The ting just get sweeter.

Chapter 28

Tori paced the length of the patio, the Pacific breeze doing little to soothe her nerves. From her vantage point, she could see the colorful balloons swaying in the warm summer wind and the sprawling decorations that made the backyard look like a five-year-old's dream. The smell of grilled burgers and fresh-cut watermelon wafted through the air, and yet her stomach was in knots.

Luke's fifth birthday party was in full swing—or would be soon—but it wasn't the party that had her hands slightly clammy. It was the boy himself. She was about to meet Jade's youngest child for the first time, For Real. She had cone to the white house late on Jade's birthday he was already asleep. And Video conversations were really nothing at all and while she wasn't one to get flustered often, today was different.

"Relax, Tori," Beck said from behind her, his voice carrying a calm amusement as he adjusted a folding table loaded with presents. Dressed casually in a button-down shirt and jeans, he looked every bit the supportive ex-husband and longtime friend. "It's a kid's birthday party, not a Senate hearing."

Tori shot him a sharp look. "Easy for you to say. You've met him a million times. I'm—this is my first." She fidgeted with the edge of her sundress, her usual composure slipping. "What if he doesn't like me? What if I say something dumb? What if—"

Beck chuckled and cut her off. "He's five, Tori. His biggest concern is whether there's enough cake." He stepped closer, his tone softening. "Luke's a great kid, and he's got Jade's sense of humor and heart. You'll do fine. Besides, Jade wouldn't have brought you into his life if she didn't think the two of you were ready—or that he was ready."

Tori exhaled, nodding but still feeling the flutter of nerves. "Thanks, Beck. I think."

Before Beck could reply, the sound of approaching cars broke through the chatter of the other early guests. Tori turned toward the driveway, her heart racing as the familiar sight of Secret Service vehicles pulled up. A flurry of agents stepped out first, scanning the area and nodding to their counterparts stationed around the property.

Then, there she was. Jade stepped out of the lead car, a whirlwind of energy in tailored slacks and a crisp white blouse. Her sunglasses reflected the bright California sun, but as she glanced toward the patio, she pulled them off, her expression softening. Behind her, Hazel, Ivy, and Luke tumbled out of the car, their laughter and chatter carrying across the lawn.

Tori froze for a moment, struck by how naturally Jade moved through the chaos of her life. The world's most powerful woman, yet here she was, a mom wrangling three kids with the same ease as a general commanding troops.

Jade's eyes found Tori's, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Hey," she called out, striding toward her.

"Hey," Tori managed, stepping forward.

The moment was brief; Luke darted past his mom, his little legs carrying him toward the bounce house in the corner of the yard. Jade sighed, shaking her head. "At least say hi first, Luke!" she called after him, though her tone was more amused than annoyed.

Tori couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders loosening.

"Sorry about him," Jade said, leaning in to kiss Tori's cheek. "He's been talking about this party for weeks."

"He's excited," Tori said softly, her nerves already dissipating under Jade's presence.

Jade gestured toward the house. "Come on. Let's get inside for a minute before the chaos fully sets in."

As they stepped into the airy Malibu home—Change since th last time Jade had been in it. Touches of Tori all around—Jade paused to take it in. She smiled and turned to her. "You doing okay?"

"I think so," Tori said with a smile. "Beck helped talk me down."

Jade smirked. "He's good for that."

Before they could say more, Luke barreled back into the room, this time with Hazel and Ivy in tow. The boy skidded to a halt in front of Tori, staring up at her with wide eyes.

"You're the lady from the videos!" Luke exclaimed, pointing.

Jade's laugh was warm and full. "Luke, this is Tori. Remember? I told you about her."

Tori knelt, smiling. "Hey, Luke. Happy birthday."

Luke studied her for a moment, then grinned. "Thanks! Are you staying for cake?"

Tori chuckled. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Cool!" he said before darting back outside, Hazel and Ivy trailing after him.

Tori chuckled to herself. Be had been right. You would think she hadn't raised a child of her own… but then again, she really hadn't had she?

Jade extended a hand to Tori, helping her up from the floor. "See? Told you it'd be fine."

Tori smiled, squeezing her hand briefly. "You were right. As usual."

The two women stood for a moment, the buzz of the party filtering in through the open windows. For the first time that day, Tori felt a sense of ease wash over her. She was here, part of Jade's life, part of her family—and it felt right.

The backyard buzzed with energy as the birthday party unfolded, a joyous celebration of Luke's fifth birthday. Balloons danced in the breeze, kids ran around laughing, and adults lingered by the food tables, exchanging stories and catching up.

