Page 144 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“When you return from Des Moines, we’ll do a final review of the menus for dinner and Christmas brunch, if that meets with your approval.”

“That’d be wonderful. Thank you again for all your hard work to make this happen for us, Gideon.”

“It’s a pleasure. The staff is enjoying having a young family back in the White House.”

“That’s nice to hear. Do let me know if any of them—or the dog—are getting on your last nerve.”

“They’re all doing great and making a very nice transition, it seems.”

“I can’t wait for time off to spend together and to check out Camp David.”

“You’ll find that to be a grand adventure, for sure. I’ll check in with you over the weekend, if that suits you?”

“It does. Thanks again.”

“You’re more than welcome.”

“Before I let you go, I wanted to ask whether the White House uses natural gas.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Huh.”

“Is that a problem?”

“It’s just that I’m not a fan after having worked a house explosion due to a natural gas leak early in my career.”

“I understand, but I can assure you our gas line is inspected monthly and is kept in pristine condition.”

“That’s comforting. Thanks for letting me know that.”

“Of course. You know where to find me if there’s anything else I can do for you.”

“Thanks, Gideon.”

Sam ended that call and put through another to her designer friend Marcus, who’d come to their attention when Nick was a U.S. senator from Virginia.

“As I live and breathe,” he said when he picked up the call, “is this the first lady of the United States of America?”

Sam huffed out a laugh at his outrageousness. “So I’m told.”

“I was planning to call you today about a quick fitting before next Thursday.”

“I meant to call you to thank you for sending the clothes for President Nelson’s funeral. You made me look very first ladyish.”

“I’m glad you were pleased.”

“How are we coming with red, formal and sexy for Christmas Eve?”

“I’ve got you covered, my love.”

“And you remember I’ve gained a couple of pounds since my father died, right?”

“Not to worry. Will Marcus get some free publicity out of this?”

“We can release a photo and credit the hip designer who made Mrs. C look so good.”

“In that case, I’ll have something to you by Tuesday. We’ll do a quick fitting just to be sure it fits perfectly?”