The last chapter of Manchester has arrived and with it, resolution for our cast of characters. Thank you to everyone who has read this story and left kudos, reviews, and comments! This is our last joint Fizzyverse story for now. But we have something in the works that will be posted soon! Happy reading!
After the campaign announcement ended, the Bartlet Family and the senior staff went back to the farm to get ready for Josh and Donna's wedding. When they returned to the grounds, hired staff were in the process of setting up the ceremony and reception sites with chairs and tables. Everyone hurried to their respective quarters to get ready.
Abbey set up the downstairs guest room as a bridal suite for Donna since it had an en-suite bathroom. As CJ, Alex, Zoey, Liz, and Ellie helped Donna get ready, Abbey entered the room with a sizable black velvet jewelry box that she asked Jed to bring up from DC.
"Donna?"
Donna turned around. "Yes, ma'am?"
"I have something for you," Abbey told her, handing the box to her.
Donna opened the box. "Oh, my God." She lifted out an exquisite diamond necklace-the same necklace Jed had gifted Abbey on the occasion of Felicity's birth almost two years earlier. "Is this-"
"The diamonds Jed gave me when Felicity was born," Abbey replied.
"Ma'am, I-I can't accept this. It's too much."
"You're borrowing them."
"Are you sure? They're beautiful."
"Of course I'm certain. They aren't worn nearly enough and this is a perfect occasion for them," Abbey smiled. "Considering how many times you've had to step in and fill my part as Felicity's mother, it's only appropriate to let you wear them."
Donna began to cry. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure," Abbey said, embracing her. "Would you like me to help you put them on?"
Donna nodded. As Abbey fastened the clasp, Jed knocked on the door.
"Well, Donnatella, Josh is going to fall over flat when he sees you."
"Thank you, Mr. President," Donna replied gratefully.
Abbey picked up Felicity who was in a pretty white flower girl dress. She was going to serve as Josh and Donna's flower girl and ring bearer. But without a bottle and a cat nap, she wasn't going to make it. Abbey handed her to Jed.
"You're going to go with daddy, lovebug. Mama needs to help Donna finish getting ready."
Felicity frowned, "Mama…"
"I'll be right here with Donna, all right?"
"Mama is right, Lovebug. I've got a bottle with your name on it."
"Okay." Felicity sighed.
Jed smiled. "Come on."
He carried her down into the kitchen. As he settled her into his lap, however, he saw an opportunity to clear up what Abbey had told him.
"Felicity, I'd like to talk to you for a minute."
"What did I do?" Felicity asked, batting her dark blue eyes at her father.
"You didn't do anything, baby. I heard you told Mama and Alex that you think I don't like you anymore."
Felicity squirmed in his lap, "I'm broken, dada."
Those three little words sliced Jed's heart in two. "You're not broken, lovebug. I think you're perfect just the way you are."
"But you were gone for a long time."
"Because I got very busy with work."
"And because you and Mama were mad at each other?"
"Well…yes, we were. But we're not now." Jed kissed her cheek. "We are going to be a family forever."
"Forever and ever?"
"Forever and ever," Jed promised. He offered the bottle and she took it. As she ate greedily, he sat back in thought. He couldn't promise her that. After all, who knew how long he had?
But he would be remiss if he didn't give his daughter the happy, stable family she desperately wanted and needed.
Felicity stopped sucking on her bottle and looked at her father, "I love you, daddy."
"I love you too, baby. So much."
Jed kissed her forehead and picked up the bottle again. Felicity snuggled into him and started to drink again. He held the bottle for her as he always did, grateful that his baby girl and his marriage were alive and well.
The backyard of the farm was beautifully set up for an outdoor wedding. A piano player played softly on the back porch. Zoey was walking around the seats as the Senior Staff sat and chatted. Josh's mother, who had arrived the previous day, was engaged with Alex in conversation.
Suddenly, Zoey noticed an impeccably dressed woman wander into the backyard. She approached her. "May I help you?"
"Well, yes. I'm looking for the Moss-Lyman wedding?"
"You found it. How do you know Josh and Donna?"
"I'm Donna's mother."
"Oh, well it's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Moss. Would you like me to take you to Donna?"
"Yes, that would be nice."
Zoey led Mrs. Moss into the house and to the downstairs guest room. She knocked on the door, "Donna, your mom is here."
Donna turned around in shock. She swallowed and smiled. "Mom. You came."
"You invited me, remember?" Mrs. Moss answered. "Did you really think I would miss my own daughter's wedding?"
"Well, it's not like you've been there for a whole lot in the last few years."
"I'm here now."
"Yes, you are."
