“She doesn’t need a speech,” Marianne said.
“No, she doesn’t,” Dana agreed.
“It was such a nice day,” Candace continued. “I didn’t want to spend it alone.”
The crowd laughed.
“Not that alone time is a problem. You have seen my family,” Candace said. “You know, that’s one of the reasons we are all here. My family is like all your families. We have our ups, and we have our downs. My children have been blessed with every opportunity. Too many parents cannot make that claim today. Too many families struggle to put a roof over their heads, to provide an education for their children—and, far too many people still lack the healthcare that they deserve.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Michelle said.
Jameson listened intently as Candace’s speech continued. She marveled at the way her wife could command a crowd of any size.
“We have roads and bridges that we need to mend, and not just those we travel over in cars and busses. New Yorkers understand. We are a diverse group of people from every corner of the planet. We don’t all look the same. We don’t all worship in the same house. We don’t all love the same way,” Candace said. “We don’t even all share the same dreams. Yet, we have much more in common than we realize. We all want our children to be healthy and happy. We want safe food and water to drink. We want to have a chance to be the best that we can be, to reach for our dreams, and realize our potential. To do that, we must work together. We must make difficult decisions, and we must be willing to listen to each other. I believe that we can create a country that embraces its diversity, lifts the talents of its people, heals its environment, bridges its divides with its naysayers, and strengthens its relationship with its allies. I believe everyone should have the opportunities I have been given. I don’t stand here today simply as a governor, or as someone who has had the privilege to serve in elected office. I am running for president as a proud and out lesbian…”
“Holy shit!” Michelle’s ears perked. “Was that in the speech?”
Dana shook her head.
Jameson grinned. She’s going to win; watch and see.
Candace’s voice carried with confidence as she continued. “As a mother, a grandmother, a wife—a woman who believes in the story of America, in the dream that is America, and that together, we can create the shining city on a hill America has always strived to be for everyone who crosses her shores. Together, we are going to create an America where equality is not a fight, but a right. Where opportunity is not a wish, but a reality. Where diversity is valued and never diminished—together. Thank you all. May God bless each of you and may God bless this great country we call America.”
Jameson waited until Candace turned, offered her a wink, and an extended hand to make her way up the stairs. She was stunned by the eruption of cheers when Candace pulled her close.
“You ready for this?” Candace asked.
“I love watching you,” Jameson whispered.
Candace chuckled. “Lunatic.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Jameson kissed Candace’s cheek.
“I love you,” Candace said before turning them back to the crowd.
“What do you think JD said?” Melanie asked Michelle.
“I’m pretty sure none of us want to know, but I’ll bet scripture was involved.”
“You are terrible,” Melanie laughed.
“Did you see the goofy look on JD’s face? I’m honest.”
Candace turned to invite the rest of the family up onto the stage. Cooper ran directly to his mommy. Jameson picked him up and held him between them. He tucked his head into Candace’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Candace reassured him. “All those people out there are waving to you,” she said. His eyes widened. “Why don’t you wave back and say hello?” Candace suggested. Cooper complied shyly. He looked down just as Marianne and Spencer made it onto the stage.
Spencer leaned up against Candace. She whispered to him, and he waved enthusiastically to the crowd. “Come on, Coop!” he looked up at his friend.
Jameson set Cooper down. Cooper blossomed with Spencer at his side. She chuckled. “Those two just might follow in your footsteps one day,” she whispered to Candace.
Candace smiled. We’ll see. It is going to get a lot crazier soon—a whole lot crazier.
THE END
To be continued in
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
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SERIES BY JA ARMSTRONG
OFF SCREEN:
Off Screen
The Red Carpet
Dim All the Lights
Writer’s Block
Casting Call
Intermission
Waiting in the Wings
Script Doctor
Scene Change—Coming 2018
BY DESIGN
By Design
Under Construction
Solid Foundation
Rough Drafts
New Arrivals
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Building Blocks
Road Blocks
Campaign Trail—Coming July 2017
Commander in Chief—Coming November 2017
SPECIAL DELIVERY
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Handle with Care
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FIRST COURSE
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BOOKS BY NANCY ANN HEALY
THE ALEX AND CASSIDY SERIES
Intersection
Betrayal
Commitment
Conspiracy
Untold—COMING SPRING 2017
Falling Through Shooting Stars
All the Way Home—COMING 2017
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Road Blocks (By Design Book 8) Page 13