Chapter 29

"Liz, I promise I'm telling you everything. Your Mom is awake. She's making good progress so there's no reason for you to feel guilty about not being able to come out today. Get Annie and Gus situated and then you can think about flying out. I've told your sisters the same thing. They're scrambling to get out here too. If I felt your mother was in imminent danger you know I would tell you and I'd move heaven and earth to get the three of you here for her, but she isn't."

"Dad, I know she's receiving good care but Mom needs to have one of us out there with her."

"Jenny McGarry has come out here to stay for a few days. Besides, all you can do is just sit. There's really nothing substantial you can do."

"I know that but it bothers me that none of us can make it out there right away."

"Honey, I understand. I would stay if there was any other way but I need to get back to the White House so I can help all these people who have lost everything. I wouldn't leave your mother otherwise. You know that don't you?"

"Of course."

"But since none of us can be here, Jenny will be good for her. They haven't seen each other in months."

Li had to reluctantly agree. "I understand but…"

"Listen, I have to go but your mother herself said she didn't want a babysitter. So make your arrangements to come in a couple of days. Love you. Bye."

"Bye, Dad."

After hanging up the phone, Jed waited in the office for Jenny to deplane and for her arrival on Air Force One so they could have a brief conversation before their departure. He knew that Leo had been nervous over seeing his ex-wife for the first time in six months, but he also knew Leo would lay down his own life if it meant saving Jed's or Abbey's. Hearing the commotion of Jenny's arrival he stood up, ready to meet her.

An elegant, auburn-haired woman knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Jenny opened the door, followed by Leo. She hadn't really changed. Maybe a touch more gray in her russet brown hair, but no other obvious changes except for one. She looked a lot less stressed than he remembered her. Maybe the divorce had been a good thing.

Jed stepped forward and hugged his visitor. "Jenny, you look good. How have you been doing?"

"I can't complain, Mr. President. Can't complain. How is Abbey this morning?"

"She woke for just a few minutes before I left and I was able to explain to her that you were coming to stay. Her response, and I quote 'I don't need a babysitter'.

All three people laughed. "She's still the independent woman I remember. How are you doing, sir?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Jed replied. "Tired. Very tired. But I can sleep on the way home. Have a seat."

"No, sir. I really want to get to the hospital."

"Well, I have taken the liberty of securing a suite for you at the Waterfront Marriot. You are to charge everything to the room account and it will be taken care of. I just can't thank you enough for coming out here to help me out."

"Sir, that's very generous. But I'm doing it for friendship. We four have been through a lot and you and Abbey were always available and willing to help me or Leo so this is just something small I can do to repay you."

Jed took Jenny's hands into his and squeezed them. "Thanks, Jenny. It means a lot to both of us that we've been able to continue the friendship in spite of other things."

The word 'divorce' hung onto the unspoken end of the sentence.

"Yes, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me. Leo said that you need to get into the air. I promise that I'll call you frequently. And I'll take real good care of her."

Jed leaned in and kissed Jenny on the cheek. "Thanks."

Jenny and Leo then turned away and closed the door behind them. Jed sat down at the desk. His thoughts were still twenty miles away in the hospital room he had recently left. "I love you, babe,' he whispered. "And come home to me real soon."

In a few minutes, he heard the engines of the big plane rev up and he buckled his seat belt. Now he would be separated from his soul for the time being but with every hope that they would soon be reunited. Very soon.