Page 169 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Yes, I guess that’s true. The other thing I wanted to tell you is I think I’ve located Daniella Brown, the woman believed to have abducted Carisma Deasly.”

Sam glanced into the East Room, where the chief was laughing at something the captain was saying. “Where?”

“She’s living in the Richmond area. I’m almost one hundred percent sure it’s her, but I won’t know for certain until I go there and dig a little deeper. I know this isn’t the time, but I’d be happy to walk you through the evidence.”

“Let’s talk the day after Christmas about how best to handle this. As much as I hate to make Carisma’s family wait one more day, we need to be very careful how we proceed in light of the clear orders we were given.”

“Understood.”

“We’ll find a way to make this right. I just need to figure out how.”

“You know where to find me when you’re ready.”

“I don’t have to tell you how important it is that we keep this quiet until we have a plan.”

“I haven’t told anyone else, and I don’t plan to.”

“Thanks for the great work, Detective.”

“I wish I could say it was a pleasure, but it’s an outrage.”

“It sure is. We’ll do everything we can to fix this. Somehow.”

Sam walked with Jeannie to the East Room, where a local band had everyone up and dancing. Over the next few hours, they danced, drank too much champagne, exchanged gifts with friends and laughed—a lot. Sam noticed Cameron dancing with Gigi and thought about how great the two of them looked together. She hoped that whatever was starting between them would bring them both nothing but happiness.

At nine p.m., Sam stepped up to the microphone. “I hope everyone is having a good time!”

The cheers of their guests confirmed that their party was a huge hit.

“There’s been tremendous competition for the honor of sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom tonight. Nick and I have given this some significant thought and have decided on a contest. A dance contest.” The announcement was met with equal parts groans and cheers. “Everyone on the dance floor will be considered a contestant. If either Nick or I tap you on the shoulder, you’re eliminated. Are you ready to dance?”

She gave the band leader the signal. They’d prepped the band in advance, asking them to play some old-time swing music for the contest, and when they launched into “In the Mood,” the younger members of the party had no idea what to do, so they stepped aside, yielding the floor to the older folks.

Within minutes, it became clear that Joe and Marnie Farnsworth had been preparing for this moment their entire married lives and were quickly and unanimously declared the winners by Sam, Nick and everyone else in the room.

“Holy crap, Uncle Joe,” Sam said. “That was awesome.”

“Your old uncle still has a little gas in the tank,” he said, breathing hard from the exertion.

“Congratulations, guys,” Nick said. “I’m super impressed.”

They’d no sooner crowned the winners with stovepipe hats reminiscent of President Lincoln than Andy came over to them, smiling and holding his phone.

Sam could barely breathe as she, Nick and Elijah waited to hear what he would say. “The judge has denied the Lawsons’ petition for custody. The twins will be staying right where they belong.”

Upon hearing the news, Elijah broke down.

Sam hugged him tightly as relief flooded her entire body.

“This is what he said,” Andy added. “‘The twins’ parents were very clear about what they wanted for their minor children. They put their faith in their son, Elijah, and I must do the same. While Elijah has chosen an unconventional arrangement for his brother and sister, it’s one that seems to be working for everyone involved, and the children are obviously well loved and cared for in their new home. This court can find no reason to disrupt the current custody arrangement. The petition is denied.’”

As Sam wiped away tears, Nick hugged Elijah and said, “I guess that makes us officially a family.”

“We were a family long before this,” Eli said. “Thank you so much, Andy, Nick, Sam… Thank you for going to bat for us.”

“We’ve got your backs,” Sam said, hugging him again. “Always.”

Scotty came over with Alden and Aubrey each holding one of his hands. “What’s going on?” he asked, his brows furrowing with concern when he saw tears on the faces of Eli, Sam and Nick.