The Senator's Secret Page 17

  “Well, I wish someone would,” he growled. “Becky, hand out the mugs and then take a seat. You obviously know what’s going on around here.”

  Silence fell. Becky gave him a startled glance before following his instructions. She sat down quickly.

  Josh huffed out a heavy sigh. “Barry Donovan happened, that’s what. We’ve been found out.”

  “Go on.” Sam forced himself to stay calm.

  “Isn’t he that reporter from the press conference?” Gary asked. “The one who asked Sam to kiss me?” He pulled up another chair and sat next to Sam.

  Josh nodded. “It seems our intrepid Mr. Donovan has been doing a little investigating.”

  “Donovan has a blog,” Curtis explained, “and an hour ago, he put out a post. A rather long, detailed post—about you two.”

  “And since then, I’ve sat there watching your ratings plummet. The post already has more than two hundred comments, all pretty much in the same vein.”

  “Josh,” Sam said gently. “What did Donovan say?”

  There was a moment’s silence before Josh plunged ahead. “As far as I can tell, he went to every bar, every restaurant, and every store he could think of in Raleigh and flashed your pictures. Then he did the same thing in Asheville. Then he went to Gary’s college, asking questions. He even paid a visit to your store, Sam. Apparently, it’s all he’s been doing ever since the press conference. And the conclusion he came to was that the good people of North Carolina were being sold a crock of shit. He said you weren’t a couple, that not one person had seen the two of you together before that press conference. He said the whole thing was a scam, a fake, made up for the cameras. He said—”

  “Basically he’s saying we’ve lied,” Curtis said, interrupting him. “There will be no wedding. There was no engagement. It’s all a big fat lie, perpetrated so you could save face about being outed.”

  “I see.” Sam was amazed at how calm he was taking it all.

  “You see? You see?” Josh gaped at him. “We need to discuss damage control, like, now. And so much for all those photos, interviews, and articles. Ever since he broke this, I’ve been watching the comments. People believe this guy, Sam.”

  “It’s fine.” Sam regarded him frankly.

  Josh’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. “Fine?”

  Curtis tilted his head to one side. “I know that look. You have a plan, don’t you?”

  Sam smiled. “Oh yes.” He turned to Josh. “Okay, I need you to organize a press conference for today. I have some calls to make, so try to give me a few hours.”

  “A press conference,” Josh repeated. “Today.”

  “Yes, Josh, today.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Gary asked.

  Sam’s heartbeat raced. It wasn’t exactly what he’d planned, but…. Fuck it.

  “Yes, actually there is.” Sam got up from his chair and went over to where his coat was hanging. He reached into the inside pocket for the small box he’d left there. He slipped it into the pocket of his pants and slowly walked to where Gary was sitting, biting at his lip.

  Sam gazed at him. “You can answer a question for me. I was going to ask you this Sunday over dinner, but you know what? I don’t want to wait another second.” And with that he got down on one knee beside Gary’s chair.

  The sound of four people catching their breath was electric.

  “Sam, what are you doing?” Gary stared at him, his eyes wide.

  “Doing things properly.” Sam pulled out the small velvet box and opened it. He took out his grandfather’s ring. “Gary Mason, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

  Gary’s mouth fell open. “For… for real?”

  Sam nodded. “For real, honey. I love you, and I don’t want to spend another day without you at my side. Marry me, Gary?”

  Gary said nothing, but leaned forward and took Sam’s face between his hands. He looked directly into Sam’s eyes and smiled before kissing Sam on the lips.

  Lord, it had to be the sweetest kiss they’d ever shared.

  When they parted, Gary regarded him with glistening eyes. “Yes, Sam. I’ll marry you.” He brought their foreheads together and closed his eyes. “I love you too,” he whispered.

  Sam took Gary’s left hand in his and slid the ring onto his third finger.

  Gary opened his eyes and gasped. “It fits.”

  Sam couldn’t resist. “Why yes, it does, Cinderfella. I had it resized.” He caught Curtis’s snicker from behind him. “That was where I’ve just been, collecting it from the jewelers.”

