Chapter 4
The car ride to the White House was silent. Fitz and Olivia held hands in the back of the SUV as both quietly contemplated the humungous life change that was about to hit them in a matter of minutes. The air conditioning was on in the vehicle, but at the moment, Fitz would have preferred to have all of the windows down and the air pounding his face as they whizzed through traffic lights to finally arrive at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When they finally arrived, a Secret Service Agent opened the back door of the SUV for Olivia and Fitz to exit. They made their way into the building, walking down the short hallway that seemed to go on for miles, and finally made it to the secretary's office outside of the Oval Office. Fitz suddenly stopped, took a deep breath that reached his toes and exhaled as slowly as he could before entering the office. He gestured for Liv to enter first, but she shook her head no, while extending her arm for him to proceed into the office. Fitz opened the door and the four people in the room all stood and faced him.
"Welcome, Mr. President."
One Hour Earlier
Fitz stared in utter disbelief at the words Olivia had just spoken. He bit the inside of his cheek to see if he was dreaming. He finally stood up on both feet and made his way to the closest window to look outside as if this dream state would begin to make sense to him. Olivia took in his demeanor for a few minutes, wondering if he had yet taken in the gravity of his new position.
"Fitz, honey. Go get freshened up. I'll pick out a suit and tie for you." Fitz slowly nodded and turned to head into the bathroom. Once he closed the door behind him, Olivia plopped heavily on the edge of the bed and cupped her hands over her face in disbelief. She took several deep breaths before letting out a massive sigh and heaving herself towards his closet to pick out an appropriate suit and tie for him to wear to his swearing in ceremony.
Tom informed her that the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court was on his way to the Naval Observatory to swear in Fitz. All that was known so far was that President Reston was found unresponsive sometime after 3:45am in the White House residence. At the moment, it looks like he died of natural causes, but an autopsy was being performed at that moment at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. They should have a cause of death by later in the morning.
Olivia chose for Fitz a midnight blue suit with a dark blue and gray tie and white shirt. She kept a few clothing items in his closet in for the nights she stayed over. Thankfully, she had a simple navy long-sleeve sheath dress handing in his closet along with a pair of navy patent leather heels. As Reston's Communications Director, she needed to put herself back on the clock and make her way to the White House with Fitz after he took his oath.
Fitz came out of the bathroom freshly showered and quickly shaved. Olivia walked up to him, stroked his face and arm, then entered the bathroom for her turn at getting ready. Ten minutes later, both of them had fully dressed and expediently groomed their hair. Fitz finally broke the silence, "I want you next to me. I need you next to me as I take the oath."
"Of course! Do you have a Bible or whatever you are choosing to take your oath upon?" she asked him. Fitz shook his head, "No, but I'll grab my grandmother's Bible when we're downstairs."
"Do you want to talk about this? You are minutes away from being the most important man on the planet."
Fitz snickered, "The most scrutinized, criticized, maximized and minimized person on the planet. Wow. President of the United States," he said mostly to himself. He had gotten used to and comfortable in his role as the Vice President. It truly didn't occur to him that he'd ascend to the presidency this way.
Olivia squeezed his hand. "I guess we should head downstairs. Chief Justice Baxter may be here already. The sooner you're sworn in, the sooner he can get back to bed." Fitz smiled a sterile smile, took Olivia by the hand, and headed out of the bedroom and into his destiny.
They made their way to Fitz's home office where Chief Justice Baxter sat in one of the guest chairs.
"Chief Justice Baxter, I hope you haven't been waiting long," Fitz said nervously as he reached out his hand to the nation's top jurist.
"Not at all, Mr. Vice President. I'm sorry that we are meeting again under these circumstances."
Fitz just nodded, and Olivia stepped up and offered her hand in greeting to the Chief Justice. "Thank you for coming here at this hour. We are all just shocked by the President's passing," she said as they shook hands.
"I guess we should make this official. What will you be using for the oath?" the Justice asked Fitz.
"My grandmother's Bible," he said as he went to the bookshelf behind his desk and retrieved the Bible. He handed the book to Olivia who laid the book across both her palms and Fitz placed his right hand atop the Good Book.
