Page 148 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“No, thank you. If you hear any more, please let me know.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nick turned to walk back into the Oval Office on legs that felt oddly rubbery, the way they did anytime he was reminded of how dangerous her work could be.

“Everything all right?” Harry asked.

“Apparently not.” He told his friend what’d happened to Sam. “I’d go there, but I’ve got to be here for Gretchen Henderson’s nomination announcement.” Every part of him wanted to go to Sam, and he hated that he couldn’t. “Let me check in with Freddie and see how she is.”

“Do whatever you need to.”

Nick used the secure BlackBerry they’d given him for personal use to make the call to Freddie. Thankfully, Freddie answered the call from an unavailable number.

“Detective Cruz.”

“It’s Nick. How is she?”

“She’s okay. We just got to GW, and Dr. Anderson is with her now.”

Nick felt better knowing her doctor friend was caring for her. “Will you text me when you hear an update?”

“I will, and I’ll make sure she gets home when they let her out of here.”

“Thanks, Freddie.”

“No problem.”

Nick ended the call and passed the info along to Harry. “She got lucky. Again. I have nightmares wondering when her luck will run out.”

“She’s okay, Nick.” He appreciated that Harry dropped all the formality at a moment like this. “I know it’s got to be so hard to hear that she’s hurt, but she’s okay.”

“This time.” Nick made an effort to shake off the sick feeling that always came with hearing she’d been hurt on the job. “Anyway, what’s up with you?”

“It’s nothing that won’t keep.”

“I’m fine, Harry. Really. What’s on your mind?”

“I was going to ask if I might borrow a corner of your White House for some personal business on Christmas Eve.”

“Do tell.”

“I’m going to propose to Lilia, and I thought it might be fun to do it here.”

“That’s fantastic news, and my house is your house. Whatever you want to do is fine with me.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Nick extended a hand to his close friend. “Congratulations, pal. She’s amazing and perfect for you.”

“She really is. I waited a long time for her, and she’s made that long wait so worth it.”

“When it’s right, it’s right.”

“Exactly. You’ll be my best man, right?”

“I’d be honored.”

“My mom will flip her lid about me having the president as my best man,” Harry said, grinning.

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