Continued Changes

by catgurl83

More changes in Sam and Donna's lives. Very angsty. Character death.

1. Default Chapter

Sequel to West Wing fanfic three Spoilers: Season four Category: Donna \ Sam, Josh \ ?, some Toby \ CJ Rating: PG Disclaimer: Any characters you recognize do not belong to me. They belong to Aaron Sorkin, etc. Warning: Character deaths Authors note: This is a sequel to Unexpected Changes which is my first story. Please review so that I know how I am doing. Oh, I realized that the format wasn't the best so I've tried to change it a little.

"Hey Sam. Did you have a nice honeymoon?"

"Yes Dillion I did." He told his lawyer. He and Donna had been back for nearly a week.

"How's Serena?"

"She's fine."

Dillion smiled. "You mean she survived your honeymoon? That's hard to believe." Sam gave him a look and he went on. "At the wedding someone told me Josh Lyman was going to be watching Serena while you were gone."

"Oh. He only had her for the weekend then her grandmother took her. We picked Serena up the day after we got home. How are things going? Have you been able to get us another judge? Someone who doesn't believe so firmly in grandparents rights."

"We do have another judge but it's not someone I've worked with before. I have someone finding me more information on him. He's new. That could work in our favor." Dillion answered.

"Do we have a court date yet?"

"We have a court date set for two weeks from now. Tuesday."

"I talked to Donna while we were gone. She agreed. I was pretty sure she would. Did you get the papers ready?"

Dillion picked some papers up from his desk and handed them to Sam. "Of course. After she signs them, I'll file them. You have full legal custody so there really isn't anything Mrs. Farrel can do to stop the adoption."

"Good. I'll have Donna sign them today and send them to you tomorrow."

"They have to be witnessed by a lawyer." Dillion reminded him.

Sam gave a small laugh. "Have you forgotten where I work? I'll get Josh or someone to witness it." His smile disappeared. "There is something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"Is something wrong?" Dillion asked curiously.

"No. I want to change my will. I already should have but there's been so much going on."

Dillion had already gotten some papers out. "Okay. What changes do you want?"

"The most important thing is Serena. She is not even mentioned. That has got to be changed." Sam stated.

"Okay?" "I need to express my wishes for Serena, if anything should ever happen to me."

Dillion was jotting notes as Sam spoke. "Have you decided who you want to name as guardian?"

Sam nodded. His expression was grim. He didn't like this subject but it had to be dealt with. "I want Donna to raise Serena. The adoption papers should help with that." He paused for a moment. "If for some reason that is impossible I'd like Josh Lyman to take my daughter."

Dillion looked up surprised. "Josh?"

"Yes." Sam's voice was firm.

"I'm speaking as your friend not your lawyer. Why Josh? Are you sure he could handle it?"

"He is my best friend and Serena's godfather. Besides Donna there is no one I trust more. I used the honeymoon as a test. He passed. He took wonderful care of Serena." Sam explained.

"Does Donna know?"

"We discussed it. After that weekend she agreed with me."

"You wouldn't rather have your sister take Serena?"

"I really thought about that. Patty has four kids of her own. The youngest is almost twelve. She is past the young child stage of her life. Besides I don't like her husband that much. We have absolutely nothing in comment." He gave a small smile. "He is a Republican."

"Ah, Josh is a Demarcate but he'd have more trouble in court against Alana." Dillion pointed out.

"Then you'll just have to make my will airtight."

"Sam, have you thought about the fact that Josh is Jewish?" Dillion asked delicately.

Sam sighed. "Yeah. It doesn't matter. We believe in the same God. And we have the same morals. That is more important to me." He said simply.

"Fine." Dillion realized that Sam really had thought about this. "What did Josh say?"

"I haven't asked him yet." Sam admitted.

"What?" Dillion was incredulous.

"I wanted to have started this when I asked him, I had hoped that that would make it harder for him to say no."

"You are his best friend. I'd guess you'd know." Dillion slipped back into lawyer mode. "Do you want a back up for Josh? Have you thought about who you'll ask if he turns you down?"

Sam grinned. "As my lawyer I am going to tell you a secret. CJ Cregg and Toby Zeigler are a couple. They plan on getting married as soon as the administration is over. If Josh refuses I'll ask them."

"If Josh agrees do you still want Ms. Cregg and Mr. Zeigler put into the will as backup just in case."

Sam nodded. "I'm trying to cover all of the bases. I don't want Alana raising Serena." He took a breath before going on to the next issue. "I want to change Donna and Serena to my primary beneficiaries." Dillion nodded as he wrote. He had expected this. "If Donna is gone to what do you want to do with Serena's inheritance? Do you want to put it into a trust?"

Sam nodded. "Yes. I want Josh in charge of the trust."

"And if that isn't possible?"

"You."

"Me?"

"I trust you. CJ isn't a lawyer and Toby just isn't as good at that type of thing."

"Okay."

They discussed the legalities of it all before Sam left. They had another appointment for the next week.

"Josh are you busy?" Sam asked the next day as he peeked into Josh's office. Donna wasn't at her desk.

Josh looked up from a file on his desk. "Come in Sam. What's up? You ready to share details on your honeymoon?" He grinned. He knew Sam wouldn't and he really didn't want to know.

"Nope." Sam replied cheerfully. He realized this was going to be a thing with them for a while. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."

"Sure." Josh closed the file.

"You're good with Serena."

"Thanks." Josh replied.

"I mean really good. Donna didn't think you'd do well that weekend. She thought that the house would be a mess when we got back. She also thought that all of the healthy food in the kitchen would be untouched. You surprised her. You surprised both of us. When we got Serena back all she'd talk about was "Unca Josh". She didn't talk about her grandmother at all."

Josh's smile softened. "She's a sweet kid."

"Yeah she is. I've been doing allot of thinking since I found out about her."

"I imagine. She changes everything."

"Yeah. I'm having my will changed."

"Leaving everything to Donna and Serena?" Josh asked even though he already knew.

"Yeah. I also want to name a guardian for Serena in case something happens to me." He said softly.

"Not Donna?" Josh asked in a shocked tone.

"Donna will be Serena's guardian if possible. But I was thinking about what would happen if it wasn't possible. I don't want Alana to raise my daughter."

"So who'd you decide on? Your sister?"

"No."

"Donna's parents or one of her brothers?"

"No." He didn't know any of them well enough to even consider it. Especially since Donna wasn't on the best of terms with her family. They didn't really approve of her job. And they definitely didn't like his job.

"Who then?" Josh was confused. They wasn't anyone in the White House Sam would trust like this. Leo was definitely out. He was too old and set in his ways. He lived in a hotel. Toby liked Serena but he was too grumpy. Charlie was too young and single. He was going to go to school full time when the administration was over. Zoë was out for the same reasons as Charlie. The Bartlett's were out for obvious reasons. CJ? "CJ?"

"No."

Josh gave Sam a look. "Enough with the guessing game. I'm not going to figure it out."

"You."

"What did you say?"

"I said you. I want you to take Serena if something happens to both Donna and I."

"But. there are so many reasons against this; I'm single, I live in an apartment not suited for a toddler, I'm Jewish, I have a more then full time job. the list is endless."

Sam smiled. He'd known Josh would be reluctant. "First off I was single when I first got Serena too. That doesn't matter. If you had to take guardianship of Serena the house would go with her and before you mention your car my new mini van would to. I don't care that your Jewish; I asked you to be her godfather didn't I? You won't have this job forever." He grinned. "I don't plan on dying tomorrow."

"I don't know anything about children."

"You would learn besides you did fine with her that weekend."

"Can't you get someone else to do this?" Josh asked weakly.

"I could but I don't want to. I trust you. You are my best friend. I need to know that someone I trust would be raising my little girl."

Josh sighed. There was no point in protesting anymore. He knew what his decision would end up being. "Fine. But you'd better not die because this is one promise I don't want to have to keep."

"Thank you."

"What if something happened to me?" Josh asked curiously.

Sam grinned as he prepared to let Josh in on the secret.

"The Judge is Michel Hartford. He is young, in his thirties. Widowed with a young son. He has been a family court judge for a year now." Dillion was smiling as he delivered the news. "We were very lucky to pull him. He favors fathers over other relatives in most cases. It's probably because of his son." He glanced at his watch. "It's time for us to go in." They were waiting in a small room near the courtroom.

