Part 10
See disclaimers in Part 1.
"Margaret," Leo calls to her from the couch.
"Yeah," she answers, as she walks into the living room. She's already changed her clothes and has her skimpy silky pajamas on.
"Does that sunken tub have jets," he asks, motioning towards the master bathroom.
"Yes."
"Well," he shifts uncomfortably on the couch. "I think I'm gonna get in it and soak for a while."
"Leo is your hip still bothering you?"
"Yeah, a little."
"So the other night when you said you were going to get into the hot tub, was that because of your hip?"
"Yeah," he answers, thinking that he might be getting a lecture from her.
"Okay, I'll go start the water."
Leo gets up off the couch, goes to the bedroom, takes his clothes off, gets on his robe, and walks into the bathroom. He moves over behind Margaret and pulls her into his arms, "Thanks."
"You're welcome," she says, as she turns in his arms.
They stand like this for a few minutes, waiting for the tub to fill.
"Leo, the tub is full," she tells him.
"Already," he sighs, as he reluctantly pulls from her arms, drops his robe and slowly eases himself into the tub.
Margaret turns on the jets for him, "Is it too hot?"
"Nah, it's fine."
Margaret turns to leave.
"Why don't ya stay here and keep me company,' he says, as he reaches for her hand.
"I really should start working on getting your speech typed up," she tells him.
"Can't that wait until tomorrow?"
"I guess, but you won't have time to make fourteen revisions that way, so are you sure?" She laughs.
"Margaret," he grumbles, lying back in the tub.
"Well it's true."
"Maybe," he shyly admits. "I just like to get things right."
"I know you do, but Leo this is just a speech to FEW, not Congress, okay?"
"I bet the majority of these women are smarter than most members of Congress," he smirks.
"Well, you might have a point there." Margaret sits down on the tub and puts a hand on Leo's shoulder. "Is the hot water helping any?"
"Yeah, I feel much better already."
Margaret positions herself behind him, on the edge of the tub and starts to rub his shoulders.
"Mmm... that feels so good," he moans. "Why haven't you offered to do this for me before at work?" He grins.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I have thought about it before, and even more than a few times in the past couple of years."
"Thought about it or... fantasized about it?" He asks, in a low soft voice.
Margaret's face turns red, "A little of both, I guess," she admits shyly.
"Me too," he informs her, with a smile.
"Really," she says in a surprised voice. "You've fantasized about... us?"
"Yeah," he breathes out.
Margaret stops massaging his shoulders and slides around the side of the tub to face Leo. "So what kind of fantasies have you had about me, at work?"
"Margaret," he growls. Leo's ears have a slight red tinge to them now. "I really don't want to talk about them."
"Oh, so there's more than one," she teases.
Leo nods his head. He's never talked with anyone about his fantasies before. Jenny was never very adventurous sexually and thought such things were morally wrong. She never seemed comfortable with her sexuality. Sure they had sex, and it was good for a while. It wasn't as natural for Jenny, as it is with Margaret.
Margaret leans over and whispers in his ear, "Oh really now. Why don't you tell me about one of them?" She coos into his ear, causing him to shiver.
"Margaret, I've... never umm... talked about anything like this with anyone before," he sheepishly admits.
"Leo, it's okay. We don't have to, if it bothers you or makes you uncomfortable," she reassures him.
"No it's not that... it's just well... I'm not sure how to go about it," Leo looks up at her. He trusts her completely but this is new territory for him.
"How about if I start off by asking you something about one of them," she suggests.
"Okay."
"Did you have any of these fantasies at work?"
Leo nods his head.
"Did any of them occur after talking to me on the phone?"
"Yeah," Leo nods his head again as he softly answers.
"Did any of them involve this tub," she whispers into his ear. She hopes that they did, cause she has fantasized plenty about the two of them in the tub together.
"Oh yeah," he breathes out.
"You know, I believe I've mentioned before that this tub could hold like... four people."
"I do seem to recall you saying that," he agrees, with a smile, starting to get more comfortable with their sensual conversation.
"Then, two should be rather comfortable in there, don't you think?" Margaret asks, standing and starting to unbutton her pajama top. Leo's eyes intently watch her fingers undo each button. "Well, my back is bothering me a little bit, maybe I could join you in there," she informs him.
"I wish you would," he murmurs.
