“Whatever you say, boss lady.” They got off the elevator, and he walked her down the hallway, stopping outside the door to her and Nick’s bedroom. “How about I tuck you in for a change tonight?”

“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”

“Somehow I doubt that, but we’re not talking about that.”

He was endlessly amusing, delightful, insightful, sweet and loving. She couldn’t imagine that any mother loved her son more than she loved this boy. After she painfully used the bathroom and brushed her teeth, Scotty helped her into bed and pulled the covers over her.

“You’re a mess.”

“Thank you. I know. Let me tell you what—I don’t care how old you are, falling sucks.”

“I’ll take your word for it. I haven’t done much falling.”

“Not yet, but you will when you get old and stupid like I am.”

He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

“Best tuck-in I ever got.”

“Lights out in ten minutes,” he said sternly, making her laugh again.

“Hey, Scotty?”

“Yeah?”

“I just want you to know… The day you showed up was one of the very best days of my entire life, and every day since then has been even better.”

“Thanks, Mom. Right back atcha.”

Nick came into the room and stopped short at the sight of Sam already in bed.

“I tucked her in,” Scotty said, “but no funny business tonight, Mr. President. She’s injured.”

“Yes, sir,” Nick said, his lips quivering from the effort it took not to laugh.

“And with that, I’m out.”

“Love you, buddy,” Nick said.

“Love you, too.”

“That boy…” Sam smiled. “He’s amazing. He insisted on tucking me in for a change, and he told me he doesn’t mind if I work a bit this week because, and I quote, ‘I’m fourteen and have a life of my own now.’”

“Stop it. He did not say that.”

“Yes, he did!”

“I love it.”

“And he said that while he hasn’t ruled out a career in politics, there was a sick presentation from the FBI at career day, and he’s thinking he could see himself as a federal agent. I told him politics is safer, but he said not always. I shut that right down, because I need to believe it’s way safer.”

“He’s growing up fast and will be making those decisions sooner rather than later.”

“I’m not ready for him to grow up.”

“Ready or not…” Nick ducked into the bathroom and returned five minutes later, wearing only a pair of flannel pajama pants. He got into bed and curled up to her, moving carefully so he wouldn’t cause her any pain.

“Did you set an alarm?” Sam asked.

“Yeah, for seven. I have a security briefing at eight.”

“No rest for the weary, huh?”