Chapter 1

Orion Moyer

I couldn't for the life of me fathom why I'd been called to the president's home. She said it was for dinner. I didn't buy it. Something was going on. Something so big that she didn't want to meet in her office or discuss it on the telephone.

Tabiq had seen more than their share of issues. Many that we had worked extremely hard to put behind us. And were working even harder to build a future that was nothing like the horrid past. Unfortunately, there were a few greedy bastards who didn't envision the same future for our country. They wanted the old ways. The ways that almost ruined Tabiq forever. If President Reesa O'Connor needed my help, then my answer would be yes. I'd do anything for my country.

I racked my brain trying to think of anything more I could be doing as the school administrator. This meeting had to be about my job. Maybe she wanted to pour more funds into the exchange student program so more of our high school seniors could experience education in other countries. Each time we met over the past year, I brought this suggestion up to her, and she promised me there was something in the works. The students would be beyond thrilled if that was the case. Hell, they deserved it with how hard they'd worked to keep their grades up.

As I approached her driveway, I reminded myself not to get my hopes up. One thing about Tabiq was that when things looked like everything was going great, something jumped out and showed you we still had so much work to do. Setting up any expectations of what was going to happen would most likely lead to disappointment.

Turning onto her property, I stopped at the gate fully expecting to be met by security guards. None. Odd. When you went to her office, you could see security around.

Looking more closely, I noticed the cameras that were in the trees. I was being watched, just not sure by whom. That eased my mind, because she was invaluable, and I wasn't sure where Tabiq would be without her running it.

I parked my SUV in one of the vacant spots and headed for the front door. Before I could knock, her husband opened the door.

"Good to see you. Thank you for coming," he said.

I didn't think I had the option of declining. I shook his hand and replied, "Nice to see you too, Dr. O'Connor."

The man had his hands full. Not only was he the chief of staff at the hospital, and married to the president, but they also had a toddler. Can't imagine when he got time to sleep. I didn't envy him. Not that I didn't enjoy the company of a woman, but I wasn't the family type. And as far as kids were concerned, I had an entire school that I oversaw. That was more than enough for me.

He waved for me to enter. "This is our home. If you don't mind, I'd prefer you call me Finn."

I nodded and followed him into a rustic, yet classy sitting room. Nothing like I expected it to look like for the president of our country. It was...warm and welcoming, but it was the design that caught my eye. We all knew that Finn and his younger brother Liam had designed and built it. Not that I'd ever been to Ireland, but I'd seen enough photos to know this was more their style as opposed to the Tabiqian style that was commonly found in our homes. Almost all homes had white- or cream-colored walls. And rarely did you see family photos hanging on the walls. Maybe it was the natural wood from ceiling to floor with huge posts and beams that made the pictures stand out even more. I quickly scanned them, and they revealed what I already suspected. They were not just a power couple, but they were what a family should be. Happy and full of love.

Besides the family photos, there was one more thing that I couldn't stop looking at. On the main wall stood a huge fireplace made from fieldstones. I was meant to be the focal point.

"Magnificent," I said, admiring his work.

"Thank you. It never gets cold enough here to need it, but there is something about sitting by a fire that I just love. Relaxes me after a long day at work."

"I can see that." Add a glass of bourbon and it'll be even more appealing.

"Why don't you have a seat? Reesa is just putting our daughter, Joy, down for a nap. She won't be long," Finn said as he took a seat by the fireplace.

Sitting in the opposite corner, I tried to identify amazing smells. "I don't know what your chef is cooking, but it smells amazing."

Finn grinned. "I'm the chef tonight. Lamb stew with Irish soda bread."

"You cook as well?" I said, surprised. I had no idea where either of them found time to do anything with all the hours they spent at work.

He nodded. "I'm also on dirty dish duty too so that the two of you can talk."

That was just another thing added to my list of why I wasn't the family man type. I only cooked when I had to, and as far as dishes, I tried to eat things at home that limited making a mess. But now I was even more curious. Whatever Reesa wanted to talk about, even Finn wasn't invited.

Before I could ask any further, she joined us.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, but (baby name) wanted me to read two stories to her."

"No problem at all," I replied.

Finn got up and said, "Dinner is just about ready. Would you like to talk first while I finish up?"

Reesa nodded. "As long as you don't mind," she said to Finn. He smiled, kissed her on the cheek, and left the room. She took his seat and looked at me. "I'm sure you have figured out I didn't ask you here just to dine with us."

