We've got the reunion in this chapter, though what you're really waiting for is in the next update. Thank you all for your support and I'll catch you next time!
Chapter 11
The early morning wake-ups never seemed to get easier for Bella, but she knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel today, and that was Edward. Still, leaving the White House that early with her team was a chore.
Emmett and his son, Henry, were flying out an hour later, and Bella was excited to meet her Vice President's little man.
The widower single father image did spectacular things for the campaign's optics, but it was yet another thing she and Emmett had in common. They both needed to get more comfortable with discussing those losses on the campaign trail, though.
It rankled Bella, especially since she was now free to be with Edward, that Jacob would be the subject of questions about her marital status. But she knew the game and so did Edward.
Andrews Air Force Base was bustling with activity for the early hour, but it was to be expected.
After Alpha Team checked Air Force One a final time, Bella, Alice, Athenodora, and May Tucker, her Chief Speechwriter, boarded the plane with the Bravo Team.
Though they'd met quite a few times in the past several weeks, this was Mrs. Tucker's first time traveling with the President since taking the position. She was one of many new additions in the Office of Communications, but the team seemed to be coming together.
Once on the plane, Bella turned to the women traveling with her. "I won't be offended if you want to catch a few hours' sleep. We'll have time to go over things once we get to the hotel."
May and Teeny both took her up on the offer, while Alice followed her into the office. Once they were locked away in the office, Alice sat down on the couch and patted the spot beside her.
"I need a little time with my friend Bella, not President Swan."
"Sure, what do you need?"
"I have a question to ask and I don't want to come off as rude or anything, given your situation."
"What situation?" Bella asked.
"With Edward," she whispered.
"Oh. There's been a development there."
"Oh God, did something else happen?"
"I did," Bella admitted with a smirk. "I may have confronted the Director of the Secret Service about how unfair his ultimatum was. We'd been honest about our relationship and he wanted Edward to choose between his job and us. He'd never been unprofessional in the past and it put greater stress on Edward in the end."
"And did he go for it?"
"Yes. Edward and I still need to be discreet, like we were before, but we have the blessing of his boss."
"That's great! But I'm also guessing we'll have an afternoon meeting to go over things and by dinner we'll be expected to be anywhere but in your room."
"If you all wouldn't mind."
"I'll occupy them."
Bella laughed. "And enough stalling. You had something to talk to me about?"
"What's Garrett really like? He's so serious when you're nearby, but at the same time, he can be flirty and sweet when he's around and you're in a meeting or working in the Oval Office. I've developed a bit of a thing for him, but I don't know if it is the suit, or the man in it."
"He's all those things. He is sweet and silly and fiercely protective. Garrett's one of my favorite agents. I think you two would be good together. Just be honest with him."
"Is that how you and Edward started? I never did get the full story there."
"No, he left me a card right around Valentine's Day. Edward would come by when he got off work and hang out with Garrett and a few of the other agents because I had the big entertainment room. They'd chill and watch hockey and baseball with me sometimes before going home for the night. That was how we started."
"That's sweet."
"It really was," Bella admitted.
Alice looked at her phone and smiled. "Have you seen the social media accounts they set up for Donut? The Honorable Donut Swan, First Cat of the United States."
Bella took the phone from her and sighed at the dozen photos already posted on the Instagram account and linked Facebook page. Her little man was popular; the way Bill McGuire had set up the account, it was from Donut's point of view.
She didn't use her personal accounts as much since she'd become President, but she pulled out her tablet long enough to follow Donut and the other official accounts that had been created for her.
"What did you think of the speech for tomorrow?" Isabella asked, wanting to return to work.
"I think it will go well. May has captured your style quickly. With Emmett there, you'll show the country what your ticket will look like. This is the first campaign stop, we'll be able to adjust based on how it goes."
"I'm a little nervous. I'm not used to being the center of attention. And the idea of having these little meet and greets around town before the fundraiser, what if someone tries to hurt me?"
"I'm sure Edward and the local agents have everything handled. You know he wouldn't let anyone hurt you."
Bella rubbed her neck. "I know he wouldn't let anyone, but there may be something beyond his control."
"They train for this, Bella. And you're ready for this. I know you thought you had another term to get ready for the idea of running for President, but you have momentum right now because you're in the job. We have sixteen months to earn the job on your own merit, then we can work on your own legacy as president."
"Thank you for always supporting me."
Alice smirked. "I'm your Chief of Staff, which means, among other things, I'm your hype man."
