“To whom, sir?” Trevor asked.
“Graham O’Connor.”
Trevor didn’t immediately react as he seemed to think through the choice from all angles. “That’s a very good idea,” he finally said.
“I’m glad you approve.”
“I definitely approve, and it’ll solve a lot of our most pressing problems.”
“Don’t get too excited yet,” Nick said. “He has to present the idea to Mrs. O’Connor, who’s expected to be much less enthusiastic about it than he is. She’s very much enjoying their retirement.”
“It’s only for a couple of years.”
“When you’re eighty, a couple of years can be all you have left,” Terry said. “I anticipate that’ll be a concern to my mom.”
Nick hoped Graham could persuade Laine to give it a whirl, because there was no one else he wanted by his side for the remainder of his term.
* * *
On the drive home to Leesburg, Virginia, Graham gazed out the window, taking in the glorious sight of spring in full bloom. The grass was so green it sparkled. It grew so fast, it needed to be mowed twice a week this time of year. When he was still serving in the Senate, he’d pawned off most of the duties at the farm to hired staff. These days, he enjoyed taking the mower for a spin, as it was a great opportunity to unplug and think.
Retirement had afforded him the chance to travel, to spend time with his grandchildren and to indulge in all his favorite hobbies, especially horseback riding with his lovely wife.
He had to bite back a laugh when he thought about springing his news on her. No, she wouldn’t be happy about it. Not one bit. But she loved Nick as much as he did. He was a son to them in every way except biology, and he was asking for their help at the most important moment of his life. How could they say no?
Hours after the question had been asked, Graham still couldn’t believe it. He’d always known he was a valued advisor and mentor to Nick, but to serve as his vice president? That possibility had never crossed his mind. And now that the opportunity existed, it was all he could think about.
His phone rang with a call from Terry.
“Hi there.”
“Hey, are you home yet?”
“Almost.”
“What’s the game plan?”
“I don’t really have one beyond telling your mother about the offer I received today.”
“She’ll flip her lid.”
“I’m aware.”
“How’re you feeling about it?”
“More excited than I would’ve thought I’d be before I was asked.”
“Why did I know you were going to say that?”
Graham guffawed. “Because you know how much I’ve missed the game.”
“He needs you.”
“I know, son, and if it was only up to me, I would’ve said yes right away. But this is a decision I need to make with my wife, and if she honestly isn’t into it, it’ll be a no. She’s waited a long time to have the life we do now, and she enjoys it very much.”
“Yes, she does, but… her life doesn’t need to change all that much. Maybe she gives one day a week to being second lady. I mean, when Sam was second lady, she barely did a thing because of her full-time job, and no one cared.”
“That’s true, and Nick said he’d do everything he could to make it so we don’t have to move. That’ll mean a lot to her, too.”