"If you're ready, repeat after me," Chief Justice Baxter began. Fitz stood tall and strong as he repeated the words of the oath to become President of the United States. Olivia was steady at his side as she watched him transition from VP to President. Fitz and Baxter shook hands again once, and he and Olivia shared a chaste hug and kiss. The official photographer for the VP office had also been called in to photo document the event, pictures of which would be distributed to the world press shortly. They spent a few minutes chatting with Chief Justice Baxter before Olivia escorted him out to leave.
Olivia had called Stan to get an update of the findings of the autopsy, and to confirm she and Fitz were on their way to the White House. The autopsy was still underway, and initial findings would first be presented to Mrs. Reston before being given to the rest of the West Wing staff. Stan had already placed calls to Cyrus, who called Marcus, and to Senate Majority Leader Davis and Speaker of the House Jessica Ramsey. The Congresspersons would meet with the new President mid-morning. The West Wing staff was set to meet right away. Before leaving the Naval Observatory, Fitz took Olivia by the hand and walked them over to the sofa in his office. "Let's just sit for one minute. One minute before all this changes," he said as they both sat. Olivia took his left hand into both of hers and he cupped the back of her neck with his right hand as they joined their foreheads for their minute of meditation.
The Oval Office
Stan Pappas, Cyrus Beane, Marcus Walker, and Britta Kagen stood facing the door of the Oval Office as President Grant entered his office for the first time. Olivia followed him and went to stand in front of an empty chair.
"Welcome, Mr. President," Stan Pappas spoke first, but after his words, everyone waited for the President to speak and determine the tone of the meeting.
"Thank you all for being here so early this morning," he said to the group and looked at his watch to confirm that it was indeed still early in the morning. "Have a seat," he commanded as he sat in the chair left vacant specifically for him. "Stan, how is the First Lady?" Fitz asked with the utmost concern.
"She's very shaken by Sam's death. She is currently at Walter Reed. Her assistant will call me as soon as the autopsy is complete. Mr. President, you will need to address the American people this morning."
"I'll draft a statement and have it ready for a 10am press conference," Olivia offered.
"No, Liv. I'll write the statement. I need to do it," Fitz firmly stated. Olivia nodded, understanding his position. "Stan, you've spoken with Senator Davis and Speaker Ramsey?"
"Yes, sir. They will be here at 9am for a brief meeting with you."
"Thank you. I'd like to have some time with Joan when she arrives back to the residence if she's up to it."
"I'll let her assistant know when I get her call," Pappas assured Fitz, and the President nodded.
"Britta, Marcus, we will have a very busy day with press and giving interviews. We'll prep the rest of the Communications staff when they arrive."
"Mr. President, I've been working on a list of potential VP candidates. We should try to have someone sworn in within the next 14 days." Cyrus spoke for the first time.
"Is Governor Vargas on that list?" Fitz asked.
"He's at the top sir," Cyrus said, happy that he and Fitz were on the same page regarding the VP choice. "I'll give him a call this morning to gauge his interest."
"Good. I don't plan on making any changes to the cabinet appointments, but I'll give the Secretaries the option to resign if they want. I hope for the time being they choose to stay. Too much disruption right now will make the administration look weak right off the start. We need to show the American people that we are resilient and efficient, and the business of government will not stop. We will take a collective moment to mourn the loss of our leader, but we will not allow any lapses or gaps to form," Fitz looked everyone in the room in the eye for their confirmation. "Okay then, let's try to have the best possible day. Let's be a strong administration for Sam." Fitz stood and the others in the room stood as well to leave.
"Mr. President, may I have a moment with you, sir?" Fitz extended his hand gesturing for Pappas to take a seat. "I will be handing in my resignation effective 5pm tomorrow. I'm sure you'd like to place your own Chief of Staff as soon as possible. I'm assuming that person is Cyrus, who will be fantastic in the position. I'm a relic whose time has ended with Sam Reston. It was truly an honor to serve him, and I'm here for you whenever you need or want advising but my time in the West Wing is done. You young people will do great things."
