Since they were both done eating, he put the tray on the floor along with their glasses and reached for her. As there was nowhere she’d rather be, she willingly curled into his embrace. “What happens four years from now. If I say yes to this, I’m saying yes to a whole lot more than being VP for the next four years. I also become the heir apparent for the nomination.”

Though she’d suspected that’s what he would say, hearing the words brought home the stark reality of what they were considering.

“If that were to come to pass, I can’t promise you’d be able to keep your job and everything would stay the same. I’d like to think we could forge a new path and do our own thing, but we both know it’s not just about what we want. And because of the nature of your job...”

“It could be a liability.”

“I don’t care about that, Sam, and I never will. I’ve told you that before. But at that level it’s not just about what I want.”

“What do you want? In your heart of hearts, and thinking only of your career and not of me or Scotty, what do you want?”

“It’s very hard for me to think about what I want without factoring you and Scotty into the equation,” he said as he ran his fingers through his hair. “On the one hand, it’s an incredible opportunity, but it’s also a life-changing opportunity. I kind of like my life the way it is. And our life together is chaotic enough without adding an even higher-profile job to the mix. I also worry about what it would really mean for you. Sure, they’d let you keep your job, but yours is not exactly a low-profile job either. Would you actually be able to perform your duties effectively? I just don’t know.” He turned his head so he could see her face. “What do you think? And tell me the truth.”

“I, um...I don’t know what to think.”

“Surely you must have some thoughts on the matter.”

“This feels like déjà vu. Didn’t we have a similar conversation a year ago when you promised me one year and done in the Senate?”

The left side of his face lifted into the half grin she loved so much. “So what you’re telling me is I have zero credibility on these things.”

“I’m reminding you that nothing has gone as planned in the last year.”

“One thing did. March twenty-sixth went exactly as planned.”

“Yes, it did,” Sam said, smiling at the reminder of their wedding day. “At least this time you’re coming to me with a potential twelve-year plan.”

“I like to think I’ve learned to give you more information at times like this.”