Page 92 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“That’s a really great idea.”

“I get full credit.”

Sam laughed. “I’m happy to give you full credit for a truly brilliant idea. One of my biggest concerns is how I’ll ever juggle it all. It was tough enough when I was the second lady, but now it just seems so overwhelming. Keeping my job is critical to me, but the reality is I’ve been very uncertain how I can do both jobs and be a good mother to three kids. Having Celia there would be such a tremendous help.”

“You’re a wonderful mother to those kids, Sam. They love you so much.”

“I’m an okay mother. I spend less time with them than I should.”

“All working mothers say that. Anyone who has a full-time job feels guilty for the time they spend away from their kids. You’re no different that way.”

“I suppose. I think all the time about how great of a mom Cleo was to Alden and Aubrey. She was the mom with the glue gun who was always doing something amazing with them. I consider it a good day if everyone is fed and bathed.”

That made him laugh—hard.

“I’m serious!”

“I know. That’s why it’s funny. So when I was a kid, maybe seven or eight, I overheard my mom telling my grandmother that she felt like she was doing an awful job being a single mom to me. That was back when my mom was working two jobs after my dad left, and I spent more time with my grandmother than I did with her. My mom was saying how I was going to grow up thinking my grandmother was my actual mother.”

“Oh, damn. What did your grandmother say to that?”

“She said, ‘That boy knows exactly who his mother is, and he adores you. He’ll remember how hard you worked to provide for him and how he had everything he needed—food, clothing, a roof over his head and all the love in your heart. He’s not keeping score about how much time he spends with you. Only you’re doing that.’”

“That’s lovely, Freddie. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“What my grandmother said is true. I do look back and remember how hard my mom worked so I could have the right clothes and play Little League and be in Cub Scouts and learn to ice skate. She made all that possible for me. Were there times when I wished she didn’t have to work so much? Sure, but that’s not the thing I remember most about my childhood. I remember laughing with her—a lot. I remember going to church with her and out to eat with her and my grandparents on Sundays and sleepovers with my cousins and how she somehow made it to just about everything that happened at school. I remember most of all how much she loved me. Almost too much, as you know.”

“She’s a great mom, even now. She loves you more than anything.”

“Which can be a little suffocating at times. Like when she decided she hated Elin for me and set out to make my life a living hell.”

“Fortunately, she came around to realizing you had to make your own decision about who you love.”

“And now they’re friends. Who’d a thunk it, right? Bottom line—your kids will remember how much you love them. They’ll remember the amazing adventure of living in the White House, and they’ll be so proud of what you and Nick will accomplish together.”

“Thank you for this. I truly needed to hear it.”

“Glad I could help.”

“You did.”

“I’m on Team Sam and Nick. Whatever you need, you let me know, and I’ll do what I can.”

“That means a lot. I’m sure you’ll end up shouldering more than your share of the paperwork and bullshit going forward.”

“I’ll trade you that for a night or two in the Lincoln Bedroom.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, my friend.”

They arrived at the Anacostia neighborhood a few minutes later and saw two Patrol cars and Gonzo’s car parked a block away from Evans’s home.

Sam slid into a space behind Gonzo.

She and Freddie donned bulletproof vests and joined him and the other officers on the sidewalk.

“I put two people on the back door and the other two with us,” Gonzo said.

“Sounds good,” Sam said. “Let’s do it.”