  “But I thought… I mean, you said….” Gary seemed genuinely lost for words.

  “This ring means a lot to me,” Sam said quietly. “It’s one of my most treasured possessions. It belonged to a man I loved dearly, so it’s fitting that it’s now worn by the man I love.”

  Gary cupped the nape of Sam’s neck and pulled him into a kiss, their lips pressed together, the connection between them solid once more.

  Sam didn’t want to move, as if it would somehow break the spell.

  Becky’s loud sniff did that.

  Gary pulled away, and Sam turned to look at her. She was staring at them both, tears trickling down her cheeks.

  “That was the most beautiful thing I ever saw and heard.”

  Sam got up, Gary helping him to his feet, and Sam enveloped him in a tight hug. Lightness suffused his whole body, and he was so happy, he could have shouted it from the rooftops.

  “You sneaky pair.” Both Sam and Gary turned to look at Curtis, who stood there, hands on his hips. “You went and fell in love, didn’t you?”

  Sam grinned. “See, I knew there was a reason I made you my chief of staff. You’re observant.” He caught Curtis’s warm glance of approval.

  Becky cleared her throat and held out her hand.

  Josh grumbled but reached into his pocket, took out his wallet, and handed Becky fifty dollars.

  “What’s that for?” Sam asked.

  “I told him it was becoming more than what it started out to be,” Becky said. “I could see it in your eyes. Josh told me I was seeing things, so we bet.” She waved the money at Josh. “Pfft. Seeing things, my ass. If I couldn’t see that one coming, I deserve to hand in my badge as the president of Fag Hags Anonymous.”

  Gary almost choked with laughter.

  “Oh my God. Boss, you have to let me help plan the wedding,” Josh exclaimed.

  “Get in line, pipsqueak,” Becky growled. “This was my idea in the first place, remember?”

  Sam laughed, and Gary and Curtis joined in.

  “I vote we leave these two to fight it out,” Sam suggested. “Curtis, your office? I need to make some calls, and I don’t want to interrupt the Battle of the Wedding Planners here. And besides, I need your advice.”

  “Be my guest.” Curtis opened the door.

  “Don’t forget, you have a press conference to arrange, Josh,” Sam called out as they left the room.

  The last thing Sam caught was Becky’s taunt. “Oh yeah? Well, wait till you hear my idea for a flower girl!”

  He closed the door on the two of them and glanced at Gary. “You sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?”

  Gary smiled and kissed his cheek. “I’m a big boy. I’ll cope. Now, suppose you tell me what you’ve got planned. I mean, it is my wedding too, right?”

  Sam gave him a sweet smile. “You’ll just have to trust me.”

  Gary’s groan was music to his ears.

  “READY?” Sam asked Gary as they paused at the door to the pressroom.

  Like he needed to ask. Gary’s calm expression said it better than words.

  Gary smiled. “Let’s do this.”

  Curtis cleared his throat. “And here we go.” He opened the door, and they walked into a frenzy of camera flashes and loud voices. Sam led Gary to their chairs and waited for Josh to get all the assembled reporters and newspeople settled. Every seat was taken, and there was no space lef
t at the sides or at the back of the room.

  Barry Donovan sat in the middle of the front row, looking smug and talking with those around him. He caught Sam’s glance and gave him an evil smile.

  Sam gave him what he hoped was a supremely confident smile in return. Judging by Barry’s brief start, he did a good job. The reporter appeared confused by Sam’s reaction, which was fine by Sam.

  Let the games begin.

  When he had everyone quiet, Josh picked up the handheld microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this conference at such short notice. I’m sure I don’t need to mention why we’re here.”

  “Yeah, you got busted!” Barry called out, folding his arms across his chest, apparently recovered from his earlier confusion.

  Josh ignored him. “Senator Dalton has a statement to make, and after that, he will take questions from the floor. We ask that you please refrain from interrupting until he’s finished. Thank you.” He stepped aside and took his place next to Curtis on the sideline.

