Chapter 4: New Vows, Old Scars, and Happily Ever After?

The first thing he did after returning to office was announce my First Lady ceremony.

He made it official, with all the pomp and circumstance I’d been denied before. The staff cheered, and I tried not to cry.

He came to show off, then grinned ingratiatingly when he saw me.

He strutted into my suite, chest puffed out. I rolled my eyes, but I was secretly pleased.

“All better?”

He hovered by the door, waiting for my answer. I nodded, smiling.

“Mm.”

He relaxed, relief clear on his face.

“Then kneel, I want to interrogate you.”

I crossed my arms, trying to look stern. He looked confused.

“Huh?” Carter was surprised, but still knelt and muttered, “There are so many people here—don’t embarrass the President.”

He glanced around, embarrassed. I hid a smile.

“Hm? What did you say?”

I raised an eyebrow, daring him to repeat himself.

“Nothing, nothing.” He shook his head quickly.

He looked so earnest, I couldn’t stay mad. Part of me wanted to keep him on his toes forever.

“Alright, alright.” I quickly helped him up. “Actually, it’s nothing. Just, in the future, don’t hide things from me. Especially don’t say it’s for my own good. I hate that the most. As a couple, we should face things together.”

My voice was soft, but firm. He nodded, eyes shining.

“Huh? That’s it?” Carter’s eyes widened, and he even asked me to pinch him, wondering if he was dreaming.

He held out his arm. I pinched him, hard. He yelped.

I kicked him in annoyance.

He rubbed his shin, grinning. "Guess it’s real."

“Just this once, never again.”

I pointed a finger at his chest. He saluted, solemn.

“Promise!” He straightened up like a soldier.

He looked so serious, I had to laugh.

I smiled, tiptoed, and kissed him.

He pulled me close, holding me tight. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe.

“After all, I used to be willful, and you were tolerant.”

I rested my head on his shoulder, remembering all the times he’d let me be myself.

In life, both sides have to give a little.

I realized compromise wasn’t weakness—it was love.

“No, no.” Carter waved his hands. “It’s better if you’re willful—I like spoiling my wife.”

He grinned, eyes twinkling. I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling.

He hugged me, and somehow we started kissing again.

One thing led to another, and we ended up on the bed.

The next morning, I rubbed my lower back and refused to attend the First Lady ceremony.

I groaned, pulling the covers over my head. Carter pouted, hovering by the door. Honestly, I needed a day off after that night.

“But your friends in the White House are leaving today—aren’t you going to see them off?” Carter tried to hug me, but I’d already jumped out of bed.

I pulled on my robe, determined not to miss a goodbye. Carter sulked, but I ignored him.

“Friends come first.”

I winked at him, blowing a kiss as I ran out the door.

“Hmph!” Carter pouted, cheeks puffed. “You don’t love me anymore! Hey, come back!”

His voice echoed down the hall, but I just laughed, feeling lighter than I had in years.

-The End-