Page 122 of State of Suspense

“Are you kidding me? My friends are green with envy.”

“Mine, too,” Mike said as he hugged her. “Everyone thinks we’re wicked cool to be dining at the White House with celebrities and heads of state.”

“Brooke said to tell you to break a leg—not literally, of course—and she and Nate can’t wait to come to the next one.”

Sam’s niece, a junior at the University of Virginia, was dating one of their favorite Secret Service agents. Nate was the lead agent on Eli’s detail.

“How’s she doing?”

“Great, since the transfer to Princeton came through. She can be with Nate full time next year.”

“Ah, young love.”

“She’d better not flunk out.”

“She won’t!”

Sam introduced Tracy and Mike to the Hutchinsons.

Courtney asked Tracy where they lived.

“About six miles from here.”

“You’re so lucky to have your sister close by!”

“Both my sisters are close," Sam said, “and I’m very thankful for that. My stepmother lives here with us to help with the kids, and my mom helps out, too. It takes a village.”

“Yes, it sure does.”

Scotty joined them with a hand on the shoulder of each twin.

Nick introduced them to the Hutchinsons.

While Scotty and Alden shook hands with the prime minister, Aubrey hid behind them.

“She’s a little shy.” Sam reached out a hand to the little girl, who came around the boys to grasp Sam’s hand.

“Samantha, our guests are arriving. Are you ready?”

Tracy fanned her face. “When he calls you Samantha…”

“I know, right?”

“You guys look amazing. More gorgeous than ever.”

Nick kissed Tracy’s cheek. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He extended his arm to Sam. “Shall we, my love?”

Sam kissed Aubrey on the cheek and turned her over to Tracy. “I’ll see you in a bit, sweetie.” To Nick, she said, “Let’s do it.”

“So much I could say to that,” he whispered as they walked to their assigned positions for the receiving line that would send guests into the tent for dinner.

Their guests were a Who’s Who of political, media and entertainment, including the surprise appearance by her favorite singer, Jon Bon Jovi, and his wife.

Sam hugged him. “My husband has been keeping secrets again!”

“We love to surprise you,” Jon said. “Thank you for having us. It’s such a thrill to be here.”

“The thrill is all ours,” Sam said.

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