Chapter Twenty-One
That night Diane particularly enjoyed the comfort of her husband's arms around her, the happiness she felt due to his closeness even prevented her from falling asleep. Or maybe it was only due to the thoughts that still kept circling in her mind at the end of such an eventful day.
Her short drive out of the city had proven to be very fruitful. She had the opportunity to think things through, clear her head and make new plans. She'd arrived back at the campaign headquarters with the determination to fight even harder from now on. If she were to let some ill-disposed accusations ruin it for her, all her efforts would have been in vain. She wanted this office, she had been dreaming of it for years, she was ready to do anything in her power to achieve her dream.
Nevertheless she was aware that she needed to protect her family more, she didn't want them to suffer because of her ambitions, especially not her children. But even her kids were old enough to learn that their actions could easily have unforeseeable consequences.
"Are you still awake?" Will's whispered words broke the silence.
She thought he'd been asleep, but maybe he somehow sensed that she wasn't.
"Yeah," Diane turned towards her husband, even though she hardly saw his face in the dark.
"I can't sleep either," he admitted and ran his hand down Diane's arm to keep up the physical contact between them.
"It's been an odd day," she explained.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me today," he said, while he was still stroking her skin.
"You apologized for that already and I told you there's no need for that," she placed the palm of her hand on the side of his face for emphasis.
"If you need me to do more interviews, I'd be happy to help," he offered, making Diane smile.
His first interview hadn't turned out the best way, nevertheless she appreciated his willingness to show his support.
"I don't think it will be necessary, but I'll tell Eli you are up for it," she stroked his face gently.
"I want to help," he insisted.
"You are helping a lot, by just being here, by supporting me and not holding me back. It means the world to me," she got slightly emotional. It was easier to say this in the dark, but it also sounded more powerful this way.
"I don't want you to have any regrets," he pointed out and instead of a spoken reply her lips found his.
The kiss was meant as a short thank you, she didn't expect it to deepen as fast as it did. Minutes ago his arms had been holding her so peacefully, and now the same arms suddenly demanded more. Of course she didn't mind, she always loved being the object of his desire. It was the palpable proof that their love was still very much alive.
o-o-o
Instead of the alarm clock, Diane was woken up by the touch of her husband's hand that was caressing her arm gently, just like a few hours ago.
"Good morning," he whispered when their eyes met and kissed her softly.
"What time is it?" Diane asked a little confused, she had a feeling it was a bit late to wake up on a weekday, even if they hadn't actually slept that much during the night.
"It's eight, but don't worry, I told Eli you might be a little late," Will explained calmly.
"You thought I needed more sleep after last night?" she questioned him playfully.
"As much as I'd love to take credit for this, it wasn't my idea," he admitted with a grin.
"Will you please just tell me what's going on?" she got tired of the guessing game quickly. She was usually grumpy before her morning coffee like most people.
"How about I show you?" he answered secretively and held out his hand.
He led her downstairs and the smell coming from probably the kitchen partly answered Diane's question. She didn't expect to find their children there though, so when she saw Emma baking pancakes at the stove she could hardly believe her eyes.
"Good morning, this is a surprise," she noted and kissed both her kids on the cheek.
"Here's your coffee." Nat handed Diane a mug with the hot beverage.
"Take a seat and enjoy your breakfast," Em instructed Diane who shared a look with Will. She had a hard time believing this was really happening.
o-o-o
Diane could swear no pancake had ever tasted this good and she appreciated what her children were trying to express with this adorable gesture.
"We are really sorry we caused so much trouble for your campaign," Emma said, confirming Diane's suspicions.
"I told you it's not your fault," Diane reminded them, she would never have thought of blaming the kids for the turn of events.
"But pancakes for breakfast are always appreciated." Will's funny remark, accompanied by a wide grin, made Diane roll her eyes.
"We want you to know that we've learnt our lesson," her daughter reassured her.
"We have," Nat nodded in agreement.
"You may have done something you shouldn't have, but no one could have seen this coming," Diane pointed out and placed one of her hands on Emma's and the other on Nat's hand to reassure them. "Besides we'll try to make the best of it. You can turn anything to your advantage if you play your cards right."
"Let us know if we can help," Nat offered once again.
"I could go back to work for the campaign again, if that helps," Em joined in.
"You just promise not to worry about any of it. Eli worries enough for all of us anyway," she added jokingly to ease the tension a little. "But please don't tell me you're tired of the firm already," she eyed her daughter suspiciously, then glanced at Will, who only shrugged.
"Oh no, I love it there. I had fun watching dad in court and Gill is so cool, she's so easy to talk to. And no one looks at me like the boss's daughter."
Em's enthusiasm honestly surprised Diane and she tried not to flinch at the mention of Gillian. She and Emma had talked about the woman once after Will's interview had come out. She didn't suppose Emma had forgotten about that, but apparently Gillian's charm was that hard to resist.
"I'm really glad to hear you had such a great time," she smiled at her daughter, trying her best not to give away her inner thoughts.
She had an easier job hiding them from Emma than Will, but she hoped to succeed with both. She didn't look at her husband though, so she couldn't be sure.
"I'll make sure to give you more tasks today, so it sounds more like you were at work and not a summer camp," Will noted jokingly and they all started laughing.
"You already agreed that I can go in later today, you deserve the best boss award," Em pointed out.
"I think I'm starting to get jealous," Diane replied playfully and smiled at her son who was still eating the pancake his sister had made.
"Mom deserves all the awards too," Nat knew exactly what to say to make Diane feel better right away.
"She does," Will agreed, pressing Diane's hand. "I hate to ruin the moment, but I have a staff meeting in a half an hour, so I really have to go," he apologized and stood up, ready to leave.
He placed a kiss on Diane's cheek, then kissed both his kids.
"I'll see you later dad," Em promised.
"Don't be late," he raised a brow so she knew he was serious.
"Would you give us a minute?" Diane excused herself and followed Will who was already at the door by the time she left the kitchen.
"Is there something wrong?" he stared at her a little confused.
"No, I just wanted to say, thank you," she smiled and when she reached him she folded her arms around his neck and kissed him goodbye.