Something made Sam stop and look at the calendar. It dawned on him that a year from now he'd be newly unemployed for the first time since he graduated from Duke Law School. Mara had already informed him that the second day of the new administration would be the day they left for Anguilla for 3 weeks. Sam had no idea what he'd be doing in thirteen months but he wasn't worried. On top of his Deputy Communications Director duties he'd become the White House Liaison for the State Department. If something happened during the normal work day he would often be summoned down to the Situation Room. Some days he just sat and listened and others he would be asked for an opinion. Lately Leo had been using Sam to convey information to the President instead of doing it himself. His security clearance had steady increased and he was closing in on Mara's level. Of course Mara, always reminded him that he'd never reach her level because she had top Canadian clearance too. Nancy had suggested on more than one occasion that he could have a future at the NSA but that was an avenue he didn't wish to pursue.
Many years ago, after returning from a State Trip to India, Jed had presented Sam with a hand-carved camel-bone Lotus chess set. The set had come from a direct descendent of Tan Sen, a sixteenth century musician. The Prime Minister had given it to Jed and he passed it on to Sam. He remembered the night as though it had been only a week ago. China was bearing it's teeth at Taiwan under the guise of Taiwan testing Patriot missiles. In truth, Taiwan was about to announce they would be holding their first free elections. Sam learned a great deal about foreign policy that night and how the President reached his decisions. Their game was constantly being interrupted as Jed was called down to the Situation Room and he was playing a game in the Oval with Toby. He had just asked how it was going to end when Leo handed Jed a note. Sam asked if he could try it without the note and Jed allowed him. He'd been off on the number of years but he got the rest of the information correct. He asked Jed in amazement how he did it. He couldn't even think of the right words.
Jed had replied, "You have a lot of help. You listen to everybody and then you call the play. Sam. You're gonna run for President one day. Don't be scared. You can do it. I believe in you."
He then looked at the chess board, called checkmate and walked out the door. The rest of the night went by in a daze, Sam didn't even know they won at Hartsfield Landing until the next day. He slowly let the information digest in his mind and a few weeks later he told Mara the full story of that night. Mara didn't seemed surprised, in fact she corrected Jed and said he was going to be President one day. After Sam got over that proclamation, he started thinking about running for public office. He figured he'd wait a few years and run for Congress in Maryland since the Chesapeake Bay house made him a Maryland resident.
It was a cold dull January day and he'd already teased Ginger twice about resembling a basketball. Ginger was five months pregnant and expecting his Goddaughter, already named Samantha Nadine on Sam and Mara's anniversary. His cell phone rang and he grabbed it by the second ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey, you think you can be out of there by five tonight? I figured out what I want for dinner."
Sam rolled his eyes and grinned. The last time Mara asked him that question they flew to Philadelphia for cheese steak. The time before they were eating Mr. Subs in Toronto.
"Do I need my passport?" Sam inquired.
"Proof of citizenship and government issued photo id but your Passport would speed things up."
"What are you craving?"
"Montreal smoked meat from Ben's."
"Ooh, you know Toby would love you even more if you included him."
"Go ask him. I'll wait."
Sam walked right in to his office. "Toby, smoked meat in Montreal at five are you in?"
"Hell yeah, I'm ready now."
"Toby says.."
"Yeah I heard him, tell CJ we will bring her some back and check and see if Leo is interested. I already know Jed wants some. I'm stuck here until four but if you guys can be ready to be picked up at 4:30 it will be ideal."
"Kay, I'll call you back. You should have Jenna, Sue and Steve meet us there, with Marathon's as an appetizer."
Mara laughed, "I should have never introduced you to Marathon's. You are more obsessed than I am."
"I have one word for you baby, Tzakiki."
"Call me back goof ball."
Sam had already taken orders from Bonnie, Ginger, Larry, Donna, Josh, Carol and CJ before heading towards Leo's office. Margaret placed her order and let Sam in to Leo's office. The door connecting to the Oval was open so Sam knew it was only a matter of time before Jed overheard the conversation and came in to place his order.
"Sam, by the time you get back it will be a little late for dinner but hell I'll eat it for breakfast instead. I want...."
"Leo, go order it in person, in fact take Margaret with you. The number of times Mara has bummed a ride on Air Force One, she owes you a free dinner. Sam, I assume that is fine with you?"
"Sure Sir, Jenna adores Leo she'll be really surprised. Mara thinks she knows what you want."
"She does, tell her to bring Abbey some latkes if she doesn't already have that covered. What time are you leaving?"
