I have mixed feelings about doing this," Abbey said as she walked with Jed down the hall and to the residence elevator the next morning.

"Abbey…we have to say something. Michelle's death has been all over the local news since Friday and the press has reported that Charlie was with us in Manchester."

"I know. But it's all still so fresh for Charlie. I don't want him to feel pressured to stay with us. Isaac and Juanita lost their only child, Jed. Imagine if that were Liz."

"I know. But he wants to stay with us. His mother wants him to stay with us. And we have to respect her wishes."

Abbey sighed. "Yeah."

"Yeah."

They stepped onto the elevator and continued to discuss the merits of this press conference. But any indecision they had ended the moment the briefing room door opened,

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States!"

Cameras began to click and flash as Jed and Abbey walked into the briefing room. The reporters rose from their chairs and CJ stepped off the dais and walked toward them, "Keep it brief," She said quietly as they walked up to the podium.

"Good morning," Jed said while Abbey stood just behind them. "As many of you know, Lt. Michelle Young of the Metropolitan Police Department was shot and killed on Thanksgiving night. We deeply grieve her loss as does our family. Michelle was one of the first people we met when we moved to Washington. We are deeply grateful to Michelle for her long and distinguished service with the Metropolitan Police Department. Michelle's son, Charlie is also very near and dear to us. Abbey and I have come to know him quite well over the last nearly two years.

Before her death, Michelle planned to spend the remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend with our family and her son. Someone took that from her and deprived Charlie of his mother. In accordance with Michelle's wishes, Abbey and I will be taking guardianship of Charlie with the blessing of her parents. We ask that the press and the public grace Charlie with the same respect and privacy shown to our children during this difficult time."

"Mr. President!" The reporters shouted.

"Yes. Chris?"

"Mr. President, will you be beginning adoption proceedings?"

"We have not broached that subject. It's enough for Charlie to get used to living with us full-time. Danny?"

"What about Charlie's biological father?"

"We will be speaking to him in the coming days. Tim?"

"How do Michelle's parents feel about this?"

"They are fully supportive of Michelle's decision. Sarah?"

"Back in July, Logan Huntzberger moved into the White House. At the time CJ said it was because he went to the same school and gym as your daughter Alexandra. But over Thanksgiving, they were seen around Manchester together acting more like boyfriend and girlfriend. Did you allow your daughter's boyfriend to move into the White House?"

Jed and Abbey looked at one another. "Well, Sarah, Alexandra, and Logan are very close friends, nothing more."

"Are you sure about that?"

Abbey was about to open her mouth to speak, but CJ cut in. "Ladies and gentlemen, that's all. Thank you."

Abbey and Jed left the podium with CJ following close behind them. Reporters were still shouting questions as they walked out the door of the press room. It shut behind them.

"CJ, what the hell was that?" Abbey demanded. "Logan and Alex are supposed to be off limits. We had an agreement."

"I'm aware, ma'am," CJ sighed. "But they were spotted in Manchester over the weekend and photographers took their picture from across the street."

"That's off-limits, too!" Jed snapped.

"Mr. President-"

"No! She's 13 years old, and I won't have the tabloids and press calling her a…a…I can't even say it!"

"Is there something I need to know?" CJ asked. "Is Alex—?"

"No, CJ, one teenage pregnancy in this family was quite enough and I don't want any adult reporters digging into my daughter's private life. Her relationship with Logan is a family matter, is that clear?" Abbey said firmly.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I already have one child who is deeply grieving his mother. The last thing I need is a hysterical teenage daughter who feels she has no privacy."

"I'll get them off your back," CJ promised.

Early on Friday morning, the Bartlet family got up and went about their usual morning routine. But on this day, the focus wasn't on work or school. It was a much more somber occasion. Zoey knocked on the door frame of Charlie's room just after breakfast. He had just put on his new suit.

"Hey Charlie," Zoey said. "Do you need help with your tie?"

"Um…sure," Charlie said, his eyes downcast.

Zoey walked over and began to fix his tie. "You look good."

"Thanks, Zo."

