Page 107 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

His deep sigh said it all. “I hate that for them, for all of us.”

“I do, too. Freddie and I did a little digging. Get this—the Lawsons filed for bankruptcy last year, and the parents’ business is in trouble.”

“You don’t say, and now their fabulously wealthy niece and nephew are looking pretty good to them.”

“Something like that. Since we can’t come right out and tell them we know this, Andy is going to request their financials as part of the discovery. He’s also hoping the judge will throw out the case when he sees the plans Cleo and Jameson made for the kids, hopefully as soon as next week if he can get that emergency hearing.”

Nick dropped his heavy bag of work inside the door, pulled off his tie, unbuttoned the top two buttons on his shirt and came over to kiss her. “That’d be good. It’d be nice to not have this hanging over us for Christmas.”

Sam finished unbuttoning his shirt and ran her hands over his chest and abdomen, feeling his muscles ripple through his T-shirt as she breathed in the unmistakable scent of home. “I know. You’re late tonight. Everything okay?”

“Nope.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Absolutely not. I’m starving. Did you eat yet?”

“No, I only got home an hour ago and was hoping I’d get to eat with you.”

“You had grief group tonight. How’d that go?”

“Really well. Gonzo came and Derek, too.”

“He told me he was going to try to make this one. He wanted to support what you’re doing.”

“It was great to have him there. People appreciated hearing from someone who’s been at it awhile.”

“I’m glad he was able to do that. Let’s order some dinner, and then I want to show you my surprise.”

“I can’t wait to see whatever it is.”

They called down to the butlers’ office to inquire about dinner.

“The chef has prepared salmon and risotto with asparagus in anticipation of your call,” LeRoy said. “We can bring it up whenever you’re ready.”

Sam’s mouth watered as he listed the menu. “That sounds perfect.”

“I’ll be up shortly.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Pleasure, ma’am.”

She put down the housephone and turned to look at Nick, who’d stripped down to boxers. “The next time I complain about being first lady, remind me of the salmon and risotto that was waiting for us when I made that call.”

Smiling, he said, “I’ll be sure to do that. The butlers are the best part of living here.”

Sam went to him and ran her hands over her favorite muscles. “They’re even better than the pool and the bowling alley.”

He bent his head to kiss her neck. “A million times better.”

Her hands slid down over his back to cup his tight ass.

“Don’t start something we can’t finish before dinner arrives.”

She rubbed herself against his instant erection. “Will it keep until after dessert?”

With his arms tight around her, he said, “It’ll keep forever if you’re around.”

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