Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“Don’t worry about it, son. I’ll keep my shotgun put away and my mouth closed. If they want a juicy story about Maisie, they’ll have to find it elsewhere.”
Beau watched as his Little girl hugged her father. He nodded his thanks before guiding Maisie to the car. Only then did he let her see how angry he was at his parents. Maisie wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Sometimes even a Daddy needed reassurance that everything would be okay.
CHAPTER 19
Beau’s staff organized an elaborate engagement reception for them. The turnout was spectacular but marred slightly by several senior members of the Congress who did not choose to attend. Maisie knew they had to be contemporaries of Beau’s parents who shunned the festivities to make a point of their allegiance.
For Beau, it was a relief not to have them there. He could relax and know that Maisie wouldn’t be subjected to any snide comments or snubs. He glanced at the petite figure next to him.
“You look absolutely stunning. Not at all like a prickly cactus,” he teased as he admired her fitted green gown.
“I’d hope so. I’ve never been so coiffed and made up in my life.” Maisie held out the long fake nails that had been part of the pre-party preparations that day.
“You look beautiful in your typical yoga pants and T-shirt, Maisie. I do have to admit, all I can think about is unwrapping the beautiful present I have with me tonight.”
“All I need is a bow on my head,” she said with a laugh.
“I left that on the bed for later.”
“D… Beau. Stop. People will overhear.”
“I didn’t think anyone could make Maisie blush,” a snide voice said in front of them, drawing their attention away from each other and to the person they least expected to see.
“Miranda?” Maisie said in obvious disbelief before looking at Beau.
“Hi, Miranda. Thank you for joining us for our celebration,” Beau said smoothly as his mind raced over the invitation list and how Miranda had gotten on it.
“Surprised to see me, hmm? When an old friend asked if I’d like to accompany him to your celebration, I knew I needed to be here,” Miranda told them, waving a hand at the elderly statesman next to her. “You’ve met Senator Williams from Virginia.”
“Of course I do. Allen, thank you for being here tonight.”
“I’m loyal to your father, Beau, but Miranda convinced me to come.”
“I’m glad you were able to be here. If you’ll excuse us, it looks like they want me to address everyone.” With that, Beau swept Maisie away from the couple.
“What is happening in the world?” Maisie asked, astonished.
“Later,” Beau said to her as he took the mic to thank everyone for coming to their gathering.
When the last attendee departed, Beau swept Maisie into the car to head back to her apartment. He scooped her feet up into his lap and unfastened her stilettos. Thoughtfully, he massaged her feet.
“Thank goodness I don’t have to wear heels every day,” Maisie celebrated as she rested her head against the seat back.
“You do seem to enjoy being barefoot,” he said with a smile.
“Do you mind? You know… that I’m not a fancy woman to have around?”
“You are the perfect Little girl for me, Maisie. I wouldn’t change anything about you.”
“I did keep my mouth closed when we talked to Miranda. Seriously! What’s up with that?”
“I’d wager my reelection that she’s left her husband and struck out on seducing Rio. When she couldn’t find a famous musician to snag, she found herself an elderly congressman,” Beau suggested.
“What would make someone that jealous of what everyone else has?” Maisie said in astonishment.
“I feel sorry for her daughter and husband.”
“Harper will do what she can for Cinderella. That is, if Miranda stays in Avondale.”
“Allen Williams won’t bring her to Washington. I’m surprised he could be talked into bringing Miranda to our party,” Beau mused.
“Why?”
“Elizabeth Williams is from old money. She controls the finances in their household. Allen has many affairs that she chooses not to notice as long as he doesn’t embarrass her. I guess he took a chance at bringing Miranda to our party because all his contemporaries that Elizabeth knows well didn’t attend.”
“Do you think he’ll keep seeing Miranda?” Maisie asked.
“No. He finished with her tonight. My staff tells me he sent her away by taxi a half hour after Miranda approached us. He’s a wise old man. He must have figured out she wasn’t there for him but to show off for us.”
“Do you think her husband will take her back?” Maisie asked.
“I would bet this is the last straw. Let’s talk about something much more pleasant.”
“What’s that, Daddy?” Maisie had gotten used to switching how to address him based on who they were around.
“I think you need to be Little for a while. There has been so much going on to limit our play time in your nursery. What do you say about locking ourselves in the apartment for a few days and letting Daddy take care of you?”