Page 22 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

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…