She cupped his face and turned him so she could see his eyes. “I think you’d be really, really, really good at it.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” she said, laughing. “Really, really.”

“It could totally suck for you.”

“I’d deal with it. I’ve already spent a year dealing with a high-profile politician significant other, and my career has survived just fine. I sort of like the idea of being a trailblazer by keeping my job and going on like I was before you ascended to the number-two spot in the country.”

“Other second ladies have worked outside their official duties, but none of them in jobs like yours.”

“Wait, back up. Official duties? What official duties?”

“As second lady, you’d be expected to make some appearances with me and on your own. You’d be able to take on some causes that are close to your heart, such as adoption, paralysis support, public safety, fertility, learning disabilities. Those kinds of things—and only if you were interested in bringing attention to those issues.”

“You know how to hit a girl where she lives, Senator.”

“I’m just saying, it’s an opportunity for you in that regard.”

“I suppose I could give up sleep to run these additional programs.”

“You’d have a staff devoted to working on your causes. You’d show up for the big moments. And you’d have to get tricked out in fancy dresses once in a while.” He raised himself up on one elbow to look down at her. “I’d buy you a new pair of designer shoes for every formal event.”

Sam’s eyes narrowed. “That’s blackmail.”

“Call it what you will, my love. I know the way to your heart is through your heels.”

“That’s not the only way,” Sam said, fisting a handful of his shirt and tugging him down for a kiss. “Oh, sorry. I forgot about the ribs. Are they better?”

“Much better today. Feel free to bend me to your will.”

She put her arms around his neck and looked up at him, still amazed after nearly a year that he was hers to keep forever.

“What?” He propped his forehead on hers and gazed into her eyes.

“Sometimes I still can’t believe I get to keep you.”

“Samantha,” he whispered against her lips. “I feel that way every minute of every day. How can something so incredible even be real?”

“It’s real,” she said, combing her fingers into his soft hair. “It’s as real as real gets, and if we do this great big huge thing, we have to promise not to let anything get in the way of what’s most important to us.”

“Nothing will ever be more important to me than you are. You and Scotty. The two of you are all I need to be happy. The rest is just gravy.”