Only Tonight

Many others attentively watch, some with dumbstruck grins and others simply gaping. Camera flashes spark, creating the appearance of waves moving through the crowd.

In this moment, reality roars back and I realize I’ve forgotten to turn on the recorder. Fumbling, I do so, knowing I must have missed the first few minutes of his speech. Straightening my back, I muster a good amount of poise, lifting my eyes to the Senator just at the moment he confirms everyone’s anticipated suspicions.

“I've made it my life’s mission to care for this country and those that call it their home,” he says, squaring his shoulders. “As I continue on with pursuit of this dream, it's time I seek the most absolute position in which I can lead with integrity, pride and passion. I will not let you down; I will not let this country down. I will bring the United States of America into the next decade stronger than it has ever been.” The crowd erupts and once again I feel as if I’m at a concert, suspecting an overly hormonal teenager will throw her bra on stage.

When the cheering calms he continues, sharing his key initiatives, should he be elected president.

After a few more minutes it’s over. He graciously thanks everyone for coming and opens the conversation up to the members of the media sitting before him. I’m struck again by his stu

I spend a few more minutes lost in thought, just staring at him. McKe

“. . . What are your beliefs on abortion and women’s rights?”

Unbidden, my cheeks reheat at the topic, but his response comes easily. “There must be a balance between personal rights and the right to live. I'll work diligently to ensure abortion becomes illegal in the United States. Life is precious and we must think in that context when considering ending it. It’s my personal belief there is never a situation in which abortion is the right answer.”

Frustration and indignation pulse like a second heartbeat bubbling to the surface. “You would take a woman’s right to protect herself, to protect her own body, away from her? For reasons you wouldn’t know, couldn’t know. You would take away a woman’s control over her body and possible health?” My voice is terse, hard. It’s as if I were thinking out loud, yet it was stated firmly and with conviction for everyone to hear. All heads swivel toward me, looking for the dumb-ass shouting out in argument with Mr. McPerfect McKe

It’s his turn to stare at me as he easily finds my eyes. His gaze holds mine for what feels like an eternity before he finally addresses me with consideration. “A child has a right to be born, a right to live. There are some things God must have control over, and those are life and death.

“Man has become too involved in the workings of what He should control. God should play a larger part in people's lives. Abortion is not the answer: life is.” His eyes continue to bore into mine, not letting go of our co

Others invade the moment, hurling questions. Hesitating, his eyes linger before he shifts his attention away.

Relief floods through me as I sink back into my seat. What did I just do? I berate myself, wishing I could slink out the door.

The questions and answers flow until finally the conference comes to an end. McKe

A touch to my elbow halts my progress and my heart stills with it. Reluctantly, I turn at the contact, meeting a pair of lighthearted gray eyes, flashing with a secret air of amusement.

“Ms. Carter?” When I nod, the man smiles and continues, “Evan Daugherty, Colin McKe

His hand reaches toward mine in greeting. It hovers in the air as I fumble for words, still reeling from my enormously stupid foray into presidential debate. He has a warm, easy grin centered on a handsome face; handsome in a California surfer kind of way. His hair waves from root to end, the shaggy cut perfect in its imperfection. Gray eyes that pierce mine are hauntingly expressive and compliment his bronzed skin.

Again I’m stu

“I hope your trip was uneventful. Did you have any challenges finding the university?”

“No…”

“Please, come with me. I have a private space set aside for us to talk.” He turns in a hurry and I can do nothing but follow in his wake.

I don’t know if this is a good idea; after the reaction I had toward Senator McKe

We end up in a small meeting room with a few people milling about, and others huddling together, exchanging excited conversation at a large table which anchors the room. No doubt they’re a part of the campaign team, pla

Daugherty ushers me through another door to a tiny room with a small navy couch and two chairs, a low circular table centered in between. A thin window sits on the far wall, letting in muted afternoon light, helping the small floor lamp light the space.

“Please have a seat,” Daugherty offers. “Colin will join us any minute, would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” The approaching interview has sent a nervous energy racing through my body; putting something in my stomach isn’t a good idea. I choose one of the two chairs, sinking down in the plush cushion, and crossing my legs out of habit. Dropping my black messenger bag to the floor next to the chair, I slip the cover over to grab a binder from within.

Just as I look up, Senator McKe

By his mere presence, Colin McKe