Page 55 of Campaign Season
For a moment, silence wrapped around them—an old kitchen, two people bound by history, softened by love that had changed shape but never truly left.
From the family room, a burst of laughter pulled them back, tugging them toward the warmth of voices and the waiting glow of the television. Jonathan gave her hand one last squeeze.
“Come on,” he said, his grin tugging crooked. “Let’s go count donkeys and elephants, and see who eats crow.”
Candace laughed again, the sound lighter than it had been in days.
"Mom! Dad! Hurry up. The results are starting to come in."
Candace took his hand and led him into the living room. "Let's hope the donkeys are hungry."
“What’s the scorecard look like?” Jonah asked.
Laura looked down at her notes. “It’s going to be close,” she said. “Maybe we lose five or six.”
Jonathan took a ragged breath.
“Are you okay, Dad?” Michelle asked.
Jonathan coughed, clearing his throat with effort. “I’m fine, Shell.”
Marianne caught Candace’s gaze. They both knew he wasn’t fine—just determined. He’d insisted on staying up for the late results, as if sheer will could carry him through the night.
“Aubrey’s race is still close.”
“That’s not going to come in for hours,” Michelle said. “Maybe days.”
“Look,” Jonathan said, pointing toward the TV. “Looks like you might pull off an upset in that congressional seat in Arizona.”
“That would be a surprise,” Candace replied.
“What do you want to bet it flips to blue?” he challenged her.
“You want to place bets?”
“I’ll bet you pancakes that you flip that seat.”
Candace arched a brow. “You don’t make pancakes, Jon.”
“No,” he said with a grin. “I buy them.”
Candace rolled her eyes. “You bet on an election once.”
“Yes. And I won. Well, you won. And my brother had to buy me beer for a month.”
“That was a fun night.”
Jonathan’s gaze softened. “I’ll never forget hearing them say your name.”
“Seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?”
“Wait,” Michelle interrupted. “Uncle Gerald bet against Mom?”
“Sure did,” Candace said. “What did he say? ‘Stratton or not, no woman from Schoharie’s winning a place in Congress.’ That’s what he said.”
“What an asshole,” Michelle muttered.
Jonathan laughed so hard he triggered another cough.
