He put his arms around her and turned them so he was on top, looking down at her sweet face and the pale blue eyes that looked at him the way no one else ever had. “In case I forget to tell you, I’m sorry for everything that’s going to happen over the next three years.”
Sam laughed and curled her arms around his neck, sliding her fingers into his hair as he moved in her. “You’re forgiven.”
“You might want to wait to see how bad it gets before you forgive me.”
“Three years out of a lifetime together is a blip in the grand scheme.” As her legs curled around his back, he breathed in the vanilla-and-lavender scent that surrounded him in a cloud of comfort and desire and need so big, it could never be fully sated.
“Love you so much, Samantha. More than ever.”
She clung to him as he drove them toward the finish line. “Love you just as much.”
He smothered her cries with kisses that muffled his own groans of sublime pleasure. Careful not to crush her, he came down on top of her, both of them breathing hard.
“I’ve always wanted to bang a president.”
Nick laughed so hard, he had tears in his eyes. “I hope it lived up to the hype.”
“Way better than anything I ever could’ve hoped for.”
“We aim to please.”
“It’s going to be okay, Nick. As long as we have this and each other, we’ll be fine.”
“Keep telling me that, will you?”
“Anytime you need to hear it.”
Chapter Five
Sam woke up alone in bed the next morning, and as she stretched, she wondered where Nick was and why she hadn’t heard the twins. She’d no sooner had that thought than the events of the previous evening came rushing back in an overwhelming wave that stole her breath.
Her husband was the president of the United States.
She was the first lady.
They were the first family.
And today was the day their lives would change forever as the rest of the world woke up to the news. She wanted to put her head under the pillow, burrow in and not come out for three years. But since that wasn’t possible, she reached for her phone to find three hundred and eighty-six text messages.
That was certainly a record.
From her sister Tracy: Holy. Shit. Call me. OMG. CALL ME.
From her sister Angela: Whaaaaaaaat theeeeeeee fuckkkkkkkkk?!? Call me.
From her partner, Freddie Cruz: Um, ok. Holy crap. HOLY CRAP!
From her boss, Captain Malone: I’d say congratulations to you both, but I have no idea if I should say that. Lots to talk about when you get a chance. Proud to know you both. Rooting for you and wishing you all the best.
From her colleague Dr. Lindsey McNamara, the District’s chief medical examiner: I’m in tears of sadness for the Nelsons and joy for you and Nick and the rest of us. Can’t wait to see you and hear all about it. Love you both.
From Darren Tabor, her reporter friend from the Washington Star: If you’re planning to give out any exclusives, you’ve got my number. Congrats!
From Chief Farnsworth: Marnie and I are so unreasonably proud. Your dad is dancing a jig in heaven. This country is lucky to have you both.
The sweet message from her chief and Uncle Joe, along with the thought of her late father and his crazy dancing brought tears to her eyes.
From her friend Roni Connolly: I’m so, so overwhelmed for you both. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. My new “shit friend” is the first lady! FLOTUS!
Sam laughed at the message from Roni. When she’d befriended the woman who’d been recently widowed, she’d described herself as a shit friend because she had no time for anything other than her work and family. But she’d felt a connection with Roni and was pleased to call her a new friend.
From Shelby Faircloth Hill, their devoted assistant and friend: I’m in tears. I don’t even know what to say. I’m so damned proud of my sweet friends, our new POTUS and FLOTUS. If anyone can KILL this, you guys can. Tell me how I can help. I’m here for whatever you need. Assume the twins’ party is still on for tomorrow? Your heads must be spinning. Let me know when you can. Love you guys so much! Avery and I are sending all the best.
Sam responded to Shelby. Thanks so much. We’re spinning for sure. The party is still on. Trying to keep things as normal as we can for the kids for as long as we can. Making it up as we go. Going to need you more than ever, so don’t go anywhere.
Shelby wrote right back. I’m here. Not going anywhere. Will take care of everything for the party. Don’t worry about a thing. With all due respect to the Nelsons, I’m SO EXCITED. You’re going to live in the WHITE HOUSE! Am I going to WORK in the WHITE HOUSE?!? What is happening?!?!
LOL, Sam responded. Stand down. We still live on Ninth Street until after the funeral. Mrs. Nelson needs time to pack, etc.
Are they going to let you work?
Let them try to stop me.
Why did I know you’d say that??? GO, GIRL.
Gotta go see what’s going on. Pray for me.
Already done. My phone is exploding with everyone I know reaching out to tell me my bosses are the new POTUS and FLOTUS. Like I didn’t already know that. LOL
My phone is a mess.
I’ll be there in a bit. Will do what I can to help!
Thanks, Tinker Bell. You’re the best.
We got this! Xoxo
The last text was sent with pink fairy dust that made Sam laugh because it was so typical Shelby.
Sam scrolled through the sea of messages, looking for a new one from Gonzo, and finally found one from the night before. Saw Carlucci and Dominguez, who’s banged up pretty bad. Still looking for the SOB.
That message was followed by a second one from this morning. Are you freaking?!
Trying not to.
How’s that going?
Ummmmm…
He responded with laughing emojis. What are they saying about your job?
Haven’t gotten there yet, but nothing will change as far as I’m concerned. I may need to rely on my SGT a little more than I have in the past…
I’m here. Ready to get back in the game and do whatever I can for you and the squad.
Thanks, Gonzo. That helps. How’s married life treating you so far?
Fantastic.
Happy for you guys. Will be in touch.
Good luck with it all. Tell Nick, I mean, Mr. President, we’re so proud of him.
Will do—and he’ll want you to call him Nick.
After the hellish last year her dear friend had gone through after losing his partner to murder and then himself to a pain pill addiction, Sam was so happy to have her sergeant back to full health and ready to rejoin the squad. She’d missed her friend Tommy so much during his ordeal.
Sam got out of bed, took a shower and got dressed in leggings and a denim shirt, eager to spend a rare day off with her kids. Scotty was probably still asleep, but the twins would be up. Then she remembered they’d given the monitor to Elijah the night before, which was why she hadn’t heard them. She went downstairs and found them in the kitchen with their brother, who was overseeing a breakfast of cereal and orange juice.
“Sam!” Aubrey jumped up and nearly spilled her cereal in her haste to run over to hug Sam.
She picked up the little girl and hugged her tight. “How’s my favorite little girl today?”