Page 104 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Will you tell me what’s happening?”

“Of course. Try to think about the good things—Christmas is coming, we’re all going to be on vacation for a week together at Camp David, which I hear is very fun, and no algebra for, like, two whole weeks.”

“That’s better than Christmas,” he said with the dry humor that was more like his usual disposition.

“Tracy, Angela, Celia, Shelby and all the kids are coming, too. You’ll have so much fun.”

“I am looking forward to all that, but do I really have to wear a tux on Christmas Eve?”

She gave him a playful bop on the head. “Take that up with your dad. He’s the one who thought it would be fun to make Christmas Eve formal.”

“Ugh. He becomes president, and suddenly he gets all fancy.”

Sam laughed. “I know, right?” In truth, she thought the formal party with their friends and family would be a lot of fun, but she couldn’t tell Scotty that. She was especially excited about the designer gown her friend Marcus was creating for her to wear. “I want you to talk to us about how you’re feeling about the custody situation.”

“I will.”

“But I also want you to not worry. Andy is all over it, and he’s the best.”

“I know.”

“You want to know something else?”

“Sure.”

“I loved you a whole lot before the twins came to live with us, but I love you a hundred million times more after seeing you as a big brother.”

“I love being a big brother—and a little brother, too. It’s the best.”

“We won’t let anything mess that up.”

“Thanks for that and everything else, too.”

“Love you to the moon and back.”

Again, he rolled his eyes. “People say that to babies.”

“I didn’t get to say it to you when you were a baby, so you gotta let me make up for lost time.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so, and what I say goes.”

“I’m glad I’m only your son and don’t work for you. Poor Freddie.”

“Haha, very funny. He knows how lucky he is to work with me.”

“Sure he does.”

She kissed his forehead and got up to leave. “Don’t stay up too late.”

“I’m staying up all night on vacation.”

“I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Drove my dad crazy.”

“I sure do miss him.”

“Me, too. Can’t you picture him rolling around the halls of the residence, being into everything?”

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