she’ll insist she’s okay with it.”

  “Candy, Shell isn’t wrong. You can’t protect them from everything.”

  Candace looked across the room at Dana, sadness painting her eyes. “Yes, I know. Believe me. I know. That doesn’t change a thing.”

  Dana nodded her understanding. She mentally pictured her two sons. “I know.”

  ***

  Pearl walked in the kitchen door and took in the mess. A cookie sheet laden with blackened something was lying on the kitchen counter. The table was adorned by several open Chinese food containers. The high chair was thankfully empty of its usual occupant, but gave evidence of a messy dinner endeavor. Pearl set down her overnight bag and hung up her coat on one of the hooks just inside the door.

  The house was eerily quiet. “Please tell me they didn’t kill her,” Pearl mused through a chuckle.

  Candace had called her earlier in the evening after a brief conversation with Jameson. The last thing Candace wanted was Jameson to think that she lacked trust in her, but she could tell that Jameson was exhausted. It was understandable. Jameson not only had a toddler and a baby to care for, she also had Jonah, Laura, and a newborn underfoot. To make matters worse, Jonah had called Candace to confide that he and Melanie had been forced to lay a major issue at the architectural firm in Jameson’s lap. Candace knew that Jameson would never admit that she could use some help.

  Marianne had gone back to Austin for the week with her father to settle some issues. It was a break that Candace knew Marianne needed. She had sat down with Jameson and her ex-husband before leaving for her stretch of campaign appearances to discuss how they should handle Marianne’s situation. She was grateful for the amicable relationship she shared with her children’s father. Jonathan Fletcher may not have been the best husband, nor the most involved parent, but he did love their children. He was closest to Marianne. And, he saw the evidence of deep depression taking root in the young woman. All three agreed that he should make the trip with Marianne. Unbeknownst to Marianne, her father intended to attempt to coax her into spending a week in a support program. All indications so far were that she would agree once the housing matters were settled.

  Marianne’s mental health and the future of her grandchildren was niggling at the back of Candace’s mind constantly. She knew that Jameson was aware of that fact. Jameson was essentially filling the role of single parent. To admit she could use some help, would have felt like failure to Jameson. Candace made the one call she knew she always could make.

  “How are you holding up?” Pearl asked.

  “Like shit,” Candace replied.

  “Thought so,” Pearl said.

  “Oh, Pearl. I’m just at a loss.”

  “I know, love. I know you are. We all are,” Pearl said. “But, something tells me that is not what this call is about.”

  “No. How was your visit with Jeffrey?” Candace asked.

  Pearl’s son Jeffrey had made his way home for Rick’s funeral. In spite of Pearl’s repeated protests, Candace, Jameson, and Jeffrey had all insisted that she take a few days and join her son for a short vacation before he had to return to London. Pearl was reluctant to leave Candace. Candace insisted, saying that it mattered more now than ever. Tomorrow was never a guarantee. Pearl acquiesced. She had just started unpacking when Candace’s call came.

  “007 is as full of bologna as ever,” Pearl laughed. “Thanks for making me go, by the way.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So? What did I miss?” Pearl asked.

  Candace sighed and launched into an overview of the last week, and Jameson’s new found role.

  “She has me on some pedestal,” Candace commented. “Like I am mother of the year.”

  Pearl laughed. “You are a wonderful mother, Candy.”

  “Well, I don’t know that my kids would agree,” she said. “But, thanks for the endorsement,” she joked. “I didn’t raise them alone,” Candace said. “I always had help. I had you. Jameson forgets that.”

  “So, you want me to go be nosy old Pearl?”

  Candace laughed. “Yes.”

  “I’ll call you later,” Pearl promised.

  Pearl made her way through the house. She reached the living room. It was dark. She looked toward the stairs. “Two babies, and it’s this quiet?” Pearl muttered. She started up the stairs and chuckled at the distant sound of a newborn’s protest. “There’s one,” she mused.

  Pearl continued down the hallway until she reached Candace and Jameson’s room. “At least, I know I won’t be interrupting any worship,” she chuckled. She stood outside and listened for a moment. Nothing but silence greeted her from beyond the door. Slowly she opened it. Pearl peered in and smiled. “Well, well, she lives,” Pearl laughed. She pulled out the phone in her pocket, tiptoed to the end of the bed and snapped a photo. “Wait til Candy sees this.”

  ***

  Michelle walked into her mother’s hotel suite to find Candace chuckling softly. “Dare I ask?” Michelle inquired.

  Candace was sitting on the sofa, looking at the picture Pearl had texted her. Jameson was sprawled across the middle of their bed. Maddie was lying on top of Jameson, Jameson’s arm protectively holding her close. Spencer was cuddled against Jameson’s side, his head resting on her shoulder. Candace sighed in contentment and traced the screen of her phone with her finger. “God, I love you,” she mused aloud.

