November 7, 2020
12:01 am
Sam split the last brownie in half and popped part in Mara's mouth. She'd been quiet and moody all day long and he knew nothing he could do or say would snap her out of it. Sam had done exceptionally well in the debate and polls had shown him to have a 8 point lead over incumbent President Davis. Toby was actually positive Sam would win even though he would never say it and tempt the wrath of the whatever from high atop the thing. The plan was for Sam to helicopter out to the bay house to vote in the local library. He'd make an appearance at headquarters to thank his staff, go over to his senate office to give everyone the rest of the day off to go vote and then return home.
Mara glanced over at the clock and sighed, "Life as we know it is over."
Sam chuckled and kissed her. "Life is not over it just got more complicated. Think of it this way, I'll be home for dinner every night for the next two months."
"I changed my mind, I don't want you to do this Sam."
"It's a little late for that honey. I wonder how many votes I'm going to win by?"
"I'd be more worried about taking the house if I were you."
"So Jed and Abbey are voting then flying down?"
"Yes, Abbey's bringing me several bottles of liquid courage. With any luck I'll be fast asleep when the inevitable happens."
"It's so heart warming to see how much you want me to win." He chuckled.
"I can't help being so selfish, I don't want to share you with anyone, now I have to share you with the whole damn country. It's not even my damn country!"
"You are a freak but I love you anyway."
"Don't wake me up when you leave."
"So are you going in to work for a few hours?"
"Probably from 11-3 then I'll go meet the plane."
"So dinner here and then we head over to the hotel. Oh by the way, Josh got your delivery."
"What did he say?"
"He said that international relations 101 would probably be the toughest course he ever had to take. He's freaking out about the test next week."
"Well he can't very well be in the Sit room... by the way Josh in there just freaks the hell out of me...he has to know the difference between a military term, weapon and aircraft carrier."
"Right now, it freaks the hell out of me too, that's why I wanted you in charge of his education. I also noticed you included a primer for me too."
"Yes, as much as I love you dear, I'm going to be watching you like a hawk. I called Nancy earlier and she agreed to do your refresher course. Even I can't deal with Josh and you at the same time."
"Josh has always been leery about international stuff, some how you have also instill confidence in him."
"Samuel, don't you think asking me to increase his ego goes way above and beyond the call of duty?"
He laughed then left a kiss on her shoulder. "I agree but do you really want a skittish squirrel in there, advising me of what the hell is going on?"
"You do remember what happens when Josh and I work closely together on anything?"
"Yes, you try to kill each other. I miss the old days when you hurled insults at each other at an alarming rate. One Fry and Bu are about to be released from detention."
"And set amuck on the rest of the unsuspecting world, Bwahahaha." Mara's evil laugh was usually enough to send chills down his spine but tonight it made him laugh.
"Go to sleep, baby." Sam murmured.
He kissed her a few times before wrapping his arms around her.
"Goodnight my fire breathing dragon."
"Goodnight my sweet prince."
9:48 am
Sam looked down at the ballot, his finger lightly tracing over his name. His mind wandered back to the evening the idea of running for President was first put into his head. He still remembered Jed's words as if it was yesterday, 'You're gonna run for President one day. Don't be scared. You can do it. I believe in you.' Sam had looked at the chess board Jed gave him as a gift so many years ago, before leaving the mansion to vote. He knew that in a church in Manchester the former President and First Lady would be voting for him and it sent chills down his spine. He marveled at the journey that had taken him from the office of Gage Whitney Pace to seeing his own name on the Presidential ballot. He cast his vote and folded the paper in half before walking out to deposit it in the ballot box. He was nearly blinded by all the flashes and steady cam lights. He managed to not trip and smiled. He spoke briefly to the head commissioner, who he knew, and turned to face the press.
"Senator, what will you be doing the rest of the day?"
"I'm going to go thank my campaign staff and make sure they all went to vote, then I'm going to go thank my Senate staff and give them the rest of the day off so they can go vote. After that I'm going to set up a special surprise for my wife. With any luck, I'll make her forgot what day it is for a few minutes. "
"Does the Ambassador still wish it was the Senate you were running for?"
"Actually, I think my wife would like me to be running for most popular professor at Georgetown but she'd settle for a third Senate term."
"Do you have anything to say to President Davis today?"
