Epilogue
August - Barlet Farm
"Beautiful sky tonight," Abbey mused, leaning into the crook of Leo's arm as they sat on the porch swing.
The full moon illuminated the paddocks and Scout snoozed contentedly at their feet.
"Mmmm," Leo responded, slowly rocking the swing with the toes on one foot.
"Josh said the Young Leaders Weekend is going well," she passed along.
Earlier in the day, Abbey had been a keynote speaker at the Barlet Library for a group of high schoolers across the country. Slowly, she was finding her footing again as a public figure, as the full opening of the library generated an ambitious agenda of events.
Jed would be so honored, so proud.
The President's voice echoed throughout the library and was inspiring a whole new generation. One passage echoed in an amphitheater focused on the speeches of Josiah Barlet.
"The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight. They're our students and our teachers and our parents and our friends.
The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.
This is a time for American heroes.
We will do what is hard.
We will achieve what is great.
This is a time for American heroes and we reach for the stars."
Tonight was an intentional step away from the excitement of political figures, donors, legislators at both the state and federal levels, all converging on the library, leveraging it as a platform for a discourse. The serenity of the farm, sitting quietly with Leo and reflecting on a successful opening - a tribute fitting to Jed - was just what Abbey needed.
"You know, you're popular. You're gonna have to up your speaking fee," Leo teased, kissing the top of her head.
Everything Abbey and Leo did for the library was gratis and would remain so in perpetuity.
"Yes, I'll multiply my current rate by ten," she retorted, as she snuggled deeper against his chest.
Leo continued to gently rock the porch swing.
"Well, not everyone has all of the titles you have. Y'know, First Lady, Doctor, Mother, Grandmother, Farmer… now, Orator… You really should be shaking us down for a higher salary..."
Abbey chuckled, "Well, especially given the mother and grandmother part. That's where all the inspiration comes from…"
"Yeah, there's one more title I'd like you to consider," Leo said casually.
"Oh?"
"Yes"
"And, what is that, Leo McGarry? What more would you like to add to mine and Scout's plate?"
"I'd like you to add, 'wife'… Specifically, 'my wife.'"
Abbey pulled away from him, looking at him quizzically. Surely, Leo was kidding her. But, the gaze meeting hers was filled with affection, warmth, and hope. His eyes were always so expressive with her. They communicated everything he had trouble articulating.
"Oh, Leo, really?" She was stunned. Leo had rarely - if ever - broached the subject, seemingly content to spend the rest of their lives in a state of unmarried bliss.
"Mmmm hmmm," he acknowledged.
Abbey thought a moment, "Mallory's priest wasn't getting after you at the wedding for living in sin, was he?"
"No… not that it would make a difference."
"I thought we were like Oprah and Stedman or Goldie and Kurt?"
"Who the hell are those people?" Leo laughed.
"Famous people, who are too cool for marriage… They don't need it..."
"I don't need to be married to you, Abbey." Leo said quietly, as he stared out over the paddock. "That might be part of why I want to be married to you."
"So, no more fumbling for how to introduce you? Because 'boyfriend' feels so much like high school…"
Leo nodded. "You can always wear my letterman's jacket, though…"
"And, 'partner' has always sounded like we're in business together." Abbey reflected, pulling him closer.
"We can't have that. I might have a sexual harassment claim."
"Yeah, and 'lover' just is tacky."
"Ya' think?" Leo's eyes twinkled.
"'Companion' sounds like you should be mashing my bananas and feeding me through a straw." Abbey lifted her head and searched his face.
"Heavens, no," he acknowledged, slowly meeting her eyes. "Though I will, if it ever comes to that…"
Abbey paused and took a deep breath, "Well… Okay, then…"
"Okay?" Leo confirmed, keeping his voice casual. God, the man was a cool customer.
"Okay," Abbey answered, smiling to herself. They would probably pick up this conversation again sometime next Christmas when Leo would want to formally…
The next thing Abbey knew, Leo extricated himself from the porch swing, turned to face her, and got down on one knee.
Taking her hand and gazing at her with all of the love and sweetness Abbey had grown accustomed to, Leo began, "Well, then, we should do this right."
Abbey giggled as the surprise revealed itself.
Reaching inside the top pocket of his work shirt, Leo produced a Harry Winston Double Halo diamond engagement ring, which had to amount to the assets of a small country or at very least, an aircraft carrier.
He slipped the ring onto Abbey's finger.
"Abigail Barrington Bartlet, would you please - for the love of God - throw all caution and reason to the wind, and agree to be my wife? We don't have to get married or even need to get married to be happy. I just know there's only one word that can describe what you already are to me. I'd like to make that official... Please, Abbey... Marry me?"
When he looked up at her, Abbey could see the tears brimming at the corners of his eyes. He'd clearly been planning this for months. Probably, since he came back from Qumar.
In Leo's eyes, Abbey read the shared grief over Jed and the resultant devotion to his legacy and her well-being. There was gratitude for being by his side while he recovered from literally taking bullets for the people he loved. She saw trust beyond measure that they would sort through life's complications and always find common ground. The passion was certainly there, which expressed itself on many quiet afternoons and evenings… Love for their families and life together. But, most of all, Abbey saw a man she was deeply in love with. Yes, Leo could happily remain her unmarried and devoted companion for the rest of his days. But, her heart had re-labeled Leo many months ago as well. He was so much more than live-in partner.
She threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him close.
"Of course, Leo. Of course, I'll marry you."
"Thank you," he whispered into her neck.
"You realize Scout is part of the deal." Abbey lightened the moment.
"Might take it back, if she wasn't." Leo then kissed her tenderly and took his place again on the porch swing.
"Well, at least, you're in practice with all the wedding talk. You still have your tux from Mal's wedding," Abbey mused, her eyes twinkling. She wasn't surprised at all with his response.
"Ummm… about that, do we have to, you know?"
"You mean, all the pomp and circumstance?"
"Yeah."
"You are marrying a former First Lady…"
"I know this. I also know you might be happier with just us, the dog, and a few witnesses… Maybe, right here on this porch before the summer ends?"
Abbey decided to put him out of his misery, "That sounds about right."
"Thank the Lord."
"Well, there's only one thing left to do, Leo."
He searched her face, "Yeah? What's that?"
Abbey got up, and took Leo's hands, urging him to stand as well.
"I think we need to get started on an early honeymoon."
"Now, that sounds about right," Leo confirmed.
With that, Leo called Scout inside and proceeded to follow Abbey upstairs, his eyes shining all the way.
Author's Note: Well, there you have it! Thank you for all of the wonderful and encouraging messages along the way! Originally, I thought I'd leave Abbey and Leo happily shacked up, way too cool for wedding vows. But, after all they went through, it seemed evident they would quietly seal the deal on the farm with the Barlets and O'Brien-Finns present. Of course, Donna and Josh would be there - because you know they're on the same trajectory. But, it's all very low-key with Abbey's cider passed all around, and Scout serving as flower-dog. There's no formal announcement - no hoopla. (A few months later, Abbey refers to Leo as her husband in an interview - that's how the world finds out.) I don't think we even get Leo out of his jeans and flannel shirt for the occasion. Abbey takes care of that as the moon comes up, and the farmhouse quiets down. Most of all, dear friends, thank you for your kindness. It means a lot to write for folks, who are excited about the story. Thank you for taking time to express it. And, I look forward to reading your work and sharing more of mine in the near future!