Page 64 of Powerless

“It’ll be okay.” I give his hand a reassuring gentle squeeze. “We were in a bubble for a little while but regardless of what happens, it’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to.”

“It’s too early to call. I don’t know why I’m being summoned.” He looks to me and closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Unless we lost Florida and Michigan.”

The ride back to base feels like it’s taking hours and when we reach the office, Liam is already waiting for us outside.

He’s pacing back and forth and when he sees the car, he rips the door open.

Bennett is out of the car and holding his hand out to me while speaking to Liam. “Has it been called?”

“Not yet. It’s still close.”

“Why were we summoned?”

“Trust me, you need to come in.”

I liked not having any news or polls happening for the time we were at the restaurant. As we enter base, it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

“What’s going on?”

Liam picks up the phone, dials a number, and says, “I have Bennett Adams for you.” He hands Bennett the phone.

“Hello?” Bennett looks toward me, then down at his feet. “Thank you.” He nods several times as he paces with his head down. A few words are said, but I can’t make out who’s on the phone with him. I lift my fingers and chew on my thumbnail, nervously waiting for Bennett. “Thank you,” he adds and finally ends the call.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Thomas Meyers...” Oh shit, the guy Bennett was up against. “Has offered me his congratulations for a well-run campaign.”

“What does this mean?” I ask.

“He’s conceding,” Liam interjects.

We all turn to the TVs in case there’s been a shift.

“Nothing has changed though,” Bennett says. “We’re still so damn close, why would he—” And just like that, Florida is called.

Tears well in my eyes as we all stand watching the state of Florida become a definite color. Our color.

“Have you just become the youngest ever president-elect?” I ask in a small voice.

The entire room bursts into applause. Bennett’s campaign manager steps forward and congratulates him, while I stand in awe mentally calculating the numbers.

While everyone is celebrating, Georgia is called in our favor too. Without turning, I search behind me, trying to find Bennett so I can show him. But I’m hitting air and nothing else. It’s almost like a domino effect. More states call it with only a handful left.

His warm arms wrap around my waist. “We did it,” he whispers amidst the chaos of the base.

I turn in his arms and kiss his lips.

“Mr. President,” Liam says. Tears cling to my cheeks and I watch as Bennett straightens, adjust his tie, and turns to address his team.

I couldn’t be prouder of my husband, the president.

2

BENNETT

Sitting on the blue armchair by the ornate windows, I watch as Kathryn sleeps peacefully. Our room is shrouded in darkness; the sun has yet to break over the horizon. I smile at Kathryn’s innocent stirring and reaching out. Even in her sleep, she’s searching for me.

I adore her more every day.

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