Lulu's cry wakes me up. Donna and I bolt upright at the same time and throw the covers off to get to her. Donna's confused look makes me pause and glance at the clock. It's 5:15.

This is around the time I get up every day, but Lulu is normally sleeping. My heart starts to thump harder. What's wrong with my baby?!

I hurry to the nursery where Donna is lifting Lulu out of the crib. Donna looks confused but not panicked.

"What's wrong with Lulu?" I ask as I reach for her.

Donna gives me a weird look. "I imagine she's hungry or needs a diaper change. We've been doing this for 3 months now, I thought you understood that."

"Didn't she eat at 4?"

"I didn't get up at 4." Now Donna looks a little more concerned. "Didn't you get up at 4?"

"No."

"Oh my poor baby!" Donna coos to Lulu. "Have you been crying this whole time. I'm so sorry I didn't hear you."

"Donna, we would have heard her! I think she just slept longer. Didn't you baby girl?"

Lulu stops fussing for a second to look at me then starts to cry again.

"Grab a bottle." Donna tells me. I grab one from under the changing table. I love these ready made bottles. They are room temperature so they don't have to be heated. Just twist the top off, twist on a nipple, and it's good to go. They probably aren't very good for the environment, but at least we recycle.

I hand the bottle to Donna and she settles into the chair with Lulu. I give them each a kiss, then contently watch them for a minute.

"I'm going to run. Need anything before I start?"

"No, were good."

"okay."

Once I'm on the treadmill my mind starts working. I figure out a lot of things during this morning run. Right now, I'm wondering what this is going to do to our schedule. Sure, if Lulu sleeps until 5 or later, Donna gets a longer stretch of sleep, but is she going to be able to go back to sleep the way she used to? Maybe I should do the morning feeding and push my run back? And if Lulu eats at 5, what's that going to do to the rest of her feeding schedule for the day? She's been doing really well with 4 oz every 4 hours. Maybe she's ready for a bigger bottle? At her 3 month appointment, Dr. Francis said that sometime before the next appointment Lulu would probably start taking 6oz bottles and start sleeping through the night. When I asked when exactly that would happen, the doctor laughed and said "That's the fun of babies, they're all different. You just have to watch for the clues and figure it out."

Last night, Lulu was ready for the midnight bottle around 11:30. Then she slept until after 5. That means she slept almost 6 hours in a row. Maybe we should try moving up to the 6oz bottles and see what happens.

I hop off the treadmill and walk back into the nursery. Donna looks up in surprise.

"Hey, maybe you should give her another ounce or two if she still seems hungry when that bottle is gone."

"It's almost gone. She inhaled it!"

I grab another bottle from the shelf. "Give me that one. I'll pour half of this in while you burp her. Then I'll put what's left in the fridge."

Lulu lets out a big burp, then smiles at Donna, pleased with her accomplishment. She is my daughter. I hand Donna the bottle.

"We'd better order some 6 oz bottles from Amazon."

I stick the leftover formula in the fridge. It'll be fine until tonight. Then I get back on the treadmill to finish my run.

I guess this is what having kids is like. Learning to adjust. I can handle it, even though it already has thrown off my morning plans.

Today is Valentine's Day and I haven't even said "I love you" to Donna or Lulu yet! I'd planned to run, then shower, the get out the gifts before the girls were awake. Now I'm not sure how to do this. It's a good thing I've still got twenty minutes on my run to figure it out.

When I'm done on the treadmill, I poke my head back into the nursery. Lulu is back in her crib sleeping. It looks like Donna already changed her into an outfit. That was a good idea, that way we don't have to change her when it's time to go. As I head back through our room, Donna's eyes flutter open and she gives me a smile.

"Hey, Pretty Lady, want to join me in the shower?"

That idea earns me a slow, sultry smile. I'm tempted to call into work and stay home. But that's really not an option. Besides, I have plans for this afternoon. Donna flips the covers back and swings her long legs out of bed. She sashays up to me and gives me a long kiss, then takes my hand and pulls me into the bathroom.

"Come on, Lover boy. Let's get clean."

Our shower is over quicker than I'd like, but these days I'll take what I can get.

While Donna blow dries her hair, I hustle back to the nursery to check on Lulu. She's still asleep. I take the gifts out of her closet. Leaving the shiny red gift bag on the changing table, I take the wrapped box back with me into the bedroom. I set it on the end of the bed, and open my underwear drawer. I find the red silk boxers in the back and pull them out with a smile.

