Page 190 of State of Retribution

“What the heck?”Sam asked as she spun around to face him.

“It turns out that when the president asks the White House staff for a little help, they’re happy to oblige.”

“So we don’t have to do it?”

“Nope.”

“Best news I’ve had all day.”

With the furniture having been moved to the third floor, their footsteps echoed through the empty rooms.“Amazing, isn’t it?”she said.“The president asks for a little help, and it’s done.Just like that.”

“The White House staff is outstanding that way.”

“They sure are.What’s left for us to do?”

“The closets in our room and the kids’ rooms.Gideon said they left boxes for us.”

“Do I smell food?”

Nick gave her a mysterious look.“Maybe.”

“Where will I find it?”

Using his chin, he pointed to the stairs.

Intrigued, Sam went up to the second floor, where the scent was strong enough to make her mouth water.When she opened the door to their bedroom, she was greeted by the glow of candlelight.A table set for two with a bouquet of red roses on it was positioned in the middle of the otherwise empty room.Her delighted squeal made him laugh.

“Did you know,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, “that the president comes with a personal chef who delivers?”

“Look at you, working the perks.”

“There’s gotta be something in this for me, and I couldn’t take my best girl on a date and not feed her.”

“I see you got your florist involved, too.”

“I wouldn’t have wanted her to feel left out of date night.”

“What’s for dinner?”

“The salmon and risotto you love, along with some filet mignon and vegetables.I asked for all our favorites.I bet he sent the cookies, too.”

“The cookies are to die for.”Sam turned to him and gave him a big hug and then a kiss.“This is awesome.Thank you for planning it.”

“My pleasure, love.Thank you for everything.”

“Haha, by ‘everything,’ do you mean the whole White House/first lady thing?”

“That as well as your unwavering love and support, our four beautiful kids—and our daughter-in-law—for Skippy, the first dog I’ve ever had, too, and the extended family you’ve given me.I have nieces and nephews!All of it.Every single thing.”

“Your joy is my joy.”

“I’m filled with it, thanks to you and the kids and the family we’ve created for ourselves with them and everyone else we’ve kept close to us during this crazy ride.But first and foremost, I’m thankful for you, the one who makes all the rest of it happen.Thank you also for not getting shot this week.I very much appreciate that.”

“Whatever I can do for you.”

He kissed her softly, sweetly, and had her knees going weak in a matter of seconds.“More of that after dinner.”

“Yes, please.”

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