"I assumed there was more."

"First of all, I apologize for not having you over before now. We meant to, but time seemed to pass by too quickly," she stated.

"No need to apologize. What is it you wanted to speak to me about?" Please say the sponsorship.

"I need you to understand that this conversation is confidential. No one can know what we are about to discuss. Is that clear?" I nodded and she continued. "Finn and I are expecting another child."

"Congratulations." I still had no idea what that had to do with me.

"Thank you. But I need your help."

"Not sure what I can do for you." Diapers are not my thing.

"I would like you to be my vice president."

Her words echoed in my head. Vice-president. Nope. I didn't see this coming at all for several reasons. First of all, we didn't have a vice-president role. I hated to be the one to remind her of such.

"President O'Connor, I..."

She raised her hand and stopped me. "Call me Reesa. And I know what you're about to say. We don't have such a position. But as president, I see the need, and therefore, I'm making such a position."

Reesa had the right to do so. She ran the country. But what changed? And why me? "You are in your second term and doing an amazing job."

"But with two children, I'm going to need help. There is no one better for the job than you. I've seen what you have done with the school system."

"And there is still so much more to do at the school." I shouldn't have to remind her, but my list of wants for the school hasn't changed. And I'm not willing to walk away and pretend it didn't exist.

"There is. I'm not asking you to give up on your dreams. Just asking you to do it from a different seat," she said.

"You want me to do both? Be the Vice President and the school administrator?" She shook her head and I asked, "Then what exactly are you asking me to do?"

"We would hire someone to fill the school administration position and you would be the vice-president until...until you are ready to fill the role as president."

What the hell! There is no way I was awake. This couldn't be happening. She is talking about stepping down?

"Pres..."

"Reesa," she corrected.

"Reesa, I want to help, but I'm not sure I am the right person. You are...what this country needs," I stated.

"So are you. You love this country. You're honest. And you have the same hopes, dreams, and most importantly the drive to make Tabiq greater than anyone ever imagined. I know this because of all you have done to invest in the youth. You have planted the seeds, now you can sit and watch them grow in a role that will benefit them even more. Help me open doors for them, not just here, but overseas. And who knows, maybe one day you will be having this same conversation with one of them," she smiled.

My head was spinning. President? "Reesa, I...I don't know what to say."

"Say yes."

I wanted to, but I was worried about disappointing people. They were not going to like it. This I knew. "You couldn't think of anyone else who would suit this position better?"

Reesa shook her head. "Orion, I don't ever make rash decisions. This is something I've been thinking about for some time."

And yet you want me to give you an answer now?

I would be a fool to turn this down. She was right. I could do even more as President. It was my students that I worried about. Then I needed someone who valued them as much as I did.

"Before I answer, I need to know what the plan is for filling my current position. I don't want just anyone stepping in. And I can't think of anyone who reports to me who is ready to take on such responsibility either," I stated.

"I agree. There is someone who has been studying overseas for the past eight years. I spoke to them, and they agreed to return to Tabiq and assume the role. They would be working closely with you for the first few months. During that transition time, you would also be working closely with me to learn everything you need to know." She held her head up and added, "As I said, this has been in the works for a while."

Seems as though I wasn't going to be given a way out of this. "I guess there is only one thing I can say. Yes. I accept your offer." And hope all of Tabiq doesn't hate me for it.

She rose from her seat and walked over to me. I stood and we shook hands. "Orion, I know what I am asking of you. If I thought for one minute that you weren't capable, I'd never have asked. Tabiq is my home. These are my people. I love them very much. It's just that..." she placed her hand on her abdomen and added, "that I can't give them the time they deserve. Not any longer."

"I understand completely." She was doing this for her family. I respected that. It was her views on family that made her such a good president. And now they were stuck with a happy bachelor.

"I guess there is nothing more for us to discuss tonight, so why don't we join Finn in the kitchen before dinner gets cold?" she suggested.

Eating was the furthest thing from my mind. My stomach was twisted in a knot as I was riddled with an entirely new level of stress.

"One more question before we go. When does this change take place?" I asked.

"Unofficially, the moment we shook hands. But it will take time to prepare the announcement. So, this stays between us for the next two weeks. That also should give you time to get things in order on your side as well."

Two weeks? That is what she calls needing time? I'm glad she didn't say this was going to be rushed because I'd probably be starting yesterday.