Zoey quietly made her exit.
"You look beautiful, Donna. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you picked out your dress."
"I actually didn't. The First Lady's niece, Alex, made it for me. She's a fashion designer."
"Well, wasn't that nice of her?" Mrs. Moss replied.
"Mom?" Donna asked.
"Yes?"
"I know we've had our differences, but…I'm glad you decided to come."
"I am too, honey," Mrs. Moss said. "When you told me you accepted a job as Mrs. Bartlet's Chief of Staff, I didn't think it would equal your wedding taking place at their home."
"I didn't either, honestly. But that's the thing, mom. My job is more than a job. I'm part of a family here."
The two women were interrupted by a ball of white entering the room. Felicity appeared at Donna's side. While she was still getting the hang of walking, Felicity was a quick crawler.
"Felicity, where are you?" Zoey could be heard calling from another part of the house.
"Hi Donna," She said brightly as she sat back on her heels. "You look pretty."
"Well, thank you, Felicity," Donna said, bending down to Felicity's level.
"My isn't that a pretty dress!" Mrs. Moss complimented.
"Thank you," Felicity whispered shyly. She looked up at Donna. "Mama said to tell you she's ready if you are."
"Well," Donna stood up and smoothed out her dress. "Then I guess we better get outside."
Felicity grinned and crawled out.
"You certainly have your hands full with that little one, don't you?" Mrs. Moss said with a small smile. "Before we go out, I have something for you." She reached into her purse and pulled out a small black jewelry box. "You don't have to wear these. But your grandmother wore them at her wedding, I wore them at mine, and I thought you might like to wear them."
Donna took the box and opened it. Inside was a pair of small, but beautiful blue sapphire earrings.
"Mom…" Donna got choked up. "These are beautiful. I would be honored to wear them."
She put them in her ears, and Mrs. Moss smiled. "They look lovely." She paused, then threw her arms around Donna. "I love you, Donna. I know I don't say it enough, or never did say it enough, but…I love you."
Donna hugged her back with a smile. "I love you too, Mom. I love you, too."
Alex waited for Donna on the back deck near the stairs with CJ and Felicity at her side. The stairs led down to a path with a covered porch swing at the start. Just beyond it, the long path to the wedding site began. It was lined with trees on either side that had been decorated for the occasion with beautiful white fabric flowing from tree to tree. The tree-lined path gave way to a pond that had been sprinkled with flowers for the occasion.
The guests and the ceremony site were located just in front of the pond. Guests lined the official shorter aisle on either side. Josh, Jed, and Sam stood under a wooden pergola decorated with flowers.
"Ready?" CJ asked.
"I am," Donna said.
Alex gave Donna, Felicity, and CJ one last look over and did some last-minute fluffing.
"You look ready to me. Fizzy, you have the rings?" Alex said
Felicity held up her hand. The wedding rings were tied to it with a white ribbon around her wrist. "Yep."
"I'm going to carry you down to the aisle, okay?"
"Okay." Felicity agreed. "But can I walk, too?"
Alex shared a glance with Donna. "I don't see why not."
Felicity grinned. "I'm a big girl."
"You certainly are." Donna smiled.
Just then, the piano player struck up, "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles.
Alex smiled. "That's our cue, Fizzy."
Alex began to walk down the aisle with Felicity attached to her hip. But midway through the aisle, Felicity tugged on her sleeve. Alex took this as a cue to set her down.
Clutching the rings and biting her lip in concentration, Felicity toddled the last few steps down the aisle, dropping down to her knees in front of Zoey, who scooped her up.
Leo came through the glass door next and stood next to Donna. They watched as CJ started walking down the tree-lined path to the ceremony site. He escorted Donna down the stairs and they watched CJ walk down the end of the path and the aisle.
"Well, kid. This is it. You sure you're not gonna change your mind?" He asked with a small smile.
"No," Donna replied. "I'm not. I'm ready."
Leo smiled wider. "Good."
Their chosen bridal processional, the Beatles classic "Here, There, and Everywhere", sounded through the yard as the small crowd stood up. Leo and Donna began to walk down the aisle. The guests all smiled as she processed toward Josh, who was looking at her with an absolute look of rapture and awe.
Everything that had happened up to this point was 100% worth it.
Leo walked Donna to the end of the aisle where she joined Josh, Sam, Jed, and CJ. He took his seat. Jed smiled at the couple and the assembled guests.
"We're gathered here today to witness the union of Donnatella Moss and Josh Lyman in marriage," He began. "I can think of no couple better suited to one another than Josh and Donna. Except for maybe me and my wife." The crowd chuckled. "Their love has been tested by some…difficult situations, but through it all, they have found strength in each other and their deep and abiding love and friendship. And now I would like to ask the couple to join hands and recite the vows they have prepared for this moment."