"Mara is hoping to pick us up at 4:30 but she knows it might be closer to five."
"4:30 is fine with me, If you are back before midnight I want my sandwich, if not I know what I'm having for breakfast too."
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir. I better get back to work."
"That would be a good idea Sam."
Sam heard a tiny shout of glee from Margaret on his way down the hall and laughed. He called Mara back to let her know about Leo and Margaret. Mara had planned on taking the helicopter to Andrews so she warned Sam that she'd be sitting on his lap. They left a little early and were in Montreal by eight.
As soon as Jenna spotted Mara entering the restaurant she got up and went running towards them.
"Unca Sam!" Jenna exclaimed and ran into his arms.
"Well hello Princess Rugrat." Sam replied giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hey, Uncle Leo, is Uncle Jed here too?"
"No Jenna he still had a lot of work to do."
"Ah, too bad, hi Margaret, dangle any modifiers lately Uncle Toby?"
"Very funny squirt." Toby replied drolly before leaning over to leave a kiss on her check.
"Hi Aunty Mara."
"You know I hate being the after thought Miss Thing."
"Sorry I just get so happy when I see Uncle Sam."
"Yeah well remember there would be no Uncle Sam without me. Now come over here and greet me properly."
"Can we stop making a spectacle of ourselves and order." Toby inquired.
Mara picked Jenna up, gave her a few kisses, messed up her hair and carried her over to the table.
"Way to not make a spectacle." Toby muttered.
"Yo Toby-won do you want to walk home?"
"We brought you a present Unca Sam."
"I hope it reeks of garlic and comes with a side order of toasted baguettes."
"It does, now hurry up and open it, Mom wouldn't let me eat any in the car."
"Mar, I had them fill a few Tupperware containers, I've got them packed in a mini cooler in the trunk."
"Thanks Sue. Leo wants us to make a pit stop at LaFleurs."
"They have the best fries in the world and I know you like McDonald's better but Leo try them."
"You know Mara, I think Canada Place needs steamy hot dogs."
"I'll take that under consideration Leo. Now where is the waiter, oh good."
The waiter looked at Mara strangely when she told him about the orders to go and that they would be going to Philadelphia. Jenna asked Leo if he knew what she was doing on Friday. After teasing her by saying she was defending her doctoral thesis, Margaret guessed that she was going on a field trip. When Mara found out the class was going to the Parliament and the Mint she was disappointed she couldn't play tour guide.
"As soon as I found out I called Aunty Cherry and she promised she'd give us a tour you'd be proud of. She is going to meet us in the parking lot. I'm going to take my cell phone and call her when we've turned in."
"You didn't warn you teacher did you?"
"Nah, what fun would that be. I want to see her face when Cheryl comes out to give us special treatment. Too bad Uncle Jean Luc isn't still PM, he'd make a point of greeting us. Cheryl said she'd try to get us a few minutes."
"I'll interfere on your behalf too."
"Cool thanks, Aunty Dani is going to pick me up from the Mint and I'm going to spend the weekend."
"That should be fun, say hello to my house for me and tell it, I miss it."
An hour and a half later they were on their way back to the plane stopping for steamed hot dogs just before Dorval Airport. Leo tried the fries but Margaret ended up eating most of them. She loved them, but Leo was in agreement with the rest of his traveling companions that McDonald's still ruled. They were blessed with great winds and the trip back to Andrews only took an hour and a half. Leo offered to drop Jed and Abbey's order off since it was within the deadline.
Sunday
After and early dinner at Old Ebbit, Sam and Mara returned home. Mara headed straight for a shower while Sam put away the extra orders of crab and artichoke dip. He was on his way upstairs to persuade Mara to let him join her when the phone rang. He hustled up the stairs and grabbed in the study.
"Hello."
"Sam, it's Dani where's Mara?
"In the shower."
"Are you sitting down?"
"No."
I suggest you sit down then, I've got some horrible news."
Sam sunk into his favourite leather chair and a sick feeling suddenly washed over him.
"Oh God, it's Jenna isn't it?"
"No and yes. Jenna is doing about as well as can be expected. I was going to drop Jenna off tomorrow afternoon but Sue and Steve decided to come pick her up themselves after spending the morning in Hudson. They were about fifteen minutes from the exit when a tractor trailer lost control and slammed into them. Steve was driving and was killed instantly. Sue managed to hang on until they brought her into my hospital. We got there just in time for Sue to tell Jenna she'd always love her and she'd have two very devoted guardian angels. I don't know how she did it, I was balling my eyes out but Jenna kissed her Mom, told her she'd always love her too and asked her to kiss her Daddy for her. Sue whispered I will and coded. They tried to restart her heart but Jenna told them to just let her rest in peace."
