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“Oh, I get it. You want to be the president who reaches Mars.”

“Well, it might be a nice vacation spot.”

“Mm. You need money for that, Candace. I think you should practice your economic policy first.”

I laugh. “We’ll negotiate over dinner,” I promise. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here. Candace?”

“Yes?”

“Just remember one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Every election is abouteconomics.”

“Goodnight, Jameson.”

“Economics, Candace.”

I shake my head and chuckle. I’ve barely disconnected the call when my phone rings. “Yes?” I ask.

“I love you,” Jameson says.

I close my eyes. “I love you, too.”

“What if I promise to slip you a Get out of Jail free card?”

I laugh. “Goodnight, Jameson.”

Chapter Five

Jameson

I admit I thought the excitement of Candace’s helicopter landing on the South Lawn would fade with time, but it never does. Cooper loves to watch Candace step off the helicopter and across the lawn. It is a sight that reminds me of my wife's power—the sight of the three helicopters as they approach—the layers of security ensuring her safety. I always feel a lump in my throat when a young Marine descends the stairs and stands at attention as Candace exits. After two years of living here, I’m awestruck every time.

You might think I’d have moved on by now. Traveling with her is a different experience than watching her. For a moment, I’m just like any American, waiting for the president to appear. Then I see my wife.

I never spent time daydreaming about fairytale romances. It’s not that I didn’t hope to fall in love. Daydreams are often influenced by the expectations of the people around us. It’s strange when I think about it. I don’t recall my parents or grandparents commenting on the handsome man who would win my heart, wedding dresses, or future grandkids. My parentsfollowed my lead. I wanted to keep up with my cousins. They played football. I played football. They played basketball. I played basketball. They helped my dad with construction projects. I refused to be left out. And I loved it.

The truth is, I didn’t do much daydreaming. Scott dreamed of becoming an astronaut. My brother Doug fantasized about being an NFL quarterback. I was always focused on my next goal. I wanted to make the basketball team, so I practiced diligently. I was determined to get into Cornell, so I studied hard. I noticed girls at school, but few captured my interest; I was too busy avoidingmy owntruth. In college, I dated and had a couple of girlfriends, but I didn’t fantasize about spending a lifetime together. Then I met Candace.

Do you know how people say someone can command a room, making you feel their presence the moment they enter? Candace doesn’t need the dramatic descent of Marine One onto the White House lawn or the backdrop of Air Force One to capture attention. You can sense her presence when she walks down the hallway in a pair of flannel pajamas. I’ve never met anyone quite like her. I felt it the first time she opened her front door for me. It’s easy to overlook the power she wields as president and the weight that responsibility places on her shoulders—even for me.

We constantly search for ways to make this existence feel normal—a game of Monopoly, ice cream sundaes in the afternoon, making lasagna, or watching movies with Cooper. The backdrop never lets you forget where you are—who she is. It’s always present—Candace is the President of the United States. I don’t often think about it that way. It’s her job. But it’s so much more than that. As I watch her appear in the doorway of Marine One, I’m reminded that she’ll be in our grandchildren’s history books. People will teach college classes about her ascension to the presidency. Numerous books have already been written about her. She’s a curiosity for many—someone’shero, another’s villain. For me and Coop, she’s everything. She belongs to something—to the broader world in ways that not many will ever claim.

I take a deep breath.

“Mom?” Cooper asks.

“Huh?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good, Coop. Just happy to have your mom home.”

“Yeah. Me too,” Coop agrees.

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