The women tried to rest a bit for the remainder of the flight. When they landed in Chicago, they were immediately whisked into her motorcade and on the move to their hotel. They drove through the streets, all traffic stopped until they reached The Langham Hotel.
The lobby was empty except for the agents stationed everywhere. Bella and the other women in her party were quickly escorted up to their rooms on the eleventh floor. She was surprised that there were several suites on that floor, but using those floors gave them access to the Club, which meant there was a dedicated kitchen for preparing their meals.
When they stepped into the hallway, Garrett led the women to the assigned rooms. The baggage carts were brought in, then the staff cleared the floor.
"We're all doubling up on suites, but everyone has their own bedroom within them. You and Ms. Brandon will be in here."
The door opened to the largest of the suites and she was shocked to see Edward standing inside the living room.
"I'm going to take a nap," Alice said as she slipped past. "Morning, Edward."
"Alice, good to see you."
Once she picked up her suitcase and was closed inside her bedroom, Edward approached Bella slowly.
"I got a call from Fitzwilliam. It seems you were quite effective."
"Must be. Because you're standing in my suite."
"I've missed you so much, Bella."
"Me too. Are you really okay?" She reached up to cup his cheek.
"Yes. But all I want right now is to kiss you."
"Then kiss me," Bella whispered.
Edward's arms wrapped around her and their lips brushed against each other, lightly at first, then more firmly.
Bella's fingers wound into the hair at the nape of his neck, holding him close to her. Edward only broke this kiss to catch his breath, his pants fanning across her face.
"Tell me about tomorrow," she asked.
Edward sighed. "Can work wait a little while? I just want to be with you."
"Okay, give me a minute."
Bella took out her phone and sent a group text.
Rest this morning. We can meet up at 2pm. Alice, can you message Emmett's CoS so they know to be there too.
On it. Get some rest yourself.
After a pair of replies from May and Teeny, she pocketed her phone and took his proffered hand.
He took her bag into the bedroom and Bella stripped out of her jeans and blouse, throwing them over the arm of the chair sitting in the corner. When she turned, Edward was staring intently.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"I never thought I'd get the chance to be with you like this again. You were so angry with me."
"I was angry at the world and I took it out on you. It wasn't fair."
Edward stripped out of his own clothes, leaving a trail across the bedroom as he came to stand in front of her.
"That's all over. Now, how about we get some sleep. Two o'clock will get here a lot sooner than you think."
The couple climbed into bed and no sooner than he'd curled himself around her were they both asleep.
An alarm went off several hours later and Bella sat up with a start.
"That's me. I set an alarm early enough for us to get ready for your meeting." Edward said, his voice gravelly with sleep.
"What I really need is something to eat."
"I'm sure Alice coordinated food for this meeting. The club is all ours as part of the block we have. You can meet up there or in the suite if that makes it easier."
"Whatever Alice and Teeny have planned is fine with me. We'll be done by dinner, then we can enjoy this suite."
"What about Alice?"
"I've got two possible ideas for that. It all depends on them."
"Them?" Edward asked.
"It's best if you don't worry about it at the moment."
Bella took extra time getting ready, annoyed at how easy it was for Edward to slip into the suit that had been hanging in her closet. The fact that he'd obviously planned to stay with her made her smile.
"How will this be explained?"
"Since it's a suite, no one outside these rooms knows where we're sleeping. And it wouldn't be the first time agents lived in close quarters during a trip when there is a potential threat."
"Is there?" Bella asked as she twisted her hair up in a bun.
"Nothing above the normal chatter. But after Harry, I'm waiting for something to come up."
"Fair enough. Now, about tomorrow?"
"There's an independent bookstore that does different themed recommendations and book clubs. Their new one is 'Girl Bosses'."
"I know about the event, how are the logistics?"
"Oh. There's a staff entrance at the back that we'll be maintaining, one way in through the front, and it is open enough that we've got optics."
"So Emmett and I will do our meet and greet there, then go to the VA Hospital?"
"Yes. And they're more than equipped to handle this, so you'll get to talk to some of the patients there and we'll return here before the fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria."
"Got it. Do you feel good about the stops?"
"I do."
"Then I'll relax and look to you for any cues."
They met Alice in the living space and saw Garrett perched on the arm of the couch. With a devilish smirk, Isabella approached him.
"Ma'am?" Garrett asked.
"Does your suite also have two bedrooms?"
"It does," he said, confused.
