“Coming right up.” Sam went into the kitchen to get it for her and took a moment to calm her nerves before returning to the living room with the bottle and glasses for her sisters too.

Wearing jeans and a sweater, Nick was coming down the stairs as she returned and his warm, private smile went a long way toward putting her at ease. Everything was easier to face when he was there to share the load.

“Brenda,” he said, kissing her mother’s cheek. “It’s great to see you again.”

“You too, Nick. Or should I call you Mr. Vice President?”

“Not if you want him to answer,” Sam said, drawing a laugh from the others.

“What she said,” Nick said with a smile. “I’m just Nick.”

“It’s a huge honor to be the mother-in-law of the vice president. I’m very proud of you both. Your speech was amazing, Sam.”

“Oh. You saw that, huh?”

“I think most of the country has seen it by now.”

“Awesome,” Sam said with a lack of enthusiasm that made the others laugh.

Nick squeezed her shoulder. “Sam is still getting used to being famous. We both are. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be sometimes.”

Scotty came running down the stairs. “Is she here yet?” He stopped short when he saw Brenda sitting with his parents and his aunts. “Oh, sorry. I’m Scotty.”

Amused, Brenda stood to shake his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

“I’ve heard so much about you from your aunts. They’re your biggest fans.”

“They only say that because I keep their kids under control.”

“That’s true,” Angela said. “That’s the only reason we keep you around.”

“Very funny,” Scotty said.

“No, it’s true,” Tracy said, grinning at her nephew.

“Um, what should I call you?” Scotty asked Brenda.

“How about Brenda? Does that work?”

“Works for me.”

Scotty’s natural ease with new people went a long way toward calming Sam’s nerves. It was hard to stay wound up when he made it look so easy.

They chatted with Nick and Scotty for half an hour or so and then Nick suggested he and Scotty go watch the Caps game upstairs. Sam appreciated the way he smoothly gave her time alone with her mother and sisters, but not until he was certain she was comfortable.

Brenda got up to hug them. “I hope to see you again soon,” she said to Scotty.

“Me too.”

After they’d gone upstairs, Brenda said, “I’m so glad to meet your amazing son, Sam, and for the chance to get to know Nick a little. His public persona, which is quite impressive, doesn’t do him justice.”

As far as compliments went, Sam had to admit they were pretty good. “Thanks. I like them.”

“I can see why. And your home is lovely.”