messaging on this decision. I’ve directed Trevor to include this in the statement we’re going to release. As vice president, I remain ready, willing and able to step up to serve my country should the need arise. I will not, however, seek the office of president in the next election. I don’t want anyone to think I’m flaking out as VP. I’ve got this job for three more years, and I intend to do it to the best of my ability.”
“Are you prepared for the firestorm that’ll erupt when you release that statement?” Brandon asked.
“What firestorm?”
He huffed out a laugh tinged with disbelief. “People will be crushed, Mr. Vice President. They’ve pinned their hopes on you as a beacon of youthful energy and enthusiasm for the future.”
“I’m sorry to let them down, but they should have a president who truly wants the job more than anything. The jobs I most want are dad and husband.”
“I won’t lie to you,” Brandon said. “This breaks my heart. I was so looking forward to a Cappuano administration. But I do admire your priorities.” He stood and leaned in to shake Nick’s hand. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks for everything, Brandon.”
Nodding, he released Nick’s hand and strode from the room with slightly less pep in his step than he’d had coming in.
“He’s devastated,” Graham said when they were alone. “As am I.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Like he said, I admire your priorities. Maybe things would’ve been different for my son if I’d had mine straight when he was growing up and fathering a child and…” His shrug belied a world of heartbreak when it came to John, his youngest son.
“We do the best we can, Graham. That’s all anyone can ask of us.”
“I could’ve done better. I’m not without regrets when it comes to my family. Terry and all his troubles… Being around Lizbeth’s kids reminds me of what I missed with my own while I was chasing almighty ambition. It’s a rare man who can put aside his own desires for the betterment of his family.”
“My fondest desire is to be with my family. You were always far more interested in me being president than I’ve ever been.”
“I can’t deny that,” Graham said with a chuckle. “You’ve fought me every step of the way. And I know that’s in large part because you feel you have this career because we lost John.”
“I do have this career because we lost John. But I’d like to think we’ve made him proud in the nearly two years he’s been gone.”
“He’d be proud of you, for sure. He always said you were the brains of the operation.”
“We were a good team. I miss him all the time.”
“I know you do.”
“He’d be proud of you too,” Nick said. “He always was.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. “Come in,” Nick called.
His communications director, Trevor Donnelly, came in. “Pardon the interruption, Mr. Vice President, Senator.”
“Come in,” Nick said to his curly-haired aide.
“I’ve prepared the statement you requested.” He handed a printed page to Nick, who scanned it.
Today I’d like to inform you of my decision not to seek the office of president in the next election. I have given this decision careful thought, and while I’m delighted to serve as your vice president—and ready, willing and able to step up should the need arise—I plan to devote my attention and time to my young and growing family once my current term ends.
As many of you know, I was the product of young parents and raised by my grandmother. All my life, I’ve yearned for the family I have now, and I don’t want to miss a minute with my wife, Samantha, or our children Scotty, Alden and Aubrey as well as the twins’ older brother, Elijah, who’s also become part of our family. This was not an easy decision or one that I took lightly. I’m aware that many of my fellow Americans were hoping I would run and were prepared to support my candidacy. I appreciate the faith you have in me as vice president and the support you would’ve given my campaign. However, I wanted to give the DNC plenty of notice so they have the necessary time to plan for the next election cycle. I’m fully prepared to support the eventual Democratic nominee and will, to the best of my ability, offer advice and counsel to whomever that nominee may be.
It’s the greatest honor of my life to serve as your vice president, and I look forward to