"Oh God Dani....I don't know what to say. We just had dinner with them four days ago. Where is Jenna?"
"She wanted to be left alone for a bit so I left her in Mara's room."
"Would you go ask her if she wants to talk to me."
"Sure."
Sam picked up his cell phone, called Leslie and asked her to let the pilot know that they'd be leaving for either Ottawa or Montreal in the hour. Leslie said she'd call back once arrangements were made and hung up just as Sam heard Jenna on the line.
"Oh Unca Sam."
"Sweetie I'm so sorry. Mara and I will be on our way before the hour is up."
"Can you come here? I don't want to go home alone."
"Of course, we'll do whatever you want."
Do you think Dani would make me KD? I'm not really hungry but Mommy would want me to eat."
"I'm sure she would Jenna. I think trying to eat is a good idea too."
"Yep, hurry up 'Kay?"
"We'll be there as soon as possible. I love you."
"Thanks, me too. I'll give you Dani back."
"Hey."
"Hey, she wants KD."
"Yeah I heard, I'm going to make some now. Sam my heart is breaking for her. I don't know what to say. I don't' know what to do."
"I know, about all you can do is be there for her. Thank God you were with her."
"I take it you are coming here first."
"Yeah Jenna asked me too. Oh God, I have to tell Mara now."
"Good luck Sam, I was praying you'd pick up. I didn't want to have to give her horrible news twice in a row. She still hasn't gotten over the first one yet."
"Yeah well I better go get her out of the shower so we can leave."
"Hold on a second, Jenna wants to say something."
"Sam can you ask Aunty Abbey to come too. I'll understand if she can't but if she can."
"I'll call her right now squirt. See you soon."
Sam hung up the phone and called Abbey. She told Sam she'd throw some clothes in a bag and meet them and Andrews. Leslie called Sam back to see where they were going first and told him they'd leave as soon as they got to the airport. Which only left telling Mara. He heard the shower turn off and made his way to the bathroom.
Mara was standing in front of the mirror towel drying her hair and singing softly to herself.. Sam put his arms around her and sighed.
"Mar get dressed we have to leave immediately for Ottawa. Leslie has made all the arrangements and Abbey is meeting us at the plane."
"Ottawa, Abbey.... Oh God it's Dani."
"No actually it's Sue and Steve, I'm afraid they are dead."
"They can't be dead we just saw them. I talked to Sue last night in fact. There has to be a mistake."
"I wish it was possible but there was a car accident and Steve died instantly, Sue died after saying good bye to Jenna at the hospital."
"No..." Mara whimpered before dissolving into Sam's arms.
She shocked Sam when after a few minutes, she took a deep breath, dried her eyes and started moving towards the closet to get dressed.
"Mara?" Sam asked afraid she'd gone in to shock.
"I can't fall apart now, we've got to get to Jenna."
"But..."
"I'll fall apart on the plane, Jenna doesn't need to deal with my grief too. Go pack, bring your navy suit not the black one."
"Yes Mara."
"Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Fifty minutes later Sam, Mara and Abbey were boarding Mara's private gulf stream. Sam had just sat down when a thought occurred to him. He hadn't bothered asking for permission to leave, let alone notifying anyone he was leaving.
"Abbey please tell me you had more forethought than I did and let your husband know why you were jetting off to Ottawa and Montreal."
"Yes I did Sam, I asked him to let Leo know why you'd be off for the week. Jed sends his love Mara."
"Thanks. I'm actually surprised Ron let you leave with us."
"I didn't give him a choice. He's sending an advance team to Montreal. Which is kind of silly since I have absolutely no idea where I'm staying or if I'll even be there tonight."
"Ron will be the happiest if you stay at the Ritz. Having to put your card key in the elevator to even get it to close is a very good thing for Ron. We can call now. I have a funny feeling we will be staying at my house tonight and heading to Montreal in the morning."
"How are you holding up Sweetie?" Abbey asked with a sympathetic smile.
"Well I'm not focussing on me right now so I'm doing fine. I have to keep it together for Jenna."
"Mara, it isn't a good idea to...."
"Oh I fully intend on having a meltdown of epic proportions but not in front of Jenna."
"What is going to happen to Jenna?" Sam asked.
"Remember a few years ago when you said dealing with a teenage Jenna could be hell on earth?"
