America Relivies Camelot

Chapter 18

America Relives Camelot

John had always been interested in politics. After he had completed his military service he started to seriously consider running for President of the United States. He knew however that this would mean major changes in the lifestyle of his family. Le’andra he knew could handle it, after all she was a princess of England, born into a blaring spotlight, but the children had always led a carefree lifestyle free of the press. Could they handle the pressure? He wasn’t sure. One night, while they were preparing for bed, he decided to bring up the subject with his wife.
“Will you go home with me?” he asked.
“To England?”
“No love, to Pittsburgh and maybe to D. C.”
“D.C.?” the princess asked puzzled.
“I want to run for the United States Presidency.” The princess was astounded.
“You want to run for what?” John repeated his intention. “Sweetheart, think about this. How will the American people react to me and besides isn’t there a clause in the American Constitution that prohibits a foreigner from being involved with the Presidency?” John laughed.
“I’ll take your questions one at a time. First, if the American people don’t care for my family they won’t vote for me, it’s as simple as that. As to your question about the Constitution the only stipulation is that the President has to be at least a thirty-five year old natural born citizen, it doesn’t put any restraints on the First Lady.”
The princess spent a few minutes in deep thought. She finally looked up at John and smiled. She knew that this was going to be tough but she also knew about dreams.
“Yes, I’ll go with you,” she said.
“Are you sure?” She nodded again. “Thank you sweetheart, I love you.”
“Well,” the princess said rising; why waste time let’s get your campaign started.”
In a matter of weeks the political games begun. The campaign was a family effort. John chose Pennsylvania governor James Peter Wells as his Vice Presidential running mate. Peter Davis accompanied his son on the campaign trail, which made a good impression because he had been well respected as President. Branwen and the children were also on the campaign trail as much as possible.   They concentrated on the nine key “battleground” states and when the primary votes were tallied John won the Republican nomination by a landslide. The family traveled to New York City for the Republican National Convention where like his father three decades before John accepted the party’s nomination. While they were in New York John took his princess to her first Broadway musical.
After the convention the campaign kicked into high gear. It was an endless stream of interviews, photos, press conferences, and speeches. Branwen begun to wonder if all the fuss was really necessary, but on Election Day she saw the fruits of all their work. Since she was an American citizen she was allowed to vote and I don’t need to tell you who she pulled the lever for. John too cast his ballot.
That night Branwen couldn’t sleep. John went to bed at the usual time, but she stayed up to see the final count. It came at midnight. John won the White House by a count of 270 to 200 electoral-college votes. He had won all the “battleground” states and had lost some small ones, but that didn’t matter to Branwen. What mattered was that John had attained his goal. He would follow in his father’s footsteps to Washington.
The next morning Branwen woke John with a kiss and the words, “Good morning, Mr. President.” John opened his eyes slowly.
“What did you just say?” he asked.
“You won!” Branwen exalted “I’m so proud of you!” John sat up.
“I won!” he exclaimed. He reached his hands to her. “Come here my angel.” She smiled; there was no need to coax.
A few hours later there was a knock at the door. When Branwen opened it she was surprised to see two men in uniform standing in front of her.
"May I help you?" she asked. The younger of the two men smiled, he could see that the new First Lady would easily rival Jackie Kennedy in looks and style.
“We’re Secret Service agents, and we’re here to provide protection for the President Elect,” he explained. Those words made it official; John had won!
“Well, let’s have a look at the next First Lady,” John said teasingly as he held his wife at arm’s length. She looked up at him and smiled.
John now had the difficult task of appointing his cabinet. Two choices were clear however. Daniel Johnson, John’s former Marine commander, was confirmed easily as Secretary of Defense and Paul Sanders, the current commander of the Marine base in Pittsburgh, was confirmed as National Security Advisor. After the cabinet was appointed and confirmed the next big event was Inauguration Day.
