“Let me be honest with you, Nick. You’re well aware of how brutal the reelection campaign has been. I think we’ll win but not by much. There’s still a lot I want to get done and only two years before the midterm elections. I don’t want to spend half a year recovering from the election. Adding a vice president with your approval ratings would go a long way toward repairing some of the campaign damage.”

“I’m honored to be considered.”

“But?”

“You’ve met my wife,” Nick said with a wry smile. “Can you picture her as the second lady of the United States?”

“The gun and cuffs might have to go,” Nelson said, returning Nick’s smile.

“We’ve just brought a child into our home. While the transition has been smooth, it’s not without challenges. I’m not sure this would be the right time to ask so much of my family.”

“All fair concerns. It is a lot to ask of our loved ones. At times, I wouldn’t blame Gloria for hoping I lose the election. We’re both exhausted from the endless campaign and the grueling four years that preceded it.”

“It’s not for the faint of heart.”

“No, it isn’t. Here’s the thing, Nick. The party is impressed with you—and most of us are damned envious of your numbers. I have no doubt at all that you’ll be a contender in four years, whether I win or lose next week. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that if you come on board as my VP, it all but assures your status as the party’s heir apparent.”

“And it doesn’t matter that I’ve only been a senator for a year?”

“You’ve been in this business for more than a decade on the staff side, and you really struck a chord with people at the convention. We’ve done some polling, and your national numbers are exceptional. The people like you.”

Nick’s head spun as he attempted to process the enormity of what the president was asking of him—and what he was offering. They’d polled about him nationally? Unreal.

“Take some time,” Nelson said. “Think about it. Nothing will happen until after the election. But I’ll be looking to move quickly to fill the spot, and you’re the guy I want.” The president stood to indicate the meeting was over.

Nick stood and shook the hand he offered. “I’m truly humbled by the offer.”

“Get in touch with Tom after the election. We’ll be waiting for your call.”

“Thank you, Mr. President.”

He made his way from the front of the plane to the guest cabin, located just behind the wings.