FOUR MONTHS LATER:
Danny paced between the foot of the bed and the headboard. C.J. sat on the bed with newspapers strung around her.
"Danny... She tried to calm him as he held the book section of The New York Times hands and began to read quotes
"Although the once decorated journalist..."
"Danny... She took her reading glasses off her head and threw them on the bed.
"....makes some valid points one only feels he is holding back giving us the sugar coated surface of rehashed information we already now...
"Danny! She yelled stepping off the bed. He put his finger up to her for him to continue exasperated by him C.J. let out a load breath and sat up from the bed walking away from him.
"....Although, some of his commentary is bitting one wonders if he skipping over the more interesting moments, including one the reader keeps waiting for him to reveal, the sparking of his currently relationship with Barlet Administration Press Secretary C.J. Cregg and the rumor that during her stay in the white house they were more than friends... He looked up at her. AThat stuff is private and they know that...."
"Are you surprised. They just want all the titillating information. Your book was well balanced. It as the truth! Don't some Jackie Collin's Novel... C.J. thought she finally made him calm down. Danny want back to the paper
"Oh, but this one's my favorite. Danny began to read again seeming to skip ahead. C.J couldn't take it anymore A One only wishes he would have just string together his old filed stories. Stories he wrote before he became Mr. C.J. Cregg. He looked up, not looking at C.J. and end the last part. "Mr. C.J Cregg."
"Danny! Its just a review. Since when do you care about...."
"It's the Times. He said shaking the paper at her."
"It's one paper!"
"It's The Times.. He shock the paper and threw it on the bed. AAnd The Post.. He pointed toward the papers on the bed. AAnd the....My own paper, C.J!. My own paper! He was harping on his review in The Washington Post. "
"Your forgetting what all or almost all theses papers are saying...it's a great book, Danny, stop harping on the bad stuff. This one just happens to be.."
"But, they question my ethics C.J! My ethics!"
"Welcome to the club. She said dryly.
"What's that supposed to mean.."
"I think you now what it means..."
"No, clarify for me. I forgot my C.J. to English dictionary in the other room..."
"It's means I think this is a little bit of a double standard here, Danny! All those years you were pursuing me you told me it didn't bother you, that I should lighten up...You didn't seem to have a problem with the repercussions then.."
"Hey, don't put this all on me. I'm not the only one in this relationship here.."
"And your not the only one who=s had their ethics questions..!"
"What are you saying!"
"I'm saying grow up Danny!"
"You think I should grow up..."
"Yes, Danny! Grow up! He walked away from her and took his wallet off the night stand. "Take some responsibility for your actions! I have."
"My actions. I can't believe your putting this all on me.."
"I am not putting this all on you...!"
"You're calling me a hypocrite!"
"If the shoe fits!" She said with a slow stir.
"Oh, that's original. He walked into the living room and grabbed his coat. "I'm going to for a walk!
"Fine!"
"Fine!" C.J. yelled back
---
Much later that night Danny came home to a dark apartment. He walked into the bed room and saw C.J. asleep on the bed. Still in the same clothes she had been wearing when he left her that morning. Usually he wouldn't want to walk her, but he was compelled to at this moment. He turned on the light next to the bed and sat on the edge of it. Unlike that first night he found herself C.J. had nestled herself on the left side of the bed and not sprawled herself in the center of it
"C.J." He whispered trying to rouse her delicately. "C.J." He said again placing his hands on her arms. C.J. opened her eyes to see Danny in front her.
"Hey." She said dreamily.
"Hey.." he smiled back at her. C.J. mood changed drastically as she found herself awake.
"Don't ever do that again!" She said hitting his on the cheat.
"Oww.."
"You had me worried sick. I was going to call the police. Or worse Josh."
"Josh?"
"He borrowed my car."
"The mustang?"Surprised she would do such a thing.
"Long story..."
"Have you been playing poker with out me.."
"Where were you..?!" She demanded.
"I was out walking.. " He paused feeling very stupid of his actions. "I'm sorry C.J.?"
"No, no. I'm sorry too. She said adjusting herself higher on the bed so that she was sitting. "I should have said what I said.. It was out of line."
"No, it was the truth. You needed to say it." She sat up.
"Come with me to the living room." He offered her his hand.
"What?"
"Come into the living room." He looked so calm and sincere. C.J. just knew she had to follow him. She adjusted her eyes and walked into the living room with Danny. He turned on a smaller light next to the couch and motioned for her to sit down.
"You're right. I was insensitive to what you had to give up for me. For the flack you had to take. I should have been more consideration of that. I know that now.."
