The Revolution Came

Chapter 26: Ratification

November 15th, 1933

The winter wind of St. Lawrence whistled through the cracks in the window, chilling the air inside the office. Cody shivered slightly but didn't bother to get up and close it. His focus was on the documents spread across his desk, the ink on the pages detailing budgets, projections, and department expenditures.

It had taken weeks to compile everything, weeks of calculations, negotiations, and endless revisions. This report would decide not just his fate but the future of his entire department.

The weight of responsibility pressed down on him.

He hated to admit it, but he was anxious.

A rare feeling. Unfamiliar. Unsettling.

Then, a soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called, rubbing his temple as the door creaked open.

He relaxed the moment he saw her.

Jazmin.

His wife stepped inside, a knowing smile on her lips. "Morning, love. Are you ready?"

She approached him with ease, reaching up to adjust his slightly askew bow tie before smoothing down his lapels.

"Yes, yes..." Cody exhaled. "Just a tad bit anxious, that's all."

Jazmin snorted at that, an amused glint in her eyes. "Since when was Cody Rivera ever anxious about giving people a piece of his mind?"

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"Since his entire job is on the line," he muttered.

Without a word, she moved behind him and gently kneaded his shoulders. The warmth of her touch seeped through his tense muscles, grounding him.

"Do you remember the reading from Mass this morning?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.

Cody paused, trying to recall it. But the numbers, the deadlines, and the pressure had drowned everything else out. He sighed, shaking his head.

Jazmin leaned down slightly, her breath warm against his ear.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

His chest tightened, not from worry this time, but from the sheer gentleness of the reminder.

He looked up at her, eyes searching hers.

"You're right..." he admitted. "You're always right. I keep worrying about the future and forget to focus on the present."

Jazmin nodded, her hands still resting on his shoulders. "You've led men into battle, love. You've stood in front of entire nations and fought for what you believed in. This? This is just another fight. And you've already won harder ones."

Cody held her gaze for a moment before leaning up and pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips.

When he pulled away, there was determination in his eyes.