Margaret continues on and slides her silky pajama shorts off. She peeks into the water in the tub and grins at the effect this conversation is having on Leo. She slowly sits on the edge of the tub and leans over to kiss Leo. He takes her face in his hands and pulls her closer. They explore each other's mouths with an enthusiastic fury.
Leo hands leave her face and travel over her body causing her extreme pleasure, as she moans into his mouth. He takes hold of her arms and pulls her slowly into the tub, causing the water to overflow and go everywhere on the ceramic floor.
"Leo, I'm gonna hurt you," she says, after she winds up in his lap.
"Shh..." he says. "I'm fine. Besides you are even lighter in the water."
"Are you sure?"
"Oh yeah, this is more than fine," he says as his hands wander again.
"Mmm...okay," she barely gets out as he pulls her closer to him.
Leo whispers the details of his most recent fantasy into her ear.
"Oh, I think I can arrange that," she says, as she moves her position.
"Great," he says as he lets her take control of the situation.
"What are assistants for?" She coos as she moves over him and takes him to new heights.
"Margaret," he moans, as he enjoys what she's doing to him.
Several minutes later, Margaret and Leo are sitting side by side in the tub. "You've got quite a mess to clean up on the floor?" Leo tells her, stroking her arm.
"Me, you're the one who had the great idea to pull me in. I think you should be the one to soak up all the water," she laughs.
"Margaret, my hip," he says as he tries to play the sympathy card.
"Well it didn't seem to be bothering you a few minutes ago," she points out with a smirk.
"Well that because you made me forget all about it," he grins.
Leo spends most of Saturday morning just relaxing and lying on the bed next to Margaret, watching her type his speech into her laptop. Margaret is pleasantly surprised that he only revises it twice. Margaret goes down to the office center in the hotel and prints out his speech. When she gets back, they enjoy a late lunch on the balcony. After lunch, they remain on the balcony, just holding hands in silence and enjoying the sights and sounds from the Delta Island below. After a half an hour or so of quiet solitude, the hand holding turns to kissing and caressing, and they soon abandon the balcony for the seclusion of their bedroom.
Leo wakes to find Margaret staring at him, "Hey," he smiles.
"We both fell asleep again," she informs him.
"I figured."
"I should get up and shower," she says, running her hand down his arm.
"What time is it?"
"It's a little after three. We have to be there at five thirty," she tells him, anticipation his next question.
"Okay, I'll shower after you're done," he leans in kissing her.
"Okay, I won't be long," she says, getting off the bed and heading for the bathroom.
Leo waits until he hears Margaret turn on the water in the shower, then he gets out of bed, throws on his boxers and heads for the couch. He needs to makes some quick additions to the end of his speech. He's already made some notes, but he needs to transfer them onto the printout that Margaret did for him earlier today, and he's also thought of something else that he wants to add. Time passes quickly, without him realizing it and he's still busy writing when Margaret, wrapped only in a towel, steps into the living room area.
Margaret notices Leo scrawling some notes at the end of his speech, "Do I need to get my laptop back out and make some more changes for you? I have time to get it printed out before we need to go," she says, as she sits down next to him on the couch, nosily leaning over trying to look at what he's writing.
"Nah, just making some additions to my closing comments. No reason for ya to go to any trouble," he quickly points out, as he holds the papers against his chest. "Hey, you're still wet," he complains, as water drips on his bare leg.
"Sorry," she breathes into his ear.
"Somehow... I don't think you're too sincere," he laughs, as she lets her wet hair drag across his bare chest. "Stop that," he murmurs, as a chill runs though his body.
"You liked it when I did this earlier," she reminds him, looking at him with innocent eyes.
"Yeah, but your hair wasn't wet," he says, as he tugs on the corner of her towel, causing it to come undone.
"Leo, you're insatiable," she laughs, as she tries to escape his advances. "We don't have time. Besides, you still need to shower and I need to finish getting ready," she points out to him, grabbing a hold of her towel and wrapping in back around herself as she gets up off the couch.
"Hey, you're the one who started this," he reminds her, dropping his papers face down on the couch, as he follows her and pulls her into his arms. "Besides, you could always join me in my shower," he whispers into her neck, as her effect on him is starting to become very apparent against her thigh.
"I just showered," she points out.
"Don't ya think ya could have missed a couple of spots maybe?" His voice goes low as his hands start to explore her body, and he releases her towel and it slips to the floor.
"Well..." she hesitates, taking a few seconds to enjoy his persuasive measures, "you are the boss."