"I'm fairly certain we will be speaking later this evening. I've got places to go and people to see so thank you. I'll see you all later."
Sam opened the car door and found Matty sprawled across the seat reading. He could barely contain his excitement when Matty asked if he could skip school and ride with his Dad to vote. While the press didn't phase Jenna in the least, Matty held a certain level of disdain for them. He'd acquired his Mom's skill of being able to detect when a picture was about to be taken and move just in time to avoid it.
"So who did you vote for?" Matty asked with a grin as he made room for his Dad to sit.
"The other guy, wise ass! Are you going to stick with me until I go home or do you want me to drop you off at the Embassy?"
"Do you think Mommy needs cheering up?"
"Probably, but I think she needs to be alone and deal with this on her own terms until Abbey and Jed arrive."
"Then I'll hang with you. Uncle Josh has called twice already."
"Oy, try Aunty Donna at the office for me."
Matty talked to his Aunt for a few seconds before handing the phone to his Dad.
"Hey Sam, I voted for you."
Are you sure? Last time you thought you voted for Jed, you voted for Ritchie."
"Oh bite me Pretty Boy! So what did you need?"
"Could you please go get your husband and have sex with him until the polls close? He is driving everyone insane!"
Donna chuckled, "Actually your wife already sent over a mood starter. I want to finish something then I'll go over and kidnap him. How's Mara doing?"
"Let's just say that at 12:01 this morning she said, 'life as we know it was over.' Her spirits will pick up when Abbey arrives around 3:30."
"I'll see you in the suite tonight. Luv ya."
"Luv ya back, keep my COS distracted as hell."
"I will, bye."
"Dad, you think about sex entirely too much." Matty whined.
"Son, in a few years you'll have a different opinion."
"No, in a few years I may be able to see Bambi without wanting to crawl out of my skin! Too bad they couldn't give you a blank vote to frame."
"Actually, Rob Schultz is the Commissioner, I asked him if there were any extra ballots, could he void one and save it for me. He said he'd vote for me in all three categories and drop it off at the bay house."
"Cool, I like Mr. Schultz. He always gives me candy."
"After we stop at the Senate office how about we go get a pizza at Sal's?"
"Yum, I'll treat you to an apple pie sundae."
"I'll take that deal."
11:55 am
During the helicopter ride back to DC Josh called which prompted Sam to turn off his normal cell phone and only use the dedicated one that only 3 people had the number for. When he arrived at campaign headquarters Jenna looked ready to kill.
"Hey bro, Dad I can't take another second of Josh. I'm going shopping until 5 people can confirm he is long gone. See ya."
"Sam, I've been trying to get you, your cell is saying you are not available."
"Josh, why don't you go downstairs and have a Beaver Tail?"
"Josh is not allowed sugar Sam! What are you thinking?" Toby snarled.
"I'm thinking that getting him out of everyone's hair would be a good idea."
"Early exit polls show that you have a solid lead on the East coast."
"What about Florida, Texas and Georgia, Josh?" Toby asked knowing that would give him about ten minutes of peace.
"Don't worry Donna said she'd be over to take care of him."
"Did she tell you when? He's driving everyone insane. My memory is either failing me or Josh was never this bad during the Bartlet years."
"I think it has to do with the pressure he is facing this time around. Mara's first required reading scared the crap out of him."
"I scanned the booklet, there is a hell of a lot of info in there."
"Exactly and Mar doesn't have a laid back teaching style."
"Fine, I'll cut him some slack. What is it Larry?"
"We've got our first numbers of the day. Do you want to hear them?"
"No, Larry I couldn't care less about the numbers." Toby replied sarcastically.
Sam rolled his eyes, "So am I winning?"
President Davis: 450,343 and you have 498,568, so yes you are winning."
"Cool, well I'm going to thank the troops then head out. See you both tonight."
He spoke for about fifteen minutes thanking every department and sharing some of the more memorable moments of the campaign. He found Matty sharing some of Ed's fries and promised they would be eating within the hour. As they were walking out of the building he saw Donna leaving the embassy and waved at her before getting in the car.
12:40 p.m.
"Hey Ed, do you know where Josh is?"
"Hi Donna. Is it raining?" He asked since she was wearing a long beige raincoat.
"No, now about my husband?"
"I think someone has locked him in his office."
"Thanks."
