“And black ice and physical therapy. They’ve been added to the list.”

His laughter made her go warm all over. “I guess you’ll be late for dinner, huh?”

“Looks that way but tell the kids I’ll tuck them in when I get home.”

“Will you tuck me in, too?”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait.”

“Love you, babe. Watch your back with that jackass Ramsey.”

“I will. Don’t worry. And I love you, too. See you soon.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nick ended the call with Sam and sat back in his chair behind the Resolute desk, thinking about the ongoing threat to Sam presented by that son of a bitch Ramsey. Just when they thought they’d gotten rid of him once and for all…

A knock on the door preceded Terry walking into the Oval Office.

“What’s the good word, Terry?” Nick asked, eager to think of anything other than Sam being in danger at work.

“I wish there was a good word, Mr. President. We received a call from Henderson’s team that she’s considering withdrawing from consideration.”

“Oh no. No, no, no. She can’t do that. Can you get her on the phone for me?” Gretchen’s nomination had been Nick’s first big decision as president, and he was determined to get her confirmed.

“Let me see what I can do.” Terry left the office and went to the reception area to speak to one of the assistants, returning ten minutes later. “She’s on the line now.”

“Thanks.” Nick picked up the extension on the desk. “Gretchen, thanks for taking the call.”

“Of course, Mr. President.”

He could hear it in her voice, the weary resignation that came with taking a beating from the Senate. “I understand you’re wavering.”

“I knew it’d be rough, but this is just too much. After all the progress my ex-husband and I have made toward repairing our relationship enough to be good co-parents… He doesn’t deserve this.”

“No, he doesn’t, and you should issue a statement saying just that.” He glanced at Terry, who nodded and pulled out a pen to take notes. “Put the truth out there from your point of view. Say something like ‘while I understand the Senate has a job to do in making sure I’m qualified to be your next vice president, I believe my family should be off-limits in this process. Yes, my ex-husband and I went through a very difficult divorce, but that’s long in the past, and we’ve repaired our relationship to the point where we’re able to be excellent co-parents to our beloved children.’ Or something like that. What do you think?”

“Yes, I suppose I could do that, Mr. President.”