"Damn straight," he agrees.
"Leo, what have I said about your cussing," she laughs, as he guides her towards the bathroom.
"Margaret," he mockingly growls, as he stops in the bathroom doorway and presses his body against hers.
Leo's raspy voice causes a shiver to run up and down Margaret's spine; "I'm just saying..." she stops, as Leo's lips capture hers.
"You were saying?" Leo says, after he breaks his long seductive kiss.
"Not a damn thing," she says with a quick breath, as she takes him by the hand and pulls him into the bathroom and towards the shower stall.
"I'm glad you see it my way," he smirks.
"You bet your ass," she says, turning on water and adjusting its temperature.
"I think we need to have a talk about your potty mouth," he says, joining her in the shower.
"Later."
"I can live with that," he says, taking her in his arms and then proceeding to drop kisses on her shoulders as he helps her wash away residual thoughts that they should be doing anything else right now.
A couple hours later they arrive early for the dinner before the closing ceremonies at the Grand Presidential Hall, show their passes and are ushered to their seats. Margaret slows and her back stiffens as she sees her name card next to Leo's at the head table.
"Margaret, what's wrong?" Leo quietly asks, putting a reassuring hand to the small of her back.
"I shouldn't be sitting up here," her face showing panic.
"I requested that you be seated next to me," he informs her.
"Leo!"
He can't help but smile at her, "Hey you got me into this, it's only fitting that you are stuck up here beside me," he softly laughs.
"But... I'm not speaking or chair of any committee. I belong out there in the crowd," she protests, pointing at the tables facing their direction.
"Yes, but you are my companion and you belong next to me," he tries to soothe her, as he takes her hand and gives it a loving squeeze.
"That's sweet, but what are people going to think?" She asks in a worried tone.
"I don't give a damn about what people think," he softly stresses. "I love you and that's all that matters."
"But..." she splutters, pulling her hand from his.
"But what?" He asks.
"Well for one thing. There are reporters here tonight and they're going to know that something's going on between us, since you can't seem to keep your hands to yourself or that look of intense satisfaction off your face," she points out with an anxious look.
"So," Leo comments.
Margaret doesn't get a chance to argue anymore, because she notices President of FEW is heading their way. "Leo, here's come the President."
"What the?" Leo whips his head around expecting to see Jed, but doesn't see him. He quickly turns back to Margaret, "That was not funny," he growls.
"I'm sorry," she apologies quickly. "I meant the President of FEW."
"Mr. McGarry," the short round woman says, extending a hand as she moves between Leo and Margaret, almost pushing Margaret out of the way. "I'm Carol Brown, President of FEW. I'm so glad you could help us out here tonight."
"Please, call me Leo," he says, as he shakes her hand, "Well, you have Margaret to thank for that," he informs her as he gives a pleasant smile and motions towards Margaret, who is now standing behind her.
"Yes, Margaret," she says, as she turns and extends a hand to her. "Susan has told me all about you. Thank you so much for arranging for Mr. McGarry to be here to night."
"You're welcome. I really didn't do much. All I did was call him..."
"And we appreciate that," she interrupts Margaret and then turns around giving all her full attention to Leo. "Were you able to get a room close by, since the hotel is sold out?"
"Yes, Margaret took care of me," Leo smiles, as he quickly glances at Margaret who is giving him a dirty look and trying her hardest not to turn red.
"Good," she smiles sweetly to Leo. "I wish I had more time to talk with you, but I need to make sure that we are ready to get this thing started. I hope we'll get a chance to talk later," she says, as she shakes his hand again and turns and walks off.
"Leo," Margaret hisses.
"What?" He innocently replies.
"You know what."
"All I said was that you took care of me," he smirks.
"Yeah, well... I knew what you were referring to," she rolls her eyes at him. "Are you trying to get caught?"
"Margaret calm down," he says, guiding her back to their seats.
"And did you see how she was shamelessly flirting with you?" She asks with her eyes flashing green with jealousy.
"She was?" He raises an eyebrow with surprise and then shakes his head at Margaret's jealousy.
"She was," Margaret bobs her head, as she takes her seat that Leo pulled out for her.
"Well... it doesn't matter; cause she's not my type anyway. I prefer tall mouthy red heads," he leans over and tells her with a smirky grin, as he sits down next to her.
"And I prefer short sandy blondes who love nothing better than to bellow my name at least twenty times a day," she teases back.