Donna made her way over to his corner office and laughed when she noticed a burly intern sitting on a chair that was pressed up against the handle of his door.
"Sorry Ma'am but he is not allowed out."
"I'm his wife so let me in please."
"Do you have a phone on you?"
"No." Donna lied.
"Then I guess I can let you in. Rap on the door four times when you want out."
"I'll be taking my husband with me."
When the door opened Donna was surprised to see Josh staring at CNN on the TV. His phone was noticeably absent from his desk. He turned around when he heard the door close. He looked at Donna in her coat and noticed she had on a pair of navy stilettos.
"Please tell me you have your phone."
"And hello to you too! No I don't." She lied again.
"I came in here to get Florida numbers and I was locked in."
"Ah, I take it you were having a nutty and taking everyone else with you. Don't worry I'm here to distract you."
"Donna, even you can't distract me on election day."
"Wanna make a bet?" Donna purred as she looked around quickly to make sure all the blinds were pulled.
She carefully removed her coat and left it on Josh's desk. He had turned around to look out the window so she called his name. Josh couldn't' believe his eyes when he saw her standing there wearing nothing but a baseball jersey. It took a second for him to realize it wasn't a Mets jersey.
"Get that filthy piece of trash off!" He demanded.
"You want it off? Take it off." She dared him.
Josh opened his desk drawer and pulled out a pair of scissors. He grabbed the middle of the jersey and cut the Yankees writing off it, exposing Donna's breasts. She grabbed the scissors off of him and a snip at the neck sent the offending garment down to the floor. Josh scanned her body, his lust growing heavier with each section of scanned alabaster skin. Donna grabbed the end of his tie and pulled him to her, capturing his lips in a fiery kiss. His hands roamed her body while she continued to kiss him senseless. She finally broke the kiss and pushed him away. She slid her coat back on, fastened the buttons and tied the sash.
"We are leaving now." She demanded.
Josh nodded his head and followed her out the door without giving a thought to the election, or his cell phone and Blackberry that had been confiscated. He didn't say a word until they were in a black town car.
"Where are we going?" He asked as he slid his hand underneath the hem of her coat.
"Did I say you could speak slave?" Donna growled. "You are my sex slave and you may only speak when I order you to. Do you understand me?"
Josh nodded his head, he'd never met Donna the dominatrix before but he had a feeling he was going to like her. He grinned when the car stopped and a uniformed doorman opened the car door. He recognized the lobby as the Ritz Carlton DC. Donna left his side for a moment to go over to the concierge desk. Seconds later she pulled on his arm and led him over to the elevator. She slid the card key in to operate the elevator and unfastened her buttons while the elevator traveled up to the eleventh floor. She let them into the Ritz- Carlton Suite, the hotels' largest and finest suite that would hold the private party that evening. She closed and locked the door, let her coat fall on the floor and pushed Josh towards a high back leather chair. Josh soon lost all sense of time.
1:25 p.m.
"Food, I need food." Matty muttered as he entered Sal's behind five agents.
"Sam, Matty! I didn't think I'd see the two of you today. I voted for you."
"Thanks Vince, could we have the usual and a slice of anything that is made so Matty doesn't faint."
"How about some garlic bread with cheese."
"Perfect, hurry I'm wasting away." Matty exclaimed.
Sam rolled his eyes, "Guys order whatever you want, it's on my tab."
"Senator, how long do you think you'll be?" Dave asked.
"With dessert we are usually here for an hour and a half."
Vince brought over a plate of crispy golden garlic bread smothered in fresh mozzarella cheese and a pitcher of root beer.
"So what is this surprise you have in plan for Mommy?" Matty asked only after he'd gobbled up two pieces of bread and downed a glass of root beer.
"We just need to be home by 3:30 to accept a delivery. After you say hi to Grandpa Jed and Grandma Abbey you are going to have dinner at Aunty Ainsley's. She's going to bring you to the hotel later."
"Hey Sam, they are about to show the vote numbers." Vince called out and turned up the volume.
Sam couldn't see the TV so he listened.
Here are the latest exit pole numbers from CNN News, Maryland Senator Sam Seaborn is leading President Davis by nearly fifty thousand votes. Right now the Senator has 599,785 votes to the President's 550, 434 votes. Please keep in mind that it is still early and the numbers will dramatically increase after six when many Americans leave work for the evening and vote. Stay tuned to CNN for continuing coverage.
