With Sam hopped up on ibuprofen and sporting ice packs on her hip and elbow, they spent a relaxing night with the kids, watching Christmas Vacation for the umpteenth time and laughing as if it was the first time they’d ever seen it. From the third-floor conservatory, they could see the snow blanketing the District.

She received several texts from Dani with updates about the investigation that she would deal with in the morning.

After the movie ended, Nick and Eli carried sleepy twins to bed while Sam and Scotty followed them via the elevator.

When Scotty extended his arm to her, Sam’s heart melted. “Hang on to me. We don’t want to make it worse than it already is.”

She hooked her arm through his. “Thanks, pal.”

Skippy pushed past them and nearly took Sam and Scotty with her.

“Good thing you were holding on to me,” Scotty said. “She’s a maniac. I can’t do a thing with her.”

“We need to get her some training.”

“Probably, but I’d hate to break her spirit.”

“We don’t want to break her spirit, but we do want her to behave.”

“I like that she’s the wildest puppy in town.”

“You would like that.”

“She keeps things interesting around here.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you care if I work a little this week when I’m supposed to be on vacation?”

“Why would I care?” he asked.

“Because I’m supposed to be hanging out with you.”

“I’m fourteen, Mom. It’s okay if you’re not with me all the time. I have a life of my own now.”

Sam wanted to scream with laughter, but he was dead serious, so she bit her lip.

“Plus, since it’s snowing, we’ll have plenty to do outside. There are snowmen to be made, snowball fights to be had, and Eli said he’s going to build us a snow fort. You hate being cold, so it’s better for all of us if you go to work. If you can walk tomorrow, that is.”

“That last part was unnecessary.”

“Was it, though?”

Sam laughed. “You’re just like your father.”

“You really think so?” he asked, looking up at her with big eyes.

“Oh, hell yes.”

“That’s really cool. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be like than him. Or you, too, of course.”

“Please, God, don’t let you grow up to be like me.”

“That wouldn’t be so bad. We had a career day thing at school last week. Some guy from the FBI came in, and his presentation was sick. I’m not ruling out a career in law enforcement.”

“I’d rather you go into politics. It’s safer.”

“Eh, not really.”

“Yes, it is, and I need to believe that, so don’t argue with me.”