Page 6 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

Chapter Two

Christmas at the White House was utter mayhem with so many kids underfoot. Alden and Aubrey had led the charge to the third-floor conservatory, where Santa had left labeled piles of gifts for each child. One of the White House staff photographers captured the fun so parents could enjoy their children and not have to worry about taking pictures. Other than the daily security briefing, which he’d attended at five a.m., and barring any unforeseen crises, Nick had the rest of the day off to spend with his family.

His six-year-old half brothers, Brayden and Brock, couldn’t believe that Santa had not only found them at the White House, but he’d gotten them all the toys they’d asked for. Nick’s dad, Leo, and stepmother, Stacy, laughed at the boys’ excited commentary.

Sam’s nephew Jack, dressed in full Spider-Man regalia, came over to hug her. “Thank you for the funnest Christmas ever!”

She returned his tight hug. “Thanks for coming to my house for Christmas.”

If the excitement was off the charts, so, too, was the mess.

“Thanks so much for having me, Sam,” her mother, Brenda, said. “Last night and this morning were incredible.”

“Glad you could join us.”

“My first Christmas with all my girls and my grandchildren,” Brenda said, looking a bit misty.

“It’s nice to have you here,” Sam said sincerely. It was their first Christmas together in more than twenty years after a rift had kept them apart.

“This is amazing.” Sam’s “uncle” Joe Farnsworth sipped coffee with his wife, Marti, as they watched the chaos unfold. That he was also her chief of police was secondary at a time like this.

“We provide headache medicine for those who need it,” Sam said.

“No need,” Marti said, grinning. “We’ve never been part of anything like this before. It’s delightful.” The Farnsworths had been unable to have children of their own and had treated the Holland girls like beloved nieces all their lives.

“I’m glad you think so. It’s great to have everyone we love in one place. How was the Lincoln Bedroom?” Joe and Marti had been the runaway winners of the dance contest Sam had held to determine who got to sleep in the legendary room.

“It was fabulous,” Joe said.

“He’ll dine out on his night in the Lincoln Bedroom for the rest of his life.” Marti squeezed Sam’s arm. “We so admire the way you and Nick have risen to the occasion to embrace the massive changes to your lives. We’re so proud of you both.”

“Aw, thanks. We’re trying to cope as best we can. Sharing it with our loved ones helps us keep it real.” Sam leaned in, whispering to Joe, “What’re you hearing about the bomb?”

“Not much, which is annoying. The FBI has taken over the investigation, and we haven’t heard a word.”

“Keep me in the loop if you hear anything later,” Sam said.

“Will do.”

“This is the best birth control in the history of birth control,” Sam’s beloved partner, Freddie Cruz, said when he joined them with his wife, Elin.

“Hush, Freddie,” Elin said. “This is what Christmas is all about—the magic.”

“That’s right.” Sam watched Aubrey show off the doll Sam had bought online, hoping it was the one she wanted. Judging by the child’s shout of happiness, she’d gotten it right.

“I can’t believe you pulled off such an epic Christmas morning, Sam,” Elin said. “Although I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re Wonder Woman.”

“Wonder Woman had a ton of help from Celia, Shelby and the White House staff,” Sam said. “They’re the ones who made it happen.”

Speaking of the staff, they appeared on the scene with garbage bags and a hot breakfast they served buffet-style while parents talked their children into putting down their new toys for a minute to have something to eat.

Sam supervised Alden at the buffet, while Eli took care of Aubrey.

They brought plates to the coffee table and sat to eat bacon and pancakes shaped like Santa, along with a side of fruit.

“Is there anything missing, ma’am?” the chief usher, Gideon Lawson, asked.

“Everything is perfect, Gideon. Please pass along our thanks to the staff and send everyone home as soon as you possibly can. We’ll take care of ourselves for the rest of the day.”