"Wow, that's a lot of votes to be leading by Dad."
"It's good Matty but keep in mind that almost 110 million people are expected to vote."
"That is less than a third of the population, that sucks Dad! "
"I know but no matter how often you tell people to vote most of them ignore you. They are also the first people to complain."
"It should be illegal to complain if you didn't vote."
"I'll look into drafting that bill." Sam replied with a grin.
"Dad what are you going to do when we move into the residence, you can't send me next door to Aunty Ainsley anymore."
"We'll talk about that later."
"It better not involve boarding school."
"What? No, I'd never send you away, besides do you really think you mother would agree to sending you anywhere?"
"No, she'd kill you for even suggesting it."
"Exactly. I see a pizza heading our way."
Sam and Matty made it home in time to accept the delivery. Matty rolled his eyes when he heard what the surprise entailed but he helped his Dad set everything up anyway. Sam flicked off CNN when he heard a car drive up. He looked out the window and saw Abbey get out of the car.
"Matty, they are here, come downstairs." He shouted.
Matty turned off his computer and came bounding down the stairs. As soon as he saw his Mom he ran into her arms and gave her a kiss and long hug.
"Wow, what did I do to rate that greeting?" Mara asked.
"I know today is a tough day and you looked like you could use some extra love."
"Have I told you that you are the best son on earth?"
"Not today, Hi Grandma and Grandpa."
"Matthew, did you know that the White House has its own bowling alley?" Jed asked.
"Yes and there is an indoor pool underneath the press room. Mom wants to refurbish it."
"Carol could throw pool parties instead of press conferences." Abbey laughed.
"If there was food and booze provided the press might go for it. I'll tell Toby to look into it." Sam quipped.
"I'm out of here, see you all later." Matty stated before heading to the door.
"Where is he going?" Mara inquired.
"Over to Ainsley's, Michael got a new game they want to try out. Ains will bring him to the hotel."
"Oh, let me bring your bags up to Jenna's room."
Abbey waited for Mara to be out of hearing range before greeting Sam. After she kissed him she spoke in a hushed tone.
"She's taking this better than I thought she would. I can tell she's not looking forward to tonight but she's not acting like it's the end of the world."
"No, that was earlier this morning. Maybe she had a liquid lunch?"
"She'd be asleep by now Sam. You are doing well."
"Yeah, don't tell Toby, but I don't plan on looking at my concession speech."
"Can I look at your speech Sam?" Jed asked.
"Sure, I'd love your impression on it. I'll go get it."
"If I forget to say it later, I want you both to know how much it means to me that you came down to watch the results with me."
"We wouldn't want to be anywhere else Sam."
"I sort of feel responsible for all of this happening..." Jed started to say when Mara interrupted him from the top of the stairs.
"Then don't wonder what I'm doing when I whack you one, several times this evening."
Jed just shook his head and sat down on the couch. "A drink would be lovely Mara."
"So did you vote?" Jenna asked Jacob from the doorway of his office.
"Yes, can I tell you I think it's crazy that I can vote for your Dad but you can't."
"Maybe, but I come from a better country." Jenna boasted.
Jacob ignored her, "I got my final clearance to take the week off. I've never been to Anguilla before but I hear it's amazing."
"The island is beautiful in general but the house sits on the most pristine white sand beach you'll ever see."
"And a mile of it belongs to Mara?"
"Yes, the house on the left is about a mile and a quarter away and the house on the right is about a mile and a half away. The best part is that the entire 10 mile stretch of beach is privately owned so you never see anyone."
"I'm sure the Secret Service will like that."
"Oh yeah, Ron thinks it is perfect. Jed and Abbey visited twice during his term and several times since."
"What time are we expected at the hotel?"
"The polls close at nine so maybe 8:30."
"You want to cheer for the polls closing on the east coast?"
"Yeah."
"You are a geek."
"Bite me. Now are we going to get something to eat or will I have to eat your arm?"
"I like my arm so I guess we are leaving now."
Sam had ordered their favourite Thai food for dinner, afterwards he brought out a bottle of champagne and made a toast to his wife. Mara's jaw dropped when Sam brought out dessert, which was replicas of the mini three layer individual wedding cakes from their wedding. After dinner, once everyone was sitting comfortably he flipped on the TV. Mara was in mid eye roll when election coverage gave way to the video of the wedding. She was touched that Sam went out of his way to make her feel special on a day he knew she'd be sad.
