State of Affairs

by Marie Force

  “We leave here at seven thirty.”

  “Oh nice, I get to sleep in.”

  She crawled into bed with Nick a short time later and was asleep almost the minute her head hit the pillow.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  The next thing Sam knew, Nick’s alarm was going off. “Holy crap, I slept like a dead woman.”

  “You sure did. I was talking to you and realized you were asleep.”

  “Sorry. I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

  “I’ll look forward to that all day. You must’ve needed the sleep.”

  “Eh, not really. Nothing much went on this week.”

  Nick laughed as he followed her into the shower.

  They left the house thirty minutes later for the breakfast reception in the East Room at the White House. Sam met a staggering number of dignitaries, including the prime ministers of England and Canada, the German chancellor, the presidents of Mexico and France, as well as the Supreme Court justices.

  In a poignant moment, the White House residence staff presented Mrs. Nelson with shadow boxes made from wood preserved from past White House renovations. The shadow boxes contained the flags that flew over the White House on President Nelson’s first and last days in office. Gloria hugged each member of the staff before she departed the White House for the last time.

  Everyone wanted a moment with Nick, and he barely got to eat before they were ushered into the motorcade that would leave from the White House and travel to the Capitol. A military unit would carry the casket to a horse-drawn carriage for the trip to the National Cathedral for the funeral service. The streets of the District were lined with people watching the procession.

  Every other member of the Metro PD was on duty that day, providing security and traffic control to ensure a smooth event. It made her uncomfortable to be exempted from an all-hands-on-duty situation. While she was where she needed to be, her heart was also with her brothers and sisters in blue.

  “I feel guilty,” Sam said, the words popping out before she had time to consider whether she should say them.

  “They understand why you can’t be with them today.”

  “Do they? Or do they just think it’s another special privilege for a special snowflake?”

  “You’re the most special of snowflakes, my love.”

  “I hope you know… Nothing they say or do matters to me as much as supporting you does. I don’t care what they think or what they say. I only care about you and our family and doing my very best on the job. That’s it.”

  “I know that, babe. And I so appreciate everything you’re doing to make it a smooth transition for all of us. It was an inspired idea to ask Celia to move with us. That’ll give us such peace of mind when we can’t be with the kids, and it’ll give her all-new purpose.”

  “I hope so.”

  He put his arm around her and kissed her temple. “No husband in the history of husbands has ever asked more of his wife than I have this week, and you’ve stepped up to the occasion so beautifully and with such grace.”

  “Really?” she asked, moved by his kind words. “I feel like a red-hot mess fumbling my way through it.”

  “Not at all. You’re doing great. And in the midst of the greatest upheaval in the history of our lives, you also managed to solve a murder, a gang rape and a fifteen-year-old cold case, not to mention successfully ending a hostage situation. You’re my Wonder Woman.”

  “You’re very good for a fledgling first lady’s ego, my friend.”

  “Your ego should be very, very healthy. After today and tomorrow, hopefully things will calm down a bit, and we can try to find a new normal in all of this.”

  Sam laughed—hard. “We’ve been waiting for things to ‘calm down’ for two years now. How’s that going for ya?”

  He joined her laughter, which was a good reminder that as much as things had changed, the most important thing never would.

  “What’re you hearing from Dani and Gigi?”

  “Dani is much better after receiving IV fluids. She’s set to go home today, and Gigi is on the mend. She should be back to work in about three weeks.”

  “That’s good news.”

  “Have you picked a vice president yet?”

  “I’m afraid to risk losing a seat in the Senate, so I think I’m going with Henderson.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s good.”

  “What’re you not saying?”

  “Huh? Nothing.”

  “Samantha, try that with someone who doesn’t know you as well as I do. What is it you really want to say?”

  “I just… I don’t know. I got a weird vibe from her.”

  “What kind of weird vibe?”

  “I can’t explain it. It was just… weird.”

  “I didn’t have the best feeling about her either, and I’ve learned to trust that gut of yours. I guess I’ll ask Jessica Sanford then.”

  “Seriously? Just because I picked up a vibe?”

  “Yep.”

  “Nick, you can’t decide on a vice president based on my weird vibes.”

  “The last thing I need is to make a bad choice in this first important decision I’ll make as president. I trust your gut, and it’s giving you a vibe, so I’ll ask Sanford and take my chances with the Senate.”

  “What about the perfume?”

  “Terry will tell her the truth and ask her not to wear it.”

  “Perfect, but I still can’t believe you’re making a decision based on my gut.”

  “Believe it. It’s the best gut I know. Anytime you get one of your feelings while I’m in office, please share it with me. You’re my most trusted adviser.”

  “I’m happy to share my gut checks with you.” She looked out at the crowds that lined the streets for the late president. “Did Gloria ask you to speak at this?”

  “No, and I’m glad she didn’t. It would’ve been weird after everything that happened between Nelson and us.”

  “For sure.”

  “Hanigan is doing the eulogy along with Nelson’s daughter and granddaughter.”