January 20, 2071 was actually sunny and warm. For the first time in almost two decades Branwen would be on worldwide television; every major network on TV and cable would broadcast the event. Getting the children ready for the big day was her first challenge. Leyanna and Collin were no trouble; they loved to dress up. Brenden however was a wholly different story. He was like his father had been when he was younger; his wardrobe consisted mainly of jeans, T-shirts, shorts, and two pairs of dress slacks. John had bought him a suit but he had never worn it.
“Oh come on Mom, I don’t want to wear that thing,” he complained.
“Brenden darling, do it for your father, this is a big day for him and we all need to look our best,” she explained. She knew that Brenden would do anything for his father and she was right. A half hour later Brenden appeared at her door and announced that he was ready. Branwen turned and saw a younger version of his father. He looked great!
After she had prepared her children she turned her attention to herself. She was having trouble finding something she considered suitable. John came down the hall to find her rooting through the closet with everything out on the bed.
“Le’andra sweetheart, what in space are you doing?” he asked.
“I can’t find anything to wear,” she said. John smiled.
“How about this?” with that he picked up a sky-blue suit that she hadn’t noticed.
“Where did that come from?” she asked incredulously. John smiled.
“I bought it for you.”
“Did you pick it out yourself?”
“Oh heavens no, Anna helped me.” He smiled again. “And this is for the balls this evening.” He produced a soft lemon yellow evening gown that was floor length and swirled lightly as she walked. The top was pure lace and a soft pink rose was at the top.
“They’re beautiful sweetheart, thank you.” He smiled and kissed her.
“You’re more than welcome, now try the suit on. He left the room to go get into his suit that he had especially made for the inauguration.
The suit fit Branwen perfectly, setting off her figure and bringing out the colors of her hair and eyes. She added the white gold heart pendent and danglely earrings that John had bought to go with it. She decided to put her hair up for the ceremony for his sake. When she was finished she was stunning, even with her hair up. Jack, Jackie, and the spirit of America’s Camelot were back in full force, and to top it off the princess was pregnant with their fourth child, but she hadn’t told John yet.
“Whoa, what have we here? My goodness if you weren’t married I think I’d be inclined to ask you out, but since we’re both happily married it’s not going to happen, but you do look lovely,” Paul commented when he saw her. Branwen smiled and thanked him. John was coming down the hall.
“Le’andra, are you re…” he stopped short when he saw her. “You look great sweetheart.”
“Thank you, so do you; you look wonderful actually,” she said with a smile. He smiled, pleased with himself. She kissed him after straightening a lapel. She stepped back and noticed that his tie was crooked. She laughed, “You’ll never get the hang of tying a tie will you? Here.” After the tie was tied to her satisfaction John smiled at her.
“Branwen Alexandra Elizabeth Grace Windsor-Davis, what would I ever do without you? I love you sweetheart.”
“I’m so proud of you and I love you too,” she said softly. John smiled.
“You didn’t take your hair down I see,” he said. She smiled again.
“Of course not, do you think that I would be that cruel? The last thing you need today is to lose control.” John smiled at her, picked up her left hand and kissed her wedding band.
“You truly are a princess, not only in name, but in reality and I’m proud to call you mine,” he said softly. The princess looked up at him and he kissed her on the lips.
“Well, are you ready to go?” she asked. He nodded and together hand in hand they walked down the hallway.
Daniel met them at the front door; he beamed at them in the same way Collin and Peter would have. He was proud of his adopted children. He looked down at Branwen.
“Jackie nothing, you are more beautiful then she ever was. I’ve seen pictures of her and believe me you have more grace and poise then she ever did.” Anna came down and when she saw Branwen her eyes lit up.
“Well Jackie,” she said. Daniel saw Branwen stiffen and flush.
“Don’t insult her, she’s more fit for this then Jackie ever was,” he said.
“You see, everyone expects me to be the Queen of Camelot and I can’t be,” Branwen said as she and John were walking down towards the Capitol. He smiled.