"Yeah, well then it sounds like we're the perfect match," he affirms, as he reaches under the draped table, finds her hands fidgeting in her lap, he takes one and lovingly squeezes it.
"Yes we are," she agrees, as she allows him to hold her hand until their dinner is served.
The dinner is served, and Margaret calms down a little, as she tries to concentrate on Leo. He's been giving her reassuring looks and touching her leg whenever he gets a chance, trying to soothe her. She's still not comfortable sitting at the front of the whole room on the dais, but at least Leo is by her side, and in her life now in a way that she could only have dreamt about until a couple of nights ago.
Lynette has been trying to catch her eye since she noticed that Margaret was sitting up front, but Margaret's afraid to look at her friend for very long. She suspects that she's in for some good-natured teasing from her again when they all get home. Finally, Margaret relents and gives her more than a quick glance and is pleasantly surprised to get a warm smile and a quick little thumbs up from her. Margaret almost laughs at the little gesture. Leo notices the friendly exchange between them and gives her leg a loving squeeze. He's about to say something to her, when the President of FEW starts the evening's ceremony.
"I'd like to thank all you for coming tonight, and for making this past week one of the best conventions we've ever had." Polite applause follows her opening remarks. She goes on to make some more observations and comments about the success of the week. After about ten minutes of summing up the week's events, she turns towards Leo.
"We are very fortunate tonight to have Leo McGarry, Chief of Staff to President Bartlet, as our guest speaker. Please welcome him," she requests, as she motions for him to approach the podium.
Leo gets up from his chair and walks to the podium. "Thank you," he tells the crowd and then he acknowledges the President of FEW and the organizing committee, then he quickly starts into his speech.
Margaret intently watches Leo as he begins his speech. She has always loved listening to him give lectures. He is such an animated speaker and captures the crowd's attention very quickly. Margaret scans the crowd of women and finds them already under his control.
Margaret smiles and shakes her head ever so slightly, because she knows that Leo has no idea whatsoever what kind of an effect he has on women. She's overheard several comments from women over the years, and she has to agree with them. There is something incredibly sexy about Leo McGarry. Her personal list includes: his gravelly voice, his honey colored eyes, that impish grin of his that he doesn't flash often enough, and the way he stands with his hands in his pockets. 'Man is it getting hot in here,' she thinks to herself as she tries to regain her composure.
Margaret lets out a small sigh as she recalls several other audiences, over the years that she has watched Leo captivate. Her mind drifts for the next few minutes recalling past times on the lecture circuit that she heard him speak. After several minutes, she is brought out of her light daze when she hears Leo come to the end of his speech. Margaret turns towards him, expecting him to stop, as she gets ready to start clapping.
"One thing I do want to mention is that success doesn't always mean rising to higher positions. Success can be found in doing any job well and helping others do theirs. Some people dedicate their lives to helping others succeed. I am one of those lucky people who has been the benefactor of one such person," Leo pauses, glances towards Margaret and is not surprised to find her blushing.
'Leo,' she mouths inaudibly, shaking her head.
"I'm sure most of you are aware of my past problems and well... without my assistant I wouldn't be standing here talking to you today. For some reason she stayed, when others ran. She helped me keep my job as Labor Secretary even though I never asked her to. She herself could have risen high in the government ranks, and I do know of several job offers that she's had over the years, and each time she's chosen to stay. I can never repay her for her unyielding loyalty and dedication," he informs the banquet hall full of women who are hanging on every word he utters.
Margaret gives Leo a cautiously shy look. She never knew that he was even aware of the job offers she's received over the years. They came from several branches of the government and a variety of companies in the private sector. She briefly wonders why he's never asked her about them. Maybe he's needed her more than either of them ever knew. She couldn't leave him while he was drinking; he needed her to take care of him. After rehab, he still needed her to help keep him sober and organized. He needed her during the campaign, cause she was the only person who could keep up with him. When they got to the White House, he still needed her, and then there were the times when she alone kept him on the straight and narrow, and healthy. And now, well now, he needs her just like she's apparently needed him for years.
"Ladies, I'd like you to meet my assistant, Margaret McGuire," Leo says, as he motions towards Margaret, wanting her to stand up and be recognized for all that she is, "My assistant, my caretaker, my friend, and very recently... the love of my life," Leo says, in a soft raspy voice, full of emotion.
