Disclaimer:

I own nothing related to West Wing, Hamilton(The Best of Wives and the Best of Women), and ABBA (ake a chance on me).

Note: This takes place in the context of Isaac and Ishmael but before Bad Moon Rising.

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Sam's POV

"Why?" C.J. challenged before she glanced at Josh. "And before I forget, you, my friend owe me $100."

Sam fiddled with the sugar packets. " 'Cause... she's a Republican, an' I'm a Democrat. We'd fight all the time.' His eyelids flickered.

"HA!" Abbey snorted. "Jed and I are Democrats, an' we still argue 'bout everything- including politics. Try again."

Sam aimed a sugar packet towards the trash can. "Because... I'm not meant for a relationship."

'"Why?" Donna propped her chin on her hand. *PLII-aaapp.* A sugar packet landed in the trash can.

Sam averted his red eyes. "My parents... who I thought were happy … my dad has been cheating on my mom for 28 years. … It was all just … a big lie."

Abbey leaned against the window in her seat. "So you've decided that you don't get to be happy because your dad's a jackass?"

"I mean….. yeah." Sam gave a half shrug of his shoulders.

"How noble of you." Abbey sassed.

"I love her, so I gotta do what's best for her." Sam chewed his bottom lip.

"Well if that isn't the biggest pile of bushwa I've ever smelled." Six pairs of shocked eyes turned to Mrs. Landingham. "Look, Sam. Tell her how you feel, don't tell her how you feel. It's entirely up to you." Mrs. Landingham looked him in the eye.

"You're right, it is up to me." Sam clasped his hands together as he rested his forearms on his knees. "And, considering that it's up to me, how can I knowingly risk hurting Ainsley in good conscience? Doesn't loving someone mean you do what's best for them, even at your own expense?"

"Who are you to make that choice?" C.J wrinkled her nose and knitted her eyebrows together.

"I'm trying to do the right thing!" Sam shouted.

Mrs. Landingham squared her shoulders. "Sam, you've got one life to live, so don't let your fragrant man swine of a father screw it up for you."

"Now if you really don't want to be with Ainsley because you don't have feelings for her, I respect that." Mrs. Landingham stood up. "But if you're running from this like a little boy because you're scared that it might be hard or you might screw up, then God, Sam, I don't even wanna know you."

"But-" Sam folded his lips inward.

Charlie entered the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but the Secret Service Agents dispatched to retrieve all White House employees from Boston just confirmed that they are on their way back with Ainsley. They'll be here in a few hours." He turned to Sam. "Sam, you should go see her."

Sam looked up. "Is it really that obvious?"

Charlie rested one hand on the doorway. "Yea, Sam. It really is. Go get 'er."

"I swear to God, Sam. You have no idea how lucky you are. Some people have real obstacles that prevent them from being with the person they love." C.J. held out her hand to Josh. "And you still owe me 100."

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Sam's POV

The pavement shined like silver as the rain pelted Sam down to his tan skin on her porch stoop as he thanked God that she was safe. 'Ainsley, I… I love you. 'Ainsley, I love you?' That's all I can come up with? I'm the White House Deputy Communications Director, for cryin' out loud! If I can't do better than that, then I need to find a different job.' Sam's mind raced when three black SUVs pulled up.

She stepped out of the car and locked eyes with Sam. They stepped towards each other. "Hi." Ainsley whispered.

Sam stepped closer. "Hi. … I …. I don't know how to say this … so bear with me. … I thought….. the terrorist attack…... I almost… I almost lost you today, Ainsley." He stumbled. "You see, ever since you kicked my ass on Capital Beat, you changed my life forever. At first, I didn't quite know what to make of it at first, but almost losing you today made me realize that I have to tell you how I feel. I was scared shitless today, because a world without you is like a world without the sun. Or at least my world would have no sun… I'm babbling, I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Ainsley assured him.

"What I'm tryin' to say is that if I lost you, then I would've missed my chance to be with you. And I don't know what I'd do, because I'm in love with you."

"Well good, because I'm in love with you too, Seaborn." Ainsley wrapped her arms around his neck and he cupped her delicate cheek with one hand with the other wrapped around her waist as their lips ignited in a passionate kiss.

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What are your thoughts on the opener to this new installment?

Is it what you expected?