"Are you gonna be okay today?"

"As good as I can be I guess. I just hope my dad doesn't come."

"Why?"

"Because he wants me to come and live with him."

"Are you thinking about it?"

"Not really. I'm still in shock that he offered."

"You know he's just offering because he feels like he has to."

"I know."

Just then, Abbey knocked on the door.

"You both look nice," She said. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," Zoey said and looked at Charlie.

"I'm ready," Charlie said.

Abbey ushered them out the door. Just down the hall, Alex, Logan, and Ellie were sitting on the sofa in the East Sitting Hall. The girls were dressed in black dresses while Logan wore a suit similar to Charlie's.

"Hey, Charlie," Logan greeted. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay, I guess," Charlie admitted truthfully.

Jed and Abbey entered the room behind them.

"We'll all be with you," Alex promised.

"Thanks, Alex," He said. "That means a lot."

Jed put a hand on Charlie's shoulder, "It's true Charlie. We'll all be here for you no matter what happens next."

Charlie gave him a small smile, "Thanks, Jed," He said. "Are my grandparents here yet?"

They're down in front." Abbey replied. She sighed. "We better get going."

Jed checked his watch. "You're right."

Together as a family, they left to join the Youngs.

Two hours later, Charlie sat in the front row at the Washington National Cathedral, his eyes staring fixedly at his mother's casket. Issac and Juanita flanked Charlie on one side. Abbey and Jed flanked him on the other followed by Liz, Toby, Annie, Ellie, Zoey, Logan, and Alex. Alex rose from her seat and walked up to where a microphone stood not far from the casket. The introduction to the Schubert version of Ave Maria began to play and the voice of an angel filled the cathedral space.

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria

Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria

The crowd was silent as Alex's beautiful voice filled the cathedral. Once she was done, she walked back to her seat, and the pastor approached.

"Michelle is gone now from this earthly dwelling and has left behind those who mourn her absence. Grant that we may hold her memory dear, never bitter for what we have lost nor in regret for the past, but always in hope of the eternal kingdom where you will bring us together again."

With those words, the processional music began to play and the casket was carried up the center aisle by Michelle's fellow officers in their dress uniforms. Soon, everyone was off to the cemetery for the burial. When the motorcade pulled up to the burial site, Charlie's legs felt heavy. He didn't think could get out of the car. This was it. After the burial, he would never see his mother again.

"Charlie?" Zoey asked. "What's wrong?"

"I can't say goodbye, Zoey," He whispered. He fought back tears forming in his eyes.

"Take my hand," She said gently.

"What?"

"Just take my hand."

Charlie did and they got out of the car.

Ellie came up beside them, "You need some help?"

Zoey nodded, "Charlie needs us, Ellie."

She took Charlie's other hand, "Lizzie, Alex," She said.

Liz and Alex came over with Logan just behind them.

"What are you doing?" Logan asked.

"Helping Charlie," Liz explained. "In this family, it's all for one and one for all."

The photographers at the service employed by the MPD captured Charlie walking to the graveside holding the hands of Zoey and Ellie with Liz, Alex, and Logan holding hands on either side. On this, the hardest of hard days, the Bartlet children and Logan were there to help Charlie through.

They arrived at the graveside as Michelle's flag-draped casket was carried to the gravesite by six pallbearers assigned by the police department.

Once the casket was in place, the police burial traditions began. To the mournful sound of "Taps", the pallbearers folded the flag. Juanita softly wept as Isaac stared stoically ahead.

Captain Morris took the flag and handed it to Isaac, who took it with shaking hands.

Then, they performed the 21-bell salute. Jed let the sound of the bells wash over him as he carefully watched Charlie, being held by Alex and Zoey. The last radio call was next and detailed Michelle's career and length of service. When it ended, a dozen white doves were released. And then it was time to say goodbye. Charlie left the Bartlet sisters behind and stepped forward with his grandparents. They said their goodbyes and then it was time for Charlie's.

"I love you, mom," He said softly as he placed a flower on her casket. He watched as it was lowered into the ground and disappeared.