When Judge Hartford entered the room, they all stood. This time it was just Sam, Donna, Alana, and their lawyers. There weren't any reporters here. It was known that Judge Hartford wouldn't put up with them so they were all waiting outside.

"I see that Judge Smith already made a ruling on this case. You aren't happy with that ruling?" The question was addressed to Dillion.

"Your Honor, my client feels that the ruling was unfair. It greatly restricts his life. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Moss-Seaborn both have very demanding jobs. Their jobs require them to travel quite often. They do not want to leave Serena for days at a time while they travel. They want to take her with them. They can't schedule their trips so that they'll always be in D.C. the last week of the month. They also feel that they should have some say in whom their daughter spends time with and how often."

"Objection." Alana's lawyer stood up. "Serena does not belong to Donna Moss."

The judge looked at Dillion.

"Fine his daughter, her step daughter. For the record, her name is Donna Moss-Seaborn. They feel that they have a right to decide who their daughter or step daughter spends her time with." He shot a look at Alana's lawyer. "That's all Your Honor."

Judge Hartford glanced at Alana's lawyer, telling him it was his turn.

"Your Honor my client feels that as Serena Farrel's grandmother she has rights."

"Objection. Serena's last name has been legally changed to Seaborn." Dillion said.

"Please use the child's legal name." The judge said.

"My client feels that she has a right to spend time with her granddaughter. Judge Smith agreed with my client. It creates no hardship for Mr. Seaborn and his wife to allow little Serena to spend time with her grandmother. They can occasionally leave her while they are on a trip. After all, Serena would be with family. As for them having a right to decide whom the child can spend time with and how much time, in most cases I would agree. In this case Serena's mother, my client's daughter choose for her mother to be involved in Serena's life. Mr. Seaborn would not honor her wishes. He would completely cut my client from his daughter's life."

Dillion stood again. "Objection. Do not presume to guess at what my client could possibly do some time in the future."

"Sustained."

"That's all Your Honor."

Judge Hartford nodded. "I have read the social workers report as well as transcripts from testimony in the hearing. Both parties love the child. However, I do not believe that it would be in the best interest of the child to have both parties play such key roles in her life. It is obvious that the parties do not get along well enough to basically raise Serena jointly. As the child's father Mr. Seaborn has the right to decide who is daughter spends time with. I give full legal and physical custody of Serena Seaborn to Samuel Seaborn and Donnatella Moss-Seaborn. I implore both of you however, to keep Serena's best interest in mind. Children should be raised with an extended family."

"We won." Sam said once the judge was gone. He seemed shocked. "You knew we would."

"I didn't actually know. I just hoped and thought that we would win." He kissed her softly. "Serena is ours completely now."

"I wouldn't count on it." Alana said as she joined them. "I am going to fight this and I am going to get at least as much as Judge Smith gave me, if not more. Neither of you are fit to be the only influences on that child's life." She turned and walked away.

"I cannot believe the nerve of that woman." Donna stated.

"Don't worry about her. She isn't going to win." Dillion assured her.

"I can't believe that you kept your relationship secret for so long."

"Yeah well, we felt we should. We didn't know if people would think it was ethical with us working together." CJ said.

"Yeah but you told Sam." Josh pointed out.

"No they didn't." Sam said.

CJ chuckled. "Donna walked in on Toby and I when he was in the hospital to give Serena marrow. She told Sam."

"Why didn't anyone tell me?" Josh sulked.

"We would have told you eventually." CJ told him. "Leo still doesn't know."

Josh smiled. "What about the President?"

"He doesn't know either." Toby said.

"I'm not the last to know. When are you going to tell them?"

"Tomorrow." Toby told him.

"We figure that Leo won't be too hard on us. We was fine with Donna and Sam." CJ added.

"True but they had something you don't."

"What's that?"

"A sick child. How do you yell at someone with a sick kid? Even Leo couldn't do that."

CJ's face fell a little bit. She glanced at Sam. "Think we could borrow Serena for a few hours tomorrow?"

"She isn't sick anymore." Donna pointed out.

"Yes but she is still an adorable, sweet little girl. If she is with us Leo can't get mad."

"Yeah sure." Sam grinned. "Would you be taking her with you to tell the President too?"

"Yeah."

He shook his head. "Can't allow that. We've been through to much to lose her now."

They looked at him quizzically.

"He is very likely to give you the history of engagement rings or white dresses or something equally dreadful. Serena would die of boredom."

"I guess we are on our own." Toby told CJ.

"Yeah." CJ sighed. "What friends you are. You won't even sacrifice Serena's sanity for us."

"I doubt you'll need Serena's help anyway. They'll both be busy tomorrow, if you tell them in passing they won't be able to get mad. By the time they get a chance to really talk to you they'll have calmed down." Donna told them.

"Are you sure you'll even have time to tell them in passing?" Josh asked.

"Yes. We are going to tell them tomorrow." CJ stated. They were all on Airforce One. They were on the way to California for some meeting. President Bartlett had a full day the next day. So did all of them.

Donna stood. "I'm going to check on Serena. I'll be right back." Serena was in another room with Amy. The Bartlett's had had a portable crib set up for the toddler. When Donna reached the small room she found Amy sitting in a chair ready. Serena was still asleep. Donna glanced at her watch. Serena would probably be waking up soon. It was almost time for her nap to be over. She had been asleep for over two hours. "Has she stirred at all?"

"She's been stirring for the last ten or fifteen minutes. Do you want me to get her up?" Amy had already sat the book down.

"No that's okay." She didn't get to spend enough time with Serena. She didn't mind taking care of the child. "I'll get her." Fifteen minutes later she rejoined CJ, Josh, Toby, and Sam.

"Hey kiddo." Sam said as he took the child.

"She is dressed like a boy." Toby informed Donna.

CJ burst out in laughter along with Donna. "She is wearing overalls."

"Yes I know. Overalls are for boys." He looked at Sam. "You let Donna and Amy dress your daughter like a boy?"

Sam looked a little more closely at Serena's outfit. "She is wearing a pink T-shirt."

Donna loved to put Serena in overalls now that she was potty-trained. Overalls were not for boys. Especially when they had small flowers embroidered onto them. "Are you going to have children with him?"

"I was thinking about it." CJ answered.

"If you have a daughter he'll make her wear pink dresses all of the time." Donna warned her friend.

"May I say something?" "What Josh?"

"I think overalls are cute."

Toby stared at him. "Did you just use the word cute?"

"The better question is whether or not we heard Donna correctly." President Bartlett said from the doorway. No one had heard him come in. Abby was with him.

"What did you hear?" Toby asked cautiously.

"You and CJ plan on having children together. When did you become a couple? I assume you are a couple?"

"Yes Sir." Toby answered.

The President waved them all to sit as he and his wife walked further into the room.

Serena had gotten her father to put her down. She ran up to President Bartlett. He picked her up before sitting down near his staff. "I'm waiting for answers." He reminded them as he smiled at the little girl on his lap.

"We have been a couple for several months now Sir." Toby answered.

"We are engaged." CJ added.

Abby smiled. "Have you set a wedding date?"

"No Ma'am we haven't."

"Why haven't you told us sooner?" President Bartlett asked.

"At first there was so much going on with Serena. Then Donna and Sam announced their engagement. We didn't want to steal their moment. Then there was the fact that we were scared of your reactions." CJ admitted.

"You did not have to be afraid Claudia Jean. I am not an ogor. I do have human feelings occasionally. I am happy for you."

"Leo isn't going to be happy." Abby told them.

"We know."

The President waved a hand. "Leo will be fine. He might be a little gruff at first but he'll get over himself. Tell him today." He ordered before turning his full attention on Serena.

"That went well." CJ whispered gratefully.

A year later

They all sat staring at the television stunned. They had not expected this at all.

"How could this happen?" Josh asked angrily.

"I don't know." Donna said in a soft voice. She could barely think right now. "What do are we going to do now?" CJ asked.

Toby shrugged. "What can we do?"

The telephone rang. Josh grabbed it. "Sam? How could this happen?"

"I thought I'd lose. I wouldn't have done this if I'd thought I could win. I was down by more than sixty percent in the polls this morning. I wasn't supposed to win." He sounded desolate.

