Page 170 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Good news from the judge,” Sam told him, picking up Aubrey as Nick reached for Alden.

“Oh, thank God,” Scotty said, his shoulders sagging with relief.

“You said it, buddy,” Nick said.

“First family,” the White House photographer said, “everyone say, ‘Happy holidays.’”

The six of them stood together, arms around each other, wearing smiles of relief and innocent joy, as the photographer captured the moment for history, having no idea whatsoever that they had just officially became a family forever.

Chapter Thirty-Two

A short time later, they moved the party up to the third-floor conservatory, where Nick gathered the kids around him to read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The photographer took numerous pictures of the president with Alden and Aubrey on his lap, his brothers, nieces, nephews and friends’ kids on the floor, in front of a ten-foot Christmas tree.

As Sam watched and listened, her heart was so full of love for him and the kids they’d made their own. They’d never dared to dream of the family they now had.

Elijah came to stand next to her. “I’m so fucking relieved,” he whispered.

“Right there with you, pal.” She slipped an arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder as he put his arm around her. They hadn’t known him or the twins a year ago, and now they were firmly woven into the fabric of their lives, as if they’d always been there.

After the story, Terry appeared with a printout that he handed to Nick.

“You know what this is?” Nick asked the wide-eyed kids.

They shook their heads.

“It’s a map from NORAD that shows Santa is on his way.”

The kids scooted closer so they could see.

“He’s coming across the ocean right now,” Nick said, pointing to the picture of the sleigh on the map, “which means all good boys and girls need to be tucked into bed before he gets here.”

“Are you sure he knows where to find us?” Angela’s son, Jack, asked.

“I’m positive. I sent a letter from the president to the North Pole with a full list of all the good boys and girls who’d be sleeping at the White House tonight. Now it’s time for everyone to go to bed and get to sleep so Santa can come.”

Reginald appeared with cookies and milk that the children put on plates for Santa and special White House reindeer food Sam and the kids had made that was left for Santa’s team.

Parents claimed their children and took them off to the rooms they’d been assigned earlier as Gideon and several of the butlers stood by to offer help and directions to bedrooms.

“This was the most fantastic night ever,” Freddie declared as he and Elin said good night to Sam with hugs.

“It was absolutely magical,” Elin declared.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” Sam said.

“Thanks so much for including my parents,” Freddie said. “They’re going to dine out on this for years.”

“Of course we included them. Family is family.”

Freddie hugged Sam. “Love ya.”

“Love you, too,” she said as she hugged him tighter than she usually did. “Merry Christmas.” Then she hugged Elin. “No sex in the White House, you two.”

“Whatever,” Freddie said, laughing as he took his wife’s hand to head to one of the third-floor bedrooms.

Sam went downstairs to check on Elijah and the twins, who were tucked into the bed they shared.

Sam leaned over to kiss them both good night. “Sweet dreams, my loves.”