Margaret can't believe her ears. Leo just announced to the room, and the world that they're together, as in... a couple. She knows that her light blush has now turned a deep crimson red. She notices some quick glances from some of her friends, who had no idea that she even worked for the White House Chief of Staff. She somehow manages to get up out of her chair and is still standing when Leo comes to her side. He takes her in his arms and hugs her. They stand there for a few seconds listening to the crowd's applause. Eventually Leo pulls way, cups her face with one hand, gives her his best grin and heads back for the podium.
"So, once again, thank you for inviting me here tonight and I hope that you've all found some valuable tools this week to help you find success in your dynamic careers within the Federal government." Leo turns to the President of FEW, gives her a quick smile and then heads back towards 'his Margaret.'
The crowd stands, applauding wildly as they watch Leo mouth 'thank you' again, as he takes his seat next to Margaret. He picks up one her fidgeting hands and kisses it, smiles at her, then puts his arm around her to pull her in close. Margaret looks over to see Lynette standing and applauding with tears trailing down her face, so happy for her friend.
Carol Brown stands up and gives her closing comments and thanks to this year's participants and sponsors, and then dismisses the audience, the conference participants, until next years FEW Conference in Reno, Nevada.
Several people head towards the dais to tell Leo how much they enjoyed his speech. He stands there and chats with everyone who waits in line to shake his hand. Margaret is at his side the whole time, fretting about what Leo did tonight. It's not that she embarrassed or ashamed about their relationship, it's that she afraid of what it will do to his career and the Administration.
Eventually the banquet hall empties, leaving Margaret and Leo alone.
"Leo, I can't believe you did that," she says.
"Margaret, it's going to be fine," he reassures her.
"But Leo, there was press here tonight," she reminds him. Normally, they don't have any members of the press interested in their events, but tonight was different. It seems wherever Leo McGarry goes that the press soon follows.
"I hope they got some good pictures," he says, giving her a loving glance.
"Well there will no doubt in their minds now after your little announcement tonight," she says in a rush.
"Gwad, I hope they spell our names right," he says pulling her into a hug.
"Leo what about your career?"
"Margaret, my career isn't as important to me as you are. I've lost so much over the years trying to get where I am, and now look what's happened. I'm alienated from my best friend in the world, the only other person, besides you that I would trust with my life."
"Leo..." she starts to complain, but is silenced by his lips on hers and she melts in his arms.
Leo slowly pulls from their shared hug and kiss, and raises a hand to her face and gently strokes her cheek, "Look... it was gonna come out sooner or later, so why worry about it," he rationalizes.
"Yeah, but you didn't have to announce it," she says. "And besides, don't you think you should have given CJ a heads up before you did it."
"No, I don't," Leo says sternly, putting his hands in pockets. "It's time that I worry about myself."
"Well, I agree with that, but don't you think..."
"Margaret, let's not worry about it. Let's go back up to our room and relax and enjoy our last night here in the hotel. We'll have plenty of time later to worry about other stuff," he says as he puts a hand to the small of her back and guides her out of the room.
"Okay, you're right," she agrees, with a smile.
Margaret wakes up early Sunday morning and discovers that Leo is missing from their bed. She gets up, slips on her robe over her bare body and goes looking for him. She finds him standing by the window, in the living area of the hotel room, starting at the Delta water fountain. "Leo," she softly says, walking up behind him.
"Hey," he replies, as he turns, and then takes her into his arms, holding her tightly against his body. He's amazed at how good she feels in his arms. "Did I wake you?" He whispers into her neck.
"No, I just woke up and found you missing, so I came looking for you cause I missed you."
"Yeah?"
"Oh, yeah. So, what are you doing?"
"Thinking," he sighs.
"Thinking about what?"
"The future, and wondering about what's going to happen," he softly says.
"Our future?" She hesitantly asks, looking away from him. It's still seems like it's too good to be true.
"No," he kisses her neck, and turns her attention back to him. "Our future is certain," he breathes into her neck. "Never... never doubt that."
"Good," she breathes a sigh of relief. He's already told her this, but she just wanted to be reassured.
"Iwas just thinking about Jed... and what I'm gonna do about... you know... the West Wing."
"What do you want to do?"
"I'm not sure anymore," he shakes his head a little. "I never pictured myself leaving before it was over, but now... I think it might be time to move on," he says, with a sad look on his face.
Leo's last statement shakes Margaret, because she knows how much he loves his job and how much he loves the President too. "Oh Leo, I don't know how to help you with that," she finally says. "I wish I could, but..." She cups her hand to the side of his face, trying to comfort him and just let him know that she is there for him, no matter what happens.