"Everything's going to be okay Sam. You always planned on being in Congress. It is just a little sooner than you expected." Donna said. Sam was on speakerphone.

"This is California." He pointed out. "You still work in DC."

"We'll have to talk about this. For now, you have to get to the party. I'll talk to you later." They both hung up.

"What now?" Josh asked. "You aren't going to quit are you?"

"I don't plan on it." Donna told him.

"What are you going to do?" CJ asked.

"Sam's district is California but he'll have to be in DC allot too. I can stay here for the next couple of years. He will have to run for reelection in two years and Bartlett will be out of office a year after that. We'll evaluate things then." She explained her reasoning.

"What about Serena?" Toby asked.

"We'll have to discuss Serena. This will work." She said more to herself then the others.

Josh groaned.

"What?" CJ asked.

"The president. He isn't going to be happy."

"Leo won't be happy either."

"I wish we could make Sam tell them himself." Donna stated.

"I'm sure you would." Josh laughed. "But we can't. They'll see it on TV."

"If they haven't already."

Josh stood. "Who's coming with me?" They all just stared at him. "I'm not going alone."

"You are the Deputy Chief of Staff. You can handle this by yourself." CJ assured him.

"Yeah you don't need an assistant like me to help you."

"Actually I'm doing you a favor by telling Leo and the President." Josh smiled at Donna.

"What?" "Well, as Sam's wife you should tell them."

"Why?" Toby asked. "She wasn't responsible for Sam running for Congress."

"She didn't even want Sam to run." CJ added.

"Yeah but she didn't talk him out of it."

"He promised a widow. What was I supposed to do?"

"He really didn't tell you before he made the promise?" Josh had always been skeptical about that.

"No he didn't." Donna was insistent.

Toby stood up impatiently. "I'll go with you." The men walked out of the office.

Donna looked at CJ. "Do you think they'll be okay?"

"Do we care?"

Donna shrugged. "Not really but they could get Sam in trouble."

CJ laughed.

"What? I only care because if something happened to Sam, Serena would be inconsolable."

"Let's go." She stood up with a sigh.

A few minutes later they caught up with the men outside of Leo's office. Margaret was not at her desk. "Leo can we come in? We need to talk to you."

"Sure Josh. What's up?"

"Sam."

"Sam's up?"

Donna gave Josh a look. "You know that Sam was running for Congress."

"The election was today wasn't it?" Leo asked.

"Yes." They all answered at once.

"Tell him that I'm sorry he lost."

"Huh?"

"Okay so I'm not really sorry but he doesn't need to know that." "But."

"Yes Josh?"

"How would you have felt if he'd won?"

"I would not have been happy. We need him here. Besides it takes to much time to break someone new in." "Yeah." Josh agreed.

"Don't you think Sam would make an excellent Congressman?" Donna asked.

"Yes but in about four years. When is Sam going to be home?"

"Um." Donna looked at Josh.

"About that."

"Is he catching a flight tomorrow?"

"He has some things he has to do in California." CJ excused.

"Oh really? You mean like hire a staff?"

"What?" They all asked.

"Did you practice that?"

"What?" They asked again.

Leo shook his head.

"You know." Toby stated.

Leo smiled. "Did you really think I wouldn't? I told Margaret to let me know as soon as the results were on TV."

"Why didn't you just tell us you already knew?" Donna asked.

"This was more fun."

"You're not angry." CJ stated.

"No I'm not. I am very proud of Sam and yes Donna I do think Sam will make an excellent Congressman. I do wish he'd waited to run though. I suppose we are going to lose you now, too?"

"No. I'm going to continue working here."

"Does Sam know?"

"We haven't had a chance to talk yet."

"You two didn't talk as soon as he decided to run?" Leo was surprised.

Donna blushed. "We really didn't think he'd win."

"You didn't?" President Bartlett asked from the doorway. "I knew all along. I told Sam he was going to win." He shook his head sadly. "This will teach all of you to listen to me."

"We are going to have to replace him." Josh pointed out.

"Sam and I already discussed that, just in case he won." Leo said.

"Who did he suggest?" Toby asked. "Will Bailey."

"Would Will be willing to come to DC?"

"Sam thinks so. Sam said that if he won he'd talk to Will for me. Get Will to come here for an interview." Leo explained.

"Sounds good." President Bartlett agreed. "I am going to call Sam to congratulate him. Do you want to participate in the call Leo?"

"Of course Sir but he is probably at a celebratory party right now."

"I think he can take time out of partying to talk to the President of the United States, don't you? After all I do not call every Congressman."

"Of course Sir." Leo followed the President into the Oval Office.

"Josh are you busy?"

"What do you think?"

"Probably. I need to talk to you." Donna said.

"Come in." He invited surprised that she hadn't already.

She sat down. "I have to go to court next Thursday. I just got the papers."

"Court, why?" Josh asked, concerned.

Donna sighed. "Alana. She told us she was going to sue us for custody again. I guess I thought that she'd given up since it has been over a year and she hasn't. Besides we have been getting along better lately."

"You've been letting her see Serena?" Josh had not known that.

"We started allowing her to see Serena about six months ago. She calls every week and comes to see Serena once a month at our house. Last time she even stayed with us."

Josh smirked. "And yet you are both still alive. Sam must have been home to referee."

"Funny."

"Is Sam going to be able to be here?"

"I haven't told him yet."

Josh gave her a surprised look.

"I told you. The papers just came."

"Here?"

"Yes here. The guy said that he'd been trying to find me at home for over a week. He finally gave up and came here. He works for the courthouse so he got in. Although he was escorted up here by a secret service agent." "You can definitely have part of the day off. What time do you have to be at court?"

"2:00 PM."

"What happens if Sam can't come back? Can you do this without him legally?"

"The papers were sent to me. I guess Alana knew that she wouldn't be able to reach Sam. Sam and I both have custody."

"You do?" Josh blinked. "When did that happen?"

"Josh, where have you been? I got custody along with Sam when the adoption went through. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to keep Serena here without Sam because I wouldn't be able to make decisions for her. I wouldn't have been able to enroll her in preschool or take her to the doctor for her monthly checkups."

"Oh. Does Alana even have a chance?"

"I still have to call Dillion but I doubt it."

"What do the papers say? Does she name a reason for doing this?" Josh asked curiously.

"She claims that Sam and I don't have the time to be good parents. She says that Sam is in California the majority of the time and when he is in DC. he is usually busy. She also says that I spend most of my time here and Serena spends all of her time either in preschool or with her nanny. She claims that Serena is starting to show signs of parental neglect."

"What? What signs does she say Serena has?"

"The papers say that Serena is overly clingy for a child her age. It also says that Serena appears to be closer to her nanny then to me."

"None of those things are true. You and Sam had that barbecue last month. Sam spent allot of time with Serena that day. Amy was there but she wasn't doing the majority of Serena's care, you and Sam were. Serena didn't mind."

"I know." She smiled as she remembered that day. It had been so long since Sam had seen his friends from the White House so he'd decided to hold a barbecue. It was just for fun. He didn't invite any other Congressmen. Josh, Toby, CJ, Charlie, Zoë, Leo, Margaret, Will, Wendy, Cathy, Ginger, and Bonnie had all been there. The Bartlett's hadn't been there because to many agents would have had to be there. The neighbors wouldn't have been happy. They had spent the whole day laughing, talking, and eating. Serena had been spoiled that day. She was always spoiled when they all got together because she was the only child among them. "Sam always makes a point of spending time with Serena when he's in DC."

"You took her to California to see Sam two months ago didn't you?"

She had taken the whole weekend off so that she and Serena could spend it with Sam. "We took her to Disney Land. She loved it. Especially, It's a Small World and the Tea Cups. We have pictures."

"Even when Sam's not around you spend plenty of time with Serena." Josh pointed out.

She didn't work past six very much anymore. When she did have to worked late Amy brought Serena to her. The only times she worked late without Serena was if there was an emergency. She didn't work on Sundays unless something came up. If she worked Saturday Serena came with her or Josh brought the work to the house. When she had to go on trips Serena went to. No one minded having Serena around. They all adored her and she was so well behaved and quiet that she didn't keep them from working. Donna stood up. "I'm going to go call Dillion."

"Let me know what he says."

"Sure."

He got back to the file he was reading.