Josh went first. "Donna…from the day you came into my life, you changed it for the better. You are such a wonderful person, the way you have cared for Felicity. You inspire me every day to be a better person. I promise to walk by your side each and every day, as we face new and exciting challenges. I will always love you, protect you, and care for you. And together, we can take on the world."
Donna was next. "Josh…for a long time, I didn't believe in myself or my self-worth very much. But you awakened something in me that I didn't even know was there. You showed me that I didn't need to be ashamed of my intelligence and that I belonged in the world of politics. You changed my life. And over time, I realized that my feelings for you changed, from admiration to friendship to love. You're the first person I want to talk to when I wake up in the morning, and the last person I want to talk to before I fall asleep at night. I promise that I will always be on your side. I will always strive to listen to you, to learn from you, and to remember our love. I love you."
While Donna was saying her vows to Josh, Felicity wiggled off of Zoey's lap and crawled over to Josh. She tugged on his pants leg, "Josh, you can't take MY Donna away."
Josh raised an eyebrow. "Felicity, I'm not going to take Donna away from you. I promise."
Felicity looked at him and crossed her little arms stubbornly, "Not good enough."
"Felicity..." Jed said in a gentle but warning tone.
"Daddy…" Felicity whined.
"Felicity," Donna said softly, crouching down in the grass, dress and all. "Look at me, please."
Felicity looked at her.
"Just because I'm marrying Josh doesn't mean I don't still love you. I can love both of you."
"Are you sure?" Felicity asked skeptically.
"I'm positive."
Felicity considered this and then she put her little hand on Donna's chest just above the top of the dress, "I love you, Donna," She said softly.
"I love you too," Donna said, scooping her up and kissing her on the cheek.
"Can we proceed now, Felicity Abigail?" Jed asked, taking his daughter from Donna and holding her in one arm.
"Yes," Felicity said and offered her hand. Jed untied the rings from her wrist and held them in his palm for Josh and Donna to take.
Josh placed a white-gold diamond wedding band on Donna's finger. "I give you this ring as a sign of my love. With all that I have, I am honored to call you my wife from this moment until forever."
Donna repeated the same phrase and placed a simple gold band on his finger.
Jed looked from one to the other with pride. "Josh, Donna, you have sealed your promises with the giving and receiving of rings, and you have declared your vows for one another in front of these witnesses. It is now my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Josh pulled Donna into him and he kissed her feeling like the luckiest man alive. Donna felt much the same way as the guests applauded. They parted after a moment and walked back down the aisle in a celebratory atmosphere.
Once the pair made it down the aisle and headed toward the section of the property where the reception would take place, Jed gathered his daughters.
"How's the barn looking?"
"It looks great, Daddy," Zoey replied.
"And your mother has no idea?"
"Absolutely none," Ellie assured him.
"Excellent. Let's get back to the party. When it starts to wind down, we'll make our exit."
At the reception, the senior staff and the Bartlet family alike were keen to celebrate Josh and Donna as well as the beginning of a successful campaign. Unknowingly, Felicity kept Abbey distracted because, as Jed had predicted, their lovebug deeply regretted turning down her mother for an entire day. So they spent parts of the reception together up on the back deck nursing until Felicity fell asleep from the demands of the day.
As the reception wound down, and the senior staff had a combination of too much to drink and jubilation threw them into a late-night karaoke session, Jed joined Abbey on the side.
Abbey sighed. "Long day, huh?"
"Yes, but a wonderful day. I'm really happy for the two of them."
"So am I." Abbey smiled at him.
"You know," Jed said mysteriously, "the day is not over yet."
Abbey frowned, "Jed Bartlet, what did you do?"
"You'll see," He said with a twinkle in his eye.
Jed took Felicity carefully in his arms and then led Abbey by the hand toward the barn. Alex stood there with Zoey, Liz, and Ellie. Lorelei, Rory, Emily, Richard, Doug, Annie, and Gus waited inside.
"Hey, Aunt Abbey," Alex said with a little smile. "I think it's time for a quick change."
Like the magician she was, Alex moved behind Abbey, and hidden in the back of the dress was a zipper. She undid it, separating the lavender fabric on both sides. It had been hooked and zippered together with a beautiful ivory fabric hidden underneath. She carefully undid the rest of the tiny hooks and zippers until Abbey was standing in a beautiful ivory wedding dress, evoking an old Hollywood movie star. As a final touch, she put Abbey's Felicity diamonds around her neck since Donna returned them just after dinner and pictures.