  “Tell me you are not sext
ing,” Michelle said with a wrinkle of her nose.

  Candace looked up in confusion. “Sexting? Is that even a thing?”

  “Like you don’t know,” Michelle rolled her eyes.

  Candace shrugged. “Is that like phone sex or something?” she asked honestly. Michelle raised her brow. Candace shrugged again and looked back at her phone. “Must be a generational thing,” she said. She smiled at the picture on the phone again and then set it down. “I prefer the real thing, if you really are interested,” Candace said. She gloated at the pink tinge that rose to her daughter’s cheeks. “You asked,” she reminded Michelle.

  “Don’t remind me,” Michelle said. She tossed a folder into her mother’s lap.

  “I take it this is your proposal?” Candace said as she opened the folder. Michelle nodded and took a seat next to her mother. She watched as Candace read over the notes thoughtfully. “Nicely done,” Candace complimented.

  “Really?” Michelle sounded genuinely surprised.

  “Yes, really,” Candace affirmed.

  “So? You’ll do it?”

  “I will speak with Jameson,” Candace clarified.

  “You and I both know that J.D. will do anything you ask.”

  “I am not asking,” Candace said.

  “What? You just said that…”

  “I said that I would speak with Jameson, and I will. I’ll let her know that the offer is on the table and that if she feels comfortable doing the interview, I will have you confirm it.”

  “What if she asks what you think?” Michelle wondered.

  “I will tell her the truth,” Candace replied.

  “Which is?”

  “Which is that I have my own reservations, but that you and Dana feel it is a good idea,” Candace said. Michelle groaned. “And, that I think it will have little, if any impact on the election.”

  “Then why even talk to her at all?” Michelle asked pointedly. “Why even consider doing it?”

  “Because you and Dana feel strongly about it, strongly enough that you were both willing to argue the point. And, because eventually Jameson and I will have to do these. I know that and so does she.”

  “Then why the hesitation?”

  “I told you, Shell. It isn’t necessary, and although I agree that Karen Peck is a reliable journalist, there is still a moniker of risk to Laura, to Marianne, to the entire family emotionally. That’s why,” Candace said. “I won’t pretend otherwise. You and Dana both know I am right. And, I know that you are both planting seeds beyond the governorship. Seeds I am not even certain I want to water.”

  “Why not?” Michelle asked. “Mom, everyone is talking. I mean everyone. You would make a terrific president one day.”

  Candace smiled affectionately at her daughter. She leaned over and kissed Michelle’s forehead. “You, my love, are bias.”

  “Guilty, but it is still true.”

  “Well, let’s get into the Governor’s Mansion before you start decorating the White House, okay?”

  Michelle agreed with a smile. She watched as her mother picked up her phone again. She peered over and smiled when she saw the picture of Jameson with her niece and nephew. “J.D. has her hands full,” she giggled. Candace didn’t respond. Michelle looked at her mother curiously. “You really love her.” Candace glanced up and sighed. “You miss her, don’t you?”

  Candace nodded. “I always miss her,” she confessed.

  “Yeah, I get that.”

  Candace bit her lip to stave off a knowing smirk. “Missing a certain redhead, are you?”

  Michelle shrugged. “I think she wants to get married,” she said.

  “And you?” Candace asked. Michelle shrugged again. “Shell?”

  “I don’t want to fuck it up, Mom.” Candace nodded. “Well, isn’t this where you tell me why I won’t? Fuck it up, I mean.”

  Candace smiled and pulled Michelle’s head to rest on her shoulder. She kissed the top of Michelle’s head and chuckled. “We all fuck up sometimes, as you so eloquently put it.”

  “You don’t.”

  Candace laughed. “Even me,” she said. “You just have to find the person who is willing to stick with you when you do, because you will. And, you have to find someone you are willing to stick by too.”

  “How did you know?”

  “Know what?” Candace asked.

  “That J.D. was that person.”

  “I knew because the only thing that scares me more than getting hurt, is hurting her. And, because she sees me….all of me.”

  “It’s all that Bible study,” Michelle shifted gears.

  Candace swatted her daughter lightly. “Do you love Mel?” she asked gently.

  Michelle nodded. “So much it hurts,” Michelle whispered. “I just….what I want with her scares the hell out of me, Mom.”

  “Does it scare you more than living without her?”

  “No. You make it sound so simple.”

  Candace laughed. “It’s never simple, Shell. It is worth it.”

  “That’s a good line for a speech. Remember that one for the interview.”

  Candace shook her head in amusement. “You are off the clock, Ms. Fletcher. Go call your girlfriend.”