Donna came back in about twenty minutes later. "I made an appointment with him for tomorrow."

"That's fine."

"He wants me to have you write something for the file we give to the judge."

"Sure. What do I need to say?"

"He wants you to write out my regular schedule and to say that Serena usually comes when we go on trips. He also wants you to tell them about the last time you saw Serena with both Sam and I. Make sure you put in how she seemed to you."

"How she seemed?"

"Happy, cranky, sleepy, clingy, weepy, joyous, etc."

"Okay. No problem. I'll say that she was happy and sneaky. Happy to be around people she could convince to help her sneak cookies and candy. Oh and clever. She actually told me that you keep the cookie jar on top of the fridge so that daddy couldn't get to it but that anyone she asked was supposed to get it down for her. She said that, "daddy is a sugar-aholic.""

"He is but so is she. He actually keeps candy in his desk."

"Did he do that when he worked here?"

"Yes."

"I never knew that."

"Not many people did." She turned to leave. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Donna glanced around the courtroom. She, Dillion, and a bailiff were the only occupants of the room. Alana and her lawyer had not arrived yet.

Dillion had told her that this hearing should be rather simple like the last one. Each lawyer would have a chance to state their clients position and reasoning. The judge would already have read the file. The file included transcripts from the original custody battle, the social workers report, and transcripts from the last hearing. The file also held a report from Serena's pediatrician on her health, a copy of the adoption papers, the papers from Josh, a report from Serena's preschool, something from Amy, and a paper from CJ. Alana and her lawyer finally arrived minutes before the hearing was set to start. The Judge entered the room and they all stood. Her name was Alexia Hill. She was in her fifties and had been serving as a family court judge for fifteen years. She was known for being very conservative in her judgements.

"Mr. Billings are you ready to begin?" "Yes Your Honor." The lawyer stood. "My client would like joint legal and physical custody of her granddaughter Serena Seaborn. She feels that the child would benefit from spending a substantial amount of time with her grandmother. At this time full legal and physical custody of Serena are held her father Samuel Seaborn and his wife Donna Moss-Seaborn. Both have very demanding jobs. The child spends the majority of her time at her preschool or with her nanny. The nanny is quite young. Mr. Seaborn actually."

"Objection." Dillion stood. "My client is Congressman Seaborn."

"Fine. Congressman Seaborn spends most of his time in the state of California. He comes to DC. regularly but spends most of his time on each trip working. Mrs. Moss-Seaborn is senior assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. She works very long hours and travels allot. The child travels with her. As a result of the trips the Serena doesn't really have a regular schedule."

"Objection. Serena does have a regular schedule. We gave you a copy of her schedule Your Honor. My client has not been on a work related trip in over three months."

"Sustained. I read the schedule."

"When Congressman Seaborn is home he spends a substantial amount of time entertaining. Who knows who is invited to his parties? Serena should not be under such influences."

"Objection." Dillion was beginning to wish he could just stay standing. "The guests at my clients parties are other members of Congress, their spouses, and their staff. He also invites members of the White House staff on occasion. As for not knowing who the guests are; look in the paper the next day."

"Sustained."

"My clients feels that that is not the proper environment for a three year old. She is able to be home. Serena would attend preschool twice a week half day while with her grandmother. There are many children her age in Mrs. Farrel's neighborhood that Serena could play with. There would be no need for a nanny. The child could spend as much time with her father and step mother as they could spare." He noticed that Dillion was standing up. "I'm sorry. Her new mother. That is all Your Honor."

The Judge looked at Dillion.

"Your Honor, my clients respect that their daughter needs to spend time with her grandmother. They have been allowing, even encouraging those visits. On Mrs. Farrel's last visit my clients even graciously opened up their home to her and allowed her to stay with them. They respect that grandparents do have a right to see their grandchildren. They also respect that parents have a right to raise their own children. It is true that both parents have demanding jobs. Those jobs are important to them but not as important as Serena. Both make sure that they make time for Serena. If you read the society pages, you know that. You regularly find mentions of Congressman Seaborn being seen somewhere with his wife and daughter. Serena has many advantages that most children do not. Advantages she would not have if she lived with her grandmother. She is very close to the President and with family and senior staff. She has traveled on Airforce One many times. She has been to several countries in the last year and a half: England, France, Canada, Italy, and Spain. She takes regular trips to California to visit her father and has visited several fun places there. She attended the opening of a Disney Movie. But above all Serena has an abundance of love in her life. She is surrounded by people who love her. Her grandmother is one of those people but only one of them. My clients would be lost with their daughter. She is the most important thing in their lives. As for the nanny. Amy is young but she is also very qualified. Her qualifications were in the file Your Honor. Amy loves Serena and Serena reciprocates. They are very close. Amy is very good with the child. Serena attends school from nine to two every weekday. My clients do not feel that that is excessive. That is all Your Honor."

"Let's adjourn for a fifteen minute recess." The Judge said before leaving the courtroom. "What does this mean?" Donna asked Dillion shakily. "Judge Hartford didn't take a recess before giving his ruling.

"It could mean several things. She could have had to go to the restroom. It's possible that she is hungry. Or she could want to go over something in Serena's file. It does not mean that she is going to rule against us. Relax. Why don't you go get some fresh air or a drink?"

"Alright." Donna hesitantly left the courtroom. She headed to the small coffee shop on the first floor. She ordered a small soda. When she got back to the courtroom, it was time for the judge to come back in.

"All rise. The honorable Judge Hill presiding."

They dutifully rose.

"I have thought allot about this decision." She said once they were again seated. "Young Serena's future depends on my decision. I take every custody battle I preside over very seriously. I always try to make the best decision for the child. I do not care what people think as long as I have acted in the child's best interest. I am aware that this is a very high profile case." She glanced pointedly as the reporters sitting quietly in the back of the courtroom. "No matter my decision there are going to be people that say I am wrong. People will disagree with me. My words will be in tomorrow's papers and probably on the news tonight. I don't care. Think what you will. While making my decision I took into account the child's age. There are certain things that I feel small children need. Love is one of them, time is another. She will grow up all to quickly; she needs guidance while she does so. I also took into account Serena's health. She is in remission now but that could change. She is still going to the doctor every month after a year. That tells me that the doctors might be concerned. Serena has grown to trust her doctors. That is very important. Congressman Seaborn and Mrs. Moss-Seaborn both obviously love Serena, as does her grandmother Alana Farrel. Both can adequately provide for the child. I had to look deeper to choose the best option for Serena. Full legal custody of Serena Annabelle Seaborn goes to Congressman Samuel Seaborn and Donnatella Moss-Seaborn. Physical goes to Congressman Samuel Seaborn and Donnatella Moss-Seaborn."

Donna could feel herself grin. She couldn't help it. They'd beat Alana again. And it wasn't even difficult. It took her a moment to realize that the judge was still speaking.

"I do however have provisions and stipulation. I do not feel that Mrs. Farrel should be hovering on the edges of Serena's life, making brief appearances on special occasions. Serena deserves to get to know her biological mother through her mother's family. Barring complications do to her health, Serena is to spend the month of June with her grandmother. Both of Serena's parents are permitted to call Serena every other day. They may each talk to Serena for up to a half-hour. Serena will also spend Thanksgiving and the week following the holiday with her grandmother. Mrs. Farrel will get Serena two days after Christmas and keep her until the day after New Years. Serena will spend the day after her birthday with her grandmother. In addition to these special occasions Mrs. Farrel may call her granddaughter twice a week and talk for a half-hour. She may visit Serena in DC the first weekend of every month. If Mrs. Moss-Seaborn is going to be out of town, she may reschedule for another weekend of the same month. Serena will spend the last weekend of each month at her grandmother's home. Mrs. Farrel may pick Serena up anytime after noon on that Thursday. Congressman Seaborn, Mrs. Moss-Seaborn, or someone representing them may pick Serena up after five PM on Sunday. Again, if Mrs. Moss-Seaborn is going to be out of town on business that weekend she must reschedule. If Mrs. Farrel can stay, she may spend this weekend with Serena."

Donna could barely breath. She felt Dillion guide her out of the courtroom. This was worse than the first ruling. She had to allow Serena to spend the weekend with Alana? This judge didn't care that she might already have plans. This wasn't fair. She could not do this.