"If Alice was feeling uncomfortable about being in the suite with us, would she be welcome in yours?"
"Isabella Marie Swan!" Alice whisper-yelled.
"Yes," Garrett said at the same time.
"What?" Bella said in response to Alice's exclamation.
"You're fucking impossible," Alice mumbled.
"Ms. Brandon, whatever arrangements we need to make, I'll be happy to help. There are additional rooms available on this floor if need be," Garrett told her.
"Thank you, Garrett."
Garrett motioned towards the door then spoke into his radio. "Phoenix is on the move."
They exited the suite and were met by Teeny, May, Emmett, his Chief of Staff, Monica Barnes, and his aide, Adam Hayes.
They rode the service elevator up to the Club Level and found a variety of food.
"If my son and his nanny order room service, is it prepared up here, or in the regular kitchen?" Emmett asked.
"Here," Edward answered. "We arranged for separate staff to be exclusive to the Club for the length of our stay. If you call the front desk, they'll transfer the call up here."
"Thank you."
The group sat down and went over all the logistics for the next day while eating lunch. Monica and Alice were conspiring about something, so Emmett walked to where Bella was scrolling on her tablet.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Please, take a seat."
"I don't know how you've managed so well. All of this upheaval has me rattled."
"Regretting taking the position?" Isabella asked.
"No. I just didn't think I'd ever get to this level."
"Well, I'm glad you agreed. I tend to be too serious and you find a way to keep me grounded but still tease me. Like the older brother I never had."
"I grew up with four sisters. I know when a woman is upset, I'm just glad it isn't my fault with you most of the time." He motioned to where their Chiefs of Staff were still talking. "Should we be worried?"
"I don't know Monica well, but never count out Alice."
"Momo can be dangerous when she's set on something."
"Then we're screwed."
They laughed heartily and his phone buzzed. "Henry just woke up from his nap."
"How is he handling all this? I'm sure the move was hard."
"He got a dinosaur bedroom, thanks to your friend, and the den only needed slight modifications. Other than that, there wasn't much we changed. A coat of paint and some more masculine textiles and I was happy with it."
"Virna mentioned that your design was far easier than mine."
"Do you want to know why I think you'll win in 2028? Because of who you surround yourself with. Your staff is diverse, but not for diversity's sake. You listen to other people's issues and use them as the arguments for policy. Look at what you're doing to go further with the fight against the pink tax and other initiatives. And it will pass because to oppose it will damage those members of Congress in the public eye."
"Esme was the one who had the idea to attach it to the bipartisan tax reform bill that had a wide backing. That way, if they changed views, it would be obvious that they were against that amendment to the bill."
"But she was one of your choices," Emmett reminded her.
"Harry put her in the cabinet."
"Yes, but you fought for the idea that a husband and wife could both sit at that table. If he'd had to choose, Carlisle was his pick. You stood up for Esme and her confirmation was a breeze. Though I'm not sure they're happy about it now, she's doing good things for our economy. They get upset because they can't argue with the logic. But that can't be our concern. We have to run our campaign and that will start tomorrow. I got a look at my schedule and I'll be on the road a lot in the next few months."
"I wish I could keep you home more often, but the team is being more selective about my engagements."
"Because of what happened to Harry?"
Isabella looked around. "How much were you briefed on?"
"That there's concern you may also be a target, but nothing's been said about me."
"You're what the people protesting me think a president should look like. If they take me out, they get who they want back in power."
Emmett's eyes met hers, his expression grim. "Doesn't that scare you?"
"The moment I chose public service, I knew there would be people who hated me for what I stood for. But I have the best team to work with and the most skilled agents in the world watching my every move."
"One more closely than others," Emmett muttered.
"Excuse me?" she asked.
"Masen. He's subtle about it, but he watches a little closer than the others. He seems to have eased up a little on this trip."
"Things were settled within his organization, so he's able to do what he wants without fear of repercussions."
"If he makes you happy, then I'm glad things were hashed out. But if he hurts you, there are plenty of pig farms in Tennessee."
Bella laughed out loud at that comment and drew all eyes to her.
Monica stood and motioned to Emmett. "Mr. McCarty, are you ready to head down and spend some time with Henry before dinner?"
"Yeah." Emmett turned to Bella. "Did you need me for anything else?"
"No. Enjoy the night with Henry. I hope to get to know him better starting tomorrow."
"We'll see you at breakfast."
Emmett and his team left as Edward walked over to Bella's seat. "You ready?"
"Yes, let's go."