Page 24 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

He seemed to sag somewhat, maybe with relief. “They’re doing so well, better than I ever could’ve imagined after what they’ve been through.”

“They’re doing great. They still have their rough moments, for sure, but those seem to be less often than they were, and the therapist has been very good for them. She said they’re opening up more than they were at first.”

“Yes, I talked to her last week, and she said the same thing to me. She said they’re doing as well as can be expected after such a trauma. It makes me sad to think they won’t remember much about my dad and Cleo. They loved them so much.” Elijah had been the result of his father’s first marriage, and he’d been close to his father and stepmother, Cleo. He’d had a somewhat strained relationship with his own mother.

“They’ll remember that, Elijah. They will.”

“I hope so.”

“Please don’t ever worry about how they fit into our family. They are our family, and so are you. That’s never going to change.”

“Thank you,” he said softly. “I have no idea what would’ve become of us if you guys hadn’t stepped up for the kids the way you did.”

“Me meeting them at the worst moment of their lives was fate. I believe that, and Nick does too. We love them, Elijah. We love you all.”

Swallowing hard, he said, “We love you guys too.” He stood and took the kids’ bowls to the sink, washed them and left them drying on the rack. “I’d better go make sure they’re not getting into mischief up there.”

“If I had to guess, you’ll find them bouncing on Scotty, trying to wake him up.”

“Ah,” he said, smiling. “Good to know. He’s so great with them.”

“He loves being a big brother and having a big brother.”

“He’s an awesome kid.”

“So are you. You’re doing an excellent job as the kids’ guardian.”

“Only because I have excellent help. You guys and Shelby, your whole family, your friends… Everyone has been so good to us.”

“That’s what family does for family. Shelby has already been in touch this morning, and the kids’ party is still on for tomorrow. She’s got everything covered.”

“You all are the best. Thank you again.”

“Don’t worry about anything, okay?”

“I’ll try not to. Now I’d better go save Scotty.”

After he left the room, Sam had to take a couple of deep breaths to calm her racing heart. The thought of the twins being anywhere but with them was unthinkable. It had taken only a matter of days for them to become an essential part of their family.

Raised voices in the living room had Sam getting up to see what was going on. Her sisters were standing in the doorway, arguing with Nate, one of the Secret Service agents.

“We’re on the list!” Tracy said. “You’re supposed to let us in.”

“There’s going to be a new list,” Nate said. “I’m not authorized to let anyone in.”

“It’s okay, Nate. My sisters and Shelby should be on any authorized list.”

Nate stepped aside to let them pass.

“I’m sorry about her,” Angela said to Nate, gesturing to Tracy. “You’re just doing your job.”

“No problem, ma’am.”

“I hate when they call me ma’am,” Angela said. “It makes me feel nine hundred years old.”

They came over to Sam and wrapped her up in a group hug.

“Let’s go in the kitchen,” Sam said.