Charlie turned and without even thinking about it, he ran. Jed and Abbey were there to catch him. They wrapped their arms around him and held him tight as their daughters stood by in quiet support.

Josh came into the apartment after the service quietly, only to have a toy squeak under his shoe.

The living room looked as if a tornado hit. Laundry was everywhere. And underneath it all, Donna was sound asleep on the couch.

He scanned the room quickly, looking for-there she was.

Madeline was also asleep in her tiny bouncer. Josh figured Donna put her in there to keep her busy while she finished the laundry, only for Donna to fall asleep on the couch before she finished.

After checking on Madeline, Josh crossed the room to Donna. He didn't try to wake her, just pulled a blanket over her and let her sleep.

"How was the service?" Donna mumbled.

"It was beautiful," Josh said softly.

"Did you talk to the President and Dr. Bartlet?"

"Yes. They said to say hello and can't wait to see you when you're feeling up for it."

Donna opened her eyes, "I wanted to go Josh. Rachel was all ready to watch the baby. But I had nothing to wear. Everything I own either has baby barf or milk stains on it or doesn't fit."

"Abbey said to tell you it took her two weeks before she even attempted leaving the house with Liz. And she only made it ten minutes in the grocery store before she went home."

Donna cracked a smile.

"I love you, Donna. I'll always love you. Even when you don't feel beautiful, you'll always look like it to me."

She reached out her hand. "I love you too."

Josh kissed her forehead. "Why don't I take Madeline out to the park down the street for some fresh air? Let you get some more sleep?"

"Josh, that is the sexiest thing you've ever said to me," Donna declared. "Sure, take her. Just bundle her up for the cold."

"Will do babe," He said and went to take Madeline.

Madeline let out a little squeak at being picked up but otherwise stayed asleep. Josh let out a small sigh of relief, then put her little jacket on.

He took out her stroller and put her inside, pushing her out the door. He had barely made it half a block to the park when he ran into a face he was never expecting to see again after she had been booted from the Bartlet campaign.

"Mandy?"

"Hi, Josh," Mandy replied, staring him up and down. "You certainly don't look like what they call you on the Hill."

"What's that?"

"Bartlet's Bulldog."

Josh grinned. "I can see where I earned that reputation, but I've got bigger priorities now, thank you very much."

"I can see that," Mandy commented. She peered into the stroller. "Is that yours?"

"Yeah. Her name's Madeline."

Mandy burst out laughing. "Is this some kind of a joke?"

"What?" Just then, it hit him that Mandy's given name was Madeline. "Oh."

"It's nice to know you still think so highly of me," She quipped.

"Madeline was Donna's mother's middle name."

"I'm sure it is. How are things at the White House?"

"They're…fine. The President has three daughters living under the same roof now, so that's interesting."

"And two sons, if what I read is correct."

"They're just taking care of Charlie and Logan because their parents can't."

"Can't or won't?"

"Charlie's mother passed away last week. She was the DC police officer killed in the line of duty on Thanksgiving."

"Oh, that is a shame. I heard the oldest kid Liz moved in with Toby."

"She did. They're planning on getting married next year."

"How nice for them."

"Look, Mandy, if you don't mind, my little girl and I have a date at the park."

"Yeah, okay," Mandy said. "It was nice to see you again, Josh."

"You too, Mandy."

Mandy continued on her way, and Josh continued on his. Mandy was his past, he reminded himself as she pushed his daughter's stroller along. It was time for them both to move on.

Ainsley got home early on Friday and was grateful for the opportunity to get some errands done that she had been putting off for most of the week. She just popped something in the oven for dinner when Sam came home.

"Hey Sam," She said.

"Hi," He replied, giving her a kiss. "How was your day?"

"Productive. Yours?"

"Busy. CJ, Leo, Toby, and I spent this whole week covering for the President so he could be with Charlie. His mother's funeral was today."

"That poor boy."

"Yeah, I know."

"What's gonna happen to him?"

"Well, Lt. Young actually requested that he stay with the Bartlets."

