“Yes, I’d like that,” Tachina replied.
Vic wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her to him.
“There is something you can do,” Vic interjected. Tachina may be letting her off easy, but he wasn’t going to forget how his mother could have stopped everything Sydney had done.
“Vic…” Tachina sighed.
He held up his hand. It wasn’t much he was going to ask for. He turned to his mother.
“You need to put out a statement. One that shows your support of Tachina’s designs and vision. Ultimately, if Sydney got her way in destroying Tachina’s designs, that would have affected our business and our money. We would have much to lose if the backers would have changed their mind,” he said.
Nancy nodded. Understanding bloomed in her eyes. Of course she understood the money aspect. Their company would come under fire, too.
“Consider it done.” Nancy stood to her full height. Her chin tilted up, and it was easy to see she was already thinking of what to say. “I’ll make sure a few of my groups will also utilize their contacts as well.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell, that would mean so much.” Tachina smiled.
A staff member stepped in, calling Nancy away to speak with a council member. She excused herself before leaving Vic and Tachina alone.
“Did that really just happen?” Tachina muttered.
“Apparently, my mother saw the error of her ways.” He pressed a kiss to her lips and a hand to her stomach.
They would continue to combat Sydney’s smear campaign until no one paid any attention to her. Hopefully, after the other night, she would not even speak of Tachina or even utter the Maxwell name. He gaze dropped to his hand on her flat belly. He couldn’t wait for the day where it was round. He looked forward to those days.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
“Good. The nausea isn’t as bad right now.” She smiled.
“If any of this gets to be too much, just say the word and we’re leaving.” He meant that. He didn’t want her to overwork herself. The stress couldn’t be good for her or the baby.
“I’m fine right now. Thank you, though. For everything, and you did not have to make your mother agree to putting out a statement.” She smiled again. She stood up taller and kissed his lips.
Her beauty captivated him. He had sort of hoped she would say she was ready right now. He ached to scoop her up and take her back home.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too, and yes, I did. It is only right.” He bent down and captured another quick kiss.
They couldn’t stay hidden away all night. He took her hand in his and led her down the hallway.
They walked through the hotel, hand in hand. He quietly absorbed what had just happened. Vic honestly hadn’t thought his mother would come around so fast, but then again, threatened with losing a son and grandchildren would cut her deep.Legacy was family. The future of your name.That had always been important to his parents.
At the entrance to the ballroom, a photographer approached, calling out their names.
“Excuse me. Can we get a few photos? For tomorrow’s paper? The developer and the designer,” he said.
Vic glanced at Tachina. She nodded. They moved into position, her hip against his, her hand on his chest while his arm wrapped around her waist. Cameras flashed. A few observers whispered loudly enough for him to hear what they were saying.
“What a beautiful couple.”
“They look powerful together.”
“She’s the designer? Brilliant.”
A few more photographers snapped pictures as well. Another reporter approached, a young Black woman.
“Ms. Winston, can I get an interview?” the young lady asked.