When Alex was finished, Zoey and Ellie opened the barn doors to reveal a full-length mirror in the center. Abbey gasped when she saw her reflection. Lorelei and Rory appeared to move the mirror.
"You look beautiful, Aunt Abbey," Lorelei said with a smile.
In the barn beyond, Ellie, Zoey, and Liz had set up a ceremony site just under the wooden archway. It was decorated with candles and the rest of their family was gathered around on either side including Jed's brother John and his children Bess and Will along with Bess' husband Henry and their children Stevie, Allison, and Jason who was just three months old.
Abbey gasped at the incredible sight before her. "What? What is this? How did you-?"
"With a little help from everyone," Jed explained. "When I saw the dress that Alex was making for Donna, it made me realize that I wanted to see you in a wedding dress again." He took Abbey's hands and used them as leverage to kneel down.
"It's not exactly down on one knee, but I hope it'll do. Abigail Ann Bartlet, will you marry me again?"
Tears slipped down Abbey's face. "Of course, I will."
Jed got to his feet and reached into his pocket. He pulled out an upgraded engagement ring. The main diamond was now slightly larger and two of the smaller diamonds bordering it on either side had been replaced with four distinct gemstones. Liz's birthstone, Ellie's birthstone, Zoey's birthstone, and Felicity's birthstone.
"I thought you could use an upgrade, sweet knees."
"I thought Felicity took this!" Abbey said as she let Jed slip it on.
"She didn't. I just let you think she did."
"Jed…"
Just then, Liz cleared her throat. "If you guys are ready, I believe we have a vow renewal ceremony to get to."
"You're doing the ceremony?" Abbey asked. When Liz nodded, Abbey teared up.
Jed led Abbey down the short aisle and they stood facing each other with Liz on one side and Zoey and Ellie, holding a groggy Felicity on the other with the rest of their family.
"Mom, Dad, you have been together through so much these past 34 years. Your marriage is a true example of love, dedication, hard work, and support. Tonight, you have chosen to renew the vows you made to one another on that day surrounded by your family and the reflections of your love, your daughters."
Liz smiled at her parents. "Mom, Dad, will you join hands?" They did so.
"Josiah Bartlet, do you promise to continue to love and cherish this woman, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Jed replied quietly.
"And do you, Abigail Bartlet, promise to continue to love and cherish this man, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Abbey said, tearing up.
"On your wedding day, you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your vows to each other, and your commitment to living in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear," Liz said
Jed pulled the wedding bands out of his pocket and handed one to Liz.
"Abbey, I am putting this ring on your finger to wear as an enduring symbol of my love, my commitment, my trust, and my fidelity."
He slipped the ring on Abbey's finger in front of the engagement ring. It now featured pave diamonds interspersed with their children's birthstones.
Abbey took Jed's from Liz and noticed that her name and their children's names had been engraved on the inside of the band. She teared up and then composed herself.
"Jed, I am putting this ring on your finger to wear as an enduring symbol of my love, my commitment, my trust, and my fidelity."
"Mom, Dad, in front of these witnesses, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings. As you embark on what I hope will be the next 32 years of commitment, we hope that you will continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad."
Liz smiled at her parents. "It is with pleasure that I once again pronounce you husband and wife, and celebrate the honor and commitment you have made towards one another. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!"
Jed and Abbey shared a long, passionate kiss that ended only in the applause, cheers, and whistles of their extended family.
When Jed and Abbey parted, they were met with the smiling faces of Ellie and Zoey.
"Mom, Dad….we have one more surprise for you."
Ellie stepped off to the side and started a digital projector in the corner. On the barn wall, a slideshow set to music began.
It opened with Abbey and Jed in college when they were newly dating. Then it progressed to their wedding with all of their family and friends present. Their graduate school days were next, followed by Abbey's graduation from medical school. Liz's birth was followed later by the births of Ellie and Zoey. All of their nieces and nephews were sprinkled in for good measure. There were Jed's political races and Abbey rising through her residency to her fellowship. Most recently, it showed a happy Jed and Abbey celebrating the Presidential election and then the inauguration. Finally, there were pictures of Felicity, first as a newly born baby, then as a curious baby.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Abbey said as the slideshow finished. She hugged first Ellie, then Zoey.
Just then, she felt a tug on her dress. She looked down to see Felicity standing upright, grinning wildly. "Me too, Mama."
Abbey's grin soon matched her daughter's as she lifted her. They were soon joined by Jed in a three-way hug. That hug soon went six ways as all four of the Bartlet daughters embraced their parents.
