Chapter 21

The next afternoon Jed called the hospital from the White House. "How are things?"

"I want to go home!"

"Abbey, we went over this last night. You can't go home until you build up some strength in your arms. You're still very weak."

"I know that. But I want to come home."

"I understand that, Babe. Hey, will you stay if I bring you a surprise?"

Abbey grinned. "What kind of surprise? I have enough flowers and I'm not a chocolate type of person."

"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"

"Jeed. Pleeease tell me."

"Okay. You know I can't deny you anything. Feel up to a visitor?"

"Who? It's not Mom. I talked to her today. So who is it?"

"It's called a surprise Abbey, for a reason. Just be ready about 6 pm. Okay? I'll bring the visitor with me."

"You won't tell me who it is?"

"Abbey, I have to go. Just be ready about six, okay?"

"All right. Bye." Abbey reluctantly hung up the phone, her curiosity raised on who her secret visitor would be.

A knock on the door woke Abbey from her nap. Jed's smiling face came around the edge of the door.

"Hi, how do you feel?"

"Okay I guess. I just want to go home."

"Well you can't. Not yet anyway. But I think you'll like my surprise."

Abbey straightened up and smoothed the covers. "I'm waiting," she replied but unsure what she was waiting for.

Jed left the room for just a second and returned with a woman and a child. "Abbey, do you know who this is?"

Abbey felt like she should but with all that occurred the past few days her mind was a little fuzzy. "Hello, I'm Abigail Bartlet."

The woman gently shoved the child toward the bed. "Yes, ma'am. I know. You saved my daughter's life."

Slowly, Abbey realized who she was speaking to. Tears welled up in her eyes, for Jed being so thoughtful as to bring these people clear across the country to raise her spirits and for being able to know the outcome of at least one of her patients from that awful time.

Abbey motioned for them to come closer. She reached out to bring the little girl into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you came to see me."

"Ma'am, I'm Linda Gale and this is my daughter Catherine. I'm just so grateful that we can be here to thank you in person. We met the President in Seattle and he told me that he would tell you about us."

Abbey glanced at her husband over Catherine's head. "Jed?" She did not remember them talking about this.

Jed shrugged his shoulders. "I forgot. Sorry."

Abbey smiled. How could she be angry at someone who was so thoughtful? She turned her attention back to Linda and Catherine. "I'm so glad Catherine is okay. No lasting effects?"

"No ma'am. None at all."

"Great."

They talked for another twenty minutes before Abbey started to yawn. "I'm so sorry Mrs. Gale to end this. I think my body wants its rest."

"Yes, ma'am. I understand. Catherine, kiss the First Lady goodbye. Thank you, Mr. President."

Jed walked up to the bed and took Abbey's hand. "No, thank you. This has done my wife a lot of good. Now, the gentleman outside will make sure you get to your hotel and then will take you back to the airport in the morning. If you need anything, he will be able to reach me."

"Yes, sir. Come on Catherine."

Jed and Abbey watched as the two walked out of the room and closed the door.

"Jed, thank you so much. That meant a lot to me."

"I knew it would. Now, scoot back down and get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up."

"You promise?"

"I promise."