“If you say so.” She sat in the visitor’s chair and propped her feet on the frame under the bed. “Where’s Christina?”

“I sent her home to get some sleep in a real bed. She’s running on fumes.”

“She’s been a trouper. I think she might actually love you.”

His smile lit up his entire face. “Looks that way, huh?” He winced as he tried to find a more comfortable position.

“Need me to fluff your pillow or something?”

“I’m not that desperate.”

“Thank God.”

“Your bedside manner sucks.”

“That’s not what Nick says.” Sam waggled her brows for effect.

“TMI. Speaking of Nick...I might’ve heard a rumor or two about him.”

“That baby is not his.”

“Very funny. And while we’re on the subject of funny, you as second lady... Now that’s funny.”

“Glad you think so. It’s positively terrifying to me.”

“So it’s true?”

“Apparently. I’m officially in denial.”

“That’s incredible, Sam. The part about him getting the job. Not you being in denial, although that’s incredibly funny.”

“You’re a real pal, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told. Do you have to leave the job?”

“Hell, no. They’ve got it all set up so I can keep the job without Secret Service protection.”

“Wow. That’s cool.”

“They wanted him pretty badly. They knew what buttons to push.”

“When’s the big announcement?”

“Tomorrow. At the White House.”

“Holy shit. Do you have to go?”

“Well, yeah. My husband is being tapped to be vice president of the United States. I think he sort of expects me to be there.”

“Don’t get all testy with me because you’re feeling testy about that.”

“I’m not testy.”

He snorted with laughter and then seemed to regret the movement. “Don’t make me laugh. Hurts.”

“Don’t say stupid shit, and I won’t have to make you laugh.”

“Most people who come to visit are nice to me.”

“I’m not most people.”

“No, you certainly aren’t.”

“Nelson’s people are telling us the confirmation process could get ugly.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Exhausted and it hasn’t even started yet. The scrutiny will be intense, and I haven’t exactly led a quiet, low-key life.”

He visibly bit his lip to keep from laughing, which made her smile.

“I’m really glad you didn’t die on us, Gonzo. That would’ve truly sucked.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“I mean it, you know.”

“I know. The doctors said another millimeter to the left, and I was a goner.”

Sam shuddered at the thought of how close they’d come to losing him. “Too many close calls lately. I hope we haven’t used up our quota of good luck in the last couple of weeks.”

“We haven’t. There’s plenty left for your dad too.”