
Michael pulled his family, plus Richard and his family, toward him while photographers snapped pictures of this historic event.Amid the excitement, it almost went unnoticed that a reporter shouted a question at Ashley. Before the world, she and Michael looked like the perfect couple. Cheers from a wildly exuberant audience and music blocked out what individuals were saying, but the camaraderie of those on the stage was evidenced by their smiles, hugs, and claps on the back. They all walked forward to stand beside Michael, Ashley and the twins to his left Robert Hughes, Catherine, and their children to his right.The chaos and elation vibrating through the crowd was intoxicating.

The noise from the crowd grew in intensity as each of them came into view. From Chapter 3 of The Reluctant First LadyĪpplause and pandemonium broke out on the other side of the curtain, indicating Michael had reached the end of his speech.A stage manager nodded and, with Ashley and the twins leading the way, followed by the vice president- elect, his wife, and family, she stepped onto the stage and into the bright lights.
