Nick felt the heat of all eyes on him. He wished now that he’d asked Graham O’Connor to come to the meeting too, although Graham would be jumping up and down by now, accepting on his behalf. The thought of that brought a smile to Nick’s lips.

“You’ve given me a lot to consider,” Nick said tentatively. “I’d like a little time to think it over, to speak to my family and my team.”

“I understand,” Nelson said. “However, time isn’t on our side. Vice President Gooding’s tumor is life threatening. He’s been given three to six months to live.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Nick liked the jovial vice president and was saddened to hear of his dire diagnosis.

“We’re working with his office to keep his condition under wraps until we’re ready to announce his resignation and our choice for his replacement at the same time. As you can imagine, he’s anxious to resign so he can focus on his treatment and his family at this difficult time. In a best-case scenario, we’d like to make a move on Friday.”

“Of this week?” Nick asked, incredulous.

“Yes.”

“And if I decline? You have someone else in mind?”

“We have another candidate who’s a very distant second to you. You’re the one we want.”

“I want you to know I’m incredibly flattered to be sitting in this room, in this building, talking to the president of the United States about something so far outside my reality I feel like I must be dreaming. No matter what I decide, please know how deeply honored I am to have been asked.”

“I appreciate your candor, Senator. It’s one of the things I most admire about you. We’ve certainly taken enough of your time when the Senate is in recess and you’re probably wishing you were home with your family.” Nelson stood and extended his hand.

Nick rose and shook his hand and Ambrose’s too. “Thank you, Mr. President. I’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Tom, if you would, please give the senator my direct number.”

“Of course, Mr. President,” Hanigan said as he and Derek escorted Nick and Terry from the Oval Office.

“I didn’t want to say this in there,” Hanigan said when they were in his office. “But Halliwell wanted to be here for the meeting, but the president said no. He didn’t want to overwhelm you with DNC pressure on top of the pressure he was already exerting. But you should know the party leadership is incredibly jazzed about the idea of you as VP.”

“That’s good to know,” Nick said, feeling like an elephant was sitting on his chest.

Hanigan handed him a business card with the president’s direct line written on the back. “Thanks for coming in.”