"We can fight this right?" "Yes."

"File papers as soon as you can. I want this over ruled."

"You don't want to talk to Sam first?" Dillion asked, surprised.

"I know he'll agree. I want to save time."

They walked past several reporters to their cars. They didn't not speak. Out of the corner of her eye Donna noticed Alana stop to answer a question. Figures that she'd talk to the reporters, keep them interested. Now Sam and I are going to have to comment. Donna thought.

CJ caught up to Donna as she walked into the West Wing. "I'm sorry."

"So am I."

They were walking toward Josh's office.

"Are you going to fight this ruling?"

"Yes CJ."

"Have you talked to Sam?"

"Sam?" Donna asked blankly. Her expression quickly changed. "Sam. I have to let him know." She started walking even faster. She reached her desk and snatched up the phone, punching in the familiar number.

"Anna? Let me talk to Sam." She listened you a second. "I don't care if he's busy. I need to talk to him now." She listened again. "Did he take his cell phone? Is he in a meeting?" She listened. "Oh. Thank you. I'm sorry if I was rude." Listening. "You did? Thank you."

"Well?" CJ asked when Donna hung the phone up.

"They heard. Sam is on his way to the airport right now. He'll be here tonight."

CJ smiled.

Josh stepped out of his office. "What are you doing here?"

"I do work here Josh." Donna reminded him.

"Go spend the rest of the day with your daughter. I also imagine you'll want to get Sam from the airport."

"You heard us?" CJ asked.

Josh smiled. "I called Sam and told him to turn the TV or radio on. He did, then me told he was going to catch the next flight here."

"Thank you." Donna said as she impulsively hugged him.

"That was nice of you." CJ said once Donna had gone.

Josh shrugged. "Sam would have found out pretty quickly anyway. I just speed it up."

"It was still nice of you. You're not over her are you?"

"What?" He tried to sound confused.

"You know what I'm talking about. You have been in love with her for years. I had hoped that you'd start getting over her after she married your best friend."

Josh sighed. "It isn't that easy. I've tried. Is it obvious?"

"No, not to most people. I know you well so I can tell. Donna can't tell. Sam can't tell. Most people can't tell."

"Good. I don't want to hurt either of them but I can't change my feelings."

"I know." CJ said softly.

"How?"

"A long time ago I felt like you do now but things changed for me. Things will change for you too, though probably not in the same way."

"CJ! I need to talk to you." Toby called.

"I'll talk to you later." She told Josh as she walked away.

"Oh hello Congressman. When did you get into town? I missed you at the trial today." Alana's tone was sarcastic and she stressed his title.

"I just arrived a couple of hours ago. I am sorry I had to miss the hearing today."

"I'm sure you couldn't help it. You have such an important job." She was gushing now.

He rolled his eyes as he led her into the family room. Donna was sitting cross-legged on the floor with Serena playing with dolls. They had given Amy the evening and weekend off.

"Serena come say hi to Grandma." Alana instructed.

Serena looked up to give her grandmother a shy smile then turned back to her dolls.

Donna had to hold back a snicker. She could think of several people that weren't even blood relatives that would get a lot warmer reception then that. If any member of the senior staff or one of the Bartlett's walked in Serena would run up to them. Depending on who it was she might make them pick her up.

Alana walked over to them. She knelt down next to her granddaughter. "What are you playing?"

"Mommy and I are playing dolls."

"Really? I love playing dolls. Can I join the game?" "Okay." Serena thought a moment before handing her grandmother a doll. She gestured to a row of dolls and stuffed animals along the wall. "That's the House of Presinatives. The dolls are Democrat and the animals are Publican. You're playing Congresswoman Wyatt. I'm playing Daddy. Mommy's playing a Publican."

Donna and Sam both burst out laughing. They were used to this but Alana wasn't. Alana's mouth was hanging open as she stared at her granddaughter in shock. "Did she just.?"

"Yes." Sam was still laughing.

"I don't know this game sweetie. Why don't we play something else?" Alana suggested.

Donna and Sam exchanged a glance.

"Hmm." Serena stood up. "Let's go to my playroom."

"What are we going to play."

"Uncle Josh's favorite game."

Donna snickered as the two walked up the stairs. "I'm going to go watch."

Sam followed her. He couldn't wait to see this.

They stood in the doorway, neither of the rooms occupants noticed them.

"Who is Uncle Josh?"

"He's Deputy Chief of Staff at Uncle Jed's house." Serena explained.

"Do you think you should be calling him Uncle Jed?"

"No. Why would I call Uncle Josh, Uncle Jed?" Serena asked curiously.

"I'm not talking about Uncle Josh. I'm talking about Uncle Jed."

"Why not?" Serena sat down behind her toy desk.

"Do you know what Uncle Jed does as his job?"

Serena nodded emphatically. "He runs the country because God knows after having a Publican in charge they needed him." She mimicked Toby.

"You should probably call him President Bartlett or Mr. President." Alana instructed when she could talk.

Donna grabbed Sam's arm to keep him from going into the room.

Serena shook her head. "I cannot do that. He told me to call him Uncle Jed. I cannot disobey his wishes."

Alana sighed in defeat. "What is Uncle Josh's favorite game?"

"White House." Serena answered gleefully.

"What?"

"White House." Serena answered slowly. "That's where the President lives." "I know that sweetie. But how do we play that?"

"I'm President. This is my desk." She gestured around the room. "This is the Oval Office even though it's square."

"Okay." Alana thought a moment. "What do I do?"

"Hmm. Uncle Josh always plays Chief of Staff. Uncle Toby plays Vice President but then he goes downstairs and talk to mommy. He doesn't do anything in the game."

"Who else have you played with?" Alana asked curiously.

"Daddy, Zoë, Amy, and CJ here. I played once with Uncle Jed in his office. He let me sit in his chair."

Alana looked at the little girl in horror.

Donna and Sam had to cover their mouths to keep the snickers back.

"He played Former President giving the new President advice." She continued proudly. "You know what Uncle Josh says?"

"What does he say?" Alana choked out.

"He says I'm going to be the first female president some day. I promised him he could be my chief of staff."

"Oh."

"You can be press secretary. You've watched Aunt CJ on TV haven't you?"

"Yes."

Sam and Donna went downstairs when the game started.

"She's really growing up."

"Yeah, to fast. She is so precocious." Sam shook his head.

"Isn't it wonderful?"

"Yes but where did it come from?"

"I think it sort of rubbed off from the people she's around. They all encourage her."

"Yeah. She is so cute some times. Who came up with that game anyway?"

"I don't know." She shrugged. "I think it was Josh."

"We should thank him. She's learning allot from that game. It makes her think."

"She doesn't need any help thinking. Trust me. She came up with playing Congress all by herself. If you thank Josh it will inflate his ego even more. I can barely fit into his office as it is."

"At least that is all he's taught her."

She rolled her eyes.

"It is all he taught her?"

"I had to work late last night. Amy brought Serena to me. Josh had her go into his office with him while I typed something up. When I went in to check on her he told her to tell me what she'd learned."

"What did he tell her?" Sam asked apprehensively.

"He told her about Republicans." She said cheerfully.

"What about them?"

"That they have very little brainpower. They all lie so you can never trust a thing they say. He even told her that they are all monsters in disguise."

"He does know that both Patty's husband and Alana are Republican?"

"He said that Alana was his reason for telling Serena those very important truths. He wanted to make sure Alana didn't corrupt her with evil Republican ideas."

Sam just shook his head. Nothing his best friend did would surprise him.

"I'm off."

"You're leaving? But it's not even two yet." Josh protested.

"I know that." She responded patiently. "It is also Sunday. The last Sunday of the month."

"Oh, right. You and Sam are on your way to pick up Serena?"

"Yeah."

"Is he here?"

"He's saying hi to Toby."

"No I'm not." Sam stepped into the office.

"Hey."

"Hey." Sam responded as he stepped closer to his best friend's desk.

"How's California?"

"Pretty good. Allot hotter than it is here in DC. But I like the heat. I kind of missed it while I was here. How have things been going here?"

"Same old, same old."

"Still pissing off Senators?"

"Always. Most of them deserve it."

Sam nodded his agreement. "We'd better go Sam." Donna said from the doorway.

"Bye Josh. I'll see you next time I'm in town .We have to get together."