8 p.m.
While Mara went upstairs to get something, Jed flipped the TV back on just in time to see a posting of election results
(D) Seaborn: 49 940 372
(R) Davis : 35 585 837
"Pretty impressive Sam and I thought you speech was terrific. I added in a couple of thoughts that you might want to work you magic on."
"Thanks, I guess I should look at it."
"So how did you handle Josh today?"
"I turned my cell phone off and then Toby sent him to find me numbers while I thanked everyone. Donna was kidnapping him. Larry told me they locked him in his office without the phone or his lifelines until Donna showed up."
"I shutter to think what we ever would have done with him, if Donna didn't show up and hire herself."
"I can't even imagine it."
"I hear you enticed my son in law to join you. Charlie will make a great Deputy COS."
"I know he will, that's why I asked him. I tried everything I could think of to get Margaret but she refuses to leave the foundation. I finally guilted her into spending a week during transition and a week once we take office training Josh's assistant."
"Who was crazy enough to accept that job?"
"One of my former students actually. On my very first day of teaching, Amanda, told me she was going to get an A in my class. I told her if she was like my daughter she'd get an A+ and be arguing that there was such a thing as 110. Her response was to tell me she thought she'd enjoy the class, but reserved the right to change her mind."
"Is she invited tonight?"
"Yes, just look for an older version of Jenna."
"I'm looking forward to meeting her. Has Donna met her?"
"Yeah, they had lunch once. Donna said she'd write a how to deal with Josh book for her."
"What position does Donna get?"
"I wanted her to be my deputy but Mara claimed her first. Donna Moss Lyman will be Mara's COS and the defacto First Lady."
"All right, I'm ready, let's go before I change my mind."
Sam looked up to see Mara standing at the foot of the stairs with a book in one hand and a bottle of JD in the other. She'd changed from her office outfit to jeans and a emerald green silk shirt.
"What are you wearing on stage?" Sam asked.
"I'm not getting on the stage. Sam tonight is like your débutante ball, for me it's more like a wake. I can't go on stage and pout, my fake smile will look even worse. I'm honestly happy for you but I can't pretend I'm thrilled for me. Is that what you're wearing?"
"No, I'm going to change into a suit."
"I don't think you should. Sam you still look like you are in your late 30's. I bet when the data rolls in you wiped the board in the 18-35 demographics. Who really wears a suit at one in the morning? As your wife, best friend and stylist I say don't change."
"I concur Sam. You look neat, presentable and relaxed." Abbey chimed in.
Sam noticed that Abbey had a bottle of her favourite red wine in each hand. Jed noticed it too and laughed.
"You didn't tell me this was a BYOB party Samuel."
"I mistakenly thought they were kidding about getting drunk."
"Mara and I never kid about drinking Sam, you should know that by now." Abbey chuckled.
"Fine, I won't change, time to go."
Donna happened to glance at her watch while Josh was busy with her breasts. "Holy shit! Josh it's 8:01 we have to go home, change and get back here."
"What? I have my clothes."
"But I don't you dolt. I'm not wearing my rain coat all night!"
"Call Mara and ask her to bring you something."
"Josh, move NOW!"
The look on his wife's face propelled him out of the bed and in to his clothes in a minute flat. Donna put her coat on and slipped her feet back into her shoes. Three minutes later they left the suite and headed home.
"Hello? You can't all fit in the elevator!" Mara groaned as far too many Secret Service Agents tried to protect their charges.
Abbey snorted then noticed the frustration rise in her 'daughter'.
"Trust me, I don't think the five agents already on the elevator, will let anything happen to any of us! The rest of you can take the regular elevator, climb the stairs or scale the building for all I care, but you are not getting on this elevator!" Mara bellowed before she pressed the door close button.
One of Sam's agents looked at one of Jed's agents and moaned. "God, is it too late to request a transfer? I heard she can be such a bitch but yowza!"
Frank, Jed's agent, who had been with him since the second term took a breath to compose himself. He knew Mara could be a pain in the ass and had wanted to strangle her a few times himself, but he also respected her and he knew she was right in this case. "Al, I suggest you get a transfer first thing in the morning because if you can't respect your protectee's wife you don't belong on his team."
