“Sir, I’ll have agents scourer Mexico and find your perfect wife.”
“Thank you, Agent Harris. I have confidence in you. Meeting is adjourned.”
Cabinet members collected their notebooks and began departing.
“Agent Harris, please remain seated,” the President asked.
Room cleared as everyone scrambled for the door.
President Davis closed the door and returned to the head of the table.
Agent Harris remained seated.
“This must remain confidential between us.”
“Yes sir.”
“I understand you speak Russian.”
“Yes sir. My parents emigrated from Russia 20 years ago. We still speak Russian at home. I also majored in Russian in college for an easy A.”
“Good, like I said, this information must remain confidential. A long time ago, I fell in love with two Russian women. One was Russian, and the other was Tatar. Your mission is to find out, what has happened to them. Under no circumstances are you to talk to them. I just want to know how their lives turned out. Some pictures would be nice, and this assignment is off the record. I will pay you for your expenses and a $100,000 bonus for a good job. Is your mission clear?”
“Yes sir; I’ll take a personal leave and sneak into Russia. I’ll find out what happen to them. What are their names and addresses, sir?”
The President wrote down their names and approximate addresses, drawing a rough map of the neighborhood and apartments’ locations.
“Hopefully, this will be enough information for you to find them.”
Agent Harris took the maps and information and exited the room. He must complete two missions for the President.
***
After the meeting, Jennifer escaped to the ladies’ room, struggling to hold back her tears.
She rushed into a stall and sat down on the toilet, crying. She always wanted to be with Jerrick and stand next to him as the First Lady.
Now Jerrick is talking silly. Pleeeeaseee, a Mexican wife! What is Jerrick thinking? How can a woman hold together an Empire? Why are men such stupid creatures? Which century do they think they’re living in?
***
A month later, Agent Harris returned to the Oval Office.
President Davis invited him in and asked, “Would you like a tea or a coke.”
“Sir, I’ll take a coke.”
The President opened his small refrigerator under his desk and retrieved an icy cold can of coke for Agent Harris. Beads of moisture formed on the can.
Agent Harris began, “I found Lidya easily. She married a construction manager and then divorced him six years later. She still lives in the small apartment in south Moscow. She has one son and one daughter.”
Agent pulled out a photograph of Lidya and handed it to the President.
Jerrick recognized her, but she had aged. Mother Russia was still cruel to her women. She almost transformed into one of those decrepit Russian grandmothers, who hobbled along the streets as they walked.
“What did you find out about Amaliji?”
“Sir, please don’t be mad.”
“Why would I be mad?”
“I talked to her.”
“Really; what did she say?”
“I had trouble tracking Amaliji down. Her parents still live in that apartment you gave me directions to, but Amaliji moved away, and married a rich Russian businessman. She still lives in Moscow, and she had caught me taking pictures of her house. She knew I worked for you.”
Agent lay several pictures on the table in front of President Davis.
Jerrick studied them. Amaliji was still beautiful, even after all this time.
“She is still married but doesn’t have any children. She told me to give you this letter, and made me promise that only you would read it.”
Agent passed the President the sealed letter. On the front of the envelope she wrote, ‘To Jerrick from Amaliji’ in Russian.
The President opened the letter and saw she wrote the letter in Russian. He handed the letter to the agent and asked, “Please translate it. It has been a long time since I studied Russian.”
Agent read the letter aloud,
“Dear Jerrick. It has been a long time. After all these years, I still love you. That offer is still open. You can still join me in Moscow, or we can compromise. We can run away to a tropical island. I’m tired of the long, cold Moscow winters, but I know it is too late. Michigan reclaimed its lost son. You kept your word. You wanted to make Michigan and the United States great again, and you did it.
I tried to get a visa to enter the United States in 2005 and again, in 2006, but the U.S. Embassy turned down my request. I tried twice to come and get you, but I failed. A rich Russian businessman proposed to me in 2007, and I accepted. I try to love him, but I can think only of you, and that special one year we had together. I stay with him because he is a good man, and he has been good to me. In time, I’ll love him with all my heart. If I never do, I still plan to stick by him to the end.
Then I got a surprise in 2017. I saw your picture in the news when you overthrew the government and declared your presidency. I cried for you because I knew you would never return to me. Russian agents combed through all the neighborhoods that month. I know they found Lidya and talked to her. The Russian government wanted to know everything about you, but I managed to slip through. As far as I know, nobody knows about us except you and me, and your agent friend. I plan to keep it that way.
Now you have grown up, and you made everyone scared in Russia. Our government believes once you are done in America, you’ll cross into Russia through Alaska. Government is doing everything to thwart your future attack. I know the government probably will never let you enter Russia again.
Whenever you finished building your Empire, you can return to me. I’ll be waiting for you. I enclosed a picture of me, so you would remember me always.
Love Amaliji”
Agent handed the President the picture.
The President examined Amaliji’s picture in the café, when she was a young woman in 2005.
The President placed the picture next to the recent pictures. Amaliji gracefully aged. According to these photographs, she barely aged five years, although the pictures were 15 years apart.