"Yeah. It's been to long." Josh agreed before his friend left.

"Here are her things." Alana handed Sam two bags.

"Thanks."

"Serena say goodbye." Donna instructed grudgingly.

"Bye Grandma." To the surprise of all of the adults, Serena gave her grandmother a quick hug.

"Bye Sweetheart. Grandma will see you in two weeks."

"Kay." Serena said as her father strapped her into the car.

Donna and Sam both got into the car quickly. It was starting to rain. "I'll see you next week." Donna called to Alana. They had another hearing on Thursday. It had been three months since the last hearing.

"Did you eat yet?" Sam asked Serena.

"No." She smiled. "Can we go to McDonald's?" She asked mischievously.

Sam looked at his wife.

Donna shrugged. "Okay." She glanced out the window again. "Drive through. I don't like the weather."

Sam nodded.

Serena was happily munching on french fries from her happy meal a few minutes later. "Why are you going to see Grandma next week?"

"We have to go see the Judge." Donna explained.

"Why?"

"Because sometimes when people disagree about something a judge has to help them settle the problem."

"You and Grandma have a problem?"

"Yes we do."

"What is it?"

"Grandma and I both want to take care of you. So we have to let a judge tell us who gets the privilege." Donna said softly.

"Taking care of me is a privilege?"

"It definitely is."

"Oh." Serena was silent for a few minutes. "I hope you win." "So do I." Donna whispered.

"What's going on?" Josh asked CJ outside of Leo's office. Leo had sent for all of them a few minutes before. Each of them was told to come immediately.

"I have no idea."

Toby and Will were already sitting on the couch.

As Josh took a seat he looked at Leo's face. Leo did not look well. Something was definitely wrong.

"What is it?" CJ asked.

"It's about Donna and Sam." Leo looked at Josh. He was very concerned about the younger man's reaction.

"They went to get Serena earlier." Josh said.

CJ glanced at her watch. 9:00. They would be getting home soon.

"Did Alana try to keep them from taking Serena?" Josh asked.

"No Josh. They picked Serena up earlier."

Josh could feel the dread building. "What happened."

"They were in a car accident."

"Where are they?" Josh was already standing.

"They were flown by helicopter to GW."

Josh started out the door.

"Josh."

Leo's tone stopped him. "It's pretty bad. They probably won't be. when you get there."

CJ walked over to Josh. "I'm coming with you."

"So am I." Toby stated.

Will stayed seated. He hadn't gotten the chance to know Donna, Sam, and little Serena like they had. He'd let them have time with their friends.

The ride to the hospital was made in silence. No one dared speak. The thoughts rolling through their heads were too horrible.

They walked briskly through the parking lot. Inside Josh immediately found the front desk. CJ and Toby were right behind him. They exchanged a glance. They both knew he was going to need them as the night progressed.

"I need some information. My friends were just brought here by helicopter."

Realization dawned on the nurse's face. She knew who he was talking about. "Name? Theirs and yours."

"I'm Josh Lyman." She recognized his name just like most of the staff had immediately recognized their patient's names. "I need information on Congressman Seaborn and his family."

"I can't help you here. Go to the third floor nurses station."

They took an elevator to the third floor. Josh repeated the information for another nurse. She too knew who he was talking about immediately.

"I'll take you to a private waiting room." Ironically it was the same room they'd been in the night Serena past out in the residence. "I'll send a doctor in to talk to you."

They all sat silently.

Finally, a doctor came in. "I'm Doctor Smith. Is Josh Lyman here?"

Josh stood. "That's me."

"There was a note in Congressman Seaborn's wallet to contact you or Leo Mcgarry if something happened to him. Even if his wife wasn't with him."

"He was trying to protect her. He wanted someone close to her to tell her." CJ whispered. Tears threatened to spill.

"How are they?" Toby asked.

"The child has a serious concussion. She hit her head on the door. She had to have forty-seven stitches to her head. She has some cracked ribs and a broken wrist. At this time, we don't think there is any eternal bleeding but we're watching just in case. She'll need to stay a few days. Right now she is very upset. If you'd like she can have a visitor."

"What about Donna?" Josh asked.

"Mrs. Seaborn."

"Ms. Moss-Seaborn." Josh immediately corrected.

"Mrs. Moss-Seaborn is not doing as well as her daughter. The car seat saved the child. Her mother didn't have that added protection. She is in surgery now. A piece of metal from the truck that hit them was stuck in her stomach when she came in. She is bleeding eternally."

"What are her chances?" Josh cut in.

"Not very good." The doctor admitted.

"How long is the surgery?" Toby asked.

"It will probably take several hours. I can't tell you a definite time span."

"What about Sam?" CJ asked softly.

"Congressman Seaborn is in a coma. He is on a ventilator." He shook his head. "His heart is still working so technically he is still alive but there is no brain activity." Josh sunk down into a chair. This was not happening. He was not losing both of his best friends at the same time.

"Would someone like to see the little girl?"

"Would you like me to.?" CJ asked Josh.

"No." Josh stood. "I need to. to get used to it. I." He shook his head as he followed the doctor out. He stepped into the hospital room. A nurse was sitting next to Serena's bed. The little girl was crying. Harsh jagged sobs were racking her body. With broken ribs that had to be painful. "I want Mommy and Daddy." She sobbed.

"Serena."

She looked up. Tears streaming down her face. "Uncle Josh."

The grateful nurse stood up. "I'll leave you with her."

Josh took the nurse's seat.

"Where's mommy?"

"She's in surgery."

"Daddy?"

"Daddy's in a hospital room like you are. He was really badly hurt so his body went to sleep."

"When will he wake up?"

"I don't know Angle. He might not wake up. He was hurt so badly."

"I want him to be okay."

"So do I." Josh whispered.

"My stomach hurts."

"Do you want more medicine?"

She nodded.

"Press this button. A nurse will come."

She pressed the button. A few minutes later a nurse came in and gave Serena some more painkiller. The child was asleep in minutes.

Josh rejoined Toby and CJ for what he knew would be a long night. He flipped the television on.

"Josh." CJ protested.

"They know." Toby warned him.

"Damn." Josh muttered. A picture of the accident scene was on the screen. The big rig and mini van were still tangled together. Two other cars had swerved to avoid the accident and ended up having an accident of their own. Rain was still pouring down on the wreck. There were still several police officers on the scene.

"It's a miracle they survived this long." CJ whispered as Toby pulled her into his arms.

Josh stared at the image on the screen. He had watched things like this before but not when people he cared about were the victims of the accident. Somehow, it seemed more real.

"The police have confirmed that there were two adults and a small child in the mini van. There were two adults in the truck. All three occupants of the van were flown to GW hospital. The occupants of the truck were taken by ambulance to a hospital in Baltimore. There were several people in the other two cars. They were treated at the scene for minor injuries and released." The reporter's eyes widened slightly as someone said something into her ear piece. A barely perceptible smile played at her lips. The story was getting interesting. "We have unconfirmed reports that the mini van belongs to Congressman Samuel Seaborn. If so, the other two occupants of the van would have been his wife Donna Moss-Seaborn and his three-year- old daughter. Mrs. Moss-Seaborn works at the White House for Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. The White House and the congressman's office both refuse to comment." It was obvious that she was listening while she talked.

"Oh my God." Josh jumped up.

"What?"

"Patty, Donna's parent's, Alana. They are going to see this on TV."

"Josh, it's okay." CJ laid a hand on his arm. "I called them while you were with Serena."

He sunk back into his chair.

The reporter was reminding the audience of the way in which Sam acquired Serena. She briefly detailed the custody battle and the two hearings that followed it. She also informed the audience that the judge had ordered Sam and Donna to allow Serena to spend the last weekend of every month at her grandmother's and to pick the child up on Sunday afternoon.

Several hours later Doctor Smith came back into the room. He glanced at the exhausted figures around the room. Several people had joined the original three that had arrived earlier. His eyes fell on the one that he needed to talk to. "Mr. Lyman?"

Josh came awake immediately at the sound of the doctor's voice. "What?" He noticed the others and lowered his voice. "How are they?" He stood up and walked to the farthest part of the room. The doctor followed him.

"Little Serena is still sleeping. Mrs. Moss-Seaborn just came out of surgery. She will probably be taken to ICU in about an hour."

