Just sent chapter 26 off to my team. I'm trying to stay ahead but I've run out of banked chapters. Updates will come as close to 2 weeks as I can, but may be longer based on writing time.
Enjoy this chapter, which is pretty lined up for the time of year in the story. Thanks as always to my team, for their work on this story.
Chapter 25
Early morning phone calls were never a good thing. So when the shrill sound of the landline on the nightstand rang, Isabella grabbed for it with bleary eyes. "Hello?"
"Ma'am, I'm sorry for the early morning call, but there's been an attack in Ankara, Turkey. Alice is bringing everyone necessary to meet in the Situation Room. I would expect the first arrivals within the next thirty minutes," Athenodora informed her.
Isabella rubbed at her weary eyes. "What time is it?"
"2:22, Ma'am."
"I'll be down shortly. Thank you, Teeny."
"What happened?" Edward asked from beside her.
"There was an attack in Turkey. I'll know more when I get downstairs."
Isabella dressed in a black suit and a gray shirt, her hair pulled into a braided bun as she walked out into the main hall and was greeted by her security detail. They moved as a unit down to the Oval Office where Isabella found Teeny waiting.
"Did you run all the way from your apartment?"
"Yes, my sneakers are under my desk. Now, I don't have details, but what we do know is this. The embassy wasn't hit. It was the Presidential Complex. But it's unclear at this moment whether they were the intended target or not, since they're only three kilometers apart."
"Do we have any preliminary briefings?"
"No, all of that should come when people start to arrive. But we do have the American Ambassador to Turkey on the line that just lit up." Athenodora motioned to the phone, and Isabella answered it.
"Mr. Ambassador, I'm happy to hear you're well this morning."
"Yes, Madam President, we are very fortunate. I've spoken with the President of Turkey and we're offering assistance during the evacuation. The military are doing searches and running checks before people are taken out of the holding area, but it is all I can offer without approval."
"I know this is difficult, but if you speak to any officials from the Turkish government, let them know that I'll be in touch with them as soon as I'm able to discuss further support options."
"Very good, Ma'am. I'll be sure to pass that along."
"Stay safe, Mr. Johnston."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
The line crackled before it went dead and Isabella set the handset down.
"Ma'am, people are beginning to arrive."
"Then it is time to compare notes."
Isabella and her team walked up to the Situation Room, not surprised to see Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, Carlisle, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all settling in.
"Thank you all for arriving so promptly. I think the most important thing to do now is to decide on our exact response to this attack."
"Ma'am, I'm not sure you're aware of the situation over there, but we were not the target of this attack," the Director of the Joint Chiefs stated.
Bella took a steadying breath as she centered herself. The last thing she needed to do was go off on the man. "I'm well aware the strike was against the Presidential Complex, but that is not only a short distance from our embassy, and it is the home of one of our allies. I've spoken with Ambassador Johnston, and they've taken in people fleeing from the complex. Before you argue, they've been searched and vetted prior to being allowed into the embassy. But we need to know what we'll do next. I have an idea, but I'm not sure if you'll believe it is enough, or too much. But first, has anyone claimed responsibility?"
"It was a smaller splinter group of the Syrian Resistance Movement. They're likely looking to provoke Turkey into declaring war," Carlisle announced.
"What is your suggestion, Ma'am?" Jasper asked.
"The last thing we need to do is lead the offensive if Turkey decides to go after Syria. But they've likely lost some of their security and ground troops around the complex. My suggestion is we offer US military support to fill those roles so they have their full military to use as necessary. We can decide later if we'll also supply weapons based on what happens following this morning's attack, but it shows that we're not taking over, while also not leaving an ally alone in their time of need."
"It's a controlled response, and it lets the injured nation take the lead. I think it is a strong option," Emmett agreed.
"Do any of you have questions or concerns?" Bella wondered.
"No, Ma'am. It is a strong way to proceed," the Director confirmed.
Bella turned to Rosalie. "Any chatter domestically?"
"No. Nothing that would lead us to believe a domestic attack is imminent."
"All right, let's hash out some details so we can make the necessary phone calls."
Within an hour, Isabella had called the President of Turkey to inform them of the offered assistance, which was received gratefully. Another call to the Ambassador, then President Swan spoke at a press conference in the East Room to address the American people and the world on their support to their ally.
By that evening, the Turkish government had executed a strike that killed several key leaders in the SRM and left the organization scattered. The controlled response on Isabella's part had paid off.
On a much more pleasant note, the day of the State Dinner was fast approaching, as was the inauguration. While the first was a matter of last minute details, the second was not something Bella had to worry about. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies handled that, though they would be speaking to Alice about details if needed.
The White House was fully decked out for the upcoming holidays; the trees throughout the building were decorated to represent Christmas traditions not only from the US, but also abroad. The Irish tree had been strategically placed near the entrance to the State Dining Room, so it would be visible when both couples stood at their receiving line.
The two weeks leading up to the State Dinner passed, and soon Isabella was sitting in her bathroom being done up to look thoroughly presidential for the evening's festivities. The schedule was planned out to the minute and Isabella was currently zoning out as her hair and makeup was done for her. Dawn had been by briefly to make sure everything was fine in the Residence before she moved back down to the State Dining Room and the East Room.