“She’s a beautiful woman, Mr. President.”
“Yes, I know. I wondered what life would have been like if I stayed in Moscow with her.”
“Sir, you’re the President. You can do anything you want. If you want her as your wife, just say the word. Several agents and I will have her in your office in three days, tops.”
The President chuckled lightly and said, “That is a tempting suggestion, but I must marry a Mexican woman. I must unite two great cultures. I will spend time in Mexico, ensuring the transition goes smoothly.”
“Yes sir, I understand.”
“You are dismissed agent.”
Agent left the letter, pictures, and documents behind.
The President placed Lidya’s pictures and documents into the shredder because he harbored bitter feelings over their break up.
Then he placed Amaliji’s pictures into his top drawer of his desk along with her letter.
Agent did make a good point. He is the ruler. He could marry Amaliji, but she does not speak English and Americans may not fall in love with her.
The President knew he must marry a Mexican woman. He wanted to ensure his Empire stayed intact for at least 500 years. He did not want his Empire to crumble, when he lay on his deathbed. Jerrick wanted to build something that will stand for centuries.
***
Agent Harris and his agents found President’s Davis’ perfect wife. The President sat behind his desk in the Oval Office, when Agent Harris brought in Thalia for the first time.
Thalia Morales was both beautiful and intelligent with long, black, curly hair that almost reached her waistline. Her complexion was a light creamy, brown with the brownest
, olive eyes. Her personality complemented her beauty. As she walked into a room, she was a powerful magnet, emanating excitement and radiance. Everyone would turn and notice her.
As they entered into the Oval Office, the President stood up, walked to the door, and greeted them.
The President took Thalia’s hand and lightly kissed it. Then he gestured for both the agent and Thalia to sit near the fireplace on the sofa.
The President sat across from them in a dark leather armchair.
“I must say, Agent Harris, you found exactly what I wanted.” Then he turned to Thalia and added, “You know why Agent Harris brought you here?”
“Yes, Agent Harris explained everything to me, and I accepted the proposal.”
“Good! Let me ask you one question; why did you agree to marry me?”
“I wanted to ensure no harm comes to my people,” Thalia said nicely, but the President detected a little coldness in her voice.
“Good, then it is settled. My staff will move your things into the Queen’s Bedroom for the time being.”
The President stood up and walked to his desk to call for his staff.
Several staff members arrived and guided Thalia to her accommodations, where royalty once slept in the Whitehouse.
Agent Harris remained seated.
The President sat down and began, “Where did you find her?”
“We found her in Mexico City. She completed a MBA at the Universidad of Mexico. She comes from a rich, powerful family. Her father owned several maquiladoras along the U.S. -Mexican border, but then he bankrupted after the 2016 Hyperinflation.”
“Does she have any personality flaws?”
Agent chortled and stated, “She can be a little feisty.”
“Feisty, uh?”
“Yes sir, I guess she always gets her way. She doesn’t hesitate to give her opinion either, whether or not if you ask for it.”
Next day, Jerrick Davis and Thalia ate their first, formal dinner in the Family Dining Room in the Whitehouse.
Dining room emanated wealth and status. Yellow silk curtains hung on the windows, a large crystal chandelier dangled above the dining table, and the fireplace had a white marble mantel, carved with eagles and festoons.
Dining table was small, and they sat across from each other while Vivaldi’s Four Seasons played softly in the background.
One servant stood by the door, who kept their drinks full.
Another servant brought in the food and removed the dirty dishes.
“I thought it would be nice to have a Spanish dish. So, how do you like the paella?”
“Paella is not bad. I see the chef added saffron, which adds a soft, flowery aroma to the dish.”
“How are your accommodations?”
“Room is charming. I see you wasted no expense on me. Room is fit for a queen.”
“Good! I want to ensure, you are well taken care of.”
“Should I call you Mr. President or Jerrick since we’ll marry?”
“You can choose, but Jerrick is fine.”
“Jerrick, what are your intentions for Mexico?”
“I thought my intentions were clear. I am uniting two great cultures.”
“Come on Jerrick, I know from history when two cultures clash, the superior one always takes over and assimilates the weaker one. Then usually the weaker culture becomes slaves.”
“Thalia; I am being sincere with you. I plan to develop Mexico. People can keep their language and culture. Besides, does your father own several maquiladoras? I thought those were Mexican slave factories that forced young Mexican women to toil hard on products shipped to the United States.”
Thalia’s started blushing and lowered her face in shame.
Then she raised her face again, and her facial expression softened. She stared at Jerrick, “I’ve never seen a maquiladora. My father forbid me to come near one.”
Jerrick interjected, “Thalia, do not get me wrong. I am not here to pass judgment on you. We made mistakes on both sides of the fence. Before the 2008 Financial Crisis, we used illegal Mexican workers to build our houses and to cut our grass. We paid them meager wages for their hard work. After the Financial Crisis, we rounded the Mexicans up by the millions and deported them to Mexico. Then the geniuses in Washington, D.C. constructed a fence along the border, like a fence would stem the tide of illegal workers coming to United States. Some blamed the Mexicans for the financial crisis, which is really ludicrous.”