  They arrived at the National Cathedral and were ushered into the pomp and circumstance of a presidential funeral. Before John O’Connor’s funeral, Sam had never been in the National Cathedral, and it was odd to recall meeting the Nelsons for the first time that day. As she sat through the service and listened to the touching memories shared by Tom Hanigan, Amanda Nelson and her daughter, she realized Scotty had been right about it being too soon after Skip’s funeral to be attending another one.

  Her emotions were all over the place, which she hadn’t expected in connection to David Nelson. He’d played a minor role in her life at best.

  Nick held her hand throughout the service and as they departed the cathedral for Joint Base Andrews to fly the Nelsons home.

  During the ride to Andrews, Sam placed a call to Roni Connolly and reached her voice mail.

  “Hey, Roni, it’s Sam. Just calling to check in. I’m traveling with the Nelsons to South Dakota today, but you can give me a call tomorrow if you have a chance, or shoot me a text. Hope to catch up soon.”

  Sam ended the call and decided to text Darren Tabor, Roni’s colleague at the Washington Star. Hey, it’s Sam. Just wondering if you’ve talked to Roni in the last few days. Let me know.

  He wrote back a few minutes later. Madam First Lady, how nice to hear from you. I haven’t talked to Roni this week. She took some leave, and when I texted her, she didn’t reply. I’ll check on her after work and let you know when I see her. You looked good on TV today. How’s AF One?

  Sam smiled as she responded. On our way there now. I’m sure it’s super cool, but still an airplane, which makes it my least favorite place to be. Thanks for checking on Roni. Do let me know when you catch up with her.

  Will do. Safe travels, and keep your old pal in mind for any exclusives you might wish to share, or if you ever need someone to hold your hand on AF One.

  Sam laughed and responded with three laughing em
ojis.

  “What’s so funny?” Nick asked.

  “Darren making himself available for all exclusives and rides on Air Force One.”

  “We’ll bring him sometime. Remind me to make that happen.”

  “He’ll die.”

  When they arrived at Andrews a short time later, they stood on the tarmac while Nelson’s casket was loaded onto Air Force One, and then they led the Nelson family up the stairs to board the plane. Sam and Nick stood with Gloria as she turned to wave to the gathered crowd and media who’d come to see them off.

  Sam had chills as she witnessed the former first lady’s dignity during a time of great sorrow.

  The moment they stepped foot inside the plane, Sam’s usual preflight panic kicked in with cold sweats and the urgent need to pee. It was the weirdest reaction that happened every single time she was on an airplane. She was shown to a restroom that was unlike any airplane bathroom she’d ever seen. The entire plane was pure luxury, from the sitting room to the president’s bedroom to Nick’s office, which made it easy to forget where she was, until the plane bobbed or hit a bump and reminded her of exactly why she hated flying so much.

  With the entire Nelson family and much of the late president’s staff on board for the three-hour trip to South Dakota, there were plenty of people to keep her mind off the fact that she was on an airplane. Sam didn’t get much time alone with Nick, who spent most of the flight in his office with Terry and other aides.

  “This is so cool,” Lindsey whispered to Sam as they were served roast beef, baby potatoes, steamed spinach and delicious chocolate cake for lunch. “Well worth taking a day off, even if it’s for a funeral.”

  “I can’t believe you volunteered to spend six hours on a plane today. This is the last place I’d be if I didn’t have to.”

  “Sam, it’s Air Force One.”

  “Lindsey, it’s a fucking airplane.”

  Her friend cracked up laughing. “Just think, you might get to join the Mile High Club at some point. That’d take your mind off the fact that you’re on a plane.”

  “Very true. In other news, I’m going to be as big as a house living at the White House with my own pastry chefs. I’m powerless against the pastry, not to mention all the other chefs who’ll be working to fatten me up.”

  “Enjoy every minute of it. You’ll have plenty of time to lose the weight after Nick leaves office.”

  Sam took another bite of mouthwatering chocolate cake. “Also very true.”

  Terry came into the cabin, smiled at Lindsey and said to Sam, “Mrs. Nelson is asking for a private moment with you and the president before we land.”

  “Duty calls,” Sam said to Lindsey as she wiped her face with a white cloth napkin. “Did I get all the chocolate off my face?”

  Lindsey gave her a close once-over. “You look perfect.”

  “How are you liking the flight, Linds?” Terry asked his fiancée.

  “Eh, just another day.”

  He laughed and bent to kiss her. “I’ll be right back.” Terry led Sam to Nick’s office. “Mrs. Nelson will be right in.” Terry left the room and closed the door.

  “What’s this about?” Sam asked Nick, who came around the desk to her.

  “Not sure, but I guess we’ll find out.”

  A soft knock sounded on the door before Terry showed Gloria in.

  “So sorry to disturb you, Mr. President, Sam,” Gloria said.

  “You’re not disturbing us,” Nick said. “Please, have a seat.” He held the back of the chair for her.

  When she was settled, Gloria said, “I wanted to tell you myself that after the autopsy determined David died from a pulmonary embolism, I spoke to the White House physician, who confirmed David hadn’t mentioned any sort of chest pain or other symptoms. That leads us to believe it came on somewhat suddenly. When he was younger, he had a blood clot in his leg, but he’d not had any other problems like that in decades. I guess we’ll never know if he felt unwell beforehand.” She looked down at her folded hands. “Maybe if I’d been there…”

  “You did what was best for you, Gloria,” Sam said, “and for what it’s worth, I would’ve done the same thing.”