"Al, I'm standing right here! Don't disrespect Mara in my vicinity." Replied Mara's agent Chris.
"The elevator is here, let's just get on." suggested Abbey's agent Sandra.
None of the agents had noticed that Ron had entered the Ritz Carlton lobby. Ron only heard Chris and Sandra but he knew he'd have to do something about Al. He cleared his throat loudly to announce his presence.
"Doesn't look like I'll fit on the elevator. Dave, could you wait with me? I need to tell you about a schedule change since you are Sam's body man tonight.
"Sure Ron."
The elevator closed and Dave waited a few seconds to speak. "Ron, I know you are heading up transition protection so you'll be interested in this. If Al doesn't ask for a transfer out of the Seaborn family detail, you need to reassign him. I hate to say it but with that attitude, he shouldn't be in the White House at all"
"What happened?" Ron asked.
Dave calmly explain exactly what happened. Ron smiled, he had been compiling a list of agents he'd nominate to become head of the detail if Sam won. Dave's honesty and understanding of the team dynamics needed to successfully protect a President impressed him and he'd made the short list.
"Thank you Dave, I agree."
"There is no schedule change, you sensed the tension didn't you?"
"Yes, but I also heard Sandra and Chris."
Ron knew he'd have his hands full when he agreed to head the campaign and transition team. He was prepared for Mara to go through agents like tissues but she had only asked for one agent to be replaced and two agents had asked to be reassigned. He hadn't given much thought to Sam's agents having a problem with Mara. He'd have to talk to all the agents assigned to the Seaborns.
When Mara and Sam entered the suite they found Jenna, Jacob, Ginger, and Sam setting up the food. Ryan was standing near his wife but he was eating a square piece of pizza. Ginger glared at her husband but he simply smiled and licked his lips.
"Oh guys, this is so great of you." Mara gushed.
"Samantha, you seem to be more beautiful every time I see you." Abbey stated.
"Come give me a hug, Jenna! Jed countered.
By 8:45 the suite had filled almost to capacity. Sam looked around and didn't notice anyone he wanted to share the night with missing, other than his Mother. She told Sam that she wanted to vote for him in person and that she'd be there for the inauguration. Ainsley, Tom, Michael and Matty hadn't arrived yet but he knew they'd be there soon. Mara was sitting beside him, drawing hearts on his right hand with her thumb. He put his left hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. Mara was trying to be in the party spirit, making bets with Josh about the election, sipping on her drink that never seemed to be empty for long and whopping it up every time there was an update.
"Never forget how much I love you." Sam whispered in her ear.
"I'll love you even though you'll be President." She whispered back.
9:00 p.m.
As the polls officially closed in the Eastern time zone Toby popped the cork on a bottle of champagne.
"We can now party just a bit." Toby announced with a grin.
"Sam. Sam, my sunshine man, I have a feeling you are going to win big!" CJ declared from across the room, raising her glass to him.
Several other people made toasts and when they were done, Mara poured herself another glass of champagne and stood.
"Several hours from now, when my husband is officially declared the next President of the United States, I'll be drunk as a skunk and blissfully unaware. So I want you all to know that I hate each and every one of you, for helping him to win! O.K. I don't hate you but you are all on my list and..."
"It's a very serious list." Everyone responded with laughter.
"Anyway, I'm glad I can count on all of you to keep me from creating an enormous scandal that would force Sam to resign so I can have my husband back. To Sam, who will change this country for the better."
"My turn, since my wife will be three sheets to the wind when I win, this is for her. Mara, I could never have done this without you. Your love and support means the world to me. I know the next four years won't be easy but I have no doubt that the strength of our love will see us through it. I love you, now go get wasted."
Mara smiled and pulled him to her for a long passionate kiss. Her plans to retire to the bedroom were interrupted by the arrival of her son. Matty kept her out at the party for an additional hour.
"Shut up everyone!" Josh yelled as he turned the volume up on the TV.
"Lets take a look at the map, NBC news with 30 of precincts reporting is now going to project that Maryland Senator, Sam Seaborn has won all 13 colonies and 158 electoral college votes. The results in Florida are still too close to call but Senator Seaborn is also the projected winner of Illinois' 21 votes, Ohio's 20 votes, the District of Columbia's 3 votes and Connecticut's 7 votes. This gives the Senator 209 votes. Phil what do you make of this ?"