The President sipped his wine and continued, “Let‘s put these mistakes behind us. I plan to build a great country. All citizens will be equal in the Empire, and you will be their queen.”
The President noticed that Thalia reddened again.
Everyone treated Thalia well, like a princess, but no one had ever elevated her to a queen’s status.
***
The President set his wedding day on Friday, March 8, 2024.
They held the wedding in the Virgen de la Asunción, Veracruz, Mexico. Builders constructed the cathedral in the 17th century. In the building’s center was a large dome or cupola that loomed three stories above the church. Under the dome, the audience could stare upward at the religious murals and frescoes of god and Jesus or glance at the stained, glass mosaic windows during sermons.
A large crystal candelabra that held 82 candles, dangled from the ceiling in the foyer near the entrance. A narrow tower with a small dome stood next to the church with five levels, complete with Roman arches and columns.
Thalia and the President chose the wedding to start at 5 o’clock in the afternoon.
All top leadership of the National Worker’s Party, the state’s governors, and officials of the Empire’s federal government paid homage to this grand event.
Thalia wore a long white wedding gown designed by Yumi Katsura, a famous Japanese designer. Gown was modern, and the arms and shoulders were exposed. A light-blue sash was tied around her waist while her veil had a slight bluish hue.
The President had dressed into a traditional Morning dress, reserved for British royalty. He wore a black tailcoat, white waistcoat, and brown-striped trousers.
His best man, Dan Bigler, stood to the President’s right. He wore an identical, tailored British Morning suit.
In the corner of the church, an orchestral began playing the famous bridal march from Richard Wagner's Lohengrin.
Audience and the nation watched as Thalia and her father meandered slowly down the church aisle.
Her brides’ maids followed close behind.
Everyone turned to stare at the bride.
Dress complemented Thalia’s nature beauty. Wedding gown had several expensive gems that sparkled as Thalia strolled to the altar.
After a minute, Thalia joined Jerrick Davis at the altar.
A Catholic priest started the ceremony, “Father, today in heaven may we join this couple in holy matrimony, do you Jerrick Ray Davis take Thalia Morales to be your lawful wedded wife, whom you will love and cherish? Whom you will take care of through sickness and health, through joy and sorrow? Whom you will face your life’s experiences together and share one another’s goals and dreams for as long as you live?”
“I do,” President Davis said.
“Do you Thalia Morales take Jerrick Davis to be your lawful wedded husband, whom you will love and cherish? Whom you will take care of through sickness and health, through joy and sorrow? Whom you will face your life’s experiences together and share one another’s goals and dreams for as long as you live?”
“I do,” Thalia said.
“Then I may pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
President Davis gently lifted Thalia’s veil and kissed her sweetly for the first time.
Then President Davis led Thalia outside the church.
Orchestral began playing the wedding march from Felix Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Guests stood up and started applauding.
An old-s
tyle Landau royal carriage waited outside. Two white horses pulled the 19th-century British convertible carriage.
Two aids helped the First Lady and the President climb into the vehicle.
Driver thrashed the horses, signaling them to start walking. He drove the carriage to the wedding reception.
A battalion of soldiers in dress uniforms walked in formation on all sides of the carriage.
Military marked this special occasion, honoring the Commander and Chief of the Empire’s forces. Off to the side, military soldiers fired a five-gun salute. Along the shoreline of Veracruz, several naval vessels fired large canons, exploding massive booms into the air.
As dusk approached, fireworks lit up the skies.
Carriage pulled to the front of the Municipal Palace in downtown Veracruz, one of the oldest buildings in Mexico. Architectural style was Baroque, and builders constructed it in 1608.
An entourage led the President and Thaila into the interior courtyard. Many looked at the impressive arches that followed along the inside perimeter of the courtyard, and they held balconies. The group entered a five-story tower and into the dinner hall.
Guests began filing in.
The President and his wife sat at the head table on the stage with his cabinet and top party leaders.
Dan sat to the President’s right and raised his champagne glass for a toast.
Jennifer and Chad sat at the table’s end. Jennifer squinted at Thalia a few times, but Thalia never noticed.
Guests quieted down and raised their Champaign glasses in unison.
Dan began, “May today be a glorious day. Our leader has married a beautiful, intelligent woman. May they live happily together and prosper along with the Empire, and as a side note, to my best friend, Jerrick, buddy, you really did it. Some moments I had my doubts, but you pulled it off. You did something that very few leaders of all humanity have done. History will record you as one of the greatest leaders of all humanity. You’re the best of the best. Cheers.”
Guests raised their Champaign glasses in a salute, and they sipped their Champaign. Then they cheered.
After the toasts, everyone ate a magnificent meal fit for a king.
Waiters brought several entrées, starting with a light-green salad, then plates of veal, steaks, and shrimp with couscous, wild rice, and roasted potatoes.