  She offered a small smile and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “It was the first Thanksgiving we’d spent apart in forty-three years. I think maybe his heart actually broke when I left him. He didn’t expect me to do that. Ah, well, I suppose it’s all part of God’s plan. I may never understand why it had to be this way.”

  “We hope you’re able to find some peace,” Nick said.

  “It’ll take a while, but I’ll get there. I just wanted you to hear the other details about what happened from me.”

  “We appreciate the courtesy,” Nick said.

  “I’d better get back to my grandchildren before they eat all the ice cream on board.”

  Nick walked her to the door. “If there’s anything we can do for you or your family, you know how to reach us.”

  “Likewise.” Gloria looked up at him. “You’re one of the good ones, Mr. President. Make me proud.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll do my best.”

  “She’s right,” Sam said when they were alone. “You are one of the good ones.”

  He put his arms around her and held on tight. “As long as you think so. That’s all that matters.”

  “I definitely think so.”

  When they landed in Pierre, Sam and Nick disembarked along with the Nelson family and stood with them on the tarmac as members from each branch of the military carried the late president’s casket off the plane.

  After the casket was loaded into a hearse, Gloria turned to Nick. “Thank you for everything, Mr. President. I’ll pray for you and your family. I wish you all the best. Enjoy every minute. It goes by so fast.”

  Nick hugged her. “Thank you again for your graciousness to us during this difficult time for your family.”

  Gloria hugged Sam. “I’m a phone call away if I can be of any assistance to you at any time.”

  “Thank you for sharing your wisdom and advice with me. It’s very much appreciated.”

  Gloria stood back and reached out her hands to them while photographers and TV cameras captured the moment. “Take good care of each other. Don’t let the job swallow you whole. Trust me when I tell you it’s not worth the sacrifice. God bless you both.” She dropped their hands and walked away to join her family in the car that would follow the hearse to the South Dakota State Capitol.

  Nick shook hands with Tom Hanigan, the South Dakota governor and the state’s two senators, all of whom had ridden home on Air Force One and would attend the local services for Nelson.

  All told, they were on the ground in Pierre for an hour before they were on their way back to Washington to face whatever came next.

  When they’d reached cruising altitude, Sam went looking for Nick and found him in the president’s bedroom, staring out the window. She slipped her arms around him from behind. “What’re you thinking about?”

  “That I’m president of everything as far as my eye can see and way beyond what’s visible.”

  “That’s a rather daunting thought.”

  “It’s a rather daunting reality.”

  “You’re going to be a wonderful president. I have no doubt about that.”

  He turned and put his arms around her, holding on tight for a long time. “Tonight’s our last night at Ninth Street for a while. I asked them to pack the loft last so we can spend some time together before the move.”

  “That sounds perfect. We may even get home in time to see the kids before bed.”

  “I hope so.” He kissed her neck and then her lips. “What Gloria said about holding on to what’s important… You’re the most important thing. You and the kids. Stay close these next few years, okay?”

  “I’m planning to stay close for the next fifty or sixty years.”

  “That won’t be long enough, but it’s a good start.”

  Smiling, Sam burro
wed into his embrace, determined to do everything she could to give him comfort during their White House years and to love him long after those years were a distant memory.

  Epilogue

  The move to the White House was carried off with the same kind of precision Sam had come to expect from the Secret Service. With Gideon and Shelby supervising, Sam barely had to do anything more than unpack a few boxes and help the kids get settled in their new rooms. With a goal of getting the twins into their own rooms eventually, she’d assigned them each a bedroom, but they’d chosen to sleep together for a while longer. Whatever brought them comfort was fine with her and Nick.

  His surprise of the playground equipment on the South Lawn was a huge hit, with the kids playing for hours until the cold drove them inside.

  As Scotty predicted, the movie theater, bowling alley and pool made the transition much more exciting for the Littles than it would’ve been otherwise. They wanted to do and see everything the first day, until Scotty told them they had to save something for the next day.

  At bedtime the first night, they FaceTimed with Elijah to show him their new rooms and to tell him everything about life at the White House so far. Their excitement was such that Sam feared they’d never sleep that night. Sam had kept the three kids at their end of the hallway, so they could be as close as possible, and after they tucked them all in, Sam and Nick went into their room and closed the door.

  “See how it’s the same as it was at home?” Sam asked. “We put our kids to bed and run off and hide from the world by ourselves. Only here, if we want midnight snacks, we only have to make a call. That doesn’t suck.”

  “The staff is amazing. The food is amazing. The movie theater, the bowling alley… All of it.”

  “The kids are so excited, I was afraid they wouldn’t be able to sleep.”

  “Haven’t heard a peep out of them,” he said, gesturing to the monitor on the bedside table.

  “That’s good.” Sam stretched and then pulled her sweater over her head and dropped it on the floor. “Moving is so exhausting, even when I didn’t have to do anything.”

  “Come here and let me rub all your sore muscles from watching other people move us.”