A Life Story: Fathers and Daughters
By Sunny
Disclaimer: I don't own them. I'm just playing with them.
Spoilers: Everything! Just to be sure.
Pairings: Toby/Donna, CJ/Sam, Leo/Margaret, Jed/Abbey, Josh/OFC
Summary: Toby and Donna from the beginning
Note: This is the fourth installment of A Life Story. The previous
three are:
Once Upon a Valentines
The Fall of Toby Ziegler
Die a Thousand Deaths

~Manchester 2017~
~the master bedroom~

Jed crawled under the covers on the bed and pulled them up to his chin before looking pointedly at his wife.

"It's late," he said.

She looked up from her book and glared at him. "You're the one taking your own sweet time in the bathroom."

"I was preparing myself for you," he said. She raised an eyebrow at him. "I took a shower!"

She smiled. "I noticed."

"The girls are bringing their kids," he asked.

She laid her book on her lap and sighed. "How many times are you going to ask me that?"

"Until they get here," he replied. "Are you going to turn off the lights?"

Without replying, she put her book on the nightstand and turned off the lights then snuggled under the blankets.

"Did Josh happen to tell you the name of this new woman in his life," she asked.

"Yes," he said softly. "But no one else knows. He wants it to be a surprise."

"I'm glad he told us though," she mused. "How do you think the others are going to react?"

"I think they'll be shocked at first and wonder what our reactions are going to be."

"Were you surprised," she asked.

"A little," he replied. "But then I remembered the letter you told me she sent that stated she was dating someone we knew."

She laughed. "I remember you and I trying to figure out who it was."

"I'm glad it's Josh," he stated.

"Me too," she agreed. "He has always been like a son to you."

"Can you picture her mothering Josh's kids," he frowned.

"Yeah. I can," she smiled. "I'll bet she's as over-protective of them as you were with her."

"I was not," he protested.

"You still are," she reminded him.

"She needs to be protected," he muttered.

"I think Josh can do that."

"I agree. Do you think CJ will try to figure out how to spin this?"

"Definitely," she laughed. "She has never gotten out of Press Secretary mode."

"Thank G-d for that," he said.

"What an amazing group of friends we have," she mused.

"Speaking of friends," he started. "Did you talk to Margaret about her and Leo?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"She confirmed that they have a two bedroom house and only use one bedroom," she said.

"That old dog," Jed replied. "I'm going to kick his ass."

"Me too," she replied softly. "I wish he would open his eyes and realize what a precious thing he has right in front of him."

"He is deaf, dumb and blind," Jed stated. "I'll talk to him again tomorrow."

"You need to talk to Toby," she reminded him

"I know," he grumbled.

"You're not getting any younger and neither is he," she reminded him. "Talk to him before it's too late."

"Do you think he'll want to do it," Jed asked.

"I think he has been dying to do it," Abbey stated. "He just doesn't want to ask."

"Maybe I should ask Sam," he mused.

"We already agreed that Toby should do it," she reminded him. "Besides Sam doesn't have any time, not with running his law firm."

"I'll ask him tomorrow," Jed gave in. "Before the party starts."

"Good," Abbey smiled. "Now go to sleep."

~The White House 2007~
~Josh's office~

"Donna! Come in here," Josh yelled as he walked past her desk and into his office.

Donna got up as quickly as her pregnant body would allow and waddled into his office.

"Guess what," he beamed.

"What," she asked tiredly as she rubbed her lower back.

"I asked Lauren to marry me," he announced.

"And?"

"She said yes," he replied with a big smile then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her.

"Josh," she protested. "Congratulations and don't you dare pick me up!"

"I'm sorry," he apologized quickly. "I forgot."

"If Toby saw that you would be dead," she reminded him. "So when's the big day?"

"Three weeks from Saturday," he stated.

"Three weeks! Aren't you rushing things a bit?"

"What do you mean," he asked. "We've been dating for four years."

"Not that," she replied. "Planning a wedding takes time."

"I know," he smiled. "But you White House women have gotten pretty good at these things, you and Toby, Sam and CJ, Ginger and her husband, Ainsley and that Republican guy. Do you think Toby will write a speech for me?"

"Probably. You'll have to ask him."

"Will you ask him for me," Josh asked meekly.

"He won't bite you know," she stated.

"It's not his bite that scares me. It's his bark," he told her. "Does he bark at the kids?"

Donna laughed. "Are you kidding me? He barely raises his voice to them. I'm rather jealous actually. I have to beg, plead and scream to get them to mind and all he does is look at them."

"Does he have a special look that makes you mind," Josh teased.

"You really don't want me to answer that do you," she said with a grimace.

"Are you ok? You don't look too good," he said with concern.

"I think I'm having contractions," she replied.

"You're not due for another month," he reminded her.

"Thank you," she said. "Tell that to the baby."

"You're not due for another month," he said to her stomach.

"Josh," she groaned. "Call Toby."

~Manchester 2017~
~the master bedroom~

"Where are you going," Jed asked sleepily as Abbey climbed out of bed.

