“Love you, Dad. Be safe.”
“Love you, too.”
Scotty took off running toward the residence.
“Next stop Inova before Andrews?” Sam asked with the sinking feeling she got any time Nick traveled for more than a few hours.
“I know you’d rather I didn’t.”
“I want you to do whatever you think is right.”
“Hard to tell when she’s involved, but I don’t want to have a guilty conscience, so here we are.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
“Do you?”
“Well, no, I can’t, but that makes me lucky because I never had a parent like her. You’re in charge of this situation. I’ll always follow your lead.”
“Thanks, babe.”
“But I’m coming with you.”
“You don’t need to get back to work?”
“Not tonight, but even if I did? I’d still be going with you, because there’s no way in hell you’re dealing with her on your own.”
He dropped her hand to put his arm around her. “In case I haven’t mentioned it today, you’re the best wife I’ve ever had.”
“Haha, very funny.”
“No, I’m being serious.”
Sam laughed, thankful he could joke and tease when she knew how he hurt on the inside whenever his mother reappeared.
When they reached the lobby, they paused for a moment to wait for the Secret Service’s signal to proceed.
“Have a safe and successful trip, Mr. President.”
“Thank you, Harold. Hold down the fort while I’m gone.”
“We will, sir.”
“I want to wail in protest,” Sam said as she rested her head on Nick’s chest.
He tightened his arm around her. “Wait until we get in the car to start the wailing.”
“I’ll try.”
“Do you want your coat, ma’am?” Harold asked.
“Yes, please. Thank you, Harold.”
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
When he handed her the coat, she draped it over her arm since they were getting in a car where the temperature was always set for comfort.
Brant gave the signal, and they were escorted out the door and into The Beast with the usual efficiency provided by the Secret Service.
