The only thing that mattered to her was being there for Nick.

“Shelby.”

“Yes?”

“Can you please fish the BlackBerry out of my coat pocket and hand it to me?”

Shelby found the phone and gave it to Sam, who couldn’t move properly to make the call.

“Um, could you please dial star six nine?”

The three women giggled.

“That’s my husband’s idea of funny. Please don’t tell anyone that.”

“We never would, ma’am,” Ginger said. “And I think that’s so cute.”

“That’s us,” Sam said. “So cute.”

Shelby made the call and handed the phone back to Sam.

She wondered if Nick would be able hear his phone ring with so many people around him.

“Hey,” he said, sounding relieved to hear from her.

“So sorry I missed the reception, but I’m in the basement of the Capitol getting ready, and I’ll be there for the speech.”

“You’re in the basement?”

“Vernon knew of a bathroom down here where I could get ready without attracting an audience.”

“Only you, Samantha.”

“I know. I was just thinking about how traditional first ladies probably spend an entire day preparing for this event.”

“I bet there’s never been one who caught a murderer on the same day as the State of the Union.”

“That is probably a first.”

“Congrats, babe. I’m glad you got him.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“I heard it got complicated.”

“That’s one word for it. I’ll tell you about it later. In the meantime, tonight is about you and your big speech. I can’t wait to hear it. Are you okay?”

“I am now. My first lady is in the basement. All is well.”

“Sorry to make you wonder if I would make it in time.”

“I was never worried. I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me.”

“Davida and Ginger are doing what they can to scrub the feral out of me.”

His low chuckle made her smile. “I’ll see you out there.”

“Yes, you will. I love you so much, and I’m so proud of you, Mr. President. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to see what I see when I look at you.”

“Thanks, babe. See you soon and love you, too.”

Sam ended the call and handed the phone to Shelby.

“I say it all the time, but y’all are too cute,” Shelby said.

“We’re not cute,” Sam said, her lip turned up.

“You are,” Davida said. “The cutest.”

“Whatever you guys say.”

When she was as presentable as possible, she thanked Davida and Ginger for the road call and followed Vernon to the elevator. Ten steps in, she deeply regretted the heels.

“What’s wrong?” Shelby asked when they were in the elevator.

“The heels might’ve been a mistake.”

“Do ya think?”

Sam made a face at her friend. “You think any heels that aren’t pink are a mistake.”