"I'm going to make some coffee for Toby," she stated.

"Now? It's early yet," he said.

"It's a quarter after four," she told him.

"See? It's early. Don't you think Toby can make his own coffee? Come back to bed," he pleaded.

"Toby is doing us a favor so I'm going to be nice to him."

"How is this a favor? I seem to recall you told him to go," he teased.

"He didn't argue about it did he? Besides if he hadn't gone I would have."

"Sam would have gone," Jed said.

"Sam gets lost as easily as Josh. If he had gone we wouldn't see our kids for another month or so," she stated. "I'll be back. Go to sleep."

"Ok," he agreed softly.

Abbey moved quietly through the old house. She could hear movement from Toby and Donna's room and knew that Toby was up. Quickly she went down the stairs to the kitchen. She flipped on the lights and began making a pot of coffee.

"What are you doing up," Toby asked softly.

Abbey turned around and smiled. "Making coffee."

"Are those donuts," he asked pointing to a box on the counter.

"Are you supposed to eat donuts," she asked in return

"Not really but I have to give Donna a reason to yell at me," he replied.

She opened the box and held it out to him. "You're incorrigible."

He picked one and bit into it. "These are good," he told her.

"I want a donut," a little voice said from the doorway.

"What are you doing up," Toby asked his daughter as he bent over and picked her up.

"I heard you get up so I wanted to see what you were doing," she said as she bit into her Dad's donut. "Where are you going?"

"I have to go to the airport to get your other Aunties," he told her.

"I want to go," she pouted.

"Daddy's going to be gone for awhile," Donna said as she walked in. "Is that coffee ready?"

"I was just going to pour Toby a cup," Abbey smiled as she reached for two mugs.

"She could sleep in the truck," Toby said.

Donna looked at him holding their daughter. "I'll get her dressed," she stated as she reached for Abbey. "Give Daddy his donut that he's not supposed to have."

Donna left with little Abbey and a cup of coffee as Toby finished the donut and drank his coffee.

"Do you have the flight information for me," he asked.

"It's on the corkboard over the desk in the study," she told him as she kissed his cheek. "Thank you Toby. I really appreciate this."

"I know," he blushed. "We wouldn't want Sam getting lost."

She smiled. "No we wouldn't. I'm going back to bed."

"See you later," Toby said softly.

She turned at the door. "Toby. When you get back, talk to Jed alone. He wants to ask you something and I made him promise me he would before the party."

"Ok," he frowned. "Should I be worried?"

"No. I think it will make you very happy. Drive careful."

"I'm ready," little Abbey announced as she ran into the room. Toby hauled her up into his arms.

"Then lets go," he said.

~The White House 2007~
~the main ballroom~

The wedding had come off without a hitch. True to Josh's prediction the women of the White House were able to pull off a beautiful wedding in very little time. The Bartlet administration was quickly coming to an end and the national papers were proclaiming it the Cupid administration as so many couples had gotten married.

"Congratulations," Sam said as he patted his best friend on the back.

"Thank you," Josh smiled. "I sometimes thought that this day would never come."

"She's a beautiful woman," Sam said referring to the bride.

"Yes she is," Josh agreed. "So is that little girl you're holding. She is so small."

Sam looked down at his daughter who was asleep in his arms. "She is very precious."

"Are you and CJ going to try to keep up with Toby and Donna," Josh asked.

"Are you kidding? They have a pretty good head start," Sam stated. "What about you and Lauren? Any babies in the near future?"

Josh smiled indulgently. "Yeah. In about 6 or 7 months."

"Are you kidding," Sam smiled. "That's great! Have you told anyone else?"

Josh shook his head. "We just found out a couple of days ago. We're going to announce it this afternoon."

"Have you guys seen my wife," Toby asked nervously as he walked up to them.

"No. You lost her," Josh joked.

"She was wandering around muttering my name," Toby explained. "I think it's almost time."

"She can't have the baby today," Josh said firmly.

Toby raised his eyebrows at him. "Josh I don't think I have any say in this right now."

"Toby I just got married! She can't have the baby today," Josh protested. "Tomorrow would be ok."

"Josh! You don't make an appointment for these things," Toby pointed out.

"Toby," CJ yelled loudly from across the room.

Toby looked at her for a second then turned to Josh and Sam. "Sorry Josh," he said quietly. "I think the baby is coming today. I have to go take my wife to the hospital." And with that said he walked quickly across the room and out into the hall.

"How does he stay so calm," Josh asked with a frown.

"Lots of practice," Sam said. "The important thing to remember in these situations is that if you reach Dupont Circle, you've gone too far. "

"I know how to get to the hospital from here Sam," Josh stated.

"I know now as well," Sam said. "Luckily for me that fire station was there so I didn't have to deliver the baby myself."

"There wouldn't have been any doubt if you had listened to CJ in the first place," Josh pointed out.

"I thought I knew where I was going," Sam defended. "I thought she was wrong because she was in so much pain. It can't be that painful for all women can it?"

"I think it is," Josh replied.

"Wow," Sam said in wonder. "I'm amazed they keep having babies."

