Page 121 of State of Suspense

Nick smiled. “Makes for a quick ride home.”

Sam stopped to give Celia a hug. “Thank you so much for all you do for us. We’d never survive this without you.”

Celia had declined their invite to attend the gala, preferring to hang out with the kids instead.

“It’s my pleasure, honey. You all look gorgeous. Best-looking family in the world.”

“Aw, thanks. We clean up pretty well.”

“I told the kids’ agents I’d be right here waiting for them to come back up. Don’t worry about a thing.”

“I never do when you’re here.”

“I love every minute of it. Have the very best time.”

“Thank you. Love you.”

“Love you, too, sweetheart.” Celia hugged her. “He’d be so, so proud.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so. He’d be busting his buttons.”

“Thank you for that. I needed it.”

She took Nick’s hand and walked with him and the kids downstairs to greet their public.

Chapter Twenty

After the White House photographer took family photos, the kids went ahead of them, with Scotty in charge, as Sam and Nick met up with the Hutchinsons outside the East Room.

Nick greeted Courtney and introduced Sam to Matthew Hutchinson.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Matthew said. “We’re great admirers of you and your work.”

“Thank you. That’s nice to hear.”

Courtney leaned across her husband to speak to Sam. “The second glass of wine might’ve been a mistake. I had to talk myself out of a nap.”

Sam laughed. “Same!”

The Marine Band played “Hail to the Chief” as the two couples entered the reception for members of Congress in the East Room. Even though she’d heard that tune so many times, it never failed to give her chills, especially now that it was being played for her husband. The room had been decorated with U.S. and Canadian flags and other decorations honoring their guests.

Vice President Gretchen Henderson, dressed in an icy light-blue gown, with diamonds hanging from her ears, smiled when they entered the room. She came over to greet them.

“It’s nice to see you again,” she said to Sam.

Sam tightened her grip on Nick’s arm. “You as well.”

What was it about her that bugged Sam so much? She’d never been anything other than nice to her, but there was something. She couldn’t deny it, but this was not the time to worry about that.

Everything from the flowers to the dinner menu was intended to be a celebration of the two countries and their cultures.

Sam had been to a state dinner once before, but she’d never hosted one, nor had she paid much attention to the details at the first one. Well, besides the detail that had transpired in the Rose Garden when Nick proposed to her. That, she’d never forget. But this… This was a production of magical and epic proportions. The photos of their entrance with the Hutchinsons would be released around the world in a matter of minutes.

Tracy and Mike had come early to help wrangle the kids and were waiting for them in the East Room. Angela had chosen not to attend. She’d said she wasn’t ready to socialize after having lost her husband so recently.

Sam hugged her eldest sister. “Thank you for being here.”

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