“You’ve polled on me?” Nick asked, incredulous. “Already?”

“Of course we have.” Richard seemed insulted that Nick even had to ask. “Most of Virginia and the rest of official Washington watched the funeral. You made quite an impression.” Richard directed a charming smile at Sam. “Between that and your very public relationship with the Sergeant—”

“Don’t bring her into this,” Nick snapped. “She’s off limits.”

Graham rested his forearms on the table and leaned in to address Nick. “You know how this works. Nothing’s off limits, especially your personal life. But the party is prepared to throw its support behind you if you want it. By this time tomorrow you can be a United States senator. All you have to do is tell us you want it, and we’ll make it happen.”

“Your name recognition is off the charts right now,” Richard added. “Factor in youthful vitality, obvious political savvy, a well-known connection to the O’Connors and you’re a very attractive candidate, Nick. Governor Zorn thinks it’s a brilliant idea.”

A United States senator. It boggled his mind. “I don’t know what to say…”

“Say yes,” Judson urged.

“It’s not that simple,” Nick said, thinking of Sam and their fledgling relationship. Could it handle the pressure that would come with a job like this on top of a job like hers? “I need to think about it.”

“For how long?” Judson asked. “The governor is anxious to act.”

“I need a couple of days.”

“Two,” Judson said. “I can give you through Christmas, and then we’ll need to know.”

“Why don’t you want it?” Nick asked, beginning to worry about Sam’s total silence and the sudden pallor gracing her cheeks.

“Hell,” Judson said, “I’m too damned old to keep that kind of schedule. Richard is, too. We want to spend our spare time golfing and hanging out with the grandbabies. We need someone like you to get us through this transition. We’re asking for one year, Nick. Give us that, and for the rest of your life you’ll be known as Senator Cappuano.”

The title sounded so preposterous, it was all Nick could do not to laugh.

Judson and Richard got up to leave. Both shook hands with Graham.

“Sorry again for your loss, Senator,” Judson said.

To Nick, he added, “Let me know what you decide by the twenty-sixth.”

Nick nodded and shook hands with them. When he heard the door click shut behind them, he turned to Graham and Sam.

“What do you think, Nick?” Graham asked.

“I’d like to know what Sam thinks.”

“I, ah, I have no idea what to say.”

He could tell by the wild look in her blue eyes that she was having a silent freak out and decided to wait until they were alone to address it further with her.

“You seriously think I can do this?” he said to Graham.