JUST AFTER SIX O’CLOCK in the morning, a light knock on the bedroom door woke Sam from a sound sleep twenty minutes before her alarm was due to go off. Wanting Nick to sleep a while longer, she carefully got up, put on her robe, tied the belt and pushed the hair back from her face. She took her phone off the bedside charger, put it in the pocket of her robe and opened the door to Brant. Did he ever go home?
“Very sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Cappuano, but we have a Dolores Finklestein from Child and Family Services at the checkpoint demanding to see you and the vice president immediately.”
“All right,” Sam said, resigned to beginning a new day with a new challenge. “If you’ll let her in, we’ll be down in a few minutes.”
“Very good.”
Sam closed the door and went to wake Nick. “Hey,” she said, kissing his cheek. “Wake up. CFS is here about the kids.”
“What do they want?” he asked, mumbling as his eyes remained closed.
“Probably to tell us that we went about this all wrong, and now they have to get involved.”
“Great.” He sat up, ran his fingers through his hair and put an arm around her. “Are they going to take them?”
“Not if I can help it.”
Smiling, he kissed her temple. “That’s my tiger.”
Sam went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair and then crossed the hall to her closet to change into yoga pants and a sweatshirt. As she stepped into the hall, Nick came out of their room wearing a navy sweater with faded jeans. Keeping her voice down so the agent outside Scotty’s room wouldn’t hear her, she said, “This would be a good time to pour on the sexy vice-presidential charm.”
Nick scowled at her. “Whatever that is.”
“It’s you being you. Women everywhere swoon in your presence. Make her swoon.”
“Are you angling for a spanking, my love?”
“Oh yes, please. Can we do that later?”
“Samantha.” With his hand on her ass, he directed her toward the stairs. “Behave. I mean it. If you send me down there with a boner, she’ll have the kids out of here in five minutes.”
Sam smothered a giggle that was busting to get out. She managed to maintain her decorum. Just barely.
Dolores Finklestein had steel-gray hair, a stout shape and a no-nonsense expression on her face.
Sam was immediately intimidated, which didn’t happen very often. “Mrs. Finklestein, I’m Samantha Cappuano.” She decided to play the second lady card since it suited her purposes. “This is my husband, Nick.”
“It’s Ms. Finklestein, and it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” She shook both their hands and took the seat Sam offered.
She and Nick sat on a love seat, and Sam reached for his hand, hoping to demonstrate their unity. “What can we do for you, ma’am?”
Nick squeezed her hand, probably in response to her unusual deference toward authority.
Whatever. She’d do what she had to in order to protect those sweet babies.
“I understand that Aubrey and Alden Beauclair were released into your custody last night. I’m here to collect them.”
“Ah, collect them?” Sam asked, her mouth suddenly dry as she glanced at Nick.
“That’s correct. We have a process, Mrs. Cappuano, a process that was not followed last night. The GW social worker should not have released the children to the custody of anyone but a representative of our department.”
“The children were released into the custody of licensed foster parents,” Nick said. “The way I see it, they saved your department a lot of trouble by working this out for you.”
“That may be the way you see it, sir, but that’s not the case. I received a call at five o’clock this morning that the children had been found and placed without our involvement, which, as the social worker at GW knows, is against policy.”
Nick released Sam’s hand and leaned forward, elbows on knees, fiercely handsome.
Here it comes, Sam thought, wishing she could rub her hands together. The charm offensive.
“Let me ask you this, Ms. Finklestein... What’s in the children’s best interest now—removing them from a place they feel safe and subjecting them to further trauma, or allowing them to remain in our custody until other plans can be made? Is it really more important to you that we backtrack to follow procedure, or is it far more critical that we consider the needs of two children who’ve just lost their parents in the most tragic way imaginable?”
Sam wanted to stand up and cheer. She also wanted to kiss him. But she didn’t do either of those things. Rather, she sat perfectly still and waited for the other woman to reply.
“I understand your position and agree it would be disruptive to move the children again if they’re comfortable here. However, I do need to take them to be evaluated and processed.”
“They’re five, and they’re traumatized,” Nick said, beginning to sound more frustrated than charming. “What kind of evaluation and processing could you possibly need to do that couldn’t be done right here where they’re with people they know and have become at least slightly comfortable with?”
Her lips set in a tight expression. “I need to see the children.”
“You’re more than welcome to come back in a couple of hours when they’re awake,” Nick said.
“I need to see them now.”
“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen,” Sam said. “They went to bed late. Alden was up during the night, and they’re both still asleep, where they shall remain until they wake up on their own. At that time, you’re more than welcome to speak with them.”
The two women engaged in a visual standoff.
Sam refused to blink or look away.
Seeming to realize she was fighting a losing battle, Ms. Finklestein cleared her throat. “Very well, then.” She put her business card on the coffee table and stood. “I’ll expect a call the minute the children are awake.”
“If you attempt to remove them from our custody,” Nick said, “I’ll expect you to bring a court order. Barring that, they aren’t going anywhere until permanent arrangements are made for their care. Am I clear on that?”