"You were upset.."
"No, let me finish." He said sweetly with a mission.
"Ok?" She could see he had a something important to say. He took her hand.
"While I was walking I kept hearing what you said to me in my head, "Take responsibility for your actions" so.. "He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a ring box.
"Danny.. She said almost silently. He opened the box showing her the single cut diamond engagement band. Understated and classic it fit the couple perfectly. "It's beautiful.."
"It's not official with out a ring, He said as if he was quoting someone. And then he leaned down off the couch onto one knee.
"Danny, you already propose to me, you don't have to...
"But I didn't do it right.."
"Claudia Jean Cregg.. "Danny spoke and C.J. started to cry,
"Danny.."
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes", She spoke though her smile. Danny slipped the ring on her finger and sat back on the couch taking her hand. AWait.. She pulled back standing up. "I don't want this to be because we had a fight.."
"It's not."
"I don't want you to think you have to buy me jewelry when ever we have a fight, I mean don't get me wrong, it's nice. I mean if you want to buy me jewelry for no reason what so ever... I mean no.. "Danny laughed at C.J. stopping herself.
"It's not." He said standing up to her level and tanking her hand. A...I want us to get married C.J.
"We will."
"No. I mean now.."
"Now!"
"Well, not now. I mean we have to get blood tests and what ever else you need to do when you get married?"
"...we need a licence..."
"Yeah a licence.. " He paused. "I love you C.J. and your right, it doesn't matter." He pulled her closer. "Let's just go down to City Hall and get married. Just do it. I want to be married to you C.J. I just want to love you and forget about the rest. What do you say?" C.J took a moment and looked him in the eyes.
"Ok." Danny smiled and gave her a hug. "But, city hall. I'm not flying to Vegas or driving to Atlantic City and being married by some Elvis impersonator."
"Deal."
---
C.J. had plenty of time, but was still behind in her schedule for her departure. She picked a dangling pearl earing off the dresser and placed it in her left ear. They were her mother's and it was her stab at something old. As she placed the other earing in her right ear the phone rang. She ran over to it as she made sure the earing was in place.
"Yeah... She said answering the phone. It was Danny "I'm on my way..
"Ok, I'll meet you out front.. He said adjusting the phone on his shoulder. "I'm almost done here.
"Ok." C.J looked at herself in the mirror. She had decided on an off white, almost yellow dress suit, casual yet dressy.
"I thought we'd grab something to eat first."
"Ok".
"Nervous?"
"No." She laughed.
"Didn't think so."
"You.?"
"Me, I've been waiting for this longer than you. I'm beyond that.. "
Good-bye Danny.. She smiled slyly.
"See ya." He said with his voice rasing. He hung up.
C.J. hung up the phone and turned her body around noticing that her shoes were not where she thought they were. C.J. frantically looked under the bed finding only one shoe. This was a predicament. The phone rang again.
"So what are you wearing..?" Danny said on the other end.
"Danny, I'm running late.."
"Cause when I Imagine you on my way over I want to know what I'll be taking off you.."
"Danny.."
"Of course what=s under it too. I like to have a vivid Imagination.."
"Good-bye Danny!" She hung up the phone.
"Ah!" She yelled as she found the other shoe and put it on her left foot The phone rang again and as C.J. answered the phone she hopped on one foot placing the right shoe on it's matching limb. "An off white Donna Karen suit, my Jimmy Choo shoes, and a matching white lace slip with thigh high stockings.. . "She said into the phone assuming it was Danny.
"C.J.?" It was President Bartlet's voice.
"Mr. President!" She yelled surprised and embarrassed dropping the phone. AOww She yelled as it hit the floor almost hitting her feet. She quickly knelt down and grabbed the phone.
"Mr. President.. ?" She said as she hoped he was still there.
"C..J?"
"I'm so sorry, I thought you were Danny."
"It's alright? Are you excepting a phone call?"
"No, Sir?"
"Still can't get over this whole Sir business can we C.J."
"Trying everyday, Sir." She took a breath.
"Alright. " He decided to end that conversation. "C.J. how's Danny?"
"Very well.. Thank you"
"Tell him not to bother with those's reviews. It's a great book. Even I didn't like everything he said about me. Which means it must be the truth." He joked.
"Yes, Sir. I'll tell him." C.J. picked at her stockings and checked the time.
"Listen, Sir. I'm sorry to cut this conversation short, but really have to get..."
".....I thought he did a very well balanced job. You tell him that.."