  “Is that an order from my boss or my mother?”

  “Both,” Candace replied. She prodded Michelle to stand. “Go on. Now I know why your mind was on sexting,” she said with a wink.

  Michelle rolled her eyes and started for the door. She opened it and stopped to regard her mother. Candace was looking at her phone again. “There is always one by the bed, you know?” Candace looked up curiously. “Bible, Mom. In case you needed to you know, study or something.”

  Candace picked up a pillow from the side of the sofa and threw it across the room toward Michelle.

  Michelle laughed. “Night, Mom. Stick with Psalms. There are lots of ‘O Lords’ in there,” Michelle cracked before scurrying out the door.

  Candace looked at the closed door. “This family needs help,” she laughed. “Or Dr. Ruth.” She picked up her phone again and her eyes twinkled. “Sexting? Really?”

  Chapter Six

  “Are you sure you are all right?” Candace asked Jameson.

  Jameson forced a nervous smile onto her lips and nodded. She watched as the crew set up cameras in their living room. It felt surreal. Jameson had grown accustomed to the cameras aimed at her wife and their family during events and public appearances. This place, save a couple of magazine articles, had remained a sanctuary. Something about lights, cords, and cameras in their living room unsettled Jameson.

  Candace reached over and squeezed Jameson’s hand. “Jameson, say the word and I will end this before it starts.”

  Jameson turned to Candace. “Not a chance,” she said. Candace winked just as Karen Peck strolled over to touch base with the pair. “Jesus, she is tall,” Jameson whispered.

  Candace crossed the room and extended her hand to the journalist. “Karen, welcome.”

  “Senator, nice to see you again,” Karen greeted Candace warmly.

  Candace turned to Jameson. “Jameson, this is Karen Peck.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Jameson said. “My mom watches your show religiously.”

  “Is that a good thing?” Karen asked Jameson.

  “Depends on if you are my dad or not,” Jameson answered.

  Karen roared with laughter. “Your dad doesn’t like politics?”

  “More like he prefers Republicans.”

  Karen’s eyes widened. “Really? How does he feel about you being married to one of the most prominent donkeys out there?”

  Candace watched in amusement as Jameson fielded Karen’s questions expertly. One quality that Candace greatly admired in Jameson was Jameson’s authenticity. Jameson was intelligent and articulate. She could hold a meaningful conversation with anyone about nearly any topic. Jameson was never fake. She did not wear masks, and while she sometimes chose her worse carefully, Jameson remained honest and real with others.


  “Everyone loves Candace. Donkeys are famous for kicking ass, you know?” Jameson said slyly.

  Karen laughed again. “Better watch her,” Karen said to Candace. “You let her loose. She might beat you to the White House never mind the Governor’s Mansion.”

  “Oh, I have no doubt,” Candace agreed.

  “Well, I will see you two back here shortly. I promise it will be painless,” Karen said.

  Jameson let out a sigh. Candace rubbed Jameson’s arm in encouragement. “She likes you,” Candace said.

  “We’ll see.”

  ***

  “So, this is a first,” Karen said.

  Candace nodded. “Yes, it is.”

  “It’s a beautiful home. Jameson, you know many people think your wife might be headed to the White House one day,” Karen began. Jameson looked at Candace proudly. “You do realize that you have your own fan base,” Karen said playfully to Jameson.

  Jameson was astonished by the statement. Candace grinned. So far, Karen had remained true to her word. The interview had probed gently and Candace had allowed it willingly, sensing that Jameson felt comfortable with Karen’s questions. Candace could read Karen’s intentions. She wanted to draw a bit of the earlier, unguarded Jameson out. Candace played along.

  “You know, if she had wanted, she would have made a great politician,” Candace said confidently.

  “What do you say to that?” Karen asked Jameson. “Any desire to challenge your wife in a run for The White House one day?”

  Jameson grimaced. “Not unless they need a makeover,” she commented.

  Karen laughed. “Well, a good many people think it does need a makeover,” she said.

  “I’m not sure an architect with a pencil and a tool belt is what is called for,” Jameson quipped.

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Candace offered. “I’ve seen you fix some pretty big messes,” she said. “I’ve seen how you design plans. The tool belt is just a bonus. Might be exactly what’s needed.”

  Jameson looked at her wife as if she’d hit her head. “Oh no, one politician in this family is enough. I’ll stick to architecture and fixing the leaky roof when needed, thanks.”

  Spencer had been sitting quietly on Michelle’s lap in the corner, listening. Jameson looked over at him and winked. Spencer smiled broadly, wiggled and bolted for his Jay Jay. Michelle reached for him, but in true Spencer form, he was already on camera.