Page 174 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“Come on in,” the director said, leading them into a private room that had been arranged in advance.

When they were safely inside the room, another door opened, and a staffer came in carrying the little yellow furball that Sam had first spotted online. She’d immediately requested the puppy be put on hold for Scotty. She’d been watching the local shelters for a while by the time the little yellow doll came available, and she’d had one of her gut feelings. This was the dog for them.

The staffer put the dog in Scotty’s arms, as they’d been asked to do, and he fell to his knees, laughing with unbridled delight as the dog climbed all over him and laid wet, sloppy kisses on his face. “Oh my God, she’s adorable!” Looking up at his parents, he said, “She’s really mine?”

“All yours as long as you promise to take very good care of her.”

“I will. Of course I will.”

And he would, Sam thought, because he knew what it was like to be alone in the world and in need of someone to take care of him. She dabbed at tears and saw Nick doing the same.

“What’ll we name her?” Nick asked.

“Skippy,” Scotty said without hesitation. “Her name is Skippy.”

“My heart,” Sam said, her hand on her chest.

“Do you think Gramps would approve?” Scotty asked her as he tried to contain the exuberant puppy.

“Oh yeah, buddy. He’d be thrilled—and honored.”

“I miss him so much. I wish he could see her.”

“He’s here, he’s watching and he loves that you’re so happy.”

Skippy was so excited to meet her new family that she peed on Scotty, which made him laugh as hard as Sam had ever seen him laugh.

The three kids chased the puppy around the big room, screaming with delight as the puppy took them on a merry chase.

Brant approached them, phone pressed to his ear. “Mr. President, we received a call from Elijah’s detail in New Jersey.”

Sam’s stomach fell to the floor. “What’s wrong?”

Brant handed the phone to Nick. “Elijah needs to speak to you.”

Nick’s entire body had gone rigid with tension. “Eli? What’s up?”

He held the phone so Sam could hear too.

“Oh my God, Nick. Cleo’s parents had me served with papers. They’re suing for custody of the twins.”