“We are on your side, baby girl, which is why we’re giving you this advice,” Skip said. “We love you, we love Nick, we love the two of you together. Just because something seems preposterous to you doesn’t make it less real for him.”

“I get what you’re saying, even if I don’t like it.” She checked her watch. “And I’ve got to run. Lilia is sending a car to pick me up for a meeting at the freaking White House.”

“When do we get to see your speech?” Celia asked.

“I haven’t even seen it yet, but I’ll email a copy to you when it’s ready.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Celia said, “and in case I haven’t told you, I think it’s amazing that you’re going public with your fertility struggles. It’ll help so many people.”

“Thanks.” She rubbed her belly, which fluttered with anxiety. “I just hope I can do it without making a fool of myself.”

“You’ll be great,” Skip said. “I have no doubt. I can’t wait to watch it on C-SPAN.”

The reminder that her speech would be televised didn’t do a thing for her nerves. She gave them each a kiss. “See you tomorrow.”

“We’ll be here,” Skip said. “Safe travels. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

With her dad and Celia’s thoughts about the situation with Nick and Hill heavy on her mind, Sam went outside to find a big black SUV waiting for her. One of the Secret Service agents on Nick’s detail held the back door for her.

“Thank you, Nate.”

“Yes, ma’am. Have a nice day.”

“You too.” She glanced at her home as the car pulled away, wondering if Nick was watching her leave and whether he was still angry. Though she still felt hurt by his insinuation that she would cheat, she had new perspective thanks to what her dad and Celia had said. When she had the chance, she would talk to him about it and hopefully fix the damage they’d done this morning.

Chapter Twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

GONZO COULDN’T FIND a parking space in freaking Georgetown where Trulo’s office was located. Since Christina was joining him for this session, they’d chosen to meet Trulo here rather than at HQ, where everyone would know their business.

He was a full five minutes late by the time he sprinted up the stairs to the second floor, taking a minute to catch his breath and gather his composure. He would need all the composure he could muster to get through the next hour. When he felt as ready as he’d ever be to rip the scab off the wound on his soul, Gonzo raised his hand to knock softly on the door.