Page 120 of State of Suspense

Sam laughed and then burped. “Whoops.”

“Oh my God, Samantha. Are you tipsy before our first state dinner?”

“Maybe just a little, but it’s not my fault. She said tea tastes like dirty bathwater, so we asked for wine instead.”

His smile was devastating all the time, but extra devastating when he was dressed to kill. “I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself. Now hurry up and change so we aren’t late for a very important date.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. President. I may need you to zip me into my dress.”

“I much prefer to unzip you.”

“Save that for later.”

“Oh, I will. Don’t worry.”

She went into her closet and quickly changed into the underwear and dress that Marcus had dropped off earlier. The burgundy velvet dress that left one shoulder bare was one of her favorites of all the amazing things she’d gotten to wear as second and first lady. She added the key necklace and bangle bracelet Nick had given her and then placed her engagement ring on top of the band she wore to work.

As she stepped into a sexy pair of heels, she wished there was something she could do to hide the bandage on her wrist, but that wasn’t going to happen. Thank goodness the cortisone shot was working, and her hip didn’t hurt at all.

After a deep breath to prepare herself, she stepped out of the closet to find him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.

His face lit up with pleasure when he saw her. “Wow.” He made a circular motion with his index finger, asking to see the full picture.

Sam gave a careful little spin on her heel. God forbid she should aggravate her hip again.

“Sexiest first lady in history.”

“I thought we’d already decided that honor should go to Eleanor Roosevelt.”

“None of them has anything on my first lady. She’s a knockout.”

“Are the kids ready?”

“Celia said they’re good to go as soon as we are.”

The Littles would be joining them for photos and appetizers before returning to the residence for dinner. Scotty was along for the full ride, at his request.

Sam and Nick stepped into the hallway, where the kids were waiting for them—Scotty and Alden in tuxedoes and Aubrey in a tiny version of Sam’s dress.

“Oh my goodness! Look at you guys!”

“You look so pretty, Sam!” Aubrey said.

“So do you! Do you feel fancy?”

“So fancy!”

“You boys are so handsome!”

Scotty put a hand on Alden’s shoulder. “Alden wasn’t digging the top button, but I convinced him that grown-up guys have to button the top to wear a bow tie.”

“You look very grown up, Alden,” Sam said.

His blond hair had been slicked down, and he grinned with pleasure at the compliments.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Nick said.

“The road to downstairs,” Scotty replied.

---