Page 34 of Campaign Season
“True,” Jameson said, grinning. “But admit it—you love lunatics in the morning.”
Candace exhaled, her laughter softening into something gentler. “Yes. I do. And this was Mel’s idea?”
“No. It was mine. She was ready to go out and buy eye patches for us to be pirates. I didn’t think that was the right brand image for the first lady—thieving on the high seas and all.”
Candace shook her head. “Hippos?”
“Well? We can sell it as promotion for the National Zoo.”
Candace roared. “You are certifiable, honey. Adorable, but certifiable.”
Jameson grinned. “I should go change for now. Think the kids will like it?”
Warmth bloomed in Candace’s chest. Jameson would do anything for their children and grandchildren, even dress up as a gameboard hippo. “I think they’ll love it.”
Jameson beamed. “I’ll be back after I change.”
Candace lingered in the Solarium after Jameson left, her laughter still echoing faintly in the quiet room. She picked up her phone, hesitated a moment, then scrolled to Jonathan’s number. It had become habit lately, these check-ins that were no longer casual but quietly urgent.
“Candy.” His voice came through warm, if thinner than it once had been.
“Hi, Jon.” She smiled, though he couldn’t see it. “How are you feeling?”
There was a pause—long enough for Candace to recognize the effort behind his answer. “It’s a good day.”
Candace’s throat tightened. “You sound good.”
“I sound alive,” he replied lightly.
“Jon.”
“It’s all right, Candy. One of the things I value most about our friendship is not needing to pretend.”
“Are you up to this family get-together?” she asked.
“I’ll be up for it.”
“Jon—”
“Sooner is better,” he said. “Maybe we could push the timetable up a few days.”
Candace closed her eyes. “Thursday?”
“That would be fine. I know it might be difficult for you and the kids.”
“We’ll make it work,” Candace said. “Do you want me to call Marianne?”
Jonathan sighed.
“Jon?”
“I can call her.”
“Why don’t you let me handle that this morning? Isn’t Jonah planning to stop by with the kids today?”
“Yes. In their costumes.”
Candace chuckled.