Jade's mother, Kat, stood near the patio, her youthful appearance belying her age. With her long auburn hair streaked with silver and an air of calm about her, she fit perfectly beside her husband, Aakash,who had an arm around Kat, the pair handsome and befitting of the President Of the United States Place of residence.

Tori spotted them first and felt her nerves spike. She smoothed her blouse for what had to be the tenth time in five minutes, glancing toward Jade, who was busy laughing with Andre and Robbie. Tori took a deep breath and approached the couple, determined to make a good impression.

"Hi," Tori said, her voice warm but tinged with nervousness. "I'm Tori. It's so nice to finally meet you both."

Kat turned, her face lighting up with recognition. "Tori Vega," she said, enveloping her in a hug before Tori could react. "I've heard so much about you."

Aakash offered a handshake, his grip firm but kind. "We're very pleased to meet you. Jade's spoken highly of you."

"She has?" Tori asked, glancing at Kat, whose eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Oh, only for the past two decades, She was so smitten with you." Kat teased. "She was devastated when you disappeared."

Tori's cheeks flushed, and she laughed, feeling some of the tension melt away. "Well Beck is a catch, she did alright for herself."

"Don't get me wrong. He was worth it for my beautiful grand babies, but Jade was miserable." Kat stated. "At least Beck was her best friend."

Tori sighed and looked down at her feet. "I'm … I don't know what to say"

"What happened?" Kat asked.

Tori looked out to the yard where Sirrah was entertaining Hazel's questions with an indulgent smile. "My father found out about her…"

Kat looked to Tori's daughter. "I'm so sorry."

"He didn't give me a chance to say goodbye."

Beck stood near the grill, flipping burgers with Eliza, his girlfriend, by his side. He caught sight of Kat and Aakash chatting with Tori and grinned, giving Jade a gentle nudge. "Your mom's got her claws in Tori already."

Jade rolled her eyes but smiled, watching from afar as Tori seemed to hold her own. "Of course she does. She's probably vetting her for me."

"Smart woman," Beck said with a chuckle. "You did good, Jade. Tori's great. I think she knows who she is now."

"Yeah," Jade said softly, her eyes never leaving Tori.

Later, as the festivities wound down and the kids were busy with cake, Kat pulled Jade aside. They found a quiet corner near the deck, away from the noise.

"I wanted to talk to you for a minute," Kat said, her tone gentle.

Jade raised an eyebrow, sipping her drink. "What's up, Mom?"

Kat reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Jade's ear like she had when Jade was a little girl. "I wanted to apologize for missing your birthday last month. Aakash and I were halfway through a retreat in Bali, and I feel awful about not being there."

Jade shrugged, leaning against the railing. "You don't need to apologize. I barely stopped long enough to celebrate. The campaign's been… a lot."

Kat's expression softened. "I know you, Jade. You don't stop because you don't want to feel it—whatever it is. But birthdays matter. You matter."

Jade sighed, her eyes flicking toward Tori, who was now playing with Luke and Hazel on the lawn. "I had plenty to distract me this year."

Kat followed her gaze, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "She seems wonderful."

"She is," Jade admitted, her voice almost shy. "I don't even know how to explain it, Mom. Tori's just… everything. I look at her, and it's like, for the first time, I can breathe."

Kat reached out, placing a hand on Jade's arm. "I've never seen you like this before. She makes you happy?"

"Happier than I thought I could be," Jade said, her voice steady but full of emotion.

Kat nodded, her eyes misting. "Then that's all that matters. You deserve this, Jade. You've worked so hard for so long—it's about time you let someone take care of you for a change."

Jade chuckled softly, glancing at her mom. "She bought me this house, Mom. For my birthday."

Kat blinked in surprise, then laughed. "Why?"

"Because once I'm done with the presidency, I can't afford to stay here,"

"She's a keeper, then."

Jade grinned, and for a moment, she let herself feel the fullness of it all—the love, the family, the life she was finally letting herself have.

"That she is," she said softly. "Love you Mom."

Kat pulled her into a hug, holding her tight. "I love you too, sweetheart."

As they rejoined the party, Jade spotted Tori near the kitchen, her laugh carrying over the hum of conversation. Jade couldn't wait for the next moment she'd have alone with her. Little did Tori know, she had something to ask her before the night was over.

The birthday party was in full swing. Laughter echoed through the Malibu home as Luke and his friends took turns in the bounce house, Ivy and Hazel keeping a watchful eye on the younger kids while sneaking bites of birthday cake. Beck mingled with guests, easily chatting with parents and friends alike, while Tori found a moment of calm with Jade on the patio overlooking the ocean.