“Honey the Queen of Camelot can’t hold a candle to you.   Daniel’s right you have more grace and poise then she ever did.”
“I still say that you need an American girl for this job, go find yourself a young pretty intern.” John laughed.
“Will you please get your head out of the gutter, I don’t need and to be honest I don’t want an intern   I only want you. They have an English rose for a change.”
They were met in the Capitol rotunda by Vice President Elect James Wells, his wife Marianna, and their three children Brandon, Julie, and Bethany. Branwen and Marianna were already good friends and the children were great together. Peter and Jessica Davis were there also to share in this moment with their son.
Everything was quiet on the Capitol lawn when Major Dennis Walker of the U. S. Army came over the loudspeaker and said, “Ladies and gentlemen presenting the wives of the Vice President and Vice President Elect, Mrs. Tara Holms and Mrs. Marianna Wells.” Tara and Marianna came out together and took their places. After a solo of America the Beautiful Major Den said, “Now presenting the Vice President and Vice President Elect, Jeffery Robert Holms and James Peter Wells.” The two men came out and took their places. “Now America, welcome for the last time as your First Lady Mrs. Kara Jones, along with First Lady Elect, Mrs. Branwen Davis.”
Suddenly everything was still as if everyone was holding their breath. The Marine Band struck up Hail to the Chief; everyone knew who was coming.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, William Joshua Jones, along with our President Elect, Jonathan William Michael Anthony Davis!” No one could blame Branwen if she flushed a little with pride. After all it isn’t every day that your husband is inaugurated as the President of the United States. Collin wanted to run to his father and it was all Branwen could do to hold him until John could get to them. When he reached them he scooped up his youngest son in a warm embrace.
James took the oath of office first, then after The Star Spangled Banner it was John’s turn. Chief Justice Warren Harvey administered the oath while Branwen and the children stood close by.   Branwen stood to John’s left holding the family Bible, while Peter and Leyanna stood to their father’s right. Collin stood on the left side of their mother. As soon as John had said the words, “so help me God,” he turned and kissed his wife and hugged his children. The band once again played Hail to the Chief but this time it was for John. A new chapter in American history, a new Camelot had begun.
At about six o’clock it was time to get ready for the evening balls. John had hired Jessica McClintock, the same designer who had designed the princess’s stunning wedding gown to make a very special gown for the inauguration. Jessica had also designed the suit that the princess had worn earlier that day.   To make this gown Jessica used a soft lemon yellow silk fabric to bring out the yellow undertone of the princess’s skin. She made it a ball gown with a full sweeping skirt and this time no sleeves; instead she used spaghetti straps. For the front of the gown Jessica decided to use a little Queen Anne’s lace and a single English rosebud to complete the look. The back of the dress was simple, modest but yet eloquent. She also included a complete set of her new diamond jewelry collection, which she had named “The Queen’s Heart” in honor of the princess, along with gloves, shoes, and a bottle of her signature perfume as a gift as she had done on her wedding day. The note that accompanied them read:

Dear Beth,
I was so pleased when John asked me to design your inauguration ensemble. I had fun designing your wedding gown, but I think I had more fun with this. I made two distinctly different pieces. The suit is for daywear and the ball gown is for evening. I used a simple design of your wedding dress to make the gown. The suit just came out of my head. I have also included all the accessories for each outfit as my gift to you. A bottle of my original perfume is also included, use it sparingly you don’t want to turn John on at the wrong time. I’m sure you will look as beautiful in these designs as you did in your college senior formal gown and your wedding gown. Have fun and send me pictures.
Love and my best,
Jessica McClintock
Jessica was right, when Branwen was all done up and ready to go that night she was stunning. John, who had changed from his suit to his tux, came in to check on her. When he saw her he smiled and said, “Wow, you look fabulous! Do me a favor just don’t take your hair down please!” Branwen smiled her sly smile and said, “My turn.”
“For what?”
“To be evil,” she answered.
