Chapter 6
"Jed, answer me." Abbey opened the door to see her husband standing and staring into the shadows. She couldn't read the expression on his face. It was one she had never seen before. "Jed, are you okay?"
He turned to her, a glow on his face that radiated peace and acceptance. Walking over to where she stood, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a brief, but passionate kiss. "Yes, Abbey. I'm better than I've ever been. Is the party still going on?"
"Yes. You've been in here a half an hour and I told you that I would come back to get you."
"I know. I know. I've been…..getting ready to move forward. Yes, moving forward is the only way to go. Come on. The hour is drawing near."
"What are you talking about Jed?"
He placed a gentler kiss on her lips this time. "That's a down payment, Abbey. More to come."
"More to come?" Abbey was confused. A half hour ago she was concerned about Jed slipping into a depression about leaving the Presidency. Now he seemed eager to move on. He was almost giddy with happiness and anticipation about the future.
"Yes, hon. What else would I want to do on my last night? I mean, you can't call me Mr. President after tonight." He flipped his eyebrows.
Abbey blushed. "Jed, we've got a lot to do tonight. And we have guests waiting for us."
"Abbey, I mean it. Let's make an appearance and then go to our own party. I don't want to sleep tonight. Not the night before."
Abbey smiled. Jed would be okay. Whatever had happened in the last half hour had turned him around. And she was grateful.
Hand in hand, they turned and left the Oval for the last time as President and First Lady.
"See, I told you Josiah would be okay."
"Yeah, he'll be fine. He'll be just fine."
THE END
Sequel: "The Night Between"