CHAPTER 4

Henry watched her as she shifted herself into her speech comfort zone. She always made this slight shift in her gait, usually from left to right, leaning on the podium with her right arm. He thought, Alison is right, that white dress is stunning on her especially with her hair pulled up in a French twist. The diamonds in her ears sparkled almost as brightly as her eyes.

"I am deeply humbled to receive this award. I would first like to thank those who spoke, including my own children. As much as all of them say I inspire them, for me, they are the true inspiration.

When I announced my candidacy for President, I talked about better angels. Tonight, I want to talk about better futures." She paused and shifted again, to the left then back to the right.

"As time evolves, the inspirations of children drive every generation to seek better futures. Better education, better medicine, better nutrition, a better climate, peace. The barriers to these are things we can and can not control.

For those we can not control, we will always need the tenacity of field workers, who spend hours climbing mountains and riding over dirt roads, seeking out children to ensure they are vaccinated from the world's diseases. We will always need the energy of those who tirelessly work to provide clean water and education, for without them many children would have none. We will always need those who call the halls of the United States Capitol or the European Parliaments their place to advocate for the protection of children's rights.

For those things within our control, we need all of us. We need all of us to work together. So in every day, in every conversation, in every deal, in every vote we ensure our focus is in the best interest of the world's children. There was never a day that didn't cause me to think about the impact my actions would have on children. Each and every one us has the responsibility to our planet, to each other and to our children to provide better futures. Tonight, I am proud to be here with seven of those children, who received a better future because of my actions.

I hope they and all the world's children continue to inspire us for many years to do better. Thank you again for this award. I am deeply humbled."

The audience rose to their feet applauding her. Henry rose along with them. Conrad turned to him and smiled, "I may never have been prouder of her than tonight."

Henry answered, "Me too."

A half hour later, they were in a crowded side room for a post-reception with some of UNICEF's highest donors. The two former first couples made their way around the room. The kids had already taken up space at the bar. As she nearly finished, Blake stepped just behind her left side and whispered in her ear, "When you finish at this table you are going to go out the door right there."

"Got it," she said back to him.

"You okay?" he asked as Henry was making his way around the table.

She sighed, "I think so."

He stepped away from her just as Henry came to her side and put his hand in hers.

"Thank you so much for coming tonight. It was great to meet all of you. " he said as he began to guide her to the door.

"Yes, thank you." Elizabeth finished, "We truly appreciate the commitment you give to the world's children."

With that they were gone in seconds, the room through the doorway was down a short hallway. They entered the room and approached Jay. He handed Elizabeth her drink, a single malt neat. She took it from him and took a gulp. Handing him back the glass, he said to her, "They are on their way in."

With that, the door opened and Marijol's calming voice filled the room, "Elizabeth, what an honor it is to see you again. Under much better circumstances."

Elizabeth approached her and the two women immediately hugged each other. It seemed to last forever. The last time they saw one another, they were being led out of the home in Iran.

Elizabeth pulled back to see Abdul, taller than his mother and so very handsome.

"Abdul, thank you for your speech tonight. It cured so much worry I have always had for you. How are you?"

The boy smiled and replied, "I am very well, Madam President."

"Oh enough with that, you can call me Elizabeth. Come here, I need to hug you too."

Elizabeth introduced both of them to Henry and for some time the four of them just sat and talked. Catching up on life like they were old friends. Eventually the doors opened and the three McCord children came in, drinks in all of their hands. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Henry before introducing everybody.

The seven of them sat in the room for a while talking. Jason was getting to know Abdul, talking about college and sports. Elizabeth and Henry were having a conversation with Marijol and the girls when she glanced over and noticed the boys exchanging numbers.

Back at the hotel, Henry entered the bedroom to find Elizabeth crashed on the bed. Her dress a puddle on the floor. His jacket off and his tux tie loosened around his neck. He was undoing his cufflinks when he looked at the dress and then at his wife.

"The kids just got pizza. You don't want any?" he asked.

"No, I'm spent," she said shooting a glance his way. "Besides it's 11 o'clock. Nobody eats pizza this late."

"Our kids do," Henry laid his body next to hers, kissing her lips.

"No, no," Elizabeth said through the kisses. "Henry, I can't. I am so exhausted."

He got back up off the bed and said, "Just kissing my beautiful wife. Not looking for that. I know you are tired."

"Liar," as she threw a threw a pillow from the bed his way as he walked into the en suite bathroom.