Fitz was not surprised at all by Stan's declaration. Over the last couple of years, he got to know Stan Pappas and found the elder statesman quite the political treasure. His initial thoughts of Stan were similar to his thoughts about Big Jerry, but watching him work, advise, and protect President Reston made Fitz see the old man in a whole new light.
"I'm sorry that we'll be losing you, Stan. You were a giant in the Reston Administration, and there will always be a place for you in my administration. I have to admit, Cyrus will be relieved that you went quietly, and he didn't even have to poke me to push you out," the men shared a laugh at Cyrus' expense.
Pappas arose from his seat and turned towards the door. He sighed before adding, "I won't be the only one to leave your administration." Stan Pappas could read the room like no other. Fitz just stared at him wondering who would be leaving, but nonplused, nonetheless. Pappas could see that Fitz didn't understand what he was saying, so he just continued to the door, "I'll let you know when the autopsy results come in. Thank you for your time, Mr. President," he nodded and left the Oval, closing the door behind him.
Finally, for the first time, Fitz made his way to the desk and chair of the President. He took in the quiet that was just proceeding the storm to come. Sitting in the chair that was now his, he looked at the seal of the President of the United States. He gave himself ten seconds to take this all in before beginning to draft his first speech to be delivered to the American people in a few hours.
XXX
Good morning my fellow Americans. It is with a heavy heart that I come to you this morning to address the loss of our President, Samuel Reston. President Reston was a strong, formidable leader not just for us here in the United States, but an example of revered statesmanship around the world. We are all shocked by his untimely death, but times like this are when we as Americans come together to love, support, and lean on one another. As a nation, we will collectively mourn the loss of President Reston, but we will also celebrate his extraordinary life.
President Reston was a top-notch leader, who built his administration to withstand change in the face of any tragic event. Today is the first day of us moving forward as an administration under my leadership as President. This morning at approximately 5am, I was sworn in as President of the United States. I ask for your prayers, patience, and support as we begin this transition of leadership.
Lastly, I want to offer my deepest condolences to First Lady Joan Reston and the entire Reston family. Our country will rally around them in their time of grief and need. I ask you to uplift the Reston family in your thoughts and prayers, and that they are afforded their right to grieve privately as a family. May God bless the Reston family, and may God bless the United States of America.
Fitz turned and walked away from the podium featuring the Presidential Seal without taking any questions. That was one of the hardest things he'd ever done in his life, but he made it through. The results of Reston's autopsy had come in shortly before his speech, but he needed to touch base with Joan Reston before any public statement about the President's cause of death was released. When he returned to the secretary's office outside of the Oval, Reston's secretary, Marian, let him know that Mrs. Reston was inside waiting for him. Fitz thanked her and entered the Oval.
"Joan, saying I'm sorry for your loss seems so inadequate. Sam was a giant, and I don't have big enough words to convey the enormity of him being gone so suddenly," Fitz said taking both of Mrs. Reston's hands into his.
"Thank you so much, Fitz. It is shocking and not quite real yet, but it's beginning to sink in little by little," she nodded her head with a planted-on smile, trying hard to hold back her tears. "He was so impressed with you, Fitz. He told me on several occasions that you were going to be president one day, and not just any president, but a great president."
"Thank you, Joan. Let's sit. Would you like some coffee or tea? Water?" Mrs. Reston shook her head no. Fitz took a deep breath before continuing, "I received the autopsy report just before my speech. A brain aneurysm. Was he feeling ill lately?
"No, not that he said. He wasn't much of a complainer when it came to his health. He never wanted to worry me, so he would just take a couple of aspirin when anything was wrong. Sam would have minor headaches from time to time, but nothing that suggested anything that would be fatal," she choked out the last word.
"Please let me know if there is anything that you or your children need. Come to me personally. Don't even bother going through Cyrus. Stay in the residence for as long as you need. I'll continue to reside at the Naval Observatory. Marian and Sam had a great working relationship and I'm sure she'd be honored to assist you with his funeral arrangements. Are there any special requests that you have regarding this mourning period for the nation?"