"Me too," Josh agreed.

~Manchester 2017~
~Manchester Municipal Airport~

Toby stood at the terminal gate holding his daughter and watching for Ellie Bartlet to depart the plane. He was very surprised to see her carrying a child in her arms.

"Isn't that Josh's daughter," Toby asked.

"Yes it is," she replied. "Hello Toby."

"Hi," he said softly as he bent to kiss her cheek. "You're looking well. What are you doing with Katie?"

"She got sick at her Grandparents and wanted to be with her father," Ellie explained. "So I offered to bring her with me."

"I'm so confused," he said softly.

She laughed at him. "Josh didn't tell you."

"Tell me what,' Toby asked.

"That I'm his new girlfriend," she stated.

Toby blinked at her as he absorbed the information. "Does your Dad know?"

"I think so," she replied. "I think you're the first person outside of the family to find out. Josh wants to tell everyone at the party."

"Wow," he exclaimed. "This is going to be a hell of a party."

"Yes it is," she agreed. "What time are Elizabeth and Zoey arriving?"

"Zoey should be here in about 45 minutes and Elizabeth arrives about thirty minutes later," he said.

"Hmm. Think we have time to eat?"

"I think so," he smiled. "I'm sure Abbey will wake up for food."

"I'm hungry," the little girl said sleepily.

"Me too," Katie said just as sleepily.

"Lets go eat," Toby stated. "I'll grab a porter and have him get your bags and hold them for us."

~George Washington University Hospital 2007~
~the hospital waiting room~

"Boy or girl," Abbey asked as she saw Toby enter the room.

"Boy," he replied sheepishly.

"That's five boys Toby," Josh pointed out.

"Thank you," Toby stated. "I had forgotten how to count that high. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?"

"Couldn't leave without seeing the newest Ziegler," Josh smiled.

"They're bringing him out to the observation room in a few minutes," Toby announced.

"Lets go wait," Sam said pushing Josh towards the door. The two men left followed by their wives. CJ stopped long enough to give Toby a hug and a kiss before stepping out of the room.

"So," Abbey began. "Now that we're alone, sit down."

"What did I do," Toby asked as he sat on one of the hard plastic chairs.

"It's not what you did, it's what you're going to do," she threatened. "Toby. You and Donna have had five kids in five years. I hope that this is going to be the last."

"Ma'am," he said quietly.

"Don't you ma'am me," she warned. "You need to realize what a strain this is on your wife's body. Women aren't made to pop out babies like a machine. You guys need to use precautions. Condoms, the pill, a vasectomy, abstinence."

"Abstinence," he repeated horrified. "I can't believe you said that!"

"At least I know you're listening to me," she stated.

"I always listen to you," he told her. "I just don't always do what you tell me."

"I hope this is one of the rare times in your life that you actually do what I suggest," she said softly. "Please Toby, think about this carefully."

"I will," he promised.

~Manchester Municipal Airport 2017~

Once again Toby found himself standing at a gate waiting for one of the Bartlet children. Zoey saw him and ran over to grab him in a bear hug.

"How are you," Toby asked.

"I'm fine," she smiled. "I thought Ellie was going to be here first."

"She is. She's at the restaurant with the kids," he told her.

"Which kids," Zoey asked carefully.

"Little Abbey and Katie," Toby told her.

"Josh brought his kids," she smiled.

"No. Ellie brought Katie. The rest of the kids are with their grandparents," he explained. "She told me."

"Who else knows," Zoey asked.

"Your parents," he ventured. "Where is your daughter?"

"She's in New York with her father."

"How is Charlie? Do you talk with him often," he asked.

"About once a week," she said softly. "Since the divorce we just haven't been able to talk."

"I understand," Toby replied.

"Of course you would," Zoey smiled. "When is Liz getting in?"

"Another half hour."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Toby stood with Ellie, Zoey and the girls and waited for the last time for a Bartlet to depart a plane. He was starting to feel a little self-conscious with all these women around him. People were giving the group some strange looks. Fortunately, Liz was one of the
first to get off the plane.

"Where's Annie," Zoey asked.

"She's still on South Africa," Liz explained as she hugged everyone. "Working with the Peace Corp. What's Katie doing here?"

"She came with me," Ellie smiled. She continued at Liz's worried look. "It's ok. Toby knows."

"Can we continue this conversation in the truck," Toby asked.

"What's the matter Toby? You don't want to be seen with all these women," Zoey teased.

"I think your Dad will kill me if I don't get you home pretty soon," he replied. "I know I wouldn't want my daughter kept from me."

~GWU Hospital 2013~

"She's beautiful," Toby said softly as he held his newborn daughter in his arms. "We finally got a girl."

"The last child," Donna said firmly.

"The last one," he agreed as he leaned over to kiss his wife. He then kissed his daughter on her forehead. "I have to go show her off."

"Hurry back," Donna told him.

"I will," he said as he walked out to the waiting area. "I just want to show her off."

Donna smiled to herself and shook her head. She knew that Toby loved his sons but he had wanted at least one little girl, now he had her.