“I’m telling you the truth. There hasn’t been anyone for me since you.”

“Elijah…” Her voice caught on a sob. “I’m so, so sorry for what they did to you. I’ll never forgive them for it.”

“You will. Eventually.”

“No, I won’t. I won’t ever forgive them for treating you like a criminal.”

“Did you hear about what happened to my dad and Cleo?”

“I did, and I wanted so badly to call you, but I was so afraid they’d cause more trouble for you if I did. I was so heartbroken over it.”

“It was horrible.”

“And the twins are living with the first family.”

“They’re the most amazing people. Sam met them while she was working the case and took them home with her when they needed somewhere to be, and they’ve been like family to us ever since. I just left the White House to head back to school.”

“It’s so crazy that you’re staying at the White House!”

“I know,” he said with a laugh. “I still can’t believe it myself. And I’ve got a Secret Service detail, which is a bit of a drag, but they’re cool and try to give me my space. I’d, um, understand if all this was too much for you. My life has changed a lot since you saw me last.”

“It’s not too much, but please don’t feel obligated—”

“Obligated is the last thing I feel when I think of you. I just want to be with you. That’s all I’ve wanted from the beginning. I’ve missed you so much. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

“Me, too. All of that. Me, too.”

“Come to New Jersey. Be with me.”

“What about school? I don’t want to distract you.”

“Please come and distract me. You can take some classes, too, and that way, we’ll both have to study.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’ve never been surer of anything. I can’t wait to see you. How soon can you get here?”

“Would tomorrow be too soon?”

“I suppose I can wait that long. Do you need me to get you a ticket?”

“I can do it.”

“Send me your flight info, and I’ll pick you up. Fly into Newark or JFK.”

“Are we really going to do this?”

“I’m in if you are.”

“I’m in. You really haven’t dated anyone else?”

“Nope. What about you?”

“I haven’t either.”

“Is it tomorrow yet?”

Sam returned to work in the morning, bringing her trusty cane and asking Vernon and Jimmy to drive her, as she wasn’t yet cleared to drive herself.

“Nice to see you getting back to normal, Lieutenant,” Vernon said as he navigated the SUV through rush-hour traffic.