Earlier, she’d explained to the kids that she had to go into work for a day or two, but would return to pick up the vacation already in progress. With Tracy, Angela and their families due to arrive at the camp that day, the kids were looking forward to some cousin time and had plenty to keep them occupied.

If Sam was bitter to be missing the time with her family, she kept that to herself. The story of her life going forward would be the push-pull between work—including her “job” as first lady—and the desire to spend more time with her children and family. It was the conundrum of working mothers everywhere, and she was no different. Well, except she was managing the push-pull on a much larger stage than most mothers—and with much more help.

Nick held her hand during the flight and gave it a squeeze as the White House complex came into view.

“This is my stop.”

He kissed her forehead. “Be careful with my wife. She’s my whole world.”

“Don’t worry. I’m going back to fight a PR battle more than anything.”

“If there’s a way to injure yourself doing that, you’ll find it.”

Sam snorted out a laugh. “True, but I’ll do my best to avoid the paper cuts.”

“Call me later?”

“You bet.”

He kissed the back of her hand and then released it as Taco brought Marine One to a soft, easy landing. “Love you.”

“Love you, too. Try to relax and have some fun with the kids in between North Korean missile launches.”

“I’ll try. But it won’t be any fun at all until you get back.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

The door to the air stairs opened, and Sam leaned in to kiss him before she stood. “Thanks for the lift, Mr. President.”

“Anything for you, babe. Be safe out there.”

“Always.” She gave him a jaunty wave and headed down the air stairs as her lead Secret Service agents, Vernon and Jimmy, deplaned from the back.

As soon as they were clear of the landing area, Marine One lifted off again.

Sam turned and gave a wave, hoping Nick could see her, before heading inside to grab what she needed for work. Since they hadn’t been expected back, there were no reporters outside screaming questions at her. But there would be at HQ. She nodded to the usher who greeted her at the door. “Morning, Harold.”

“Morning, ma’am. Welcome back.”

To her agents, she said, “I’ll be down in two minutes.”

“We’re ready when you are, ma’am,” Vernon said.