"Visitors?"

The doctor shook his head. "It will probably be several hours before we can allow anyone to see her and then only family. She is in very serious condition."

"Sam?"

"Congressman Seaborn is still in a coma. We ran more tests. There still is no brain activity." The doctor paused. "I would start thinking about pulling life support." Josh swallowed hard. "Can he have visitors?"

The doctor's eyes softened barely. "Yes. We usually suggest that everyone close to a patient in his condition visit for a few minutes. It helps to be able to say goodbye."

"Serena?" Josh nearly choked on the name.

"His daughter?"

Josh nodded.

"You might want to bring in a child psychologist to go into the room with her." Doctor Smith suggested.

"Thank you doctor."

"I'll keep you informed. If you decide to visit the congressman a nurse at the desk will direct you to his room."

After the doctor left, Josh pursued the room. There was somehow a feeling of hopelessness hovering over them all. Desolate expressions covered the sleeping faces. CJ and Toby were on the sofa. CJ was curled up in Toby's arms. Leo sat in an armchair, his head was throw back. Amy was curled into a small ball on her armchair. The young girl had taken this hard. Patty and her husband sat on the small love seat near the window. Donna's parents were both asleep on chairs. Tears slipped beneath Mrs. Moss's closed lids.

Josh gently tapped Amy on the shoulder. The girl opened her eyes slowly. "Can you wake CJ and Toby up?"

She nodded.

Within minutes everyone was awake.

"The doctor came." He looked at Amy. "He still thinks that Serena is going to be okay. She sleeping." He turned to his assistant's parents. He kept reminding himself that that was what she was, his assistant. And his best friend's wife. Nothing more. "Donna's out of surgery. You two will probably be able to see her in a few hours. She is still in very serious condition. The doctor didn't seem very optimistic." He felt tears form in his eyes. "Sam can have visitors."

"Is he still in a coma?"

"Yeah. The doctor didn't think. he doesn't think Sam will wake up. He says that Sam's brain dead. We need to say goodbye."

Leo stood up. "I told the President that I'd call him."

Josh looked at Patty. "It will probably be a few hours before everyone gets here. We can start our good-byes then. Do you want to go see him now?"

Patty nodded. Tears her running down her face. Her husband followed her out of the room.

"Hey Serena."

"Uncle Josh." A small smile appeared on the solemn ashen face.

"Are you feeling better?" She nodded.

Josh sat down. "You've been very popular kid." He gestured to the stand. Everyone had gone to the gift shop. They had hoped they could cheer the little girl up. "You should have seen the nurse's face when the flowers from the President arrived."

The ghost of a smile returned.

"But you know what? In a little while you will get to see the nurses' faces when he arrives."

"Uncle Jed's coming?" Now she was giving him a full smile.

"He'll be here soon. The secret service has to finish checking the hospital first."

"Okay."

"Serena Uncle Jed wants to see you but he has another reason for coming too. He wants to see your daddy."

"That's okay. I don't mind sharing."

Josh felt himself smile for the first time since he found out about the accident. "I know. You're good at sharing." His smile vanished. "Daddy is really sick. His doctor wants everyone who loves him to visit him."

"I love him. Do I get to see him?"

"If you want to. He's going to look different though. He has an IV in his arm like you do. He also is on something called a ventilator so that he can breath. He has a bandage on his head."

Serena nodded solemnly. "Why does the doctor want us all to see him?"

"Because sweetheart, they are going to unplug the machines that are helping your daddy."

"What happens then?"

"We don't know for sure but he might stop breathing."

"He might die?"

"Yes."

Serena started to cry.

Josh didn't know what to do for the child. "Are you okay?"

"How's mommy?" Serena asked through her tears.

"She is out of surgery."

They were both startled by the knock on the door. The door opened and Jed and Abby Bartlett stepped into the room. "What's with the tears Miss Serena? The big girl I know doesn't cry."

Serena sniffed as she held back her tears.

"That's better. Tears won't help but you know what? I know what might help."

"What?"

"We can pray. That always helps me feel better."

"Kay."

Josh bowed his head respectfully as President Bartlett led Serena in prayer.

"Now, do you want to go see your daddy?" The President asked after he finished praying.

She nodded.

Abby brought a wheelchair over and helped Serena get into the chair.

"Do you want us to take her in?" The President asked Josh quietly as they walked to the door.

"If you don't mind."

"I don't."

Serena waved to the secret service agents by the door. There were agents all over the hallway. This floor had been pretty much closed down. None of the patients had visitors and all unnecessary staff had been sent on break.

Abby pushed the wheel chair up to Sam's bed. She and the President stood near the door while Serena said goodbye to her dad.

"Hi daddy. Uncle Josh said that you're in a coma and are probably going to die. Uncle Jed and I prayed for you so you are going to be okay. I want you to wake up now. If you die, I'll miss you. I don't want to miss you. You can't die Daddy." Her tears dropped onto the bed. "I love you." Her voice was little more than a whisper.

Serena turned to the Bartlett's. "I'm ready."

Josh took Serena back to her room while the President and Abby went back to Sam's room. "I gotta tell you Sam, I wasn't happy when I lost you to Congress but that was so much better than this. There is so much you could have done. You had so much potential. I always thought that someday you'd have my job."

"We're going to miss you Sam." Abby added.

Toby and CJ entered the room together. "Josh was supposed to be coming in now but he's still working up the courage. You know this is something I didn't think I'd be doing. I thought it would be years before any of us died. It really isn't fair. You, Donna, and Serena were so happy together."

"I never told you this but you were, are, one of my best friends." Toby stated. "I was angry when you went to California but it didn't change anything. I still think of you as my deputy. Will's good but you're better. Don't tell him I told you that."

Josh was next. "Hey Samuel. How could you do this to me? When I agreed to take Serena, I didn't actually think I'd ever have to do it. I was just humoring you. Giving you peace of mind. This wasn't supposed to happen like this. You were supposed to die years and years from now, after you'd met your full potential. Why did this have to happen now? Why to you? Why is it that some people get spared at death's door and others don't? I should have died. You shouldn't die. I'll. I'll keep my promise. I'll take care of her if you can't but you still have a chance. Wake up buddy. Please wake up. We still need you here." He waited a moment hoping his friend would open his eyes. "You'll always be my best friend. I'll never replace you. No one could replace you. I love you man." Charlie and Zoë stepped into the room tentatively. Realizing that Zoë didn't know what to say, Charlie started. "I'm guessing that the others didn't tell you what you really want to know. Don't blame them. This is just so difficult and they knew, know, you better then me. Serena is going to be fine. I haven't seen her but the President has and so has Abby. They say that she's doing well. Donna is in ICU. I wish I could tell you that she is definitely going to be okay but I can't. We don't know yet. The doctors aren't sure. She was really badly injured. I didn't know you too well but I'm going to miss you."

Zoë realized that she needed to say something. "I remember the campaign trail. Some of the staff treated me like a kid. Like I was just someone to be tolerated and ignored when possible. You didn't. You were always so nice to me. You treated me like a friend. You have always treated me like a friend. Thank you for that. I'll miss you." Zoë surprised herself by kissing his cheek.

Cathy, Ginger, and Bonnie went in together. "Hey Sam. I just wanted to tell you that you were a good man to work for." Cathy whispered.

"Much easier to work with than Toby." Ginger added.

"Do you even know how to yell or bellow?" Bonnie asked. "I really wish I could hear you bellow right now."

"We're all going to miss you."

Will hesitantly walked up to Sam's bed. "I didn't know you as well as the others. But from what I do know, you are a good man. Everyone's been talking about that for the last few hours. You should see the nurse's. We are in a private waiting room. They act like they are scared to even walk past. One of them actually froze when the President asked her a question. I guess I can understand how it can be intimidating. The most powerful people in the White House are here. Secret service is all over the place." He paused. "It was good to know you Sam. Oh and I like your old job but let me tell you, you have large shoes to fill. Allot of those people that just came in here still haven't accepted me. They talk about you allot."

"I really don't know what to say." Leo said. "I'm really not good at this. I was proud of you when you were elected to Congress. I was also proud of you when you took responsibility for Serena. You have been a really good father to that little girl. I wish I was half as good with Mal as you are with Serena. Serena is really going to miss you. We all are. Goodbye Sam."