A year ago, I wore these and we conceived Lulu. I wonder if they could be lucky twice? The thought makes me grin. But we're not trying. In fact, we're actively preventing for the moment. The memory of Lulu's birth hasn't faded enough from either of our minds to consider the possibility of a second child, and honestly, I just want to enjoy Lulu right now. But truthfully, if we're surprised, I don't think I'd mind.

I slip on my navy suit pants and a solid blue shirt. I think the red tie will be okay with this. After I'm dressed I head into the kitchen. I'm glad the coffee's done. I pull out the to-go cups and pour us each a large mug.

I debate what to do about breakfast. I don't think we have time for a full breakfast. Maybe bagels? Donna's a little touchy about what I offer her these days. Maybe yogurt? I hate yogurt. I pop a bagel in the toaster. I think she's going to want yogurt, but if she wants the bagel, I'll find something at the office.

When I hear the hair dryer shut off, I hustle back into the bedroom. I want to watch her get dressed. Plus she should open her gift first.

Donna comes out of the bathroom, wrapped up in a bathrobe. It takes all my will-power not to untie it and peel it off her. Instead I pick up the present and hold it up.

"Oooh! Present time?" Donna asks, hurrying over to the closet. She opens her side and reaches up to the top shelf until she pulls out a small box. When she comes up to the bed and hands it to me, I give a tug on the belt to pull her closer. The tie comes undone.

"Ooops!" I smirk at her and slip my hands inside the robe to caress her waist. I will never get enough of her body.

"mmmmmm." She sighs before pulling back a little. "Do we really have time for this?"

"No," I say regretfully, handing her the present. "But we do have time for you to open this."

She sits in the chair. Since she didn't bother to re-tie the robe, it flops open, giving me quite the peep show. She gives me a slow grin as she opens the gift. She knows exactly what she's doing. Tease.

"Oh! These feel fantastic." She exclaims pulling the red satin bra and panties out of the box. They aren't super sexy, but they are really nice.

"I figured you could wear them today and I could take them off you tonight."

"I like the way you think. Go ahead, open yours."

I tear into the box. I laugh when I pull off the top. A red satin nightie is nestled into the pink tissue paper. I guess she does like the way I think.

"I don't think this will fit me!"

"Josh!" She sighs, but her eyes are sparkling.

"Okay, you can wear this tonight too."

"So you can take it off me?"

"You bet."

We hear Lulu start to squeak in the other room. Well, good. "I'll get her. You get dressed."

I change Lulu's diaper, then I see that Donna's got a tutu laid out for her. Of course. She's wearing a long sleeve onesie that is embroidered "My First Valentine's Day" on it and pink leggings. I wonder if Donna got these for every holiday? After I put the red tutu over the leggings, I gather Lulu and her gift and head back into the bedroom. "Let's go show Mommy how adorable you are!"

Unfortunately Donna's already wearing black dress pants, a red turtleneck and a blazer by the time we get back to the bedroom. I can't wait to get all those clothes off her tonight.

"Hi baby doll!" Donna greets Lulu. "What have you got there? Is Daddy already showering you with gifts?"

"Just one." I defend myself. I hold the bag in front of Lulu while Donna pulls the tissue paper out of the bag. Lulu giggles.

Then Donna pulls the stuffed puppy out of the bag. "Oh, it's so soft!" She runs it down Lulu's face and is rewarded with another laugh and a bright smile.

"There's something else in there."

"I thought you said you only got one gift."

"This is one gift. One bag, one gift." I grin unrepentantly.

Donna pulls out a board book. "Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton. That seems appropriate."

"We'll have to read it to her tonight. We gotta get going. I'll get her into the car seat. The coffee's ready and there are bagels in the toaster and yogurt in the fridge. Can you grab breakfast? We'll eat it in the office."

"Sure."

. . .

At noon, I walk into the First Lady's office. Helen is on her way out.

"Nice flowers, Josh." She greets me with a grin.

"Does Donna like them?" I ask, that's all that matters.

"What girl doesn't like flowers on a special occasion?"

Well, sometimes mine. I've managed to get myself in hot water over flowers more than once.

"Josh! The flowers are gorgeous!" Karen gushes, while Angela nods her agreement.

Annabeth pokes her head out of her office. "Good job, Josh. Very classy."

Ned stays in his office with his head down.

"Is she ready for me?" I ask Karen, gesturing toward Donna's door.

"Yes, go on in."

I walk through the door with a smile on my face. But Donna's standing in front of her desk, arms crossed, tapping her foot.