The final touches were complete and the professionals stepped away from the President.
Athenodora popped her head in and smiled."Let's get you in the dress and then you can find Edward. The Irish President and her spouse should be here in twenty minutes."
Isabella followed her friend and aide and soon she was ready to host her first foreign head of state. It didn't take long for her to find Edward; he was speaking with one of his agents, looking perfectly handsome in his tux. The agent saw the President first and stood straighter as he motioned to her.
Edward turned and smirked at his fiancée. "Madam President, you look ravishing."
Bella looked down at her cream dress with hunter green flowers and leaves printed on it. Her shoulders and collarbone were covered with mesh and emerald crystals. It was a nod to the color most associated with Ireland without being overt. "Thank you, Sir. You look quite handsome yourself."
Edward offered his arm and she took it, and together they walked out of the Residence and down to the North Portico. They waited just inside the door until the motorcade drove the final few feet up to the steps.
Isabella and Edward stepped out and smiled warmly at the President of Ireland Siobhan Byrne and her wife, Maggie.
"Madam President, we welcome you and your wife to the White House. We hope the trip was a pleasant one."
"It has been a long time since I've been to the United States, but I'm glad to be here in an official capacity," Siobhan answered.
Once greetings were done, they posed for a photo before they returned to the Residence where the Yellow Oval Room was now filled with select guests for the reception before the State Dinner.
The couples mingled as Isabella introduced the foreign president to members of her Cabinet, select members of Congress, and a few celebrities who were in attendance.
From the informal reception, the guests were led downstairs to the receiving line, while the pair of Presidents and their significant others made the formal entrance to begin greeting those who'd been waiting. Just after "Hail to the Chief" ended, Athenodora whispered to Isabella.
"Caius isn't in attendance. His staff called and said he was under the weather."
"Thank you, Teeny."
It was a long and repetitive process to welcome every guest to the party; it allowed Bella to settle into her role. When the last guest was welcomed, they walked together the brief distance to the State Dining Room to begin the official festivities.
It was the first time Isabella had the occasion to use her presidential china, but something about seeing the design she'd selected early in her presidency made her emotional.
The meal was delicious, and the conversation at their table was lively. Besides their guests, they had Emmett and Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme, and Alice and Garrett with them.
It was a first for both Rosalie and Garrett, and it was clear that Edward would need to assist his friend in loosening up for future events. He was enjoying himself, but was just a bit too tense.
Midway through the meal, Siobhan leaned over to Isabella. "I hear you and your sir will be married in the spring. Have you decided on a honeymoon yet?"
"We have not. Though we'll have to do so soon," Isabella admitted.
"Let me offer you the hospitality of the Emerald Isle. I understand you're both of Irish descent. What better way to explore the motherland than together? I can have someone from my office contact yours and between the two we should be able to plan a trip worth remembering."
"That sounds wonderful. I'd briefly thought of contacting my Italian friends, but the chance to explore Ireland would be a dream."
"Discuss it among yourselves and I'll have someone contact your office in the New Year."
"Thank you."
Conversation turned back to the progress in both their countries as dessert was served.
Once the meal was done, Isabella and Edward led the way to the East Room where an orchestra was set up and several mic stands were waiting for the night's entertainment. Once everyone settled in, Isabella stepped up to the center microphone and smiled at the crowd.
"The Broadway community has a tradition for their final fundraiser of the year. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has representatives from the various shows in the current season record Christmas Carols and other holiday music for the annual Carols for a Cure album. Tonight, I am thrilled to welcome those talented artists to open this party."
With a robust round of applause, Isabella stood beside Edward as they sang the first song.
After the rousing performance, the Broadway ensemble stepped away and the Presidents and their significant others took to the floor to open the dancing.
Isabella was a popular partner, much to Edward's annoyance. It was during a turn with Garrett that she squeezed his shoulder.
"If you're going to be Edward's Best Man, you'll need to loosen up a little, Gar."
He sighed. "I'm trying, Ma'am. I know my team is the best. Edward built it himself. And everyone is being vigilant despite the lack of a new threat. But old habits die hard."
"It has been a tense few years. I know you're worried about everything that has happened, but as you said, there is no credible threat currently. So you can still do your job without the same level of vigilance. I don't want you to have a heart attack from all this stress."
"I'm sure Alice has shared her concerns with you."
"She has, but I was also in love with an agent who worked himself into a hospital bed. Take care of yourself."
"I will try, Bella."
"That's all I can ask."
Edward cut in at the end of the song and offered Isabella a break from dancing. "Tonight was a success."
"Yes. And it's almost over."
"You should be proud. And we'll get to relax at the end of the month at Camp David."
"You're excited about that trip." Bella smiled indulgently at him.
"It is a closed location, so we can truly relax. After midnight mass, we can enjoy our first real vacation."
As if his wish for that week of relaxation willed it to come even faster, the weeks following the successful State Dinner passed. After attending midnight mass at the National Cathedral, they departed for their holiday at Camp David.
The New Year would have its own challenges, but Isabella was ready for everything 2029 would bring.