“After we went to Des Moines, Commander Rodriguez mentioned I needed some training,” he said of the naval officer who was one of his military attachés. “I guess past presidents have been mocked mercilessly for improper salutes.”

“Why do you need to learn this today?”

“Because I’ll be saluting the marine who greets us as we board Marine One, and apparently, my salute needs a bit of work.”

“Oh. Okay. Do we really have to go to Camp David in the helicopter?”

“That’s what the Secret Service prefers. It’s quicker and more efficient than a motorcade.”

“But the first lady hates to fly.”

“As you learned the day we went to Des Moines, Marine One is a luxurious adventure, and I think you’ll grow to love it.”

“I’m certain I won’t.”

“I’ll be there to hold your hand.”

“That does make everything better.”

He kissed her and got out of bed. “Sorry to have to go again. I’ll make it up to you when we get to Camp David. I promise.”

“Your job is one gigantic cock blocker.”

“You said gigantic cock.”

Sam laughed as he headed for the shower, but she wondered if they’d ever have uninterrupted sex again.

“The outer edge of your hand needs to be angled this way,” Lieutenant Commander Juan Rodriguez said, demonstrating.

Nick followed suit.

“That’s good, but your elbow needs to come forward a bit, and the top of your arm should be more horizontal. May I, sir?”

“Of course.”

Juan adjusted Nick’s arm according to his instructions. “And don’t forget, you always salute with your right hand, unless that arm is in a cast or sling.”

“Got it.”

“How’s he looking?” Dr. Harry Flynn asked as he came into the Oval Office.

“I think he’s got it,” Juan said, saluting Nick, who returned the salute.

“Normally, the Navy doesn’t salute indoors except for special occasions, but this is just for practice. The Army and Air Force salute indoors, outdoors, on base, off base.”

“That’s good to know,” Nick said.

“As the commander in chief, they’re always saluting you, not the other way around,” Juan added.

“In my mind, I’m saluting you guys for the job you do to keep us safe.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll see you on Marine One.”

Juan and the other military attachés who rotated through the assignment accompanied Nick everywhere he went as the keepers of the “football” that contained the nuclear codes.

“The fun never ends around here, does it?” Harry asked when they were alone.

“You have no idea.”

“Heard about the North Koreans messing with Christmas. Everything okay there?”

“For now. That’s always a precarious situation, as you know. Ready for some R&R at Camp David?”

“We can’t wait,” he said of himself and his new fiancée, Lilia, who was also Sam’s first lady chief of staff.