Chapter 3

They finally finished the dishes and turned off the lights. Walking back slowly to the den and the fire which had diminished while they had been away, Jed and Abbey took their time, enjoying their closeness, holding hands, and understanding that words were not necessary.

The shadows shifted.

After stoking the fire and throwing on another piece of wood they laid down on the sofa, spooning into each other. Jed brought his arms around and pulled Abbey closer. They relished the feeling of being so near each other. For once, Abbey didn't fear Jed being pulled away. For the first time in ten years, there was not a political meeting, a trip to get ready for, a briefing paper to be read, or a dinner to get dressed up for.

Tonight it was just Jed and Abbey, in jeans and sweaters, savoring each other's company.

Jed gently kissed her neck as his hands lightly stroked Abbey's breasts through her sweater. She placed her hands on top of his hands, sealing the embrace.

Each felt deep emotions bubbling to the surface.

This was what was important in life.

The two of them.

Only the two of them.

Nobody else.

Almost immediately after getting married, they had a daughter to raise, educations to be finished, careers to be launched. Then came Ellie and in a few years Zoey, so their time had rarely been theirs alone.

First Congress, then the governorship, and before they knew it they were living in the White House.

Now, it was just the two of them

Finally, it was their time for each other.