HOME ON THE RANGE

Rose Kennedy Schlossberg had served as President of the United States for the past six years. She was about to be replaced by President-elect, Ken Eastman, whom she had supported in his run for the Presidency. Ken had served as her Vice President and was one of the smartest, most even keeled, men she had ever known. The transition was about as easy as it could possibly be. Ken had been by her side for the past four years and he had participated in every meeting that had significance to the future of the country. His campaign had gone well and his positions simply mirrored those that she had fostered.

She sat in the Oval office, not behind the desk, but on the couch looking out the window. Her feet were up on the coffee table and her shoes were off. Not exactly the look that you would expect from one of the most powerful people in the world.

The snow was falling as it so often did this time of year in Washington and her thoughts were far away from the ongoing problems faced by a sitting President.

The buzzer on her desk went off and to some extent startled her. She walked over to the desk and pushed the button. "Yes, Marcia, what's up?"

"Madam President, Cheetah Rappaho and Rita Regas are on the line for you. They said you would want to take the call as it has to do with your wedding."

"Thanks Marcia, I will pick it up in here. Hi Girls, what's happening in the great State of Colorado?"

"Hey Rose," they both said together. Cheetah then spoke, "we have something exciting to tell you."

"Go for it, I haven't had anything exciting happen to me since I left the Cowboy in July except for his two visits since then. What's up?"

"Well, as you know, we have been finalizing the plans for your wedding in February and as you requested it will be a real western theme. In fact, you will probably be the first President of the United States to wear cowboy boots as you walk down the aisle. The reason we called is that we have just received the outfit that we designed for you to wear. It is unbelievable and made of the finest buckskin deer leather that can be purchased today. The designers followed our requests and included all of the detail we requested. We want to send this to you as we need you to see it, try it on and let us know what you think. We will only have a short time to make any needed changes but we both are in agreement that it is a one of a kind look that will have people standing in the aisles."

"Well, knowing you two it is going to be a one of a kind simply beautiful dress. Any idea what this is going to cost me and the Cowboy?"

Rita replied, "Yes, of course we know, we designed the thing. All I will tell you is that you got a real deal in this one and the total outfit, including boots, dress and lingerie, will set you back less than $10,000. As I said, that price also includes the lingerie that will go under it."

"Now I'm really interested, I have no idea what you two have up your sleeve but I have been around you long enough to know that men love to look at you and that you know how to please them. So, my guess is the Cowboy is going to be pretty happy with what he gets to remove on our wedding night?"

Rita replied, "Take it from us Madam President, you are going to love wearing the entire outfit and he is going to go crazy taking it off." They all laughed. Rita continued, "The reason for our call is we need to know how to send the dress to you? We plan to include the lingerie as well and we want to make sure that no one is in a position to open the package, or for that matter, even be tempted. Our turnaround time will need to be quick so we need to get them shipped out to you as soon as possible."

"Can you two at least give me a hint of what is in store for me?" asked Rose.

Cheetah said, "Nope, we talked about it and think the surprise will be worth the wait. We only wish we could be there to see your face when you open the package."

"OK then," responded Rose, "Here is what we will do. Do you remember Walter Freemont? He is the head of the Secret Service. We have become close friends over the years and even more so since Neal was shot by "A". I will ask Walter to have one of his men in Colorado come to your home Rita, and pick up a package for the President of the United States. He will be instructed that under no circumstances is he to open the package or give it to anyone else for safekeeping. I will ask Walter to have him personally deliver it to me at the White House. I won't even have him give it to Walter. I will ask that he stay in Washington for the night and return the package to you at the ranch the next day with the same conditions in effect."

"Great idea Madam President" replied Rita. "We have to tell you, the two of us have been like school girls getting ready for this wedding. It's going to be fantastic."

Cheetah chimed in, "While we have you on the phone, the guest list is now finalized. As you requested, it has been kept to no more than fifty guests, which will be easy to handle in Rita's home. We also have finalized the honeymoon plans. All of us are looking forward to a week on Maui together following the wedding."

"Sounds great!" said Rose. "How's the weather out there?"

Cheetah answered, "Well, today it's not snowing but we have two feet on the ground and it's starting to bug the cattle a bit. Jake and Carlos have been out all day doing what ranchers do when the weather is bad.lots of cows to feed. We have a roaring fire burning in the fireplace and the four of us are going to have dinner together in front of the fire."

"Let me guess, you will be pouring an Oregon Pinot Noir?" asked Rose.

"Yes ma'am, you have that right," Rita responded. "Tonight we have a couple of bottles of Saint Innocent ready to go."

"Sounds like a place I'd like to be," replied Rose. "I've got to run, but thanks for the update and I can't wait to receive the package. Bye for now pals!"

LATER THAT AFTERNOON

Carlos Regas picked up the phone on the third ring. "Regas Ranch, Carlos speaking. May I help you?"

The voice on the other end said, "Good afternoon Mr. Regas, my name is Mike Eversley and I am a special agent with the United States Secret Service."

Carlos asked, "What can I do for you Mr. Eversley?"

"Well Sir, I am based in Denver, Colorado and I have been requested to pick up a package at your home and deliver it to the President of the United States."

"Really," Carlos replied. "I have no idea what package you are talking about. Hang on a minute and let me ask my wife."

Carlos lowered the phone and called out, "Rita?"

"Yes Carlos?"

"Do you know anything about a package pick up for the President of the United States, a Mike Eversley is on the phone saying he has instructions to pick up a package here?" said Carlos.

"Oh, yes dear ... wow, that was quick. I will talk to him and then brief you on what we are up to."

Carlos replied, "No problem," and then he put the phone back to his ear, "Mr. Eversley, my wife, Rita, would like to speak with you."

Carlos handed the phone to Rita, "Hello Mr. Eversley, I do have a package for the President but will not have it ready to go until tomorrow morning. Would it be convenient for you to pick it up here at the ranch about ten tomorrow morning?"

"That would be fine Ma'am; my boss told me that this is a priority package and that I am to deliver it to the President myself, and to ensure that no one, including myself,...