“There is. I’d planned to forward his email to you.”
“Is there one you like more than the others?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to influence the decision.”
“Lilia… please. Influence the decision. Tell me what to pick. And whose big idea was this, anyway?”
Laughing, she said, “You can blame Jacqueline Kennedy, who began the tradition of choosing a theme in 1961 when she picked The Nutcracker ballet as her theme.”
“So I could do A Charlie Brown Christmas?”
Lilia laughed as hard as Sam had ever heard her laugh.
“Clearly, I have no business making this decision. What are my options?”
“Sorry, I’m still recovering from picturing a Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Ah, that was funny.” She cleared her throat. “Anyway, on the list of suggestions that Gideon sent over, I liked Simple Holiday Pleasures. I thought it suited you and the president and how you live your lives.”
“I love that. It’s perfect.”
“I’ll get that right over to Gideon and get busy making it happen.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Thank you for the best laugh I’ve had in ages.”
“Don’t tell anyone I said that.”
“All your secrets are safe with me. While I have you, I was thinking we should post one of the new photos of you with the kids and maybe a note about the adoption being final and how you’re feeling about that? We can write something for you.”
“While I’m always looking for ways out of more work, I think that’s one I should write myself. I’ll get something to you.”
“Excellent.”
“Have you heard what’s going on in the West Wing?” Sam asked her.
“Rumblings about the VP being fired, but no details.”
“It’s bad.”
“I assumed it must be for her to be fired. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Only if you can make it so people can’t do insanely stupid shit that causes hellfire for my husband.”
“If I had a magic wand, I would make it so.”
“I appreciate that—and I appreciate you. Always.”
“I’ve got you covered, friend. And speaking of that, Roni is working on a draft of your Top Cops speech from the notes you gave her.”
“Don’t tell her or anyone else that I forgot about that.”
“Sam,” Lilia said, laughing. “You’re the only person I know who could forget about a major career achievement.”
“I know it’s a big deal, but to me, it’s a bigger deal when I catch a killer. But don’t tell the NAPO people that, okay?” The award was given annually by the National Association of Police Organizations in recognition of extraordinary bravery.
“Your secrets are always safe with me. Call me if there’s anything I can do for you.”
“You’re the best. Talk soon.”
