This chapter is coming a little late this week, but with good reason, I'm currently in DC! One of my favorite things about writing is researching the details so the story feels real. And this trip is affording me just that. I'm standing in the places mentioned in this story and exploring the city for the first time in 20 years. There will be plenty of pictures, so if you want to check it out, come over to Agoodwitch Writes on FB and join us.

Chapter 13

Bella curled into Edward's side, content to bask in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

The summer had passed with campaign stops and hard work on her agenda. The tax bill passed, and after several conservative groups came out railing against the sanctity of marriage, Bella shifted her agenda to one of her own promises.

After the trend of overturned previous Supreme Court decisions in the last few years, she offered support for a bill that would codify marriage rights for all. When John Caius made a statement in an interview about how there was more important legislation to be heard, President Swan was quick to point out that he was from the party that favored less government involvement, so he should be for a bill that kept the government out of people's marriages.

John Caius, who had just secured his party's presidential nomination, didn't like the jab.

The padding of paws alerted the couple to Donut's arrival, which made Edward laugh.

"There's one benefit being the man in your life," he whispered against her neck.

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"Your detail doesn't hang quite so close."

Bella laughed. "You mean you don't have to worry about Garrett seeing your ass."

"It isn't my ass I'm worried about."

Bella's laugh quickly turned into a moan as Edward's fingers found her entrance.

"Tomorrow's a busy day, Special Agent Masen."

"Then I better make sure you're worn out enough that you sleep soundly tonight, Ma'am."

The days that followed included President Swan's birthday, which was a quiet affair celebrated in The Residence. Henry brought Bella a drawing he'd done at home, the girls had found a collection of hair combs, and Emmett gifted her their favorite whiskey, for when the politics got too politicky.

Because Edward was on duty, it was later that evening, once they were alone, that he told her where he'd hidden her gift.

Bella unwrapped it, smiling at the familiar little blue box. "Should I be concerned?"

"If it was a ring, it would have been a smaller box. I know you hate surprises," Edward said.

She popped the lid off and opened the pouch to see a thin rose gold bangle bracelet shaped like a key, with a small gap between where the bow and bit were bent to meet.

"It's beautiful," she gushed.

"It's the key to our future. You keep it safe and I'll do the same for you."

"Thank you, Edward. I love it."

She slipped it onto her left wrist and admired how it looked against her skin.

"I should go back to patrol."

"Okay. I've got some paperwork to review."

The month between her birthday and Halloween passed quickly. Christmas decor was already being planned, but as President Swan fussed with the bandana that completed her Rosie the Riveter costume, Edward watched with rapt attention.

"Carmen is going to get some amazing pictures of you today."

"Her pictures are always wonderful."

"Yes. But you surrounded by children will be something special," Edward admitted.

"Is that something you want?" She asked, a tremor in her voice.

Edward climbed off the bed and approached her. "I want everything with you. But if for whatever reason it doesn't happen, you're enough. What about you?"

"I've always wanted to be a mom. But if I'm going to give birth to the child myself and not adopt or go through a surrogate, there's a real possibility it will happen in the White House."

"I don't see a problem with that," Edward told her.

"You don't?" she asked, hopeful.

"No. We've made it six months without any real threats. The FotR haven't made any chatter out of the ordinary, and the biggest problem has been John Caius and his penchant for belittling you. How would you feel about me transitioning out of my current position after the election?"

"What would you do?"

"First Gentleman has a nice ring to it."

Bella gasped. "You're saying if I win—"

"When you win," Edward corrected. "You're what this country needs. If we can make it to your inauguration without incident, I would feel comfortable allowing Samuel to take my place as Team Leader so we can take the next step."

Bella felt tears threatening to flow, even though she was smiling. "How am I supposed to go down there and act professional with those thoughts in my head?"

"You'll be wonderful. And once you're done for the night, we can practice for February 2029."

"I should head down, before Alice and Teeny come looking for me."

Bella handed out candy and complimented the children in attendance, mostly children of first responders or military families, as the shutter on Carmen's camera went a mile a minute.

When a particularly animated child walked up, Bella asked about her costume.

"I'm Donut!"

President Swan laughed and bent down to play along and scratch behind the young girl's ear.

After the last few children filtered past her, Bella retreated into the White House.

Another few weeks passed, and Bella found herself petting a pair of turkeys she'd named Tom and Hank. It earned some raised eyebrows and smart comments from a certain actor whose name was pretty close to the pardoned poultry.

Bella hosted a dinner for her staff that didn't have plans of their own, which meant a few of her agents were in attendance, including Edward.

Most of her staff had noticed the subtle changes between the Commander in Chief and the Lead Agent on one of her teams, but they were extremely loyal and protective of her. She wasn't breaking any laws, and he was a good match for her.

