Page 69 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Oh, hell yes.”

“That’s really cool. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be like than him. Or you, too, of course.”

“Please, God, don’t let you grow up to be like me.”

“That wouldn’t be so bad. We had a career day thing at school last week. Some guy from the FBI came in, and his presentation was sick. I’m not ruling out a career in law enforcement.”

“I’d rather you go into politics. It’s safer.”

“Eh, not really.”

“Yes, it is, and I need to believe that, so don’t argue with me.”

“Whatever you say, boss lady.” They got off the elevator, and he walked her down the hallway, stopping outside the door to her and Nick’s bedroom. “How about I tuck you in for a change tonight?”

“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”

“Somehow I doubt that, but we’re not talking about that.”

He was endlessly amusing, delightful, insightful, sweet and loving. She couldn’t imagine that any mother loved her son more than she loved this boy. After she painfully used the bathroom and brushed her teeth, Scotty helped her into bed and pulled the covers over her.

“You’re a mess.”

“Thank you. I know. Let me tell you what—I don’t care how old you are, falling sucks.”

“I’ll take your word for it. I haven’t done much falling.”

“Not yet, but you will when you get old and stupid like I am.”

He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

“Best tuck-in I ever got.”

“Lights out in ten minutes,” he said sternly, making her laugh again.

“Hey, Scotty?”

“Yeah?”

“I just want you to know… The day you showed up was one of the very best days of my entire life, and every day since then has been even better.”

“Thanks, Mom. Right back atcha.”

Nick came into the room and stopped short at the sight of Sam already in bed.

“I tucked her in,” Scotty said, “but no funny business tonight, Mr. President. She’s injured.”

“Yes, sir,” Nick said, his lips quivering from the effort it took not to laugh.

“And with that, I’m out.”

“Love you, buddy,” Nick said.

“Love you, too.”

“That boy…” Sam smiled. “He’s amazing. He insisted on tucking me in for a change, and he told me he doesn’t mind if I work a bit this week because, and I quote, ‘I’m fourteen and have a life of my own now.’”

“Stop it. He did not say that.”

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