“Oh no you don’t,” John said as he saw her fingers move towards her hair.
“Too late,” she said smiling as a cascade of soft brown curls came down. She put the combs that Jessica had sent in place and then she was ready to go. John came up behind her and turned her to face him.
“You are so beautiful, I can’t believe you’re real, and that you’re mine. He bent and kissed her on the lips, the forehead, and finally on the top of her head. She could sense that he wanted more, but was holding back. She smiled up at him.
“When we get home tonight, I promise.” He smiled again and nodded.
The last ball of the evening was the Keystone State Inaugural Ball hosted by the Pennsylvania state chapter of the Republican National Committee.   It was there that Branwen decided that the time was right to let John in on her little secret. While they were dancing together, she looked up at him.
“Honey, are you happy?” she asked. He smiled.
“Of course, I’ve never been better. I have my beautiful wife, my children, my closest friends are here and I’ve realized my most cherished dream. I couldn’t ask for more, what more could I or any man for that matter possibly want?” She smiled again.
“Honey, we’re going to have another baby. I didn’t want to tell you before today because I didn’t want you to worry, you had enough on your mind.” John was speechless. It was several minutes before he spoke when he did his voice was soft.
“When are you due?” he asked.
“July fourth,” she answered. John laughed.
“Independence Day, huh?” She nodded. He practically crushed her against him. “Queen Branwen, I love you, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
“Hush, please don’t call me that in public.” John laughed again.
“Don’t worry about it darling, you’re not a princess here just the First Lady and the new “Queen of Camelot” to many of the American people, so to them you are Queen Branwen although they don’t know that you’re the heir to the British throne.”
“Why did you marry me really?” she asked. He smiled down at her.
“Three words, I LOVE YOU! It’s that simple and I couldn’t stand the thought of being without you. I saw a girl who was sweet, talented, fun to be around, had a good head on her shoulders, and down to earth, not to mention drop dead gorgeous. It takes a special person to make complete strangers stop and take notice. I mean look at you, you’ve had three children two of them twins for pity sake, you’re carrying one right now, and you still look the same as you did at twenty-three. Do you think all these people are looking at me right now? No, they’re all watching you.”
When they got home that night Branwen was as good as her word. John was gentler with her then he had ever been.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, I told you I’d do it tonight and I will.”
“How does it feel to be in the arms of the American President?” he asked.
“Well, you’re no Michael Douglas, you’re much better looking.”
Two months into John’s presidency the American people were delighted to learn that Branwen was pregnant and that the baby was due to arrive on Independence Day. Once the pregnancy was made public however there was no rest from the national and international press. The Secret Service assigned double agents to the princess and her father sent her personal bodyguard from London to keep an eye on things. Dr. Tara Carter too came in from London to keep an eagle eye on her extra special patient.
When America’s Queen was about seven months into her pregnancy she came into the oval office to find the President and the Secretary of Defense deeply involved in a game of chess. When there was a break in the action she approached them.
“Who’s winning?” John laughed.
“Take a guess princess,” he said.   Daniel chuckled.
“You need to work on strategy a little more my friend, check mate.”
“You see what I mean? He cleans my clock every time,” John lamented.
“Well, if you would let me help you just maybe you would have a chance at winning,” she suggested. So they played the game again and Daniel still beat them.
“Well, I need to go work on a speech,” John said. “Coming sunshine?”
“Sure thing,” and together hand in hand they walked out of the oval office. “What’s this speech for?” she asked.
“Well, I was asked to give the commencement address at Pitt.” Branwen was stunned and relieved that at least he wouldn’t be going to Dallas. She smiled and picked up the paper with his notes. The speech was entitled “You Are Our Dream.” As Branwen read it she became excited as John hoped the graduates would.
“Would you like me to go with you?”
“Of course, if you feel up to it. They especially asked that I bring you because their starting a new scholarship for female duel elementary and special education majors that come over here from England to study called “The Princess Branwen English Rose Scholarship.” Branwen flushed.
