If Riggs Lawton was in any way responsible for taking him from Angela and her kids, Sam would make him sorry he was ever born.

When she entered the White House residence, she heard the twins laughing and followed the joyful noise to their bedroom, where Nick was seated between them on the bed, reading them a story.

“What’s so funny in here, and why is everyone up so late?” At least it wasn’t a school night.

“Sam, Nick is being silly,” Aubrey said.

“My Nick is never silly.”

“Yes, he is!” Alden said.

Sam stretched across the foot of the bed. “This I need to see.”

Nick gave her a warm smile that immediately helped to alleviate some of the anxiety she’d brought home with her. The voices he gave the characters in the book were, in fact, very silly, sweet and funny. The twins’ laughter was the best thing she’d heard all day. After they tucked them in with kisses and love, Sam and Nick left them to sleep.

“You’re a wonderful daddy,” she said, kissing him.

“Aw, thanks. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, except, you know, naked fun and all other fun with you.”

“It’s okay to say they’re the most fun.”

“You’re all tied for first. They were wound up and playing with Jack, so I let them stay up a little later. Let’s check on the big boy.” He knocked on Scotty’s door, making Skippy bark.

“Enter!”

They stepped into a wild wrestling match between dog and boy.

“I think she might be winning,” Scotty said, breathless.

Skippy was on top of him, killing him with kisses.

“That dog tongue is lethal,” he said, wiping his face with his T-shirt.

“She’s getting big,” Nick said, as if he’d just noticed the growth spurt.

“How was your day?” Sam asked Scotty.

“Eh, two hours of algebra homework that’s not due until next week.”

“Wait,” Sam said. “You did algebra homework early? Nick, take his temperature.”

“We’ve got the wake and funeral, so I figured I’d get it done.”

“Good call, buddy,” she said.

“Next year, I get to take geometry. I hear that’s not much better.”

“I hated it.”

“Sam!” Nick said.

“What? I did.”

“You don’t have to tell him that before he even tries it.”

“Why not?” She gave Scotty a look that made him laugh. “Don’t you want him to be prepared?”

“I want him to go into it with a good attitude.”

Sam rolled her eyes at Scotty. “As if that’s even possible.”

“I’m putting you in time-out,” Nick said to Sam as Scotty laughed.

“Yes, please,” Sam said with a sultry look for her husband.

“Gotta make it dirty, don’t you?” Scotty said, groaning.

“I’m just saying a time-out would be very nice right about now.”

“Have you found the dealer of the laced pills?” Scotty asked, all signs of amusement now gone.

“Not yet, but I think we might be getting closer. I have to go back to HQ tonight to talk to a guy who may have some info.” Sam scratched Skippy behind the ears when the puppy sidled up to her. “You’ve got your clothes ready for the next two days?”