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“And he will. I’ll leave the story up to you and your parents, but I’ll take care in moving his body, and once you agree on how you want him to die as Alex officially, I’ll stage it. I still think you should go with the Alaskan tundra.”
“You enjoy this far too much, you know,” Alex rebuts.
Ned shrugs. “It’s my job. But what are we going to do about you two?” He gestures between us. “Legally, you’re not even married to Chris.”
“Then, it’s about time my wife and I made it official.”
Chapter 43
Alex
TWO WEEKS LATER
“My brother was an incredible man who did so much for Texas and our country. I can’t think of a better way to honor Alexander’s memory than to have another Blake represent the state he loved so much. Regardless of the outcome of the special election, I will not be seeking reelection in Florida, to support my wife in her political career.”
Cheers erupt from the large crowd, and I tuck my wife under my arm, kissing her temple as they chant “Tay-lor” over and over. I insisted that Jaclyn keep her maiden name, and thankfully, both families agreed. I’m unsure if glass eating was threatened for everyone to fall in line, but when Ned is involved, no one can be sure.
It’s no surprise that the people of Texas love Jaclyn, and though my heart is broken after my brother’s death, I’m finding it easier with each day that passes. Having Jaclyn by my side helps; the nights are hard for both of us.When no one is around, we let our masks fall, and I’m grateful neither of us has to do this alone.
A week ago, we buried my brother—technically me. The staged incident involved ‘Alex’ assisting with the building of a homeless shelter in El Paso, and falling off the roof in a tragic accident. We went out of our way to never say ‘Alex’ during the funeral, to properly pay our respects to Chris.
Attending your own funeral is an interesting experience. No one has a negative comment about you, and the general consensus is that you died ‘too soon.’ At one point, I had to keep from laughing at the celebration of life party my family planned when my grandmother insisted that the wrong brother died. Whiskey has always been her weakness. Ironically, Gallagher Whiskey is her favorite.
Jaclyn agreed to run, so long as the Gallaghers stayed far away from her campaign. Though, I have no doubt they are ‘helping’ in the background. The meddling isn’t what you would expect from a crime family. Their most recent, quiet endeavor is funding additional polling locations in suburban and rural areas of swing states. Despite their noble efforts, I still don’t trust them.
Watching my wife make the announcement she was born to in front of a sea of no less than three thousand people, I’ve never been so proud of someone in my life. Yet, the little voice in the back of my mind chastises, “She deserves this more than you do.” It stings that I have to put my career on hold, but I have my whole life to serve mycountry, even if I have to do it as Chris. She would’ve waited for him; I can wait for her.
After an eventful day, I take an extra long shower, questioning everything that’s happened. With each stroke of the soap bar up one arm and down the other, I’m wondering if I’m doing right by Jaclyn. She’s more mine now than she ever has been, and there is no other woman I’d rather spend the rest of my days with. But… this isn’t the life she signed up for. Scrubbing the shampoo in my hair, my guilt gets the best of me. The suds aren’t washing away the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy—I don’t deserve to enjoy or keep her.
The sliding door opens, and Jaclyn steps inside. She doesn’t give me a moment to say anything when she wraps her arms around my middle, pressing her cheek to my chest as the water soaks her hair and back. I hold her close, and we stand there in silence for what feels like seconds and years simultaneously. Having her in my arms grounds me, banishing any doubts I ever had that we were made for each other.
Resting my chin on the top of her head, I whisper, “I love you, princess.”
“You shouldn’t. I was going to stay with Chris,” Jaclyn quietly admits, hugging me tighter. “I was going to make it work with him and try to forget about us.” It stings to hear her speak the words that I already feltwere true. “You know that poem about the road less traveled?”
“Robert Frost?”
“That’s the one. I wasn’t ready to fight for this, for us.”
Our hearts beat in sync as I dare to ask, “And now?”
I pull back enough to tilt her chin to look at me, and her eyes are so full of love and regret. “You were right. It was always supposed to be you and me. I still can’t believe he’s gone, but I need you to know I made the wrong choice. Alex, I’d throw everything away, any chance I have in politics, if it meant that I remainedyourwife. We can still make an announcement that you’re seeking reelection, and I can?—”
My lips crash into hers in a searing kiss. “No,” I sigh as that cute little hum of hers makes me smile. “It’s your turn to shine, princess.”
“You shine enough for the both of us.” Jaclyn melts into me as she continues speaking against my lips. “I couldn’t do any of this without you.” Her tongue tangles with mine and I let the world around me fall away. When we break apart, her words burrow deep into my soul. “The love I feel for you isn’t like what I had with Chris or…anyone.I’m sorry he died too young, but I’m trying to see the good in the bad.Youare my husband, even before he died. Through all of this, you’ve been my rock, my cheerleader… You’re the love of my fucking life.” I can’t help my chuckle at the rare curse. “I don’t deserve you. I love you so damn much, and… I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t choose you.”
“I don’t blame you.” Taking her face in my hands, I brush a soft kiss to her forehead. “There is nothing to apologize for.”
“Are you really sure about all of this? You’re giving up the state you love.”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. Yes, I love Texas, but I love you and our country more. The moment we stood up in front of our families, I knew that this was never going to be fake for me. When I spoke my vows to you, I meant every word.”
“You went off script,” she chuckles.
“Are you sure?” I cock an eyebrow.
“We should have that vow renewal we talked about when we were in Hawaii.” Lifting onto her toes, she presses her warm, wet lips to mine, and I can’t help kissing her back harder. The soft hum every time our my mouth touches her settles me in a way I never imagined possible. I nip at her bottom lip, and she repeats the vows I spoke to her when she married me, “I pledge to love, cherish, protect, and be devoted to you, now and forever…Alex.”
