Page 149 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“No way! That’s amazing. Is she going to do it?”

“She is. We’re very excited for her.”

“I can imagine. Tell her I said congrats.”

“I will. What goes on over there?”

“Other than my VP nominee getting skewered on the Hill?”

“Is she?”

“It’s bad. She’s handling it as well as she can, but they’re ripping her apart, digging into every aspect of her life, her marital woes, all of it.”

“God, I hate that. What the hell do her marital woes have to do with what kind of vice president she’ll be?”

“It has nothing to do with it, but they’re digging into that stuff because their only other reason for opposing her is that she’s even more inexperienced than I am.”

“Inexperience isn’t disqualifying, is it?”

“No, but they’re doing their best to discredit her in every way they can think of.”

“Probably doesn’t help that she’s a woman either.”

“Nope.”

“Even though I’ve had my doubts about her, I find myself rooting for her, because if there’s anything I hate more than misogyny…”

“You hate airplanes and needles more.”

“And black ice and physical therapy. They’ve been added to the list.”

His laughter made her go warm all over. “I guess you’ll be late for dinner, huh?”

“Looks that way but tell the kids I’ll tuck them in when I get home.”

“Will you tuck me in, too?”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait.”

“Love you, babe. Watch your back with that jackass Ramsey.”

“I will. Don’t worry. And I love you, too. See you soon.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nick ended the call with Sam and sat back in his chair behind the Resolute desk, thinking about the ongoing threat to Sam presented by that son of a bitch Ramsey. Just when they thought they’d gotten rid of him once and for all…

A knock on the door preceded Terry walking into the Oval Office.

“What’s the good word, Terry?” Nick asked, eager to think of anything other than Sam being in danger at work.

“I wish there was a good word, Mr. President. We received a call from Henderson’s team that she’s considering withdrawing from consideration.”

“Oh no. No, no, no. She can’t do that. Can you get her on the phone for me?” Gretchen’s nomination had been Nick’s first big decision as president, and he was determined to get her confirmed.

“Let me see what I can do.” Terry left the office and went to the reception area to speak to one of the assistants, returning ten minutes later. “She’s on the line now.”

“Thanks.” Nick picked up the extension on the desk. “Gretchen, thanks for taking the call.”

---