A short time for living.

Chapter 2 - The Road Ahead

 "It's not going to be that much of a fight," she said, her voice steady, with just a glint of challenge in her eyes. Jack could only smile back. She was right, as usual—she always was. Since the day they'd met at that fundraiser in Lakewood, Colorado, she'd been his anchor, the one who could see the bigger picture, the one with impeccable timing and that unique insight that always seemed to land at just the right moment. Perhaps that was why he'd married her. She fit perfectly into his world.

"I don't know what I'd do without your relentless cheerleading," Jack teased. "I mean, it could be raining meteors outside, and you'd still insist we just needed better umbrellas." She responded with her usual nod and quiet smile, her confidence both disarming and reassuring.

The race for Mayor had been a relentless grind so far, and Jack was beginning to feel the weight of it all. Tall and fit, Jack's health had become one of his unspoken campaign points against the current Mayor Jenkins, a man in his 60s, clearly worn by age and stress. Recently, after a charity walk, Jenkins had been left too winded to address the press—an opening Jack hadn't hesitated to capitalize on. But with just two months left, Jack knew he needed more than just public favor; he needed financial backing and votes, and tonight's event was another chance to secure both.

As they prepared to mingle with supporters, Jack knew the evening would follow their usual routine: a little handshaking, a bit of charming, then a private moment alone with his wife under the stars. This had become their tradition—a time to escape the whirlwind, to reconnect. But tonight, as they slipped away to their secret corner, he noticed something different in Jenny's eyes.

"What is it, Jen?" he asked softly, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

She leaned against the garden wall, sipping her champagne before meeting his gaze with a coy smile. "I just spoke with Bill Mansfield. He wants a private meeting—tonight." Jack's amusement quickly faded. "Bill? Again? The man is relentless."

Jenny's voice was calm but insistent. "He says he has a surefire way to secure your victory."

Jack scoffed, his voice laced with skepticism. "I'm sure he does. But at what price?" Jenny's steady gaze didn't waver. "Just hear him out, Jack. Then, you decide." Her timing, as ever, was impeccable, the perfect moment to suggest this next step.

Later that night, Bill Mansfield appeared, every inch the influential businessman. His tailored suit was as flawless as his practiced charm, but Jack knew better than to be distracted by the superficial. Mansfield was a man who had connections—and leverage. "So, Bill," Jack greeted him, "I hear you have a foolproof plan to win this campaign."

Bill's eyes lit up as he leaned forward. "Jack, I guarantee it—a Mansfield promise. I'll make you Mayor before the final week of the race."

Jack crossed his arms. "And the catch?"

Bill poured a generous glass of scotch and offered it to Jack, who politely declined. "It's about the airport project near Aurora. We're building the infrastructure, and let's just say... we need a budget expansion."

Jack's brow furrowed. "So, you've gone over budget and need taxpayer dollars to bail you out?"

Bill chuckled, but there was a flicker of desperation in his eyes. "It's more complicated than that. Some underground buildings were... misplaced." He took a deep breath. "Let's just say, we buried four structures before realizing they were built in the wrong spot. Now we need an additional 480 million."

Jack's gaze turned steely as he glanced out at the moonlit garden. He could picture Jenny standing there, her faith in him unwavering. This decision would change everything. After a heavy silence, he finally turned back to Bill, extending a hand.

"Alright, Bill," he said, his voice firm. "We have a deal."