“You’re kidding right.” John shook his head.
“No, I’m serious. I told them that you were thirty-two weeks pregnant, but that I’d see what I could do, so will you come?” Suddenly the baby kicked vigorously making its mother take in her breath. “Are you all right?” She nodded.
“My gosh that hurt, did you see that?”
“Sure did, this kid’s a strong one too.” The baby kicked again and this time John put his hand on the unborn child. “Easy there sport, it isn’t time to come out yet.”
“Is it safe for me to go?” she queried.
“I think so, you’re aren’t due for another two months, although it wouldn’t surprise me if this one came early. He’s a fighter that’s for sure. We’ll make Air Force One more comfortable for you.”
The trip to Pittsburgh was a blast, not only did they get to reunite with old friends but they were able to send out a whole new generation to make their mark. During commencement John and Branwen were both given honorary master’s degrees he in Political Science and she in Elementary Education. She was also honored to give out the first “Princess Branwen English Rose Scholarship” award to Marianne Brightman, an 18-year-old freshman with high academic potential and a love for children.
On July 2, 2071 exactly eight weeks after they returned from Pittsburgh their baby announced that it was on its way. Branwen felt the first contractions at about 1:30 in the morning; by two they had intensified to the point of real discomfort.
“John, honey it’s time to go,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes, he’s on his way.”
“He?” John repeated. Branwen nodded and smiled.
“Yes, we are about to welcome our son.” John didn’t waste any time, within ten minutes they were at the National Naval Medical Center. Tara was right there standing by ready to deliver the baby and Dr. Kevin Peters, the chief pediatrician from Children’s National Medical Center, was on hand to perform the baby’s first physical. He had been the pediatrician for America’s First Families for over two decades.
Two hours after arrival at the hospital Branwen delivered her third son and fourth child. John smiled down at him. Tara had bundled him and placed him on his mother’s chest. The baby was a mirror image of his father with the same dark hair, eyes and the face his mother loved.
“Would you like to hold him?” she asked John. He smiled.
“Sure.” He picked up his son and cradled him close. “Hey there tiger welcome to the world,” he said softly. He smiled at his wife. “He’s beautiful Le’andra,” he whispered. He laid his son gently on his mother’s chest then he kissed her.
Because of what happened with Collin Dr. Peters had ordered an extensive battery of tests at Children’s to check for congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation among other common birth defects.
“Okay Alex, we’re going to transfer the baby to our newborn unit at Children’s where I’ll check him over along with specialists from various disciplines and prepare the birth certificate then we’ll bring him right back here; you and John are welcome to come with us if you feel up to it.” As he had been talking the doctor and his nurse Kerri had been preparing the baby for transport to Children’s National Medical Center. “Have you picked a name for this little one?” he asked. Branwen smiled.
“Jonathan William Michael Anthony Davis Jr.” she said. After Dr. Peters had prepped the baby Tara and her nurse Karen prepped Branwen for the short ride to Children’s. On the way to the hospital she broke down in tears. John held her close.
“I’m here starlight, I’m right here,” he whispered softly into her hair. When her storm was spent he gently dried her tears.   “It’s just a routine physical, but these doctors are specialists in pediatrics. Dr. Peters ordered the whole nine yards because of what happened with Collin, that’s why they’re taking him to Children’s, he’ll be fine,” he assured her.    Two hours later just as his father had predicted J.J. as they had started calling him was given a clean bill of health from the specialists at Children’s. There was no evidence of a CCAM or any other birth defects. He was transferred back to the Well Baby Nursery at National Naval Medical Center.
Two days later on July 4th her due date Branwen and John Jr. were discharged from the hospital. The Secret Service code-named the baby Tiger.   The First Family was the guests of honor at the biggest Independence Day party ever. There were two things worth celebrating. It was the first time in 111 years that a child had been born to a sitting President and it was America's birthday. AAmerica’s birthday.