Chapter 2
A three bedroom house had been rented in a secluded part of the park, nestled under the sweeping range of mountains that made the area so famous. The main lodge was just over three miles away, where the small press pool would be located.
As the Suburban drove up the road, Jed and Abbey anxiously looked at the house where they would be staying for the next few days.
The house was covered with natural stones and cedar shingle roof. Tall fir trees sheltered the house from direct sun and the porch was wrapped around three sides.
They opened the door to a soaring cathedral ceiling and open living space. Massive windows looked out upon the meadow that seemed to spread to infinity. Abbey opened the doors leading off of the great room and found the master bedroom. A king-sized bed made of rough wood trunks shared the room with two rockers. Again, massive windows looked out to the fir trees located behind the house.
A huge master bath, with a whirlpool tub and a huge walk-in shower completed the master suite.
Abbey returned to the Great Room and motioned for Jed to come over to the front windows.
"Isn't this perfect? I can't wait to try out that tub, can you? Maybe we need to do something like this at the farm."
"Yeah. This'll be a perfect three days." He came up behind his wife and placed his arms around her. He laid gentle kisses on her neck as he took in her scent, still a bit musky from their encounter on the plane.
Ron shifted, a bit uncomfortable with being present in the middle of such a romantic display of his protectees.
"Uh, Mr. President, I'll leave you and the First Lady alone. Remember, there'll be agents patrolling the grounds. You have your panic buttons, don't you?"
Both Jed and Abbey showed theirs and Ron turned to leave. He turned back for one last comment.
"Sir, if you need us for anything, please press that button. No matter how small, okay?"
"Yes, mom. Now get out of here." Jed continued to nuzzle his wife's neck.
"Yes, sir." Ron closed the door with the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. That was a huge smile for Ron Butterfield.
