Page 183 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

He rolled his eyes at her in the mirror. “This is one of the few first lady command performances. There’s a reception at seven thirty at the Capitol to welcome the guests.”

“I’ll be there.” She turned so she could put her arms around his neck. “Are you nervous?”

“Not really, and I should be. It’s weird that I’m not.”

“It’s because you have faith in the speech you wrote, which I can’t wait to hear.”

When he’d offered to share it with her, she’d said she wanted to hear it in real time.

“I can’t wait until it’s over and we can have a weekend with our people at Camp David.”

“Me, too. You’ll be glad to know I’ve decided to fully embrace the camp this time and not worry one lick about work, even if we haven’t nailed Shane Ramsey yet.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“I know how much you need to get out of here, and I want you to relax and enjoy it. For that to happen, I have to relax and enjoy it, too, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

“That gives me even more to look forward to. Now, go to work and catch this guy.”

“That’s the goal.” She went up on tiptoes to kiss him. “Love you.”

“Love you, too. Don’t stand me up tonight.”

“Wouldn’t think of it.”

“Be careful with my precious cop. She’s my whole world.”

“Will do.”

He hugged her tightly, kissed her again and left for the short walk to the West Wing.

She took the garment bag Marcus had sent, packed the required undergarments and shoes, as well as basic makeup in case she couldn’t connect with the White House team for official fluffing, and went down to meet Vernon and Jimmy. She was thankful they were driving her today, because they’d know where she needed to be later.

Scotty would travel to the Capitol with Nick, and Celia already had his clothes ready for the big night. The twins had wanted to go, but it would be too late of a night for them, so they were staying home with Celia and would watch the speech on TV. Once again, Sam gave thanks for her stepmother, who made everything so much easier just by being there.

Speaking of people who helped make her life easier, Sam put through a call to Shelby.

“Hi there,” Shelby said. “I was just thinking of you. Ready for the big night?”

“I will be once I get a big day at work taken care of.”

“Still nothing on the Ramsey guy?” Shelby asked.

“Not yet.”

“That’s got to be so frustrating.”

“It went past that a week ago. Now it’s flat-out maddening. But anyway, I wanted to make sure you’re set to come tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Thanks for asking me.”

“Of course I asked you. I need all my people with me for this.”

“I’ve heard people talking around here. They’re saying the speech is remarkable.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing it. And you guys are still good for Camp David this weekend?”

“Avery is so excited. Don’t let on that I told you. He was crushed when the blizzard messed things up the last time.”

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