"Yeah."
"Well congratulation Sam, it's a girl, she's eleven, have fun."
"Really?"
"I've been Jenna's guardian since her birth. When we got married Sue updated her will to add your name as well, in the case of their untimely death."
"Holy crap, you know how they say be careful what you wish for. I've often wished I had a daughter as amazing as Jenna. A daughter of my own. Jenna has a Father and always will. So basically this is one long visit that won't end until Jenna turns eighteen."
"Yeah, you know you agree to these things because the odds of anything every happening are slim to none. Sort of like the Secretary of Agriculture every being President"
"The first time I put my foot down I'm not going to be her favourite Uncle anymore."
"This is going to be the biggest challenge of our lives Abbey how do you parent a child when you aren't her parent? "
"You become her parent and just know that you'll never be called Mom. You'll always be Aunty Mara. You're going to have to become very patient Mara and Sam you're going to have to step up and not always let Mara be bad cop to your good cop. You can be popular or you can be a parent, you don't get to be both."
"Please Abbey your girls adore you."
"Yes but if you ask Liz what she thinks I should have done differently You'll fall asleep before she gets a quarter way into her list."
"Once again Abbey, that was a wonderful pep talk. Ranks right up their with the you'll muddle through, after Sam's accident." Mara replied sarcastically.
"Blowing sunshine up your ass isn't going to help anyone Mara." Abbey said with a slight grin.
"I'm going to go call my Aunt and see about the arrangements."
Mara wandered down the plane to use the in-flight phone. Sam had been fiddling with the label from a bottle of water for ten minutes and it was driving Abbey nuts so she confiscated it.
"Tell me Sam have you always been a closet label picker or did you pick this annoying habit up from your wife?"
"It's my habit. I've been doing this since high school. It's what I do when I can't pace, can't really concentrate enough to work and have to stay sitting."
"It's annoying."
"Sorry, you know I've discovered that CJ, Carol, Bonnie, and Ed all label pick too."
"I think I'll send a memo to them all." Abbey said with a smile.
"Abbey, what do you know about helping a grieving child?"
"Most of what I know Sam, won't apply to Jenna. She's eleven going on twenty five, there isn't a set of guidelines for that. You give her all the support she needs and encourage her to talk about what she's feeling. If she doesn't want to talk for a few weeks, leave her, but don't let her stay inside her head for a month. She's got to let her emotions out, whether it's through talking, or writing or drawing or taking pictures like a mad woman, as long as she lets it out it's good. If she starts regressing or acting like she is twenty five and doesn't need you, squash it immediately before it gets out of hand. The best piece of advice my mom gave me about parenting was to always let your kids know that you can hate behaviour, attitude etc. but you never hate the person."
"It's so sad, her life as she knows it no longer exists. Her parents are gone, her bedroom will be gone, her friends gone, her school...everything has been taken away from her. It's so bloody unfair."
"It is unfair. You and Mara can't very well give up your lives and move to Montreal but Jenna has to give up her life to move to Washington. You can't even try to justify it to her, all you can say is I know Jenna but life sucks sometimes."
"Wow some more helpful advice Abbey, what would we do without you?"
"Mara, have you ever tried not being sarcastic?"
"Nope, even my default position is sarcasm. My family is filled with head cases if you were wondering. My Aunt has looked in to arrangements, but thought she should let Jenna decide everything. I called her a few choice words, told her Cheryl would take care of the arrangements and I'd ask Jenna if there was anything special she wanted to do. My Aunt was complaining that my Mother told her putting all of this on Jenna was ridiculous. Doesn't she get it? If my Mom, the Queen of head cases can see the stupidity in it, you'd think she'd buy a clue. Steve's Mom apparently can't stop crying long enough to say anything. If I don't kill someone before this ordeal is all over, it will be a miracle of epic proportions."
"Have you informed Cheryl of this yet?"
"No, I was just going to call her."
"Tell her I'd be happy to help her out if she doesn't know what to decide on anything."
"Thanks I will."
"I wonder if they ever talked about what they wanted. I know my Mom told me if I cremated her she'd come back and haunt me. You know Mara and her cemetery phobia, she doesn't want to go in the ground. She wants her ashes to be spread in a body of water. I told her I'd put her in the reflecting pool. She wants a big old Irish wake, with everyone getting smashed and telling funny stories about her. I like the wake idea but I could care less what you do with my body. I just want my organs to be used for transplants."
