Page 161 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

Sam hadn’t heard that about the treats, and it made her appreciate the Secret Service agents even more.

“And you like living with Nick and Sam and Scotty?”

Alden nodded as Aubrey smiled. “We have lots of fun with them,” she said, her smile dimming somewhat before she said, “But we miss Mommy and Daddy so much.”

Sam’s heart went out to the sweet little girl who was concerned about being disloyal to her late parents by expressing her happiness at living with her and Nick.

They took Ms. Finklestein to the third-floor conservatory that doubled as a family and play room and showed her the movie theater, the bowling alley, the pool and the playset on the South Lawn that Nick had gotten for them. As they moved through the White House, various members of the staff stopped to say hello to the first family.

“When can we bake more cookies?” Aubrey asked Florence.

“Whenever you want, Miss Aubrey. You come see me, and we’ll bake up a storm.”

“Can I?” Aubrey asked Sam.

“Sure, we can do that later.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Florence said. “Miss Aubrey is one of my very best assistants.”

Aubrey beamed with pleasure at hearing that.

When they returned to the sitting room in the residence, Reginald came in with a tray of refreshments. They introduced him to Ms. Finklestein.

“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Mr. Alden, I included those chocolate snowmen you liked yesterday.”

“Thank you so much,” Alden said, smiling at the older man.

His smile had been slow to return after he’d witnessed some of the horror perpetrated on his parents, which was why they celebrated every one of them.

“Scotty,” Ms. Finklestein said, “would you mind taking the twins to play for a bit while I talk to your parents and Elijah?”

“Sure,” he said, casting a wary glance at Sam and Nick before he led the twins and Skippy out of the room.

“He’s good with them,” Ms. Finklestein said.

“He adores them,” Sam said bluntly. “He considers himself their older brother and Elijah to be his older brother. They’re the family Nick and I always hoped for but never dared to dream would happen for us. We may not be the most conventional parents, but I assure you we love those kids with every fiber of our beings. Our connection to them was instantaneous, and it’s only grown in the months that they’ve lived with us.”

“I can see they’re happy and as well-adjusted as we could hope, considering their terrible loss. The judge’s primary concern is the change in your circumstances since they first came to live with you.”

“If I may address that,” Elijah said haltingly. “Sam and Nick… They’re the same people they were when they lived on Ninth Street. None of the things that matter in this situation have changed. They spend time every day with the twins, and when they can’t be with them, Mrs. Holland and Mrs. Hill are here with them, providing stability and care. They’re part of a family here, and that family has been critical to my brother and sister’s recovery from the loss of our parents. They didn’t have a big extended family around them when my parents were alive. We’d had to leave all that when our dad was threatened by his ex-business partner. Here, they not only have Scotty, but they have aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends who are like family to them. Their recovery will take years, but I believe with all my heart that keeping them a part of this family will ensure they do eventually recover.” He blinked back tears. “I understand that the arrangement I have with Sam and Nick might seem unconventional to outsiders, but it works for us—and most importantly, it works for Alden and Aubrey. I’m not sure if they’d survive another massive upheaval after what they’ve already endured.” He cleared his throat. “That’s all I wanted to say.”

“If I could add,” Nick said, taking hold of Sam’s hand, “we love all three of these kids very much, and the six of us have become a family in the last couple of months. There’s nothing Sam and I wouldn’t do for any of them, including Eli.”

“I’ve heard what you’ve said, and I’ll make note of it in my report,” Ms. Finklestein said, standing to leave. “I appreciate your time this morning, and I wish you all a merry Christmas.”

Sam wanted to tell her that the only chance they had of a merry Christmas was if she recommended the court keep the twins with them. But she held her tongue, walked her out with Nick and thanked her for coming.

When the sturdy older woman was out of sight, Sam rested her head on Nick’s chest. “I can’t handle this.”

“Me either.”

“She absolutely has to be on our side. I don’t know what I’d ever do if we lost custody of them.”

“I can’t bear to think about it.”

“I hate to say that I have to go. If I leave now, I might catch Gonzo’s testimony.”

“Go ahead and go. I’ve got the rest of the morning free to spend with the kids, and Celia will relieve me at noon until you get back.”