"Well Tom, it is no surprise that the democrats are doing so well in the East, after all it is a traditional stronghold for them. What is interesting is how close the race is in Florida, I wouldn't be surprised to see one percent of the vote making the difference. The Senator has also been polling incredibly well in California, Nevada, Washington, and... Sorry I've just been given word that we are now going to call Indiana for the Senator raising his total to 220 votes."
"I think the story of the evening isn't going to be if the Senator wins but by how many votes."
"Interesting Jackie, do you see Texas swinging for the Senator?"
"I think it will be close but I predict Texas will go to the President.. I think Vice President Wallace will win his home state over Vice Presidential Candidate Dana Ducane, who is wildly popular but I think experience will win out."
"We'll be right back after theses messages."
Josh turned the volume down again and loudly proclaimed, "Who da man?"
"Sam's da man!" Donna yelled.
"All you need is California's 55 votes and you'll have 275. I know you'll get those votes plus many more so I'm going to go drink now. I love you." Mara said softly to her husband.
"I'll carry you back home if I have to. Out of curiosity, how many votes did you bet ?
"355, I think you are going to loose Florida, Josh doesn't think so."
"Wow, I figured I'd get about 300, I like your confidence in me. I love you."
"I love you back. Here is your victory kiss."
Mara engaged Sam in several long blistering kisses before grabbing two bottles of champagne and going over to Abbey.
Around 11 p.m. Sam noticed a lack of estrogen in the room. He wandered over to the bedroom and carefully opened the door. He found Mara, Abbey, Donna, Ginger, Ainsley, Margaret, Carol, and CJ having a private party. Matty was fast asleep curled up in his Mom's arms.
"So that's where my son is. It only took 13 years, but my boy finally found a use for his Mom's boobs."
Mara chuckled and rolled her eyes.
"I don't know how he fell asleep, those breasts are too damn firm to be comfortable." Donna quipped.
"Donna, dare I ask how you know the firmness of my wife's breasts?"
"Please, she's been jealous of them for 18 years!" CJ teased.
"Oh like you wouldn't kill for the breasts of a buxom 20 year old." Donna muttered.
"On that note, I'm leaving. If anyone cares, I'm leading the popular vote by 20 million right now."
"Damn, I guess I have to be the Press Secretary now." Carol joked.
"Unless your former boss wants to..."
"Not on your life Spanky. I don't love you that much!"
You've wounded me Claudia Jean." Sam said dramatically.
"You are such a drama queen." Donna laughed.
"Fine I'm leaving."
It was a little after 12:30 a.m. When the call came in on Josh's cell. He handed the phone to Sam
and spun around the room in a victory dance.
"Hello Mr. President."
"That will be your title in a few months Sam. Congratulations on running a respectable, clean campaign I think we've finally shown voters that a campaign is possible without mud slinging."
"Sir, while we may disagree about how the country should be run, I've always respected you as a President. It also takes two parties to run a clean campaign so I congratulate you too."
"Thank you Sam. My announcement that I've conceded the election will be made in five minutes. Enjoy your evening."
Sam hung up the phone and smiled. His dream had finally come true, he was about to become the President of the Untied States of America. Jed was the first to congratulate him, followed by Leo. Jenna handed him his speech and left to announce that Sam would be in the ballroom shortly.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone left the suite with Sam, to stand in the audience when Sam gave his speech. Mara and Matty were both asleep and one agent remained in the suite to protect the future first family.
Sam's fifteen minute speech stretched to thirty four minutes with all the interruptions of cheers and applause. Everyone left from the ballroom except Jenna and Jacob who went back to the suite with Sam.
He looked into the bedroom and gently sat down on the bed to kiss his son and wife.
"Jacob could you carry Matty down to the car for me. I'll take Mara."
"Dad, why don't you just stay here for the night?"
"I promised Mara we'd go home. The two of you should enjoy the suite."
"We will, see you later President Dad."
Sam gave her a hug and kiss then went to pick Mara up. One of the agents carried Matty from the car up to his room while Sam gently placed Mara on their bed. He thanked the agent and followed him downstairs to lock the door. He kicked off his shoes, took off his blue sweater and slid into bed, wrapping his arms around Mara. He kissed the top of her head and was asleep in minutes.
To be continued in Transition to Power.