"JOSHUA LYMAN! What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Um . . . Happy Valentine's Day?"

"You're ridiculous. Three dozen roses? Really? You just can't help but go overboard, can you?"

"You don't like them?" My heart sinks a little.

I look over at her conference table. The flowers are gorgeous, a mixture of red, pink and white roses in a nice crystal vase. It's a huge bouquet. It is a bit ostentatious, but I don't want ordinary. My love for her isn't normal. I don't want the flowers to be either.

"Like them? I love them you crazy man. They're gorgeous. Come here."

Okay, good. She was just harassing me. I can handle that. She gives me a quick peck on the lips, then whispers. "I can't show you how much I appreciate them while we're in the office, it will have to wait until tonight."

"Well, I'm here to take you out to lunch. Maybe you can show me in the car on the way over." I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

"Sounds promising. Let's go."

I hold out her coat and she slips her arms into it. Then she links her arm through mine as we head to the portico.

"Where are we going?"

"Fiola."

"Wow." She breathes out. "That's kind of fancy. I am I dressed okay?"

I look her over with a slow smile. "You are breath-taking."

"I'm wearing a turtleneck and a pantsuit!" She responds, in a slightly exasperated tone, but with a pleased look.

"Turtlenecks drive me crazy. Everything all hidden away. Makes me imagine what you're wearing underneath."

"You already know what I'm wearing underneath!"

"Yes, that makes it even better." I grin at her and wiggle my eyebrows again.

As soon as we slide into the car, Donna slides on to my lap.

I shove her off gently. "Put your seatbelt on."

"Josh. It's a 5 minute ride."

"Yes, and I was joking about making out in the car."

Donna grins, giving me a quick kiss, then takes her seat and clicks her seat belt together. Oh. She got me again.

"You're in a feisty mood today."

"Happy to be alive, my friend, happy to be alive." She gives me one of her brightest smiles. "I do like the flowers, but you know what Josh? I don't need all the hoopla- the flowers and the lingerie, fancy restaurants, it just feels good to know that the people I love, love me back. I'm just so happy that we get to celebrate Valentine's Day in public as a couple."

She intertwines her hand with mine, and places a kiss on it. Once again I thank my lucky stars that Leo asked me to go to Nashua to hear Jed Bartlet speak.

Our table at the restaurant is not nearly as private as I had hoped. Looking around the restaurant, I see a few familiar faces. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for them to see us too.

" Donna, Congratulations on the baby."

"Congressman, how nice to see you." She responds politely.

Not really, I think to myself. I'm trying to have a romantic lunch here. Can't you see that? He turns and addresses me.

"We need to meet about HR 6112."

"Call Margaret, she'll set you up with an appointment."

"Thanks Josh. Bye Donna."

I'm relieved when Fields leaves. I pick the menu back up. Where was I?

"What's good here?" Donna asks.

"Everything."

She raises an eyebrow at me. She knows I probably haven't tried most things, let alone everything.

"People say its all good. I usually get some pasta. The Filet is good."

"But it's so expensive."

"Donna, get whatever you want. If it makes you feel better, you can have peanut butter and jelly for dinner."

One thing I know for sure. She didn't marry me because of my money. She doesn't really want me to spend very much on her. But I'm glad when the waitress comes back, and Donna confidently orders the Filet, medium, and Asparagus, and a salad to start.

"The same. But I want mine well-done."

Donna and the waitress both roll their eyes. Oh well. That's how I like it.

"Donna! Josh!"

Donna and I both smile at the bright voice of Evelyn Baker Lang. Christopher Mulready is standing next to her. They even have lunch together? Wonders never cease.

"Your Honors."

"Posh! None of that. Donna, I need to see baby photos."

"Thank you again for the plant. It was very thoughtful." Donna says digging in her purse to pull out a couple snapshots.

"Oh, she's beautiful." Evie Lang sighs, showing the photo to her colleague who nods his agreement. Then she raises an eyebrow and looks at me appraisingly. "The baby looks like you!" She accuses.

"Poor kid." I banter back. But it's true. Lulu's hair has an auburn tone, and she's got my dimples. But so far her eyes are still blueish. So I'm holding out hope.

Chris Mulready gives Evie a subtle nudge.

"Oh! Yes, my esteemed colleague is right, we should be going. It was nice to see the two of you, and congratulations, again."

"Thank you. Good to see you too." Donna's smirking as she puts the photo back in her purse.

"What's that look for?"

