“It is. We’re there when they need us, and they’re surrounded by people who’d kill for them when we can’t be here. They know our jobs are intense, and Scotty told me the other day that he thinks we’re the coolest parents ever.”

“He said that?”

“He did. I meant to tell you.”

“What brought that on?”

“I was talking about you trying to close your cases before the holidays while getting ready to host our entire crew for Christmas Eve and me dealing with the issue in the Gulf of Suez and how everything was nuts. I told him we’re sorry to be so busy all the time. That’s when he said it’s fine. He said, ‘I have the coolest parents of all my friends. They’re jealous.’”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, so we’re not a conventional family—”

Sam laughed. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“But our family works for all of us the way it is. I don’t want you to feel guilty for doing the work you were born to do. We’re giving the kids a life they’ll never forget.”

“For better or worse.”

“For much better. Don’t stress. We’re making it work.”

“How are you so chill about all of this?”

He shrugged. “I’ve given in to the reality of our situation. We’re both doing important work that matters to a lot of people. Our kids are well cared for and well loved, and that’s what matters. I actually get to see them more than I did before I was president, which is a perk of living above the store.”

“That’s true. Thank you for the pep talk. I needed it after having to leave our vacation.”

“You were thrilled to leave our vacation.”

“I was not!”

He tweaked her nose. “Yes, you were. You were like a caged bear up there.”

“That is not true!”

“Samantha… Remember who you’re talking to.”

“Don’t be sanctimonious. It’s not a good look on you.”

His smile, though… That was the best look ever. “My sweet, sexy grizzly bear.”

“I hate when you know me so well.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I actually do. And P.S., I saw how much you loved it there, and I’ll go back anytime you want.”

“Good to know.”

“Now get me out of here before I prune.”

He stood to give her a hand. “We can’t have that.”

The pain was intense. “Ah, fuck me to tears.”

“Happy to. Anytime.”

Grunting out a laugh, she said, “Not tonight, cowboy.”

He wrapped a towel around her and kissed her cheek. “I’ll take a raincheck.”

Chapter Thirteen