"Just keep that weasel Hollis Doyle away from any and all things Sam Reston! I don't want him in this city before he is laid to rest. That rodent tried for too many years to buy Sam, and when that didn't work, he tried to destroy him in any way he could. But guess who's been all over the news this morning with glowing remarks about my husband?! What an asshole!" Joan said, allowing herself to vent and have a hearty laugh for the first time since the death of her husband.
Fitz threw his head back in laughter as well, "It would be my greatest pleasure to block that moron from stepping foot near any ceremony we have for Sam. Is there anything else I or anyone in the administration can do for you?"
"All that I ask is that you make Sam proud Mr. President." Joan Reston stood, hugged Fitz, and left the Oval Office.
The rest of that day had been a whirlwind for the new Grant administration. Olivia and her team had been inundated with giving interviews to all of the major U.S. newspapers and media outlets. Cyrus had a very productive conversation with Governor Francisco "Frankie" Vargas of Pennsylvania, who was definitely interested in the Vice President position. All of the cabinet Secretaries had agreed to stay in their positions for at least ninety days before considering resigning. Hashtag President Grant was trending online, with an interesting result. The young supporters of candidate Grant were re-energized by a President Grant. Olivia saw this and was convinced that the administration should catch this lightening in a bottle. Fitz would need it in another year when he ran for re-election.
Olivia finally found a moment to sit quietly in her office towards the end of the workday. She had missed lunch and was snacking on a bag of cheddar popcorn as she reflected on the day's events. She wanted to go home after work, but she knew that Fitz would want her with him tonight. He'd need her to debrief his first day as President. They had spoken briefly when he stopped by her office for five minutes. He had spoken with Mellie and the kids about the change in status, and the need for the kids to now have a more robust Secret Service detail. Big Jerry had also called, but Fitz was conveniently unavailable at the time of his call. Fitz also spoke about his pleasant conversation with the First Lady and the circumstances of President Reston's death.
Olivia was not surprised to learn that Stan Pappas was resigning from the administration. She had come to really like the old man. He was one of the smartest politicians she'd met so far, and he seemed to always be several steps ahead of everyone else. She quietly made notes in her head of his political plays and skillful strategies. She knew that one day she'd use them on her own gameboard. Her mind kept returning to the decision she'd made earlier this morning before they left the VP residence.
There was no conflict of interest with her being in a relationship with Fitz while serving as President Reston's Comms Director, but now, if she stayed on, she'd be his underling. She could not be the cause of his first scandal as president, so she'd decided to resign on Friday at close of business along with Pappas. Olivia was confident that the Communications office would be in great hands under the leadership of Marcus or Britta. Fitz, on the other hand, would fervently disagree with her resigning before finally seeing her point of view.
She also knew that they were on par to have a reignited conversation she's been avoiding with Fitz. He was certainly itching to bring up her moving in with him again, but this time with them living in the White House. He'll see her resigning her position as Comms Director as proof that she has the capacity to take on the First Lady role. Olivia sighed, knowing that an argument was brewing between the two about the new course she was about to plot for herself that didn't involve the White House. She just hoped he'd support her the way she'd supported him and give her branches room to grow in the direction of her sun.
XXX
Later that evening, Fitz and Olivia rode together back to the VP residence. They were both tired, but in a good way, and they looked forward to having a relaxing dinner together. When they arrived at the Naval Observatory, they both changed into loungewear and headed to the kitchen to fix something to eat. They decided on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chocolate milk, since neither of them wanted to cook. Since that morning, Fitz had been wanting to discuss getting Olivia a security detail.
"Liv, I think we need to discuss putting a Secret Service detail on you. The kids will be here this weekend to establish theirs, and we can arrange for you to have one at the same time."
Olivia stopped chewing and swallowed the chunk of sandwich in her mouth, "Fitz, I can't have a Secret Service detail. We're not married or living together and that wouldn't be fair to taxpayers. You'd get slammed by your opposition, particularly going into an election cycle."
"That can be changed easily and immediately," he said staring at her waiting for a response. He got one in the form of her staring back at him with a blank expression on her face. "Okay, so those aren't options for you. You need a security detail."