“Crystal,” she said, her tone frosty. She stormed toward the door, which was opened by the agent on duty, who then closed it behind her.
Sam jumped into Nick’s arms, taking him by surprise as she kissed his entire face. “You were so fucking amazing. I’ve never wanted you more than I do right now.”
“Dear God, woman,” he said, as he took a step backward while trying not to topple over from the impact.
Nate, the agent at the door, cleared his throat and suppressed a laugh.
“Not in front of the agents,” Nick said, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Don’t let me stop you,” Nate said. “I thought you were pretty great too.”
“See?” Sam said, continuing to kiss Nick’s face. “It’s not just me who thinks so.”
The door opened to admit Shelby, who had Noah strapped to her chest. “Um, okay,” she said, seeing Sam attached to Nick. “I can come back if now isn’t a good time to arrive for work.”
“Come in,” Sam said. “Put me down.”
“I don’t want to,” Nick said, tightening his hold on her.
“Nick!”
“To be continued later,” he muttered before putting her down.
“What’d I miss?” Shelby asked Nate. “Mom and Dad don’t usually PDA in front of the help.”
“To recap,” Nate said, “a lady from CFS came to take the kids, and Mr. Vice President let her know that isn’t happening without a court order. Mrs. Cappuano appreciated his efforts on behalf of the kids.”
“Ahh,” Shelby said, laughing. “I see how it is.”
“He was amazing,” Sam said, looking up at him. “Truly amazing.”
“I take it the kids are here to stay for the time being?” Shelby asked, tugging up the sleeves of her pink sweatshirt.
“Barring a court order,” Nick said, “which they’ll be hard-pressed to get, as we are licensed foster parents.”
“If I may, sir,” Brant said, joining them. “I couldn’t help but overhear, and I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for everyone concerned if the children were placed elsewhere until permanent arrangements can be made.”
“Better for whom?” Sam asked, giving him a pointed look.
“Your husband and son, ma’am. I’ve been in touch with the director about the situation this morning, and he is in full agreement that the Beauclair children should not be sheltered here.”
“I’m glad you’re all in full agreement,” Nick said. “We are not.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Vice President,” Brant said, “the person who set the fire at the Beauclairs’ home did so knowing there were four people in the house. They were willing to incinerate those children.”
His blunt words made Shelby whimper.
“What’s to stop them from trying again?” Brant asked.
“You,” Nick said. “You and the rest of our security make it impossible for anyone to get anywhere near us or them.”
“You and I both know that’s not one hundred percent true. We do everything we can to protect you, but no security is completely infallible as much as we’d like to believe otherwise.”
“Let me ask you this,” Nick said. “Where are those children safer? With us or with another foster family that doesn’t have world-class security?”
Brant shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I hear what you’re saying, but—”
“They’re staying, Brant,” Nick said. “For as long as they need emergency shelter, they are staying. Make it work.”
“Yes, sir.” Brant turned and left the room.
Sam looked up at Nick, fanning her face. “Hot.”
He rolled his eyes.
“See what I’m saying, Shelby?” Sam asked.
“Oh, I see it. I definitely see it.”
“Be quiet,” Nick said, scowling. “Both of you.”
“I need to clean up before my team arrives for our eight o’clock meeting,” Sam said.
“I’ll start some coffee for y’all,” Shelby said.
“Bless you,” Sam said. To Nick she added, “Could I have a word upstairs, please?”
He gestured toward the stairs. “After you.” Following her up, he cupped her ass and gave a squeeze.
Ignoring the agent who watched them, Sam grabbed a handful of his sweater and pulled him into her closet, closing the door behind them.
“What’s—”
Sam dragged him into a tongue-tangling kiss.
“—up?” he asked when they resurfaced for air minutes later.
“Thank you so much for what you did down there.”
Smiling, he shook his head at her. “I did what anyone would’ve done.”
“No, babe, you went above and beyond for two kids you don’t even know when it would’ve been much easier to cede to Brant’s wishes and relocate them.”
“Easier for whom?” he asked, echoing her question from earlier.
“I love you. I love you all the time, but today I love you more than I ever have before.”
“I need to step up for kids I don’t know more often if this is how you’re going to react,” he said with a teasing grin.
“You did this for me, because it’s important to me, and don’t think I don’t know that.”
“Whatever you want, whenever you want it, my love.”
“Including two extra kids who may have targets on their backs?”
“Whatever you want.” He kissed her and gazed down at her. “I’m thinking we probably ought to stay close to home today to make sure our little friends aren’t relocated without our permission.”
“Can you do that?”
“I’ll have Terry move some things around. I can take a couple of meetings here, rather than at the White House.”
“I’ve got my team coming at eight. I can give them their assignments and then work from here. Although, I’m down to a skeleton crew of three with Gonzo out for who knows how long and me stuck here.”
“Maybe you can get the captain involved? Doesn’t he like an excuse to pound the pavement every now and then?”
