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He had his father’s good looks but his mother’s coloring, fair skin and ash-blond hair, with the exception of his aquamarine eyes. He was often compared to a younger Brad Pitt. He had a devil-may-care attitude yet could slash you with his words if he so chose. He was fairly immune to the whole political scene, having cut his baby teeth on it. He admired his father and was proud of him; still, politics would be the last profession he’d choose for himself.
    Juliette was more like her dad in personality. She loved to tease but took things far more seriously than her brother did. Ashley once found her at age four giving a speech to all of her dolls about the seriousness of driving without wearing seat belts. While both of their children were sensitive, Juliette tended to wear her heart on her sleeve while Jeremy either used sarcasm or took action to deal with his emotions.
    They were close and communicated with one another as only twins can. They instinctively knew what the other needed and often called the other based on a “hunch.” They had a strong sense of commitment and devotion to their parents and their family. They didn’t want to choose sides.
    Jeremy flopped down on the sofa while Juliette perched on the arm of one of the side chairs. “Do you feel like a condemned woman about to eat her last meal?” Jeremy asked.
    “Not exactly, although it’s so sweet of you to make that analogy.” Ashley smiled at her son as she reached for the phone to call room service. “Do you know what you want for breakfast?”
    Michael walked into the room. “I want pancakes and eggs and a pot of coffee strong enough to part my hair.”
    Ashley zeroed in on Michael’s mood. Not good, not good at all. She sent a silent prayer heavenward. Please, God, help me get through the next couple of hours .
    Michael asked, “Anyone here want to cancel on this morning’s press conference?”
    “Dad, I know you and Mom are going to be under fire this morning, and I’m sorry about that, but I’m glad Mom will have the chance to share her position. I think it’s a good thing for America to know that even the president and his family disagree on issues. The idea that politicians have this perfect Norman Rockwell family is ridiculous,” Jeremy said.
    “It may be ridiculous to you. Unfortunately it’s what’s expected for the president and his family and for anyone with a political career,” his father said..
    Jeremy sighed. “We know you were born for this job, but Mom shouldn’t have to do something she hates. Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing. It’s just possible some people will relate to her. Maybe the time is right. But I wouldn’t rule out the fact that she could end up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.”
    “And, if that were to happen, I’d expect you to figure out a way to keep me one step ahead of the law,” Ashley grinned.
    “I hate the fact that my decision is causing such chaos, and I’m truly sorry for any negativity it’s generated toward you, Michael. I know what I said last night came as a shock to those who heard it. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to explain my position with more clarity this morning. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about today and the future, but I have to have faith that somehow everything will work out.”
    Juliette shook her head. “I agree with Dad on this. Sorry, Mom. I know how much you love your job and the museum, but I don’t see why you can’t put that on hold while Dad is in office. It doesn’t get any bigger or more significant than being the wife of the president of the United States. I don’t think anything is more important than supporting him right now.”
    At times like this, Ashley wished she hadn’t encouraged her children to speak their minds. She knew she had only herself to blame for their opinionated responses. Jeremy was heavily involved in social justice while Juliette was more traditional like her dad. Therefore, conversations around