Christmas soon filled the halls of the White House, displaying Bella's Winter Forest theme.

The ornaments were based on nature. They represented birds and woodland creatures, and were made from natural materials.

One afternoon, Teeny was sitting with Bella, wrapping gifts she'd picked up on her behalf, when Alice came flouncing into the sitting room.

"Are you all settled in?" Bella asked Alice.

"Yes, the Queen's Bedroom is lovely. Thank you for offering me a place to stay."

"There are too many empty rooms for you to stay at a hotel. Plus, Bravo Team is on duty tonight." Bella smirked at her Chief of Staff, which earned her an eye roll.

"You're impossible," Alice said.

"I don't know why you two are fighting it this much. You're both definitely interested."

"I am, but I'm not so sure about him."

Teeny looked between them and a devilish smile crossed her face as well. "Maybe you should go on a date. Then he'll have to shit or get off the pot."

"When would I have time for that? Between my regular responsibilities and coordinating with Mr. Ateara on the campaign, I barely have time for my own appointments."

Bella noted the tone of Alice's voice and knew more was going on. "Teeny, would you mind checking on dinner?"

"Sure, I've got a few things to take care of. I'll get you two when it's ready." Athenodora stood and walked out, her mood not dampened by the gentle dismissal.

Once they were alone, Bella scooted closer to Alice. "What's going on, Alice?"

"They found some abnormalities in my blood work. I have to go for more tests."

Bella reached for Alice's hand, needing the comfort as much as she knew her friend did. "Are these the kind of tests to rule it out or to see how bad it is?"

"To see how bad it is." Alice broke down, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Ali, you tell me what you need. Last time you were facing this, we were in a mellower position, relatively speaking. If you need to step back or lighten the workload, all you have to do is ask."

Alice swatted angrily at her cheeks. "I thought I was finally putting this behind me. I'm tired of dealing with this every few years. The short hair, the treatments. Fuck cancer."

"Fuck cancer, hard," Bella said, teary-eyed.

"Ma'am?" Garrett said through the door after a knock.

Bella looked at Alice and jogged to the door, blocking it so Garrett couldn't open it.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, Athenodora is still on the phone but your dinner was just brought up."

She called behind her to give Alice a moment to compose herself. "Alice, dinner is ready, so come meet us when you are."

"Okay," Alice said softly.

Bella started to walk, but noticed that Garrett hadn't moved. "Agent?"

"Is she all right?"

"It depends on who's asking."

Garrett looked around, then met her eyes again. "What does that mean, Ma'am?"

"Is a member of my protective detail asking so he can be prepared for something, or is it the guy who gave his friend shit for how he acted towards me and is now following in his footsteps?"

"Bella—"

"No, Garrett, answer the question. You've been dancing around each other since June. So make a choice and stick with it. But if you do, it'd better be for more than hot sex. Because Alice will need support, not confusion and heartache."

Then, the door opened behind them and all conversation ceased.

Hours later, when Bella went to her private kitchenette to grab a snack, she witnessed a hushed conversation. She watched Garrett reach out to cup Alice's cheek, while a sad smile spread across her face–he'd made his choice. Alice would need that strength in the days ahead so the fact that he'd stepped up was huge.

The Christmas celebrations continued, the centerpiece being a dinner hosted by the President a week before.

Edward was on duty the night of the event, but it didn't stop him from stealing a dance before she left The Residence.

Politicians, celebrities, the press, and members of her staff mingled, ate, danced, and sat through a diverse performance.

Pop stars shared the spotlight with a small group of Quileute Tribe members singing to the beat of traditional drums. It warmed Bella's heart to see Senna, one of the biggest stars in attendance that night, speaking with the youth from Jacob's tribe.

The night was a success, which immediately caused backlash from her opponents.

Political ads were already airing. Bella's focused on the things she'd done as Governor of Washington State during the pandemic, an indirect dig at Caius, who had downplayed the severity of events. The ads also showcased what she'd done as Vice President and in her time as President. She had her own merits, without the need to get into a dirty fight with nearly a year left in the campaign. Quil, her campaign manager, reminded her that voter fatigue was real; they didn't want to contribute to it this early.

The year ended with a Holiday celebration for the White House staff on Christmas Eve, and a private day in the Residence for Bella and those closest to her.

Alice was awaiting her final results, but she would be having surgery in January to remove her lymph nodes before she began chemotherapy for her lymphoma. Her doctors encouraged her to ask those she knew to be tested to see if they could be potential matches, and Bella planned to use this to raise national awareness, with Alice's blessing.

2028 would be a tumultuous year, but with those closest to her rallied around her, she was ready to face it head on.