"I didn't have one before, why now?"
"Because you are my family, too. My immediate family in fact. I get that you aren't technically my family, but I'm closer to you than anyone else and that means you need protection." They both sat quiet for a couple of minutes as they finished their food. Fitz continued, "How about I personally hire for you a private security detail? I foot the bill myself, you remain safe, and everyone is happy."
"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?" Olivia asked him, one step away from giving in to his demand.
"Knowing you are safe will take one less worry off my plate," Fitz said with soft, loving eyes that he knew would win him this battle.
"Oh, alright. If it will make your life easier, then I can't say no." Olivia also knew that letting him win round one would soften the blow of the next round.
She thought about ways of telling him, the best way to let him down easy, but she really couldn't think of a better way than to just rip off the bandage. "I'm resigning as Comms Director as of end of business tomorrow," she said looking at her empty plate rather than at him.
Fitz was about to take a drink of his chocolate milk but put the glass down and just shook his head and expelled a frustrated laugh. That damned Stan Pappas was right. "Liv, you don't have to do this. You earned that position, and you are going to keep it!"
"Fitz, it is a clear conflict of interest for me to work under you, even with Cyrus as my immediate supervisor. You have to avoid any scandals and potential scandals, and I refuse to be either for you."
"So, you don't want to get married or move in with me, and you don't want to work in my administration. Is there any other part of your life that doesn't need me?" He looked at Olivia with so much disappointment before getting up from his stool and taking his empty dishes to the sink.
Olivia got up and walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. He allowed her to hold him this way for a while before turning to face her. Before he could say anything else, Olivia spoke, "I love you dearly, and I plan on spending the rest of my life with you. I just don't want to live in that fishbowl. I don't want to act as First Lady or First Girlfriend or First whatever. That's not even a job, but a ceremonial position, an ornament to be dangled in the window of the White House to signify that someone is there making you a home. I've achieved things in my life that have no business being reduced to hosting parties, planting flowers in a garden, and picking out China patterns that will someday be displayed in a museum in the Ladies' Wing. I love you, but I don't owe that to you."
"I never said you owed me anything, Olivia. I just see us as a team, and I could very well hold this office for another nine years. Are we really putting our relationship on hold for that long?" Fitz leaned away from her and back onto the edge of the sink.
"Of course not!" Secretly, Olivia was hoping Fitz would only consider running for one more term rather than two. Constitutionally, he could only serve as President a total of 10 years. "Like I said, I'm with you and we're in this together. You may be the most public man in the world, but I want to remain a private person. I know it won't be easy, but…"
"And what about my reelection campaign. I was hoping you'd run that."
"Let's worry about that next year. Right now, we're talking about us. You and me." Olivia looked Fitz in the eyes, "How do we navigate this part? How do I support you and maintain my private life at the same time?"
"Are you happy now? With us? Are you happy?" he asked her.
Without hesitation, she answered, "I am. Very much so." She was afraid to ask, feeling in that moment as if she gives less to their relationship than he does, but she knew she had to return the question. "And are you happy?"
"I have everything that I've ever wanted. I don't have a right to ask for or expect more," Fitz told her going back to her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the top of her head. "What are your plans after you leave the administration?" He asked with genuine interest.
"I've been thinking about opening my own firm. One thing I learned while being the Comms Director is that I like being the boss. I enjoyed running Reston's campaign. I think it's time for me to spread my wings and figure out my greatest strengths. And I could use some time off. This past year has worn me out mentally." She smiled and pecked him on the lips. She looked all around the kitchen and continued, "This is a much nicer house than the White House. You will now be living in a roach, rat, and ghost infested house. The nastiness of the White House is probably the best kept secret in America!"
Fitz just laughed and changed the subject quickly, not wanting to think about her last statement, although quite true. "You know I'll support whatever you choose to do. Come on, let's clean up and get to bed. It's been the longest day ever," Fitz said as he loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the countertops. Olivia turned the lights off in the kitchen, and Fitz wrapped his arm around her neck as they headed upstairs and called it a night.