He could’ve said no. The monument, like all the others, was open twenty-four hours a day, and he didn’t need permission to be there. But for the first time in the two weeks since he was sworn in, Nick decided to take advantage of his newfound rank. “I’m Senator Nick Cappuano. I’m meeting someone here.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Senator.” The ranger shook Nick’s hand. “I believe your friend is on that side,” he said, pointing, “under the Gettysburg Address.”

Nick still found it hard to believe that he was half of a couple everyone in the capital region recognized. “Thank you.” Over his shoulder, he caught the ranger’s grin as he watched Nick take the stairs two at a time. He found Sam right where the ranger had told him she’d be. Sitting on the floor, she had her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms tight around them and her face tucked into the valley formed by her knees.

“Samantha.”

Her head shot up, a shocked expression on her tear-streaked face. “What’re you doing here?”

“Your dad told me I might find you here.” Undone by her ravaged expression and wondering if he was responsible for it, he glanced at Lincoln. “Is it a coincidence that you flee to the first Republican president when you want to be alone?”

“I don’t come because he was a Republican.”

Nick sat down next to her on the cold floor. “Then why?”

She shrugged. “It’s so peaceful here. I’ve always loved it.”

“I’m drawn to Jefferson myself.”

“Naturally. The original Democrat.”

“One of them.” He studied her for a long moment before he said, “Are you a Republican, Samantha Holland?”

“Will you love me less if I say I am?”

He shook his head and reached for her hand. “Nothing could make me love you less.”

Her face tightened with strain that confused and scared him as he rubbed some warmth into her chilled hand. “Don’t be so sure.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Like I told Graham before—I’m a cop. I’m not affiliated with either party.”

“But if you could be, which one would it be?”

She glanced up at Lincoln. “Neither, really. I’m more of an issues kind of gal.”

Nick released a long deep breath.

“Are you disappointed I didn’t say I’m a Democrat?”

“Of course not.”

“I may not always agree with your position on issues that really matter to you.”

“I don’t expect you to.”

“Are you sure of that? Politics is such a big part of who you are, Nick. Now more than ever. I’d understand if some differences were too big for you to deal with. After all, we rushed into this. We didn’t really know each other—”