The golden light of late afternoon bathed the scene in a warm glow, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the world seemed far away. Jade leaned against the railing, a glass of sparkling water in her hand, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

Tori approached her quietly, carrying two plates of cake. "Thought you might need a sugar boost," she said, setting one plate down beside Jade.

Jade turned to her, a soft smile breaking through her contemplative expression. "Thanks." She set the glass aside and took a forkful of cake. "God, that's good. Hazel's going to kill me for eating her piece."

Tori chuckled, leaning her hip against the railing. "You're the President of the United States. I think you can get away with stealing a bite of cake."

Jade's smile lingered as she set the fork down, her gaze shifting to Tori. "Speaking of which... I never really got the chance to thank you."

"For what?" Tori asked, tilting her head.

"For this." Jade gestured vaguely toward the house, the yard, the party in full swing. "This party is really sweet of you." Her voice softened. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

Tori's expression grew serious, her brown eyes steady as they met Jade's. "Yes, I did."

Jade arched an eyebrow.

Tori set her plate down and stepped closer, taking both of Jade's hands in hers. "Jade, I'm your partner. This isn't about what I have to do—it's about what I want to do. You've given so much to everyone else. To this country, to your kids, to me. Taking care of you? That's the least I can do."

Jade blinked, a hint of emotion flickering in her eyes. She squeezed Tori's hands, her usual sharp wit momentarily replaced by quiet gratitude. "I'm not used to this," she admitted. "Someone taking care of me."

"Well, get used to it," Tori said with a small smile. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

Jade opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Tori dropped to one knee.

Time seemed to slow. The sounds of the party faded into the background as Tori pulled a small, velvet box from her pocket and opened it to reveal a simple but stunning ring.

"Jade West," Tori began, her voice steady but full of emotion. "You've been my best friend, my biggest inspiration, and now, the love of my life. I've spent so long waiting for the right time—for us to find our way back to each other. And now that we have, I don't want to waste another second. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, supporting you, and building a future together. Will you marry me?"

Jade's breath hitched, her eyes shining as she looked down at Tori. For a moment, she said nothing, and then she laughed—a soft, incredulous sound.

"You're insane, you know that?" Jade said, her voice thick with affection.

Tori smirked. "That's not a no."

Jade shook her head, pulling Tori to her feet and wrapping her arms around her. "It's a yes. Of course, it's a yes."

Tori's grin was wide as she slid the ring onto Jade's finger, and the two of them stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the ocean breeze tugging at their hair.

From the yard, Beck's voice rang out. "Hey! What's going on over there?"

Jade pulled back, rolling her eyes. "Nosy as ever."

Tori laughed, kissing her lightly. "Let's tell them later. This moment's just for us."

Jade nodded, her hand still clasped in Tori's. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

The house was finally quiet, save for the gentle hum of the dishwasher and the occasional creak of the wooden floors. Luke had been put to bed after a rousing day of cake, laughter, and endless rounds in the bounce house. Now, it was just Jade, Tori, and the girls tidying up the aftermath of the celebration.

Tori stood at the kitchen counter, stacking plates and wrapping leftover cupcakes while stealing glances toward the living room. Hazel was perched on the arm of the couch, animatedly chatting with Sirrah, her face flushed with excitement. Sirrah, always composed, nodded politely and occasionally smiled in that way that said she was charmed but oblivious.

Watching them, Tori couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. She leaned against the counter, folding her arms with a soft smile. That look Hazel was giving Sirrah—it was achingly familiar.

"Please tell me Sirrah is straight," Jade's voice came from behind her, low and teasing.

Tori turned to find Jade leaning in the doorway, arms crossed but a smirk tugging at her lips.

"Very," Tori said with a giggle, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Jade groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Well, that's Hazel's first real crush, right there," she said, jerking her head toward the living room. "This is going to make for some really awkward holidays."

Tori chuckled softly, setting down a plate and walking over to Jade. "Welcome to parenting teenagers," she said, placing a comforting hand on Jade's arm.

Jade sighed dramatically, but her expression softened as she looked at Tori. Without another word, she reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Come on. Let's go say goodnight to the girls."

Hand in hand, they walked into the living room, where Sirrah and Hazel were still chatting, with Ivy sprawled on the other couch, scrolling through her phone.

Jade stopped in front of Sirrah. "You all settled in? Comfortable in your room?"

Sirrah looked up, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Yes, thank you, President West. It's perfect."

"Good," Jade said with a nod. "And for the record, call me Jade. You're family, and it's weird."