"Bartlet family plot in Manchester, a wake at the farmhouse and donate my organs. I would like Mara to sing Ave Maria though."
"I don't think Mara can sing and sob at the same time Abbey. What about ....."
"Jed? The same as me but he wants to be buried with his Notre Dame sweatshirt."
"He hasn't accepted that you can't take it with you thing yet."
"No, he hasn't. What about your Father Sam?"
"I don't know, since I stopped plotting his death, I haven't given it any more thought or asked. I sort of figured I'd leave that to Beth. "
Sam's cell phone started ringing so he hit the intercom button .
"Yes?"
"Brad, can I use my cell phone?" Sam asked the copilot.
"Go ahead."
Sam picked the phone up. "Hello"
"Hey Sam, I'm so sorry, tell Mara she has my deepest sympathies. I'll pray for you all. "
"Thanks Ginger, how did you find out?"
"Leslie called me at home. I need you to let me know what the arrangements are once they are made."
"Actually Cheryl will be taking care of them. I'm sure nothing will be set until early evening tomorrow. When you get to the office you'll can find her cell number in my blue personal phone book. She's under M for Mara. You'll also find Sue and Steve's home number."
"Kay.."
"So how are you feeling?"
"Well the nausea that sent me home Friday finally disappeared late Saturday only to be replaced by wicked heartburn at five this morning. I'm popping Tums like it's candy."
"Sorry, I hope you feel better soon. I tossed my computer into my luggage so I'll be checking my e-mail. I think I'll be gone a week."
"That's what I figured, well I'm heading to bed, give Mara a big hug for me and tell Jenna I send my love."
"I will thanks Ginger, bye."
"We are about to begin our final descent, please fasten those seat belts. We should be on the ground in ten minutes. The current temperature in Ottawa is minus 5, with the wind chill it's minus eleven."
"Brrr" Sam shuddered.
"Welcome to tepid Ottawa weather for January. I swear a few years ago it was sixty below for ten days straight."
"I'm getting cold just thinking about it. I'm suppose to give you a big hug and Ginger's sympathies."
"I'll collect on the hug later."
Twenty five minutes later Mara was putting her key into the front door.
"We're here." She called out before dumping her purse and bag on the floor.
She heard a whisk clanging against a pot in the kitchen and Dani yelled she'd be right out. She heard Jenna charging down the stairs before she saw her. She ran right passed Mara and flung herself at Sam, who had to quickly duck and grab her in his arms or she'd have knocked him over.
Jenna started sobbing in Sam's arms so Mara and Abbey walked away and headed into the kitchen.
"Oh wow, it smells incredible in here, what are you making Sis?"
"Grandma's carbonara au gratin. I felt the need for comfort food."
"Yum. It will go great with the bottle of vodka I plan on drinking. How you doing?"
"I made Jenna KD, then baked a chocolate soufflé, ate it all and made another one before I started on the pasta. I'm keeping my mind occupied because I don't feel like dealing with reality any more."
Mara gave her sister a long hug then went to the bar and came back with a bottle of red wine for Abbey and vodka for herself. She broke the cap and took a long swig straight from the bottle.
"Mara!" Abbey admonished. "For crying out loud get a glass!"
"I'll only have to clean it and I plan on drinking every drop in this bottle."
"Mara Seaborn, get a glass before you discover that you are never too old to be put over my knee." Abbey replied with her don't mess with me look.
Mara took out a large tumbler and filled it. Abbey rolled her eyes and took another sip of wine
Dani went back to her pasta, not in the mood to wake up with a hangover in the morning. She had just finished plating it for the three of them when Sam wandered into the kitchen.
"Did you loose Jenna?" Dani asked with a grin.
"Nah, she's in the bathroom. I want a plate of that and so does Jenna."
"I'm not sharing my vodka." Mara said the second Sam looked at it.
"Chill, I don't want any of your vodka, you selfish lush."
"Hi Aunty Mara, Aunty Abbey, thanks for coming."
"Come here Rugrat."
Mara pulled Jenna on to her lap and gave her a long hug. When she was done Jenna leaned back and Mara let her stay on her lap while they ate. Dani got her a drink and no one said anything until after the chocolate soufflé had been finished.
"So what happens now?" Jenna asked while playing with Mara's engagement ring.
"Do you mean in the next few days or next week?" Sam asked.
"Both actually."
"Well Sweetie, we'll be going to Montreal in the morning and I guess the visitation at the funeral parlour will be Tuesday and the mass and burial on Wednesday." Abbey said softly.
