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the kitchen table were full of passionate opinions and arguing. Nature versus nurture theorists would have a field day analyzing their family dynamics.
    Breakfast arrived. For a while they were just an ordinary family sharing a meal and catching up on the news about their lives. Ashley loved having the kids around. They never failed to cheer her up with their banter on every topic from politics to movie trivia. Their conversation was a welcome relief from the turbulent political waters swirling around them.
    An unwelcome knock on the door interrupted their small, momentary family oasis. Ed rushed in carrying a couple of newspapers. Anticipation and dread followed him into the room and chased normalcy out, kicking the door shut behind it.
    Ed began, “It’s pretty much what we expected. The headlines read, ‘Taylor Wins! Mrs. Taylor Declines!’ The other papers have some version of the same headline. Fox News is crucifying you and Ashley. MSNBC isn’t damning you, but their opinion varies depending on whom you’re watching, and network news is fact-checking like mad to understand what’s happening. At the press conference this morning, you both need to lay it out for the American people how this decision came to be, how you’re going to handle it, Michael, etcetera.” Ed shook his head as he looked down at the headline again.
    “Dad, what are you thinking?” Juliette asked.
    Michael shook his head and pressed his lips firmly together. “I’m thinking what a mess this is. I’m thinking how I wish your mom wanted to serve as the First Lady, and I’m naturally wondering how all of this is going to affect my presidency. The newspaper’s headlines only confirm what I already knew. The country isn’t ready for your mom’s position, and they may never be. They want a First Lady, and she’s throwing the role and tradition in their faces. No one is going to take this lightly.”
    Jeremy jumped in before his mother could say anything that would escalate the animosity that was growing in the room. “We all agree. The headlines and newscasts only confirm what we suspected. I don’t think anyone here thought the press was going to praise Mom for her decision. Won’t a more accurate assessment of public opinion come after Mom’s had a chance to speak her piece at the news conference this morning?”
    No one spoke.
    Ashley broke the silence by addressing her children. “Maybe you should reconsider attending. There’s no reason to have you mixed up in this mess.”’
    “I’m going,” insisted Jeremy.
    “Me, too,” echoed Juliette.
    Ashley realized Michael was watching her, or rather she felt as though he were dissecting her. She could see nothing in his face or body language that indicated a positive attitude. She knew she was to blame for this crisis, but she also knew she had to ride out the storm without capitulating at the first sign of criticism.
    She’d always known the path she’d chosen wasn’t going to be easy, and she knew it would become a lot worse. Her stubborn streak was already getting rod stiff and unyielding. She was upset and frustrated but knew heightened emotions right now would serve no purpose. Staying calm and resolute for the press conference was imperative.
    As if he were immune to all of the family dynamics, Ed announced, “It’s time to go down to the ballroom. Ashley, you have just enough time to change your clothes, if you hurry.”
    Jeremy started laughing, which temporarily broke the tension in the room. He was waiting to see what his mother was going to say.
    Ashley smiled and cocked her head to the right. “Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing, Ed? Perhaps a Nancy Reagan red suit or Barbara Bush pearls would be more to your liking?”
    “Of course not. What you’re wearing looks beautiful. Although, truthfully, I’m used to seeing First Ladies dressed more traditionally.”
    “Whoa on the whole First Lady thing. Instead of worrying about how I’m dressed,