Patty was the last to say goodbye to Sam. The others waited in the waiting room.

"It's time." Patty said simply after she had finished. "The nurse is getting the doctor."

The doctor stepped into the room. "Are you ready?"

Patty nodded.

"Who is going to be there? There isn't enough room for everyone."

Everyone looked at Patty. It was up to her.

"Who wants to be there?" She had no idea whom to choose.

"I'll wait out here." Will offered.

Zoë and Charlie looked at each other. "So will we." Charlie said.

One by one, the assistants nodded.

"I'd like to be there." Josh whispered. Patty smiled at him sympathetically. "Of course Josh. Toby?"

Toby nodded. "If there is room."

It was decided that Patty and her husband, Josh, Toby, CJ, Leo, and President Bartlett would be there when Sam was unplugged from life support. Patty, her husband, and the President stood on one side of the bed. The senior staff stood on the other side. A priest stood at the end of the bed. They all listened solemnly as he gave the last rights. Josh and Toby exchanged a glance, they silently agreed that they needed to watch this for Sam's sake, even though they didn't agree religiously. Finally, the doctor unhooked the life support. Josh felt tears spring to his eyes as he silently prayed for Sam to start breathing. It didn't happen. He watched helplessly as the doctor declared time of death.

"I'm very sorry." Dillion said. He sat in the private waiting room at the hospital with Josh, Toby, CJ, Leo, Patty and her husband Mark, and the President and Abbey. Charlie and Zoë were with Serena, Amy and Will were at the cafeteria getting food because they didn't want to intrude, and Donna's parents were with her. Donna hadn't improved at all in the last several hours since Sam's death. She had been getting worse.

"Thank you. We know that you were close to Sam too." CJ said.

"I know that this is going to be difficult but Sam wanted this taken care of as soon as he was gone. He said that if we waited it would keep Serena in limbo. He didn't want that to happen." He took a stack of paper out of his briefcase. "Sam wrote letters." He pulled the first one off from the top. "This is to Donna." He put it aside. "Patty. Josh. Leo. Toby and CJ. President Bartlett. He doesn't want you to read the letters entail the will had been read. These last letters are to Serena. He wrote letters for every large occasion in her life that he could think of. They are labeled with the day." He set the letters aside. "Sam left everything to his wife and daughter. Since Donna has slipped into a coma Serena's inheritance will immediately be placed in a trust. There are insurance policies, the deeds to the house here and to his apartment in California, the cars, and his bank accounts."

"Did he put you in charge of the trust?" Patty asked.

"No. I'll set it up but then Josh will take over."

"Josh?" Everyone in the room was surprised. Sam had not discussed his plans with any of them.

"Yes. In the event that Donna could not administer Serena's inheritance, Josh is to take care of it."

"I'm her guardian though, right?" Patty asked.

Josh shifted uncomfortably. He had thought that Sam had told his sister.

"No you're not."

"Why not? Tell me that he did not name Alana Farrel Serena's guardian."

"Serena's grandmother is not her guardian."

"But I'm Sam's closest relative. Did he name one of Donna's relative's?"

"No."

"Oh. He named one of them didn't he?" She gestured to the White House staff.

"Yes."

Toby, CJ, and Leo all looked at each other. Leo glanced at Josh and then the President. Who could Sam have named, they all wondered. Which one of them did Sam think suitable to raise a child? They were all workaholics.

"Who?" Patty demanded.

"Josh."

Patty stared at Dillion incredulously.

CJ and Toby stared at Josh.

President Bartlett shared a glance with his wife.

Leo allowed himself a small smile. Josh was finally going to pay for all of the times he scared Leo to death by helping Mallory pull off dangerous stunts when she was little. This was going to be fun to watch.

Patty started to laugh. "This is a joke."

"No it is not." Josh said indignantly.

"Did you know about this Josh?" Abby asked.

"Sam asked me almost two years ago. I agreed."

"Why not me?" Patty asked him.

"He had several reasons." He didn't know how much he should tell her. "I guess he thought you were past the young child stage of your life and he was doing you a favor by naming someone else."

"But why you? He could have chosen someone else."

"He said that it was because he trusted me." He didn't want to say anything that could be considered bad, about his friends.

"Is this legal?" Patty glared at Dillion.

"It most certainly is legal. Sam had the right to name anyone he wished as Serena's guardian."

Patty stood. "I am going to go see my niece. If that's okay with you?" She glared at Josh.

Josh just nodded.

"You are really going to raise Serena?" CJ was almost in shock.

"Of course I am. I promised my best friend."

"Wow." Was all Toby could say.

"You know that a small child will greatly change your life?"

"Yes Mr. President. That is all I've been thinking about."

"You are going to have to cut back on the drinking. You won't be able to have women sleep over. The list goes on and on." The President continued.

"I realize that. I'm willing to do those things. I'm going to move into Sam and Donna's house." He thought a moment. "I'm going to have to buy a more suitable car aren't I?"

"I suppose you could take Serena to preschool in a Jaguar." CJ said sarcastically. "You could always pray that she doesn't get car sick or drop food."

"Food? Why would she be eating in the car?"

"Josh you have unpredictable hours. Of course Serena will occasionally be eating in the car."

Josh looked at Leo. "I'm going to have to work fewer hours. Especially on the weekends. I assume that Serena can still go on trips with us?"

"Of course, to all of that." Leo stated. "And if you need advice you know who to call."

"You have two old pros to call." The President informed him.

"Thank you. Both of you." Josh said emotionally. "I'm going to go for a walk." He found an empty bench in a deserted hallway. He opened the letter.

Dear Josh,
If you are reading this, I am gone. Somehow, I knew that something
like this would happen. That is why I asked you to take Serena.
Whatever happened to me, I hope that my little girl is all right.
Serena was the best thing to ever happen to me. Besides Donna, you
are the only one I would trust with Serena's care. The next several
weeks are going to be difficult for Serena. Help through this.
I assume that Donna is gone too. If she is not then all I just said
is null and void. Please know that I want her happiness. I do not
want her to mourn me forever. I realize that that would be unfair.
I've always known that you are in love with her. Even after our
marriage, you continued to love her. I know that watching us together
must have been difficult. Just know that if the two of you get
together I don't mind. Take care of her for me. I would rather her be
with you then a stranger. I know that you would never hurt her.
I love you buddy.

Josh closed his eyes as he fought the tears that were threatening to spill. Trust Sam to sense his feeling and to not hate him for it. Trust Sam to give his best friend and his wife permission to get together after his death. "Thank you Sam, for trusting me." He whispered. It touched his very soul that Sam would trust him with the two most important things in his life.

Toby opened the envelope and pulled out the paper. CJ moved closer to him. "Read it aloud."

Toby, CJ
You both meant allot to me. You were both very
important in my life.
CJ, you were like a sister to me. There were times
when we disagreed about something. We always got past that. I
protested when you called me Spanky but I never really minded. I knew
that you wouldn't have called me by a nickname if you weren't fond of
me.
Toby, you were my mentor. I wanted to be like you. I know I never
succeeded. Much as I
wanted to be like you, it just wasn't possible. We were just too
different. You always hated the way I wrote. I always admired your
writing. You were my favorite author as well as one of my closest
friends.
Thank you.
I have a favor to ask of both of you. By now you know that if for
some reason Donna is unable, Josh is Serena's guardian. I need your
help either way. If Donna is alive, she is going to need you support.
If she is gone too, Josh will need help with Serena. I love him like a
brother but he doesn't really know very much about raising a child. I
know that you don't either but you can both use common sense. So can
Josh but when he is flustered his ability to use common sense abandons
him. Please help him. Guide him when he needs it.
All my love,
Sam
Ps: Yes Toby, I know my writing in this isn't so good. I am emotional
right now. It is the middle of the night. We just got back from our
honeymoon and I just felt that I needed to do this.

Toby carefully refolded the letter and put it into the envelope. "No it isn't Sam. No it isn't."

"He knew." CJ murmured. "I don't know how but he knew that something was going to happen to him. I think he knew that Donna was going to be hurt too. He seemed so concerned about Serena. I can't believe he knew." She thought for a moment. "If you knew something like that Toby, you'd tell me right?"

"Would you want me to?"

"Yes."

"I'd tell you CJ. I'd tell you."