"Yes, Sir..." C.J. took the her suit jacket and put it on as she continued to talk to Jed.
"C.J.....your voice sounds hurried. Are you on your way some where..?"
"Yes, Sir.... " She said remembering in her voice she had already told him that. "And I'm actually about five minutes into being really late.-"
"Oh, tell them you were talking to The President, they're understand.." He joked. Or was he really joking?
"I really don't think so, Sir.."
"In fact cancel it..I'm calling because Abbey and I were called to town unexpectedly, in fact I'll be touching down in an hour. I'd like us to have lunch. Leo too. He's tagging along."
"I really can't, Sir, but thank you." She looked around and silently spoke to herself. "Keys? Keys?"
"Come one C.J how often are we in town. I want to see you.."
"Today really isn't really a good day, Sir... " She was trying to hide it. Danny and C.J had decided to not tell anyone. Not even Josh and Toby, or any of their friends still in town. They wanted it to be private. C.J. hadn't even told her brother=s and their family. They were doing it at City Hall because they wanted their wedding to be just about them. Just get it over and be done with it sort of thing.
"It can't be that important..cancel it.."
"I really can't Sir.."
"We'll be in by three thirty and I'm not talking no for an answer.."
"Three thirty? That's really a bad time, Sir.." She knew she shouldn't tell him, but felt it was the only way to him off her back and her out the door.
"What's so important C.J? What could you be doing that's so important that you can' cancel to see me?"
"Well, Sir, I can't have lunch with you....'cause..at three O'clock today."
She took a pause, "I'm kind of getting married.. " C.J. cringed as she waited for the response.
"You're getting married?" He questioned. "Does Danny know about this?" He said in his fun sarcastic tone.
"Yes, he does. He's the one I'm marrying.." She said humoring him
"Oh, I see. " He paused. "Does anyone else know about this, or ....?"
"No, Sir. You're the first. It's a kind of a spur of the moment kind of thing.."
"Good. I don't feel so bad..."
"We just decided sort of... decided it the night before... " She tried to assure him.
"I understand.."
"Really, even our families don't know..."
"No, C.J... I'm not offended. I understand. .." He paused. "Let me just ask you this? Who's giving you away.."
"Giving me away?"
"Giving you away? Speaking up for you? You have to have someone give you away.."
"Give me away?" She laughed. "I never thought about that..I mean with my father.. " She paused. "I guess I never thought about that. " She laughed at herself keeping her thoughts on track and away from her father. C.J. began to reach under her dresser looking for her keys not relazing her train of thought. "Of course if we're really talking about..."givin" myself away I guess that ship's already sailed on that one. .. a long time......"
"C.J. I think we just crossed the line into too much information..."
"Sorry, Sir.-- Got a little carried away.." C.J. felt quite embarrassed. Still no keys.
"Understandable. "There was a pause.
"Sir..."
"Yes, of course." He seemed sadden. "Well, congratulations. C.J. " He said mustering up the enthusiasm he really did mean. "My love to Danny."
"Thank you Sir. Good bye. " C.J pushed the off button the phone and placed her hand in her pocket. She found her keys.
"Ahh. " C.J. yelled at her lateness. She grabbed the her purse and was out the door.
C.J. of course was late and with her apparent nervousness made her a big ball of energy. Danny being the cool and calm one, most of the time, calmed her down right away. Danny wore a nice suit with an equally nice tie.
"I like the choice.. " She said played with his tie.
"Well, it is my lucky tie.."
"Lucky tie?"
"I was wearing it the day I met you.."
"Danny? How can you remember that.?"
"I do. I also know that in the last ten years you've gone through about seven hair style changes.."
"Danny.."
"Why... I don't know? I mean your hair looks great anyway. Why keep changing it..."
"A girl needs a little variety." She smirked
"I remember you smelled like tea and channel when I kissed you for the first time." He pushed her hair away from her face. "And that you took my hand. " He took her hands. "I remember everything about you.. And my memory is long C.J. Cregg. Very long. "He smiled and took her hand. "You ready for this?
"As much as I'll ever be." She squeezed his hands. Danny let C.J into the Hall, which for some reason was not as busy as it use to be, but still filled with half as many people. She looked around all of a sudden feeling very aware of her surroundings. She passed people and people and was sure she saw a man with a ear piece in his ear. "Nay,..." She said to herself. Too many years of being around them she was seeing things. Or something important was in the building. It was Washington. She was right about that.
