Page 44 of Fighting for Julia (Laguna Beach Cops #6)
ENDINGS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
In the months that followed, the Laguna Beach friends celebrated the birth of Owen and Savannah’s, and Luca and Mallory’s first babies.
Both men hated to be away from their new family, but the election was drawing near.
The bid for the presidency had been a clean one on both sides of the political aisle.
Barbara refused to run negative ads about her opponent or slander him in any way.
When he tried to throw mud at her during their debates, it didn’t stick, and he was shamed into stopping his smear campaign.
Barbara also refused to accept money from special interest groups whose agendas were suspicious.
This gained her favor in the public’s eye.
Election Day proceeded smoothly, due in large part to the precedents set by President Brown’s leadership during the past eight years.
The Washburn campaign gathered in the conference room at a swanky hotel in Washington, D.C.
, to watch the election results. As the numbers came in, they remained cautiously hopeful that Barbara’s dream would come to fruition.
By midnight, newscasters were calling the election. For the first time in America’s history, a woman became the leader of the free world. Many tears were shed that night among dreams and fears realized, and dreams and fears yet to come.
The following morning everyone met at the Washburns’ home in Alexandria.
Suspiciously absent was Brendan McAdams. Barbara had fired him after he’d betrayed her trust so deeply.
After sharing breakfast in the family’s dining room, they carried cups of coffee into the spacious living room. Decisions had to be made.
Barbara gazed at the Laguna Beach friends. “I think you know what I’m going to request of you, Justice. To continue to be my security detail during the next four years.”
Justice, Luca, Owen, Hutch, Tawny, and Miguel glanced at each other. They communicated without words and nodded at Justice to speak for them.
“Madam President-Elect, it would be an honor to serve you. But our homes, our families, and our lives are in Laguna Beach. Owen and Savannah will be moving back now that she’s almost finished medical school.
I want to continue as Chief of Police until my time comes to an end.
However, I will personally select your Secret Service agents and thoroughly vet and train them myself. ”
Though disappointed, Barbara understood their decision. “I knew that’s where your hearts lay.” She eyed Julia who sat next to Miguel, holding his hand. “I suppose you’re transferring to L.A.?”
“Yes, Mom. It’s already been approved.”
“Well, then, there’s only one thing left to say. Thank you, everyone. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made this year. And if you ever need anything from me in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.”
As the group broke up, ready to head to the airport, Barbara and Greg pulled Miguel and Julia aside.
“Take care of our daughter,” Greg implored, tears filling his eyes. “From the moment we first saw her and held her in our arms, we loved her.”
Pure, unadulterated love burned in Miguel’s heart and in his eyes. “Yes, sir. I felt exactly the same way.”