Sam gazed up at him, ferociously handsome in the early morning light. “Mmm, same.” His hair was standing on end, his face covered in scruff, and if she’d ever seen a more gorgeous man, she couldn’t recall. She liked him this way even more than she loved him pressed and polished and ready for world domination. This guy belonged only to her, and she loved him more than life itself.

“Samantha,” he whispered in her ear. “My love. My life. My everything.”

She held him close as they rocked together, chasing an explosive finish that left them breathless and gasping.

“Holy moly,” he said after a long silence.

“We’re so good at that, even with a bum hip.”

“That’s going to be the highlight of my shitty day.”

“Mine, too.”

“How’s the hip?”

“What hip?”

Nick smiled down at her, brushed his lips over hers and said, “Get up, lazybones. World domination awaits.”

Sam closed her eyes. “Five more minutes.”

The next thing she knew, he was kissing her awake, bringing the scents of his cologne and minty-fresh toothpaste with him.

Without opening her eyes, she looped her arms around his neck and rubbed her face against his freshly shaven cheek. “Let’s call in sick.”

Laughing, he said, “I wish we could, but we have kids to get up and shit to do. Vacation will be here before we know it, and we’ll spend the entire week in bed.”

“Promise?”

“That’s a promise I can’t wait to keep.”

“I’m counting the days.”

“Me, too. Now get up before we make everyone late.”

“You’re very bossy this morning, Mr. President.”

“Someone’s gotta keep this train on the tracks, and it ain’t gonna be you.”

Since she couldn’t argue with the truth, she dragged herself out of bed to hit the shower.

After breakfast with the kids and seeing them off to school with their details, Sam kissed Nick goodbye and rode to HQ with Vernon and Jimmy. She probably had two more weeks to go before she’d feel confident driving herself, which gave her something to look forward to.

They pulled up to the morgue entrance as Sam’s phone rang with a call from Jeannie.

“What’s up, Deputy Chief?”

“Not quite yet,” Jeannie said with a nervous laugh, “but that’s why I’m calling. The swearing-in is at four today at city hall. Can you make it?”

“I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”

“I just bought the white shirt,” Jeannie said with another laugh. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”

“Believe it. You’ve earned it. What does your family think?”

“They’re losing it! My mom hasn’t stopped crying since I told her.”

“I love it,” Sam said, chuckling. “I’ve just gotten to HQ. I’ll see you at four and, Jeannie?”

“Yes?”

“I’m so fucking proud.”