Danny and C.J. made it to, AThe room where people went to get married. as C.J. called it. They turned the corner and walked toward the door they had been directed too to see a women with her back to them. She turned to reveal it was Abbey Barlet smiling and holding her hands together in front of her.
"Mrs. Barlet!?" Danny was in shock.
"What are you doing here?" C.J. asked.
"Well, don't the two of you look nice.. She said before answering C.J. question. "You don't think Jed would let one of his most trusted staff members get married alone." Danny turned to C.J.
"How does the President now were getting married?" Danny said facing her privately.
"I may have told him.." She confessed.
"C.J?"
"He called me after I talked to you. He kept asking me to lunch I had to say something."
The President opened the double doors at the same time to reveal Danny and C.J to him. Abbey turned to him as did Danny and C.J.
"Oh wonderful" He said looking at them and then his wife. "They[re here."
"Come, Come.." He called the couple.
"Mr. President...." Danny spoke trying to put his foot down.
"That means you have to come here... " The President defined his words for them.
Danny looked at C.J. and took her hand. They walked into the court room. C.J. smiled at the sweet thing he had done or what he had apparently had done. .The room had been decorated with from row to row with flowers and white tool including an open canopy where the judge would stand. Danny and C.J.'s mouth's were open.
"Pretty snazzy." Leo spoke from the behind Jed.
"Leo!?" C.J. blurted out.
"Congratulations Danny." Leo shook Danny's hand. " C.J." He said giving her a hug. C.J. was confused.
"Really, Sir. We don't need all this done..,,How did you do all this done... " Danny looked around frustrated.
"I'm not the Ex leader of the Free world for nothin'." He joked back.
"Hey, Hey.. " Josh entered from behind followed by Donna. "I'm here. I'm here."
"Oh, this is so sweet.." Donna said holding a tissue and welling up a little.
"Donna, the wedding hasn't even started yet..."
"I can't help myself. Its just so..." She gave Danny and C.J. impromptu hugs. Hugging C.J. longer than was comfortable. It was all so fast and the next thing she knew the room was filled with, Charlie, Ginger, Bonnie, Carol, Will, Sam, and Toby with his two children.
"Ok, when's this thing starting.. " Toby said with no real emotion "Congratulations." He said giving Danny a hand shake and C.J. a kiss on the cheek. "You know I mean that. " He said with a smile has he looked into C.J's eyes. C.J. was starting to enjoy the moment. Danny, not so much as all the people from C.J.'s past from the white house came out of ever nock and cranny. Danny looked over the group with amazement. Josh gave Danny a huge.
"Man, this is so amazing! Josh gave Danny another bear hug. He was real jazzed. "Toby where's the cigars!" He yelled over to him
"In the car.. " Toby yelled back,
"Well go get them!" Josh yelled back
"They]re for later.. " Toby trailed off as Josh walked over to him to debate the issue. It was too overwhelming for Danny.
"Mr. President. Really this is very nice. But C.J. And I..."
"Yes, Danny.. " Jed turned to him
"We had plans..that's all. He stood up to Jed as much as he could.
"Yes. C.J. took his hand wanting to appear as a reunited front. AIt=s really very nice, but.. The President put his arm around C.J. interrupting her and doing the same to Danny made them walk down the aisle away from the crowd.
"Danny, C.J. Mrs. Barlet and I have put a lot of time and energy in a very small amount of time to put this together for you... And all your friends have come by on short notice, some of them leaving their jobs, with very important people I might add. All to support you. So you two will get married, I will be giving the bride away, and then afterward you will join us to celebrate at a very expensive hotel...where I have rented out their best room.. And There I will consume a large amount of alcohol and retire upstairs to make love to my wife. " He turned to C.J. "That last part was just a little too much information, but were just call that payback for your little confession on the phone this afternoon."
"Yes, Sir. " She said softly.
"And as a thank you, I'm just going to look past the fact that even though both of you are Catholic your're bypassing being married by a priest for this. " He motioned to the room and than paused for one last comment. "But, I do have the Arch Diocese on speed dial if you two change you mind.. " He smirked and walked away. "Ok, people let's get this going." He clapped his hands together. "Donna, Bonnie, Ginger, Carol-- You're the bridesmaids, little Molly you can be the flower girl.." As he listed off everyone's job. Leo came up to the couple.
"Humor him, it makes him feel like he's in charge again.." Leo patted Danny on the back and walked away. Danny noticed the large grin on C.J.'s face as she watched the goings on.
"You like this don't you?
"I do." She confessed. "I'm sorry Danny." She smiled from ear to ear.
