Page 135 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

Celia fanned her face. “That’d be lovely. I’m still trying to believe this.”

Sam kissed her stepmother’s cheek. “We need you. You need us. It’s perfect. See you later.”

“Thanks again, Sam. You’ve given me something to be excited about, and I really needed that.”

“Knowing you’ll be there for my kids when I can’t be is a huge relief.” She blew a kiss and headed downstairs, thrilled Celia would be coming with them—and that she was so delighted to have been asked.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

On the way back to HQ, Sam used the secure BlackBerry to call Nick, prepared to leave a message if he didn’t answer. He surprised her by taking the call.

“Aren’t you too busy dealing with world domination to talk to your wife?”

His low chuckle made her smile. “I’m never too busy for my lovely wife.”

“That’s not true, but I’m glad you picked up.”

“You caught me between meetings. What’s going on?”

“I made a couple of executive decisions for us that I figured I ought to tell you about, since you get bitchy when I keep things from you.”

“Samantha, when do I ever get bitchy with you?”

“When I keep stuff from you. Anyway, Shelby is in to be our social secretary.”

“That’s fantastic. I can’t imagine anyone else in that role.”

“Me either. I also talked to Gideon, the chief usher, who’s my new best friend, and he’s sent people over to start packing us up. Tinker Bell is supervising that.”

“You have a new best friend? You hate people.”

“Focus, Nick. The third thing is I asked Celia to come live at the White House with us so she can be with the kids when we can’t be.”

“That’s a brilliant idea, especially since Shelby won’t be able to do both.”

“Exactly. Shelby wants to still be involved with the kids, and of course we want that too, but even she can’t do everything.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, babe.”

“Not all of it, but I’ve made a good dent. I also asked Roni to be my communications director and spokesperson, and she’s super excited. I haven’t heard back from her about when she can start. I’ll check with her tomorrow if I don’t hear from her.”

“I really appreciate everything you’re doing to make this work. I know it’s not what you want to be doing.”

“I took you on for better or worse,” she said in a teasing tone.

“Which is this?”

“Can I get back to you in a year or two?”

“Sure,” he said, laughing. “It’s important to me that you’re happy in this new life of ours. I want you to tell me when it gets to be too much.”

“I’m hanging in there and making new friends. I’ll see you at two.”

“Can’t wait. Love you. Be careful out there.”

“Always am. Love you too.” She pressed three buttons before she managed to figure out how to end the call. As she stuffed the BlackBerry into her coat pocket, she yearned for the ease of her lovely flip phone. When you slapped it closed, the call was over. No stupid buttons to push.

When she got back to HQ, Jeannie was waiting for her in the pit with a slip of paper. “Morse’s number.”