Page 134 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“Like a bloody fool.”

They shared a laugh and a tearful hug.

When she pulled back, Celia used her sleeve to wipe the tears from her face. “What’s the latest?”

“We’re moving to the White House on Friday.”

“Oh, wow. That’s just… Wow.”

“I know, and I was wondering… Would you like to come with us? I could so use your help with the kids and with, well, everything.”

Celia’s pretty round face went flat with shock. “What?”

Sam nudged her. “You heard me. You need a change of scenery. I need the help since Shelby’s agreed to be my social secretary. Nick and I will have to travel occasionally, and the Littles are still adjusting to living with us. We’re going to try so hard to keep things as normal as possible for them and Scotty. You’d have your own room and bathroom on the third floor, so you wouldn’t have to be right on top of us and… Please say yes. I need you.”

“You want me to live with you at the White House?”

“I want you to live with us at the White House.”

“Oh my Lord, Sam.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Of course that’s a yes. I can’t believe it. I’ve been thinking about getting a job to have something to do, but this…”

Sam put her arm around Celia. “This is so much better than a job, right?”

“So much better. I’ve been so sad about you guys not being down the street anymore and not seeing Scotty and the kids after school every day.”

“Now you can. That’s the number one thing I need—someone there for them when they get home from school.”

“I would absolutely love to be that person.”

They hugged again. “Thank you. You have no idea how much I need you.”

“Right back at you, honey. Thank you so much for asking me to be part of this. I couldn’t be more excited. Wait until I tell my sisters!”

“They can visit anytime they want. There’s, like, twenty bedrooms. They can have their pick.”

“They’re going to die.”

It was, Sam thought, the most animated and excited she’d seen her beloved stepmother since her father died. “I’ve gotta get back to work. Start packing! They’re already working on our place.”

“Do you want me to go over and help with that?”

“Would you?”

“I’d much rather do that than get rid of your father’s things.”

“Please feel free. Shelby is over there supervising, but I don’t want her overdoing it. I’m sure she’d love to have your help.”

“I’m on it. I’ll finish this another day.”

Sam picked up a red-and-blue-striped rugby shirt her dad had worn all the time when she was a kid, brought it to her face and took a deep breath, looking for some sign of him. But all she smelled was laundry detergent. “Will you put this one with my stuff? It’s the shirt I most remember him wearing during my childhood.”

“I sure will, honey.”

“All right, I’m out. I’ll ask my new best friend, Gideon, the chief usher at the White House, to get in touch with you about the details, okay?”