  Sam glanced at Gary, who gave him a nod and a smile. Sam took the mic from its stand and rose to his feet. He gazed at the assembled crowd before him, their expectant faces focused on him, and took a deep breath.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, Barry Donovan would have you believe I’m not about to get married any day soon. He would have you believe Gary Mason and I are not engaged. He would like you to believe that we’re not a couple, that it’s all a hoax, a publicity stunt. So I am here today with an invitation.” He lifted his chin and slowly swept his gaze around the room. “It’s for all of you.” A buzz started up at the front of the room and rippled its way through the crowd.

  In the front row, Barry stared at Sam, clearly discomforted.

  Sam smiled. “You are invited to attend the wedding of Senator Samuel Dalton and Mr. Gary Mason on April 29th on the front lawn of the Biltmore Estate—weather permitting, of course,” he added with a wink. “After the ceremony, you’re invited to join our family, friends, and staff in toasting our future happiness with a glass of champagne. We look forward to seeing as many of you who are able to attend.”

  The camera flashes started up again, and the buzz of voices grew louder.

  Sam held up his hand for quiet. When a hush fell, he looked directly at Barry Donovan. “As for Barry’s other claims that Gary and I are not a, quote, ‘real couple,’ I have something else to add.” He turned to Gary and held out his hand. Gary took it and stood up beside him. Sam put his arm around Gary’s waist. “This is the man I love, whom I intend to make my husband. I would not entertain doing that for the sake of a publicity stunt.”

  The room was suddenly very quiet.

  From the side, he caught Curtis’s slow nod of approval.

  Sam faced his audience. “I come from very traditional stock. My grandparents were married for sixty years. My parents have been married thirty-five years last weekend. Marriage is not something I take lightly, and it is definitely not something to be undertaken on a whim. I believe in the sanctity of marriage, and when I make my vows to Gary, in the sight of God, it will be with one clear thought in mind.” He turned his head to regard Gary, his heart swelling. “That we are going to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  Gary was so still beside him, his focus on Sam.

  Sam turned back to stare intently at Barry. “You asked me at my last press conference to kiss Gary, and I shot you down. I told you it wasn’t appropriate.” He smiled. “Well, it is now.”

  And with that he took Gary in his arms and kissed him on the mouth. Gary put his arms around him and held on to him, Sam’s hand on Gary’s cheek. He didn’t bother keeping it chaste for the cameras. He kissed Gary slowly, as if it were only the two of them there and they weren’t standing in front of a packed room of reporters who began cheering and hollering, their noise filling the air. Camera flashed, more voices were raised in approval, and still Sam kissed Gary, lost in the moment.

  When they finally parted, Gary stared at him, eyes sparkling. I love you, he mouthed.

  “I love you too,” Sam whispered. He inclined his head toward their audience. “Have they finished yet?”

  Gary opened his eyes wide. “There’s someone else here?” Those near the front laughed.

  Sam chuckled. “Unfortunately, yes. You think we’d better take some questions now?”

  “Fine. As long as no one asks which of us will be wearing the dress.”

  Sam grinned. “Of course not. Because we both know it will be you.”

  If the look Gary gave him was anything to go by, Sam would be paying for that remark all night long.

  Epilogue

  “SAM, for God’s sake, leave that tie alone. It looks fine.”

  Sam peered at his reflection. “You sure it’s not crooked?”

  Gary laughed softly and inserted himself between Sam and the full-length mirror. “Will you just trust me? You look wonderful. Elegant.” He leaned closer. “Sexy as all hell.”

  “Down, boy,” Sam said. He tried to look around Gary. “Well, if you’re sure.”

  Gary sighed. “Senator Dalton, you look amazing.” He smoothed his hand down Sam’s arm. “And this suit looks awesome on you.”

  Sam smiled. “I took one look at you when you tried this on, and you looked so gorgeous, I knew I had to have the same one.”

  They both wore tuxedos in a slate gray, with white dress shirts and white bow ties. Gary had at one point considered wearing a lighter color. The thought made Sam snicker.

  “What are you thinking about?” Gary asked.

  “I was remembering Becky’s comment at the fitting.”