"Really? That's a done deal? Is his father not seeking custody?"

"I don't know. He could try, but he won't have a case."

"You know how the courts can be," Ainsley said. "The father could have a case."

"For Charlie's sake, I hope he doesn't. The girls are already so attached to him and I'm sure he feels the same way."

"I hope it works out too. Listen, I was hoping we could talk about something that came up today."

"Sure thing. What is it?"

"Joey Lyman approached me today. She wants me to help her run her gym."

Sam's head snapped up. "Really?"

"Yeah. Joey had originally planned to open her gym with another coach she knew. But she ended up backing out and Joey opened it on her own. She's been coaching boys for most of her career because that's where her opportunity came up. But since Alex came to the gym, Joey's considering adding an elite girls group. So she wants to know if I would be interested."

"Are you?"

"I'm thinking about it. If it works out, it wouldn't be just a job. I'd be a part owner."

"What about your job now?"

"That's the thing."

"You would quit working in private practice?"

"I mean, I'm thinking about it."

"Why?"

"I'm burned out, Sam."

"Burned out? You just started there six months ago."

"I know," Ainsley said. "It's not the White House. But I honestly don't know if the law is really where I want to spend my time. I loved gymnastics. Those last few years in elite were hard, but seeing everything that Joey's done…it's inspiring. And she thinks both Logan and Alex have a good chance at long careers if they're trained and managed right. On the business side, Joey wants to make sure she's hiring a solid coaching staff and developing a good program."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Well, I should think about it some more. But I really want to do it."

Sam took her hand. "I think you should do whatever you want, whatever will make you happy. And I will support you."

"You mean that?" Ainsley asked quietly.

"Of course I do."

"I'll talk to Joey tomorrow and find out what the process is going to be like."

"Ok," Sam smiled. "I guess this means more gymnastics meets are in my future."

"Possibly," Ainsley smiled. "But look at it this way, at least you could spend quality time with Josh."

"The only reason he knows anything about gymnastics is because his adopted sister is one of the best in the business. But it'll be fun to learn together."

Ainsley smiled. "I'm sure it will."

Abbey came up to Jed and offered him a small plate of food and something to drink just after he excused himself from a group of officers.

"I thought you would never get out of that conversation," She said, leading him to a small table.

"It was worth it. The department is going to feel Michelle's loss for a long time. How's Charlie?" He asked, taking a seat.

"He's with his grandparents. One of the girls has stayed with him the entire time," Abbey said with a sad smile. "Juanita actually said she didn't think they'd let him go to Atlanta even if they wanted him there."

"By the way, Donna called. She said she really wanted to come, but she was really tired and didn't have anything to wear."

"Speaking from personal experience, I don't blame Donna one bit. I'm glad Josh was here."

"Me, too."

"You ok?" Abbey asked.

"Yeah. This whole thing has got me thinking."

"About your sister?"

"Life is too short, Abigail," He sighed. "We have a great-niece and there hasn't even been time to meet her."

"You will, Jed."

"And I also feel bad about the lying. Our niece has been working for us for two years and she doesn't even know we're family."

"You know that was Daniel's wish."

Jed sighed. "We need to tell her, Abbey. I don't care what Daniel wanted-the person he's really worried about knowing is dead and has been for ten years. We need to tell Donna the truth."

"When things settle down with Charlie, let's invite her for a visit."

Jed nodded, "We'll tell her then."

"One step at a time, honey. You know Josh and Donna are new at this."

"All the more reason to help them. It'll be nice having a baby around again."

"Yes it will…our babies are grown up."

"Who's fault is that?"

"Keep talking handsome…You can sleep on the couch tonight," She bantered back.

"Abbey we have two future sons-in-law and one can't even vote yet."

Abbey smiled. "That's the first time I've heard you refer to Logan that way."

"Well…"

Just then, they were interrupted by the Secret Service barging in the room. "Sir, we need to secure you and the First Lady."

"What the-"

"Now!"

Learn how we decided to pair Josh and Donna together in our latest blog post twwyoursmineours dot com!