Page 52 of State of Suspense

Harry had left to see to Sam, and the doctor had promised to return shortly.

“I’m not allowed to think about how much I love you?”

“Oh, that’s perfectly permissible.”

“I thought it might be.”

“Hey.”

He looked up at her. “Hey, what?”

“Stop spinning. I’m okay.”

“Can’t help the spinning.”

“Don’t let it lead to the dark places, you hear me?”

“I hear you.”

“Whatever this is, we’ll figure it out and move on.”

He couldn’t get the word leukemia out of his mind. What would they do if she had something like that?

“Terry. Stop.”

“Don’t worry about me. This isn’t about me.”

“Of course it is. It’s about both of us, but I can’t focus on getting well if I’m worried about you. This is such a big week for you?—”

“Don’t even think about that. I’m not.”

“How can you not be?”

He’d been working twelve-hour days for weeks preparing for the Canadian state visit to make sure everything went perfectly for Nick. “It hasn’t crossed my mind since I heard you were in an ambulance.”

His work phone rang with a call from Nick.

“Take it,” Lindsey said.

He released her hand to fish the phone out of his suit coat pocket. “Mr. President.”

“How is she, Terry?”

“Feisty,” he said with a smile for his beloved.

“That’s always a good thing.”

“Yes, sir, it is.”

“I met with Derek, and he’s on board to see things through tomorrow.” Derek Kavanaugh was the deputy chief of staff, who mostly focused on their dealings with Congress. “Take the time you need with Lindsey.”

“But—”

“No buts. It’s done by executive order.”

Terry gave a soft laugh. “I appreciate that, and I’m a phone call away if needed.”

“We know how to find you. Take care of your family. Thanks to your preparation, everything will be fine tomorrow.”

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