"I just showed my baby's picture to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court!"

During the salad course, Senator Bowles approaches, offers Donna congratulations, and glares at me before wandering away. I wonder if that was for poaching Ryan. Too bad. The kid is too bright to waste away in those chambers.

Half way through the entrée, Senator Pierce stops by.

"So you've hired Ryan again? Good idea, you know what they say, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."

What the hell is that supposed to mean? It never seems like he's talking about the same kid that I know.

"Senator Pierce. It's nice to see you." Donna speaks up before I have a chance to say something I might regret.

"Ah, Donna, it's good to see you too. Ryan told me you have a daughter. How lovely. Congratulations."

Donna whips out the photos and I'm surprised to see this gruff man turn into goo talking about my baby. Maybe he doesn't realize she's mine.

"Well, apparently you're good at something." He sneers at me.

Well, I guess he does realize she's mine. "Thank you." I respond simply. All I really want to do is get back to lunch with my wife. For crying out loud, it's Valentine's Day.

When we're done eating, Donna declines dessert. I know she's a little worried about her weight. I don't know why. She looks fantasic. Some parts of her are a little softer, but I like it. And I plan to show her how much tonight once Lulu is asleep.

Back at the White House we part with a quick kiss.

"Thanks for lunch." Donna says as she heads back to her office.

I enjoy the view as she walks away. It was nice, but next year I'm going to have something delivered instead of trying to eat out.

. . .

At 4:15, Margaret walks into my office and announces "Bram's here to see you." She looks unhappy.

"Sure, send him in."

She motions to him. Bram has a grim look on his face as he walks through the door. Margaret closes the door behind her as she leaves. I've got a bad feeling rising.

"The Press is reporting another school shooting. Northern Illinois University."

"Oh my god. Any fatalities?" I grab the remote and turn on CNN.

"It's still active. I'll head back to the Press room and update you as I get more information. Do you want me to give Lou the heads up to start working on a statement?"

"Yes. I'll go brief the President." I hate this part of my job. I put it off for a few minutes, watching CNN to see if there is any further information. At this point they are just reporting shots fired and showing stock photos of the school.

I knock lightly and enter the Oval Office.

"Hey Josh!" He's in a good mood. I hate it when I have to spoil a good mood.

"Sir, CNN is reporting shots fired at Northern Illinois University. It's still an active shooter situtation. Lou's starting a statement. I'll let you know when we have more information."

"What's our statement going to be? More empty platitudes? Condolences to the families of students? How many times am I going to have to do this in my Presidency? JOSH! We've got to do something to fix this problem!"

"I couldn't agree more." I tell him grimly. "I've been fighting for common sense gun laws my whole life. We have to make this a priority."

We're both silent for a few minutes. Then Matt says, "okay, keep me informed."

"Yes, sir." I turn and head back to my office. I need to call Donna and see if she's heard. I kind of doubt it since she's not waiting in my office. Any time there is a high profile shooting, she usually checks up on me right away. I think it's for her sake as much as mine.

I glance at my watch. 4:30. She's probably still in her staff meeting. I'm surprised Bram didn't text Annabeth.

"Margaret." I don't bellow, but I say her name forcefully. The door is open. I know she can hear me.

"Yeah?"

"Get Donna on the phone for me, please."

Since she's in a meeting, I want to go through the secretaries. I have no doubt that Margaret will tell Karen that this call is a priority. I watch some more of the coverage while I wait.

CNN is now showing aerial footage. Lots of emergency vehicles and law enforcement running into the building. I hope that's a good sign.

"Donna's on one." Margaret calls out. I move quickly to my desk and pick up the phone.

"Hey, baby."

"Hey. How are you doing?"

"I'm assuming you've heard about Northern Illinois?" I ask just to make sure we are talking about the same thing.

"Yes. How are you?" She asks anxiously.

"I'm okay. Angry, of course. The President is too. We've got to work harder on gun control. We can't keep letting this happen. I can't even believe. . ."

"Take a breath." Donna interrupts to instruct me. But her tone is gentle. "Now let it out slowly."

I obey her and feel a bit better.

"Do you need me to come down there?" She asks.

I take another deep breath. "No. I really am okay. Do what you need to do for FLOTUS. Make sure she's been briefed. Is Annabeth watching Bram's press conference?"

"Yes. He texted her."

"Okay, good. If FLOTUS wants to make a statement run it by me first. I want to make sure we're all on the same page."

"Okay. . . And Josh? . . . I love you."

"I love you too."