Page 64 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

That was a very good question. Was it possible she’d broken something? No, because she had no time for that. “I think so,” she said, eyeing the staircase to the residence, “but there’s an elevator, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. Right this way.” He not only led her to the elevator, but he accompanied her as if she couldn’t find the second floor on her own. God forbid she should push a button for herself. She no sooner had that thought than she was chastising herself for it. The White House staff took great pride in their work, and Sam appreciated everything they did for her and their family. “Are you sure you’re all right, ma’am?”

“Took a fall in the parking lot at work and landed hard, but I’m okay.”

“Ah, the ice got you, did it?”

“It did.”

“Sorry to hear that.” The elevator doors slid open. “There you are, ma’am.”

“Thanks for the lift, Harold.”

“My pleasure, ma’am. I hope you feel better.”

“Thanks. Me, too.”

Sam limped down the hallway, wondering where everyone was. Usually, she could hear them before she saw them. She was about to text Nick when he stepped out of their suite and smiled when he saw her coming. His smile quickly faded when he realized she was limping.

“What happened?”

“Goddamned ice in the goddamned parking lot at work.”

“Oh no. What hurts?”

“It’d be easier to tell you what doesn’t hurt.”

“How about a hot bath?”

“That sounds like heaven, but where are the kids? I totally missed today with them.”

“They’re fine. They’re upstairs playing Chutes and Ladders with Eli and Celia. All is well.”

“Then please lead me to that hot bath.” Her hip hurt so badly, she wondered if she’d fractured it. Please God… She did not have time for that. While Nick got the bath ready, Sam sat gingerly on the bed, wincing when her battered hip touched the mattress. “Yow.” This reminded her of the time she’d been hit by a car while chasing a perp. She’d survived that, and she’d survive this, too.

But damn, it hurt.

Nick came out of the bathroom and knelt before her to remove her boots.

“I need a photo of the leader of the free world kneeling before me.”

He grinned as he looked up at her, the most devastatingly handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on. “This is just for you, babe.”

“It’d better be.”

“No worries there, as you surely know.”

“This is going to put a damper on vacation activities.”

“That’s okay.”

“It isn’t. Our whole vacation has gone sideways.”

“No, it hasn’t. We’re all together, and that’s what matters. Who cares where we are?”

“Um, you do. You were loving Camp David.”

“We can go back again sometime soon.”

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