"It's ok. " He smiled back. "I don't care where we are or who we're with." He paused and looked her in the eye. "I just want to be married to you. " C.J. smiled and Danny kissed her.
Leo had made himself to the front, or to back of the room by the doors when Margaret entered holding a small purse.
"Did I miss anything. " She said hurried.
"No." Leo said smiling, but not looking at her, enjoying his friend Jed pontificate in front of him.
"Because of I was late, it would be really bad...
"You're not late!
" wouldn't want to be late, because then I could miss the whole thing or at least the good stuff... Once I was late to the theater and they wouldn't let me take my seat until after the first scene and then I had no idea what was going on...I mean those signs Ayou will be seated at the discretion of the management. "I mean they're not kidding..."
"Margaret! He yelled.
"Sorry." She lowered her head. "I just would hate to be late. " She said in a lower pitched voice. Leo lowered his head at her antic.
"I call best man!" Josh yelled.
"You can;t just call it?" Sam asked. "Its not the front seat on a road trip."
"Well, I call it. I've known him longer." Josh said in his cocky voice.
"Don't look at me. I hardly know the guy. " Will blurted from behind.
"But that's not fair." Sam continued. :I mean what if Leo wanted to be the best man?"
"I don't care. " Leo waved them off.
"Oh. Well still... " Sam was really looking for an agreement. "Or Toby.. " Toby heard his name as he passed behind following Huck around.
"I really could care less." He said. Finally the president came over to Josh and Sam.
"And Josh, you should be the best man.."
"Yes!" Josh pulled his arm back in a winning gesture.
"...Since you've known Danny the longest"
"Sir... "Sam chimed in.
"Well he has.. " Jed responded.
"Sore looser! " Josh said to him like they were teasing brothers.
"Sir.. ?" Sam confronted Jed.
"Yes, Sam.." He said with sarcasm in his voce.
"I really... " Sam tried to make his case.
"Ok, Sam, " Jed put his hand up to stop him. "I'll make you first runner up. If Josh is unable to fulfill his duties as Best man, then and only then will you become the Best man."
:Well, I suppose...that's only fair.." Sam felt stupid but it sill meant a lot.
"Ok, places!" He yelled before turned to C.J and putting out his hand. "Claudia Jean?"
She kissed Danny and walked away giving him a last smirk. Danny put his hands in his pocket and gave her that amazed look. Everyone took their seats and their positions leaving Sam feeling like he had nothing much to do.
"I'll just stay here." He paused. "With nothing to do..." As he said his final thoughts he turned around to see Mallory walk into the room. Sam noticed how amazing she looked right away.
"Did I miss anything?" She asked him not looking at him as if she was just asking the room, but was really asking him.
"No, you're right on time. " He said to her."I didn't know you we're going to be here?"
"Myather called me. I just got out of class, so I decided to stop by. She smiled at him with that look that made Sam unsure if she was flirting or leading him on.
"I see. " He said looking at her. "I'll show you to your seat. He said. He showed her to her seat.
The wedding was just what the two wanted. Understated. The president walked C.J down the aisle where Josh and Danny stood. Danny and Josh beaming proudly, but no one more than Danny has he truly felt he was getting his prize.
"So guess we're not having a bachelor party huh?" Josh asked Danny as C.J walked down the aisle.
"No." Danny never took his eyes off C.J.
"Sure?"
"Pretty much." Danny was sure.
"Could I have my own and call it yours?"
"Go hog wild."
"Cool"
They made it to front and Danny took C.J's hand. Donna cried and Josh rolled his eyes Even Danny and C.J themselves had a few tears in their eyes. The President took his seat next to his equally tear eyed wife and took her hand. As they spoke vows they each had written for themselves, everyone was heart stricken to hear what the two had to say together. And in that moment they were truly alone. Speaking their love for only each other
After the party Danny took C.J. up to a suite The President had reserved for them. He kissed her gently and after a few attempts, and thanks to an old knee, decided not to carry her over the threshold. It was the thought that counted after all.
"Hello Mrs. Cregg hyphenated Conconnan." C.J laughed at his humor. "You know I wasn't serious, you don't have to take my name if you don't want to." He said seriously.
"I know Danny. " She smiled.
"I don't want to pressure you in that. I don't care. It's not important to me. Your what's important to me. "
She smiled.
"I thought I'd just use it on credit cards and drivers licences, you know my very own secret identity. "Danny smiled. "Maybe I'll rob a bank. " He kissed her
And that night Ex-President Barlet was not the only one to get lucky.
THE END
(look for part two soon)