Page 37 of Revisions

He looks at Mackenzie. His eyes are bright—almost glassy. It’s an adorable childhood crush, but his friendship with Mackenzie Toles goes much deeper. I don’t predict they’ll defy all the odds and wind up the centerpiece of an epic romance, although stranger things have happened. Look at me. Mackenzie is his best friend. They understand each other. It’s funny. I’ve heard Cassidy comment many times that Mackenzie worships Alex. Candace says the same thing about how Cooper is with me. That’s because he emulates me. I do see it. Mackenzie tries to be like Alex, too. But Candace and Cassidy are both missing something obvious to me. Mackenzie loves Cassidy the way Coop does Candace.

“Hey, there’s your mom,” Cooper tells Mackenzie.

Candace walks beside Cassidy, laughing. I’m grateful that Cassidy agreed to be part of Candace’s team. It’s been good for them both. But I also recognize that there is a trade-off. Cassidy’s role in the administration alters their dynamic as friends. That’s another reason I think it’s helpful for Candace to have Jessica in her life. An outside perspective is something Candace needs.

Candace looks at me and smiles. I can read her body language—relief. She’s eager to prepare dinner in the family kitchen. I doubt she minds whether we end the night with aboard game, a movie, or some other activity—as long as it’s paired with ice cream.

Coop tries to be cool—more like a teenager than the nine-year-old we love. I’m sure that’s mainly for Mackenzie’s benefit. But I can see hints of the little boy we brought home, clutching a stuffed frog. I know he loves me, and God knows I love him. Candace ishisperson. I understand. Sharing her with a large family isn’t easy. Sharing his mom with the entire world is even harder. He does it with a grace that mirrors his mother’s. I think Coop is an old soul—if such a thing exists. It’s another way he and Mackenzie are alike. I fight back the urge to laugh as I watch them try to walk coolly to their moms. They’d love to sprint across the lawn. They don’t. I get it. I feel the same way.

“Hey, there,” Candace greets Cooper.

“Hi, Mom,” Mackenzie says, accepting a hug from Cassidy.

“I thought we could use a few more players for Monopoly,” I explain.

“Mm,” Candace hums. She kisses me lightly.

“Monopoly?” Cassidy asks.

“Yeah, Mom,” Mackenzie says. “Coop says Aunt Candace usually spends all her time in jail.”

Candace rolls her eyes.

“Don’t worry,” Cassidy says. “Last time the kids got me to play, I picked a card every turn and paidsomeoneelse’s rent.”

Candace laughs. “Well, in that case, we should have a glass of wine while I make dinner—before I’m in the slammer and you’re on the street.”

I laugh as I trail behind the group.

“Ms. Reid?”

I look over my shoulder to see Paul Pfieffer, one of Candace’s aides, running to reach me.

“Paul.”

“I know you’re probably anxious to get inside,” he says.

“Not so much,” I tell him. “It seems my wife and her press secretary have a kitchen date with Chardonnay.”

“I'm sorry?”

“Never mind. What can I do for you?” I wonder.

“Well, the president asked me to talk to you about setting up a tour for some students.”

“Mm. Today?” I ask.

“What?”

“Do you need me to conduct a tour today?”

“Oh. No.”

I hold back a chuckle. Paul can’t be much older than twenty-two. He’s the son of Luke’s college roommate, and he’s more eager to please Candace than she is to uncork that bottle of wine.

“How about we schedule a time to talk tomorrow?” I suggest.

“Oh. Sure.”

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