  She’d insisted on coming with them when they went to choose their wedding suits. She’d taken one look at them and groaned. “Look, the pair of you are going to look gorgeous. So just wear the same goddamn color and let’s get out of here, all right?”

  “Speaking of Becky….” Gary tilted his head. “Was it her idea to put the same bow tie on our flower girl? Er, boy. Flower dog.” He shrugged. “Whatever.”

  Sam snorted. “Who else? Although when she first suggested the idea of making Dinky part of the ceremony, I really considered having her carted off to the funny farm.”

  Gary grinned. “Like you didn’t want that too.” He kissed Sam on the tip of his nose. “You adore that dog just as much as I do.”

  Adopting Dinky had been Gary’s idea, and Sam would have done anything to make his future husband happy. Even though that had meant asking his landlord to give them permission to keep the dog at the cabin.

  “Well, true, but flower dog?”

  “Aw, but he looks so cute—a matching bow tie, a basket around his neck filled with rose petals….”

  Gary was still grinning. Sam knew the feeling. He’d had a smile on his face since they’d woken up that morning in his parents’ house. Mom had insisted they spend the night before the wedding with them. It had certainly curtailed any… activity they might have wanted to engage in.

  That was probably her plan. Mom is sneaky.

  A knock at the door was followed by the sight of Curtis poking his head around it. “Are you two ready? All the guests are here.” He gave Gary a look. “All the guests.”

  “Hey, best man, you sure you have the rings?” Sam fired at him. Through the open doorway came the strains of violins.

  Curtis guffawed. “Will you quit worrying? This will be the smoothest-running wedding ever. Moira wouldn’t have it any other way.” He patted his breast pocket. “And yes, I have the rings. Five minutes, guys.” He promptly disappeared back behind the door, which closed softly.

  Gary put his arms around Sam and pulled him close. “Why, Senator, you’re nervous.”

  Sam gave a shaky laugh. “Yeah, go figure. I can stand up in front of hundreds of people and quite happily give a speech, but the prospect of walking out there to where our families, friends, coworkers, and, of course, however many members of the press who decided to accept the invitation, is proving a little dauntin
g.” He peered through the window at the glorious late-April sunshine. “Thank God the weather is on our side.”

  “Since Barry Donovan declined his invitation, everyone out there is on our side too,” Gary murmured.

  “Yes, all two hundred and fifty of them,” Sam muttered. “At least Hartsell isn’t one of them.”

  Gary snorted. “He wasn’t invited. And as a matter of fact, he’s been awfully quiet since he didn’t get elected.”

  “Give him time to get his breath back and I’m sure he’ll try again in two years’ time.”

  “And in the meantime, you can celebrate your landslide win.” Gary snickered. “Pity Hartsell didn’t do so well.”

  Sam cupped his chin. “I think we can afford to be magnanimous, don’t you? After all, if it hadn’t been for him, we wouldn’t be about to get married.” He kissed Gary slowly on the lips, and Gary melted in his arms. When they parted, Sam caressed his cheek. “Okay, that helped get my nerves under control. I think I’m ready. And besides, Curtis is right. This wedding is going to run like a well-oiled machine. Just as long as Becky and Josh haven’t planned any more surprises.”

  The strippers they’d organized for the stag night still lingered in his memory.

  Sam released Gary and walked over to the door. The music grew louder. “Ready?” he asked. To his surprise, Gary hung back. “What’s wrong?”

  Gary let out a sigh. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but we didn’t know you’d be this nervous.”

  Sam froze. “What was supposed to be a surprise? And who, exactly, is ‘we’?”

  Gary bit his lip. “It was Curtis’s idea, I swear.”

  “What was?” Sam was starting to panic. He could feel it bubbling up inside him. “Come on, you’ve gotten this far. Share.”

  “Well….” Gary sighed. “Maybe I’d better tell you. I wouldn’t want you to walk out there and have a heart attack or something.”

  “Gary,” Sam growled.

  “There’s… there’s a special guest at our wedding. We didn’t want to say anything in case it didn’t work out, but apparently he’s arrived.”

  “Who has arrived?” Sam’s heartbeat raced.