Sirrah smiled warmly. "Thanks… Jade."

Jade nodded, then glanced at Ivy and Hazel. "Alright, you two, don't stay up too late. Goodnight, girls."

"Night, Mom," Ivy mumbled without looking up from her phone.

"Goodnight," Hazel said, her eyes darting briefly to Sirrah before dropping to her lap.

As Jade and Tori turned to leave, still hand in hand, Ivy's sharp intake of breath broke the moment.

"Wait a second!" Ivy sat up, squinting at Jade's hand. "Is that a…?" Her voice trailed off as her eyes widened in realization. "Mom, is that an engagement ring?"

Sirrah glanced up, curious, while Hazel's face fell in slow motion, the realization dawning.

Jade froze for a split second before exchanging a glance with Tori, who bit her lip to keep from laughing. Jade turned back, holding up her hand with a mock sheepish grin.

"Uh… surprise?" she said, wiggling her fingers.

"Wait—what?" Ivy was on her feet now, a mix of disbelief and excitement. "When did this happen?"

Tori chuckled. "A little earlier today. But, technically, it's been a long time coming."

Ivy grinned, rushing over to inspect the ring. "Oh my God, Mom. It's gorgeous!"

Sirrah offered a quiet "Congratulations," while Hazel simply stared at the floor, her expression unreadable.

Jade noticed and squeezed Tori's hand as she leaned toward Ivy. "Alright, enough gawking. We'll talk about it more tomorrow. Go to bed."

Ivy rolled her eyes but relented, heading back to the couch. Sirrah excused herself politely, leaving Hazel behind, still unusually quiet.

As they walked back to their room, Tori glanced at Jade. "Think Hazel's okay?"

Jade sighed. "She'll be fine. First crushes are rough."

Tori smiled softly. "She'll bounce back."

Jade nodded, pausing outside their door to kiss Tori lightly on the forehead. "Let's hope so. But hey—at least one of them approves."

Tori laughed, her fingers brushing against Jade's ring. "We'll win Hazel over. Just give her time."

Together, they slipped into their room, leaving the faint murmur of the girls' conversation behind.

The Malibu night stretched on, the sound of waves crashing against the shore mingling with the soft laughter and whispers shared between Jade and Tori. The house was quiet now, the kids all tucked away, leaving the two women to revel in the rare peace of being alone together.

As the hours deepened, Jade and Tori found themselves in their bedroom, the intimacy of the moment magnified by the weight of the day and the life they were building together. The tension, the joy, the love—all of it spilled over as their kisses turned fervent, and hands roamed, tracing the familiar and the new in each other.

Every touch felt like a promise, every whispered word a vow. They moved together like two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting perfectly, their bodies communicating what words couldn't. Tori's hands lingered on Jade's hips, pulling her closer, while Jade reveled in the way Tori's skin felt against her own, soft and warm.

The world outside ceased to exist. There was no President of the United States, no former Chancellor of Yerba. It was just two women, rediscovering and redefining the connection they had lost for so many years.

They made love until the faint light of dawn began to peek through the curtains, bathing the room in a gentle glow. Their movements slowed, a lazy, satisfied rhythm taking over as they finally gave in to exhaustion, tangled in each other's arms.

Jade rested her head on Tori's chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns against her skin. "I don't want to leave," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Tori pressed a kiss to her hair. "You'll be back soon," she said softly, though the ache of the impending separation was evident in her tone.

The peace of the early morning was broken by a soft knock on the door. Jade's aides—always punctual—waited just outside, ready to whisk her back to DC.

Jade groaned, burying her face into Tori's neck. "Tell them to go away."

Tori chuckled, her hand stroking Jade's back. "You're the leader of the free world. Pretty sure they won't take no for an answer."

Reluctantly, Jade untangled herself and sat up, the sheet slipping down to her waist as she stretched. She glanced back at Tori, who was watching her with a soft, loving smile.

"Don't forget," Jade said, leaning down to kiss her. "I'm coming back as soon as I can."

Tori cupped Jade's cheek, her thumb brushing against her jaw. "I'll be here. Always."

With one last lingering kiss, Jade slipped out of bed, pulling on her clothes as quietly as possible. The door opened, her aides waiting with apologetic smiles. "Give me Ten Minutes to shower." She murmured. "The kids are staying with Beck a few more days so they can spend time with their grandparents."

"Yes Ma'am" they said and walked away.

As she left the room, Jade glanced back one last time, finding Tori sitting up in bed, the morning light catching in her hair. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as though nothing could keep them apart. "You coming?"

Tori smiled and followed her fiancee to the shower