When Sam rejoined her squad, she leaned in to talk to Freddie and Gonzo. “Allston is his nephew.”
“Curiouser and curiouser,” Gonzo said.
“And apparently, that relationship hasn’t been publicly disclosed.”
“We’ll dig into Allston in the morning.”
“Pass it on to Carlucci to get started tonight. Where there’s smoke…”
“We’ll find the fire.”
Tracy brought the twins over to say good night to Sam and Nick, who hugged and kissed them both.
“We’ll see you in the morning,” Nick said.
“Be good for Celia,” Sam added.
“We always are,” Aubrey said.
“We love you,” Sam said.
“Love you, too!”
With their detail in tow, Tracy took the twins upstairs to Celia, who’d see them through dinner and bedtime.
Nick stood to toast the Canadian prime minister and his wife. “Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Hutchinson, it’s our honor to host you at the White House and celebrate all things Canadian tonight. I can’t wait to try the poutine. I’ve heard it’s amazing. The partnership between our two countries is one that’s stood the test of time and more challenges than we can possibly name in just a few minutes. Our alliance has been steadfast through two world wars and numerous other crises. Our support for each other never wavers. Matthew, Samantha and I are delighted to welcome you and Courtney to the White House and to offer our friendship in the years to come. Please raise your glasses to our guests of honor.”
As their guests applauded, Matthew Hutchinson stood. “Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Cappuano, for the warm welcome you’ve shown Courtney and me. We’ve very much enjoyed the time we’ve spent together and look forward to working with you both to advance the interests of our North American partnership. We also invite you to visit us at your earliest convenience. Cheers.”
During dinner, they were entertained by solo performances from some of the country’s most talented musicians on violin, trumpet and vocals. Sam couldn’t believe she was in the same room with them, let alone the hostess of an event like this.
If only her dad could be there with them, she thought, it would’ve been perfect. He’d be blown away by it all. She hoped that somehow he knew and was proud to see his daughter and son-in-law living in the White House and hosting world leaders along with a Who’s Who of famous guests.
Sam wasn’t sure what she thought of the poutine, which was french fries with salty, softened cheese curds and gravy, but everyone else at their table of family and friends loved it.
Courtney leaned in to whisper to Sam, “Poutine is a Québécois, or Quebec French, slang term for ‘mess.’”
Sam laughed at the apt description.
“Frankly,” Courtney added, “I prefer my fries with vinegar.”
“Me, too!”
The menu consisted of one exquisite course after another of some of the most delicious food she’d ever had. She had to refer to the printed menu to identify a few things, but most of it was familiar to her.
Dessert was coconut cake with strawberries, followed by more champagne and Canadian chocolate in the shape of maple leaves.
“I’m stuffed,” Tracy declared.
“That was amazing,” Mike said.
“I had nothing to do with it,” Sam said, “but I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“And here we thought you planned and prepared the whole meal,” Scotty said.
The others lost it laughing.
“Very funny. If I’d been in charge, it would’ve been pizza and french fries for everyone.” She reached for Nick’s hand under the table. “Somehow, our amazing White House team pulls off a daily miracle, especially on days like this.”