We arrive at Holy Trinity right at 8:30. It takes a few minutes to get us all into our seats, then the service starts. It occurs to me that as long as I am traveling with the first family probably I won't miss the start of anything. So technically, we won't be "late." But it's my job to try to make sure that no one is waiting on us.

I'm not really used to Catholic services. I keep watching Peter and Miranda for clues on when to stand up and sit down. Finally Peter picks a book up and opens it and hands it to me. It has today's date on it and lists the order of service and all the prayers. This is very helpful. Even though this service is very different from my parents church, some things are the same. Specifically, it's a bit too long for a 5 year old. Miranda is getting a little restless. When no one is looking I hand her a roll of lifesavers.

After church, Matt and Helen get into the limo. Helen seems very snarky this morning. I think she needs all the alone time she can get with Matt, and the truth is there won't be much of it today, so I head back toward one of the SUVS.

"Tia Donna!" Miranda calls out. "Can you ride with us?"

"No, sweetheart, I'm sorry. You guys are going to Blair House to get ready. Ms. Schott and I have to go back to the White House for a reception." She seems disappointed but the Nanny gets her into the car with Peter so they are ready to go.

Annabeth and I get into another SUV.

"The homily was a little pointed don't you think?" She asks.

"I wasn't really listening." I confess. She laughs a little.

"I notice all the guys bailed on church."

"Yeah, well, Josh is Jewish. Other than funerals and weddings, he doesn't attend if he can help it. And honestly we're hoping that other than Sam & Ainsley's wedding neither of those is necessary any time soon."

"So will you attend with the Santoses every Sunday?"

"No, I have my own way of observing the sabbath." I smile to myself as I think of how Josh and I like to spend Sunday mornings. "Today was a press opportunity. I thought we should both be here, but for regular Sundays I don't think that's necessary. The truth is I don't think Helen will want to be staffed during church."

Annabeth looks thoughtful for a moment. I hope she isn't thinking of trying to make the Santos' faith a press opportunity every week. Helen wants some degree of normalcy in her life. I hope church can be that for them.

The motorcade pulls up to the White House. Originally we were all supposed to go back to Blair House, but we just didn't have time. I look at my watch. It's 10:10.

"Damn. We're late."

"It's not your fault, Donna." Annabeth tells me. I know it's not but it is my job to try to prevent it whenever possible. We got to the church a couple minutes behind, so the service started late and then the priest went a little long. This is how schedules get shot to hell. In the future, I'll have to remember to allot more time if there is a Mass on the schedule. Generally speaking, Mrs. Santos doesn't want events on Sundays, so most of the time I won't have to worry about it.

Actually, for the next few hours, it's not my job to get us anywhere on time. It's the the JCCIC Scheduler's job. Right now we have the reception for the Inaugural Speakers and special guests, from here we'll all be escorted to the Capitol for the actual swearing-in, then there is the Inaugural Luncheon and the parade. Then finally, the Santoses will return to the White House. At that point, Mrs. Santos and I will meet with some of the residence staff, while the President and Josh meet with the Joint Chiefs. Then we'll all get ready for the Balls.

Josh is waiting by the door when we arrive. The President-Elect nods to him as he and Mrs. Santos walk by. They head toward the north door of the blue room so that they can enter with President and Mrs. Bartlet. Josh falls into step beside me.

"You're late." He whispers.

"It didn't start yet." I answer.

"I know but it's after 10. I was on time. You're late." He knows I hate to be late.

"I'm not in charge of how long church lasts, Josh."

"I'm just saying."

"Well, I guess I could become a nun. Then, I could run the church. Of course, there are things I'd have to give up."

I give him a pointed look. That shuts him up quick. But his lips quirk up. Even though I just won the verbal sparring match. He enjoyed the game.

We hear them announce the President and Mrs. Bartlet, and the President-Elect and Mrs. Santos. Shortly after the four of them walk into the north end of the room, Josh puts his hand on my lower back and guides me through the south door.

I start to head toward the back corner to observe, but he steers me toward Evelyn Baker Lang. She's one of my heroes. She's apparently very fond of Josh.

"Josh! Shall we chat about the weather?"

"Your Honor" he says "I love your shoes!" They laugh together. My husband has inside jokes with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Unbelievable.

"Actually, I'd like to introduce my wife." He grins full force at her while half-turning toward me.

"Madam Chief Justice, this is Donnatella Moss Lyman, Mrs. Santos' Chief of Staff."

She grasps my hand in both of hers.

"So lovely to meet you." She smiles at me genuinely.

"The honor is all mine Ma'am. I'm a big fan."

"Well, thank you. You know, I wouldn't be here without Josh." He smiles bashfully at his shoes, but I know he considers it one of his greatest accomplishments.

"Oh no," he says "I just helped facilitate."

Someone is hovering nearby for an opportunity to speak with the Chief Justice, so Josh excuses us, placing his hand back in it's favorite spot on my back as we walk away.

"That was so cool." I grin at him.

"The feeling never goes away." He responds.