A few minutes prior to ten o’clock in the morning, Ambassador Pearson confidently strolled into the outer offices of the American Secretary of State while carrying a five pound box of chocolates. Although the purpose of his visit was for a regular monthly meeting with the Secretary, this particular second Monday of February happened to fall on Valentine’s Day. Therefore the Ambassador believed that providing the staff of his counterpart with some treats for the occasion would be nice gesture. It was cliché and he knew it, but based solely upon how the first staffer he encountered reacted, he knew that his intent would be well received.

A moment later the Secretary of State emerged from his inner office and as usual, extended a welcoming hand toward his guest. After exchanging momentary pleasantries, and then briefly discussing how each would treat their wives to another cliché of dinner and flowers that evening, the two men retreated into the office of the Secretary to begin their ritual of a monthly closed door meeting.

Out of curiosity, the Secretary asked, “So I know what you have in store for this evening, but do you and the family have any plans for the upcoming holiday weekend?”

“Not especially Mr. Secretary. Although most offices in Washington D.C. will be closed next Monday, mine will not. The Republic of Texas doesn’t officially recognize the holiday America celebrates for the birth of Washington and Lincoln, so for me it will be a work day.”

The Secretary nodded, and in true diplomatic fashion replied, “I see. Well I hope when the time comes, you enjoy whatever holiday has been created by Texas to take its place.”

“Thank you Mr. Secretary, I shall. Now then, can we get down to business?”

“Of course, where would you like to begin?”

Per the norm for a man in his position, the Ambassador studied his opponent carefully during the continued exchange of ideas and proposals. Even though he believed that the threat of an investigation from Agent Bishop no longer existed, he still could see no tangible signs or expressions of mistrust from the Secretary to imply that he had ever been brought into the loop. Another possibility was that the man had been privy to what little, if anything, that the investigation may have revealed, but continued to exhibit the best poker face he had ever encountered. Then again there was a third option which the Ambassador hoped to be true. Perhaps the short length of the investigation had exposed nothing tangible, and with the elimination of the agent, any covert interest in Texas had died with him. No matter what the case might be, the Ambassador felt that he could rest more easily than he had during their meeting of January tenth.

When believing they had reached a level of comfort as with most other meetings, the Ambassador presented the latest directive from his superiors in Austin.

With seriousness in his expression and tone, the Ambassador said, “Mr. Secretary, I have been instructed to broach a new subject with you.”

With a smile he replied, “Very well Mr. Ambassador. What would you like to discuss?”

“Texas would like to implement a tariff upon those who wish to transport goods through our republic from one portion of the United States to another.”

Although surprised by the thought of such a thing, and with the frank statement of intent, the Secretary needed clarification before he could put forth an educated rebuttal.

Therefore he asked, “Could you please be more specific?”

“It’s quite simple really. Either by the use of rail or other ground transportation, all modes of travel for the movement of commercial goods through Texas shall be required to pay a tariff for the privilege.”

The Secretary understood that above all other things he needed to consider what would be in the best interests of the United States. Only then could he subsequently put forth a potential counter proposal.

With that in mind he leaned back in his chair and said, “I see. Well by rail is clearly spelled out, and therefore requires limited discussion. However when you speak of other ground transportation, can I assume you are referring to commercial trucking?”

“Yes Mr. Secretary, that is correct.”

“Alright, then let’s begin there. Give me some specifics with regard to trucking.”

Shifting to a more relaxed and non-threatening posture, the Ambassador stated, “Texas will have all trucks and vans attempting to enter the republic halted at the crossing point. If they found to be transporting any commercial goods, they will be required to pay a tariff. I don’t know how I could be more specific!”

“And this tariff would apply to all roadways?”

“Certainly, why would one roadway be different from another?”

“Well I can see your point in relation to Texas state highways or even the U.S. highways that continue into other states, but I don’t see how it should apply to the interstates.”

“That’s a curious stance Mr. Secretary. Why don’t you see the interstates as being part of the equation?”

“Because those are federally constructed highways that crisscross the country, with an original design function of being able to transport military troops and supplies quickly if defense of the nation was needed.”

“That’s a fascinating tidbit of historical information. However it is non-consequential in the present discussion, as those federal highways as you call them pass through what is now a neighboring nation. Therefore they are subject to our laws, not yours!”

As that topic continued to be bantered about at great length, a delivery van had been cleared for entry through the front gate of the Tillman estate. Some of the contents within were identical to what Samuel purchased for the women in the family on Valentine’s Day every year, and per his intent during the annual process, the hand of his two sons had been forced into following suit. Whether cliché or not, some rituals should continue even if one of his sons was not home to properly present the gifts of affection. And despite what Savanah was going through, the current year would be no different.

Beyond what had been done in the past, Samuel felt that this particular year required an expansion to his longstanding tradition. Jennifer, now nearly seventeen and driving, had become a young woman in her own right. Therefore she deserved the same gift as the other women of the house, and they would be waiting for her when she returned from school. Mason had been made aware of that fact, so even though he remained on assignment in El Paso with number thirty-one, he placed a call to the usual flower shop in Crockett so that he could add the appropriate quantity to his annual order. As for Savanah, the gift of flowers on Valentine’s Day would probably not be met with the same enthusiasm as that of the others, but Samuel didn’t want to leave his weakening little sugar empty handed.

When the delivery truck arrived, six vases of various sizes from Samuel which brimmed with flowers were carried inside. They were destined for Victoria, Ms. Holloway, Ashley, Courtney, and his two granddaughters, and after setting them upon the huge dining room table, additional trips were made by the two delivery men to bring in more from both Kyle and Mason. After the Tillman women and their aging confidante took in the fragrance of what was offered in love or appreciation, Kyle and Samuel picked up two vases earmarked for Savanah. Although barely awake, she smiled faintly when her father and grandfather each asked if she would be their valentine. Sitting on opposite sides of her bed, they chatted with Savanah until her fading strength once again induced sleep.

Returning to the family room they were greeted with warmth from their respective wives, and Victoria stated, “That was a wonderful gesture toward Savanah by both of you.”

Later that afternoon Jennifer returned from school to discover that two vases of flowers were waiting on the dining room table for her.

Without bothering to look at the cards, she asked no one in particular, “Who would send me flowers?”

Samuel replied, “Well I hope this doesn’t disappoint you Jennifer, but one of those vases is from your father, and the other one is from me. We both feel that because you have grown up so much over the past year and taken on additional responsibility lately with regard to Savanah, you should have some flowers like the other women in this family.”

Victoria stood nearby while waiting for a response. She realized that the exchange could help smooth out a sometimes difficult relationship between Samuel and Jennifer, while also understanding that for him it was a key moment within his transitionary process. He had at times ignored Jennifer in the past when compared to Savanah, but Samuel remained enough of a man to freely admit that shortcoming if questioned about it. He despised not having any control over the looming death of one granddaughter, and although that inevitability was tragic, Victoria understood that in this moment Samuel was reaching out. His honest gesture could have some influence in how the future would play out with Jennifer, and he didn’t want to lose his other granddaughter due to his own stupidity or arrogance.

That intent was well received, as Jennifer looked at him with a slight smile and asked, “You sent me flowers grandpa?”

“I certainly did Jennifer, and I should have done so long ago.”