“He does. I’ll ask him.”
“Maybe your dad can help too.”
“Another good thought. You must’ve slept well last night. You’re firing on all cylinders this morning.”
He rubbed his erection against her belly. “I’m always firing on all cylinders when my beautiful wife is nearby.”
She snorted with laughter. “While I’m in here,” she said, whipping off her sweatshirt, “I ought to put on real clothes.”
“Or not,” he said, caressing her breasts.
Sam wished they had time for a quickie, but they didn’t. Not with so many other things going on this morning and Scotty needing to get up for school. “Hands off, love. We’ve got shit to do.”
He took another squeeze before he dropped his hands and leaned against the door to watch her put on jeans, a sweater and running shoes. “We need another vacation away from this madhouse.”
“That’d be awesome. Let me close this case and get the Beauclair kids settled, and we’ll get away for a night or two to the cabin. After your trip, of course.” Her heart sank at the reminder that he’d be gone for three interminable weeks.
“Shortening that trip is at the top of my to-do list today.”
“Don’t get my hopes up. Let’s go wake the boy and check on our other babies.”
“An unexpected day at home with my wife. This makes me very happy.”
“Your wife, her team, your team, Shelby, the Secret Service...”
“I’ll take what I can get.”
Sam smiled at him. “Me too.”
“You go ahead and wake up Scotty. I need a minute...”
Sam glanced down at the hard ridge of flesh behind his zipper and licked her lips. “I sure wish we had time.”
“Go,” he said, frowning. “That’s not helping anything.”
She was still laughing when she stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind her, aware of the watchful eyes of the agent on her. He probably knew exactly why she’d come out ahead of Nick. They often joked that the agents on their detail would have one hell of a book to write after he left office.
In Scotty’s room, Aubrey and Alden were still asleep but Scotty was awake.
“I was wondering if you guys had forgotten to get me up,” he whispered.
“No such luck. Time to get moving.”
“Maybe I should stay home today to help with Aubrey and Alden.”
“Dad and I are staying home with them.”
“No fair. How come I can’t stay home too?”
“Because.” Sam had hated answers like that from her mother and had sworn she’d never say such things to her own children. The thought made her smile.
“What?” he asked.
“I used to hate when my mom said ‘because’ to me when I asked that kind of question.”
He smiled. “Because it’s not really an answer.”
“Exactly. Now get moving, buster. Your detail is leaving in thirty minutes.”
Scotty groaned but he got up.
His groan woke Aubrey, who looked at Sam with big, haunted eyes that immediately filled with tears.
“Mommy,” she said. “I want Mommy.”
“I know, sweetheart.” Sam extended her arms to her and after a moment of hesitation, Aubrey reached for her.
Sam picked her up and snuggled her. Next to them, Alden was still asleep. “We should let him sleep for a while longer,” Sam whispered.
“Okay.”
Sam carried her downstairs where Nick was conferring with Brant. “Brant, this is Miss Aubrey. Aubrey, this is our friend Brant. He helps us out around here.”
“Nice to meet you, Aubrey,” Brant said with a warm smile that Sam appreciated.
Aubrey burrowed into Sam’s embrace.
“She’s a little shy at first but once she gets comfortable she’s a regular chatterbox,” Sam said, rubbing the little girl’s back. “How about some breakfast?”
Aubrey nodded.
Sam walked her into the kitchen and introduced her to Shelby and Noah. Aubrey’s eyes lit up at the sight of the baby. “Aubrey is ready for some breakfast, Shelby.”
“Great timing,” Shelby said. “Noah and I made pancakes. Do you like pancakes, honey?”
Aubrey nodded again.
“Perfect,” Shelby said. “Maybe you could hold Noah for me while I get you some?”
“Can I?” Aubrey asked Sam.
“It’s up to Shelby. He’s her little guy.”
“It would be such a big help to me if you held him for me,” Shelby said. “Have a seat at the table.”
Sam sent Shelby a grateful smile.
Aubrey lit up with delight when Shelby carefully transferred Noah to her arms. “He’s so cute!”
“I think so too,” Shelby said, keeping a close eye on Aubrey and Noah while she put a pancake on a plate for Aubrey. “I’ve got one of the women from the shop going to the store this morning for basics. She’ll be by shortly.”
“That’s great,” Sam said. “Thank you for that. I need to speak to Nick.” To Aubrey, she said, “I’ll be right out there, okay?”
“Okay,” Aubrey said, captivated by baby Noah, who was, in fact, completely adorable.
Sam went into the living room, where Nick was having another tense conversation with Brant.
“That little girl has an X on her back, Brant,” Nick said, pointing to the kitchen. “That innocent baby. That’s who we’re protecting here.”
“I get it, and I empathize with what the children are going through, but my job is to protect you and your son. My bosses are on me like white on rice about this situation, and they may contact you directly.”
“They’re more than welcome to.”
Sam curled her hand around Nick’s arm in a show of support.
“I’ll let them know that,” Brant said, walking away.