Finn came into the room and looked at the two of us. Reesa smiled and nodded. Then he turned to me and said, "You look like you could use a drink. I have some stout with our names on it, if you're interested."

I wasn't a beer drinker, but today I'd make an exception. "Sounds good."

We headed into the kitchen and the rest of the night was filled with lighter conversation. And I was thankful for it because my mind was running in a million different directions, and I could recall only a small portion of what had been said.

When I arrived home, I didn't even bother to turn on any lights. I knew where the bottle was. I grabbed a glass and poured a hefty shot of bourbon. I downed it. The burn didn't even bother me as I headed to the couch. Sleep wasn't going to happen so why bother with the bed?

Tonight, I needed to mentally process what just transpired and somehow convince myself that Reesa was correct. That I am the right person to continue with what she's started.

I knew that wasn't possible. I couldn't relate to what the women of Tabiq had faced. I could only sympathize with them. No matter how hard I tried, I knew I would never be able to fill Reesa's shoes.

Pulling my cell phone out of my suit jacket, I tossed it on the coffee table near me. Instantly it vibrated. I looked at the caller ID. It was my grandmother. The woman who had raised me. Not a call I could ignore.

"Hello. Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Of course it is. But I just woke from a disturbing dream," she replied.

Grandmother believed that dreams were our ancestors coming to warn us of things to come. The fact that it was a disturbing dream wasn't a good sign. Not that I believed in such things, but she did, and that was enough for me.

"It's okay. I'm fine if that is what you're worried about," I told her.

"Good. I'm glad you're okay, but I am not sure for how long. I saw you at the hospital sobbing. Something is going to happen. It's going to break your heart."

Just what I needed to end this night. "Grandmother, you know that I don't cry." Never had. Not even as a child. Maybe that's because I had built walls around my heart after my mom left me and my younger brother here to fend for ourselves. If my grandmother hadn't taken us in, I have no idea what kind of person I'd be now.

The former government were not just corrupt, but they preyed on the young males and forced them into a life that one could only describe as pure evil. They were used to enforce the human trafficking that had taken place. I couldn't live with myself if I had been part of such cruel and disgusting behavior. And my grandmother was the one who protected us from that kind of life. I owe her more than I can ever repay.

"Orion, I know you don't cry. That is why this is so disturbing. There is only one thing that causes such pain."

"And what is that, Grandmother?"

"Great love. Only at the loss of great love can such pain occur," she sighed. "I know this from when I lost your grandfather. I am afraid you are about to suffer a great loss."

There was only one other person I was as close to as my grandmother, and that was my younger brother Mayson. I had just talked to him, and he was fine. And as far a having a woman in my life, I didn't have time. And there also wasn't any that had me wanting to change my life to make the time.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that. I'm not in love with anyone, never mind dating," I reminded her.

"My dreams are never wrong. My heart hurts for you, and for what is to come, Orion."

"Good night, Grandmother."

"Good night, Orion," she said, and ended the call, uttering softly, "I love you."

If what she felt was true, the only loss I was feeling was from my job. I loved helping those kids. Graduation was coming in a few months and every time I handed the graduating class their diplomas, my heart just burst with joy. But now some stranger would be doing it. Someone who hadn't put in the time. Someone who didn't know their names or the struggles they had to go through to get where they were.

Damn it!

I wasn't crying about it, but I loved what I did and didn't want anyone coming here to fuck it all up.

I was stressing about something that hadn't happened yet. Chuckling to myself, I realized that I sounded like my grandmother and upset about an unknown future. I trusted Reesa with running the country. Why would I for a minute doubt that she'd chosen my replacement with any less consideration?

Tossing my phone back on the coffee table, I laid back on the couch and closed my eyes. There was no point in second-guessing my decision. It was made. I needed to move forward and learn everything I could from Reesa. She'd promised me that she would always be only a phone call away, but she had a natural gift and the ability to connect with people.

How the hell am I supposed to learn that?

This was a crappy attitude and if I were one of my students, I would give them a lecture on how you could accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. It was time for me to take my own advice.

I got up from the couch, turned on the lights, grabbed my laptop, and watched a few motivational speeches. I had them readily available because the speaker was none other than myself.

Maybe she is right, and I can do this.

Since failure wasn't an option, I was going to do everything in my power to succeed. And I was going to make sure my replacement did the same.