The day after the wedding, CJ held a press briefing at the hotel the staff was staying at.
"Good morning everyone," she said with a smile. "Yesterday, after President Bartlet's re-election event, Dr. Bartlet's Chief of Staff Donna Moss and the Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman were married in a small ceremony at the Bartlet Family Farm. The President and Dr. Bartlet as well as the senior staff express their heartfelt congratulations to the happy couple. Josh and Donna will be spending the next week on their honeymoon in Hawaii.
Shortly after the wedding, the President and Dr. Bartlet renewed their own wedding vows in a private ceremony attended by their family. They will be taking the next several days away in Vermont with Felicity on a family trip. Questions?"
"CJ! Were the President and First Lady's marriage on the rocks?"
"I cannot comment, except to say that the President and First Lady are, and remain, very much in love."
"Did Felicity Bartlet participate in the ceremonies?"
"Yes. In Lyman's ceremony, she served as the flower girl. And in her parents' ceremony, she was a happy witness. Anything else?"
"Who won the Lyman marriage pool?"
There was a ripple of chuckles in the briefing room, as CJ smiled. "Check the books after the briefing, but I think Danny might've won the pot on this one."
Donna looked out over the balcony at the beautiful blue waters from her hotel room in Hawaii.
"This is gorgeous," she breathed. "I can't believe we get to be here for a week."
"Believe it," Josh said, wrapping her up from behind. "After everything we've been through the last couple of months, we deserve a break like this."
"Definitely." Donna turned to face Josh. "So…what's on the agenda for the week?"
"Some quality time on the beach, a couple of island tours, and some time alone in our bedroom."
"I like the sound of that." Donna breathed. "Maybe…" She hesitated.
"What?"
"Maybe…we can start thinking about babies."
"Wow…" Josh said, slightly surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Well, what do you think?"
"I'm open to it. I just thought there would be a little time to adjust before we moved to that step."
"I know it's a little soon. But I don't know. Spending all this time with Felicity got me thinking…"
"I agree with you," Josh said, hugging her. "Felicity's a cute kid, and I've been thinking it might be nice to have a little girl just like her."
Donna's face lit up at the thought. "I'd like that." She slipped a hand into Josh's. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Josh took her face in his hands and kissed her in the beautiful glow of the sunset.
In Vermont, it was a beautiful afternoon in the late summer. Jed walked out onto the deck of their rental that overlooked the mountains and set the last of the small pile of colorfully wrapped presents on the table next to an oversized vanilla cupcake with a number 2 candle in the middle.
Abbey followed behind him with Felicity on her hip. They each wore sundresses after a trip to the lake nearby earlier.
"Oh look what I see," Abbey said, kissing her baby girl. "There's a cake just for you."
"Mama, I can't eat cake," Felicity said solemnly.
"Well, Daddy and I will help you," Abbey assured her. "But you get to blow out the candle all by yourself, lovebug."
Felicity's eyes went wide. "I do?"
"You sure do," Jed said, walking up to them. He kissed her on the cheek.
Abbey placed her down on the deck near the table, in front of the cupcake. Jed got the camera ready.
Abbey and Jed started singing "Happy Birthday" to Felicity. She smiled sweetly and stared at the candle. When they were done, Abbey looked at her daughter.
"Make a wish, Lovebug."
Felicity looked up at her mother, "Mama, what if the wish already came true?"
"You can make another wish, baby," Jed said with a chuckle.
"But…all I wished was for us to be together."
Abbey and Jed looked at each other, tears in their eyes.
"That's very sweet," Abbey said, kissing her on the head.
"Can I still blow it out?"
Jed and Abbey smiled through their tears. "Of course, you can," Jed told her.
Felicity blew out the candle. Jed captured the moment in action perfectly.
"Happy birthday, Lovebug!" They said together and she grinned.
Abbey took the candle out and set the cupcake on the table before cutting it into sections and giving Felicity a small piece. She tried it.
"How is it?" Jed asked, taking a bite of his own piece.
"It's good," Felicity said. "But my milk is better."
Abbey smiled. "I'm sure it is."
Felicity was slowly getting better. Her nightmares were becoming less frequent, and so was her separation anxiety. She was still troubled, but their three-day vacation was doing her wonders.
"Look what we made," Jed said reverently.
"Indeed," Abbey agreed, resting her head on his shoulder. "We're lucky to have our lovebug."
Jed and Abbey sat quietly, watching as Felicity enjoyed her birthday cupcake. After the year they'd had, this was the best birthday she could've had. In the years to come, Abbey and Jed would both learn just how true that statement would be. But for now, they were thankful that their family and their marriage were still intact.