"The coffins won't be open will they? I don't want that to be the last picture of Mommy and Daddy in my mind."
"No, I'll make sure it's closed casket Jenna Benna."
"Good, I don't have to go to the cemetery do I?"
"No, you can wait in the car with me if you'd like."
"'Kay, so when are you and Uncle Sam moving to Montreal?" Jenna asked knowing the answer in her heart.
"Oh Jenna....."
"I know but I had to give it a try. I want to state for the record that this is unfair."
"Dually noted and it also sucks big time." Mara added.
"Does this mean I'm going to have to go to a US school? No offense but Canada places higher in education that the US. I'm already bored at school."
Mara and Dani chuckled, "I'm with you there Jenna. I'll work something out even if it means you'll be home schooled with a Canadian curriculum."
"So will the guest room be mine now?"
"Yes."
"Can I decorate it?"
"Of course."
"I can still come back and visit all my friends right? I don't want to miss Emily's birthday next month."
"I'll do my best to work something out Jenna."
"Is it OK if I wear my deep red dress, it was Mom's favourite."
"What ever you want. I'm going to wear my green dress."
"The pretty raw silk one? Mom was always thinking of ways to get it off you."
"Yeah, actually she wore it a few times before you were born. I'll find the pictures for you. She borrowed it to go to your Dad's first office Christmas party."
"Really, I bet the picture is at home. Can we look for it tomorrow?"
"I'd be happy to help you look Jenna." Abbey replied.
"Grandma took a picture of the three of us at Christmas with my camera. I got triples to send one to you and give one to Grandma. I want Mommy and Daddy to have one in their coffin so they don't forget me."
Sam's heart broke and from the wild look in Mara's eyes he knew she was going to loose it any second. Abbey had also noticed Mara's reaction and asked Jenna to show her where the bathroom was. The second Jenna had left the room, Mara dashed out into the backyard. Sam grabbed her coat off the back of the chair and followed her. He found her sitting on the low wall that separated the pool and Jacuzzi.
Sam put her coat around her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. He was numb from the cold by the time she finally stopped sobbing. Mara gave him a gentle kiss and realized how cold he was.
"Thanks, lets get you inside before you turn into a snowman."
The kitchen was empty and Mara made a big pot of hot chocolate. She poured it in mugs and brought it out to the living room.
Jenna slowly sipped on her 's until it was almost finished. She wasn't sure where Mara and Sam disappeared to but she figured Mara really needed some fresh air.
"Mara, is it true that Mom and you were so desperate for chocolate during a blizzard that you made chocolate icing and just ate it from the bowl?"
Mara started laughing, "Yeah that was the great icing blizzard of 85. A little softened butter, some cocoa, icing sugar and voila. The night before your Mom got married we made another bowl full. The last time I remember making some you were about two and you wouldn't stop crying. You finally fell asleep around four and when I came back from the bathroom your Mother was dumping icing into a bowl. Nothing like a sugar rush at 4:30 in the morning. "
"How did you find out about this Jenna?" Dani asked.
"Mom never gave up her love for chocolate icing. I caught her in the middle of the night, a few years ago. I came downstairs for a drink and found her eating it straight out of the bowl with her fingers. From then on whenever she craved it, she'd wake me up and we'd make it."
"I'll have to remember that little trick next time I'm craving something sweet." Abbey added.
Jenna had fallen asleep leaning against Sam so he carried her up to one of the guest rooms and put her to bed. Abbey gave Cheryl a call and then headed off to the other guest room. Dani had volunteered to sleep on the couch so that Mara and Sam could sleep in her room. Mara found it very strange being in her old bedroom with all the furniture in DC. She looked at the silk fabric walls and sighed.
"Penny for your thoughts." Sam whispered.
"It feels so strange being here with you. I know this is my house but it doesn't feel like it anymore. My home is in Georgetown now. I feel like a visitor in my own house."
"Seems like Ottawa was a life time ago?"
"Exactly."
"Mara go to sleep, this week is going to be very hard and you need your rest. I love you, good night."
Sam pulled Mara into his arms and started playing with her hair until she was softly snoring. Sam thought about how his life had radically changed in the last twenty four hours. He gone from being happily married to being responsible for raising a precocious child through the difficult teen years without so much as a days warning or any training. His Mom had always told him that thirteen years of parenting, trained you but could never prepare you for the teenage years. Sam hated being ill prepared for anything but he didn't have a choice. He also wondered how Mara was going to adjust with having to share his attention. The only thing he knew for sure was that it wasn't going to be pretty.