Page 10 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Open it and find out.”

“I thought we agreed to one present this year?”

“I loved your gift, and I can’t wait for a weekend away together very soon.”

“And I loved the suede boots. They’re gorgeous.”

“I needed something more than the boots to properly thank you for everything over this last month and to butter you up for the next three years.”

Intrigued, Sam removed the paper to reveal a blue velvet Tiffany box. “What’ve you done?”

“I had a little fun. Open it.”

Sam lifted the lid on the box to reveal a stunning diamond bracelet. “Holy smokes. That’s gorgeous.”

Nick took it from the box and put it on her wrist. “Every time you look at it, I want you to remember how much I appreciate you—always—but especially lately. And I want you to remember how much I love you.”

“It’s beautiful. Thank you. How’d you manage to pull this off?”

“I had a little help from Tracy and Angela. They helped me narrow down the choices, but I made the final call.”

“You did good.” Sam held up her arm to let the bling catch the light from the fire burning in their fireplace. After hearing how much she loved the wood fireplace, the staff came in each night to light it for her before bedtime. Since it was a holiday, they’d done it early. At first, she’d been worried about them coming in unannounced, but the staff never entered the occupied suite unless they’d been asked for something. They had an almost supernatural ability to know when to stay away.

“Last night and today were fantastic,” Nick said, kissing her. “Thanks for all you did to make it happen.”

“That was mostly Gideon and the staff.”

“But it was your idea.”

“That was the easy part. The staff gets the credit for bringing my idea to life.”

“I hope we can do it every year that we’re here.”

“That would be nice,” Sam said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

“They were dazzled.”

“This place is rather dazzling.”

“Nothing was more dazzling last night than my first lady.”

“She did look rather smashing, didn’t she?” Sam asked with a laugh.

“She was the belle of the ball, the apple of my eye, the love of my life.”

“Sigh. You know I’m a sure thing, right?”

Nick laughed. “I never take that for granted.”

“You probably could at this point.”

“I never will.” He stood and held out his hand to help her up so he could remove the sweater and leggings she’d worn for the morning festivities. Her bra and panties landed on the floor with the rest of her clothes, and Sam pressed her naked body against his. “Let’s go by the fireplace.”

“Wherever you want, love.”

Sam grabbed a pillow and throw blanket that they snuggled under next to the fire. “You have no idea how badly I needed some time alone with you after these last few insane days.”

“I think I have a small idea.”

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