A year and a half later.
Megan sat in Kate's office and flipped on the TV. She'd told the others she couldn't watch with them, needing enough space to bite her fingernails and curse if she needed to without listening to their commentary. They'd understood, but now, she sort of wished she was in the break room with them, her nerves making her a little dizzy. She leaned against the desk and waited for the love of her life to come on screen as the press conference began.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Kate addressed the public. "I am here today to address Commissioner Travers' nomination of me for Health Commissioner, replacing her after eighteen years of extraordinary dedication and leadership. I could not be more grateful to her for her guidance over the years as I've led the Philadelphia County Medical Examiner's Office, and I am deeply honored by her belief that I have what it takes to fill her shoes."
Megan sighed and licked her lips as she watched, folding her arms across her waist. Sometimes she still couldn't believe this brilliant, articulate, sexier-than-was-really-fair woman had chosen to be with her. She thought about how loud she was last night when they were having sex in the shower, Kate pressed up against the marble tiles, dripping wet as Megan dropped to her knees and licked. She was still surprised how often Kate let her take control, but no more surprised than the woman herself.
She shook her head and returned her attention to the screen.
"That is why it is with mixed emotions that I must decline the nomination," Kate continued, pausing amidst the flashes and buzzing reporters. "The M.E. office, and the people who work not for me, but with me, are home. They are my family, and I couldn't imagine not getting to help save the world with them every day in our own humble, but very important way. I realize this may seem like a foolish decision, turning down a position that many people would die to take on. But I ask Commissioner Travers and whoever does eventually take her place to please allow me to continue to do the work I love. I have absolutely everything I've ever wanted, and I would cherish the chance to be able to stay on where I have never felt more rewarded, accomplished and appreciated for being myself. Thank you."
As soon as Kate finished, at least a dozen questions were thrown at her by the local and state news media, but Megan didn't hear one of them. All she saw was Kate staring directly into the camera for the briefest of moments, flashing those blue eyes and smiling before leaving the podium.