"I know," he sighs. "I have to decide what I want to do and what's best for the administration. Jed's not always going to be the President, but I would like to think that he'll always be my friend and me leaving might be the only way to salvage what's left of our friendship."
Margaret bites her lip. She wants to berate the President for his childlike behavior and all the hurtful things he's done to Leo lately, but she knows that it will just make Leo upset. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to this administration, and I would say that even if I didn't love you," she tells him.
Leo looks at Margaret with nothing but love in his eyes. "Thanks, I'm just not sure what I want or what I'm going to do anymore, but I think I'm running out of options."
"Well, what does your heart tell you?"
An impish grin spreads across his face as he thinks about what his heart wants and desires. "Well... there is one thing I am positive that I want," he says leaning in for a long kiss.
"Oh, and what's that?" She coos into his ear, after coming up for air.
"You," he softly laughs, pulling on the sash of her robe, until it comes undone and then slips the robe off her shoulders, allowing it to drop to the floor. He applies feathery kisses to her bare shoulders, then works his way up her neck and then to her lips where he fully explores her mouth, as he pulls her into a tight hug against his body. After they break for air, he gazes into her loving eyes, takes her by the hand and leads her back to their bed.
Sunday morning comes far too quickly as far as Leo and Margaret are concerned. When the alarm goes off, Margaret hits the snooze and turns over to face Leo.
"Leo, it's time to get up. We need to finish packing, shower, eat breakfast and then get to the airport," she tells him as she kisses him.
"Hmm..." he groans.
"It's all your fault that we didn't get much sleep last night," she reminds him and she playfully swats his shoulder.
"Hey, watch it. I'll have the Secret Service arrest you for assaulting me," he smirks.
"Right, you do that and you won't be able to do what we did last night again," she points out to him with a giggle.
"Well we can't have that now, can we," he says as he pulls her into his arms and then rolls them over until he's on top of her.
"Leo, we don't have time for this."
"Are ya sure?" He almost whines.
"Yes, I'm sure, cause last night after you fell asleep... I reset the alarm for later, so we'd get more sleep," she explains.
"I think it was more like I passed out," he laughs. "Man, what you do to me." He starts to playfully assault her with kisses as he presses himself against her hip.
"Leo..." she starts to complain, but he covers her mouth with his and slides his tongue against hers. She quickly gives up and pulls him tighter against her body and drops her hands to his backside.
A half an hour later, they are lying side by side talking in bed. "Leo, we really do need to get up now," she says sadly.
"Margaret, I'm sorry but I don't think I can again this soon," he grins.
"Leo, I didn't mean that way," she whines, and then realizes he's teasing her. "You," she says, as she gets up and heads for the bathroom.
"Hey, I know a way we can save time and conserve water," he calls after her, as he quickly gets up and follows her.
"Okay, but no funny business," she reminds him, as he steps into the shower with her.
"Margaret, what'd did I just tell ya? I couldn't even if I wanted to, but then again," he smirks.
"Leo."
"I'm just kidding." He laughs as he grabs a hold of the shampoo and starts to wash his hair.
"Okay, I never know when to take you serious anymore."
"Good, cause I hate being predictable."
"Oh Leo, no one can accuse you of that anymore," she laughs.
They finish in the shower, get dressed without too much horseplay from Leo. Margaret is so glad that Leo is relaxing and having a good time. He's starting to act like she always thought he might act outside of work. They sit down and have breakfast, one last time on their balcony. This has been one of their favorite places in the hotel suite.
"I'm going to miss this," Margaret softly says.
"Yeah, but you know that just cause we leave here doesn't mean that things have to change," Leo informs her.
"What do you mean?"
"Margaret, I've been doing a lot of thinking since well... actually since before I got here, but I want you and me to move in together."
"Leo, I'm not going to live in some hotel," she quickly points out to him. "Although if it's here, I just might consider it," she smiles.
"No not my hotel, I've been looking around for a place to move into," he tells her, waiting for it to sink in.
"Well, it's about time you moved out of that damn hotel. Mallory and I have been trying to get you to do that for years."
"Well... you've finally succeeded. I want you to go looking with me. We probably won't even have to wait for the weekend with my new uncluttered schedule," he says, with just a hint of a frown.
"You want me to help?"
"Yeah, well, since you are going to live there too, aren't ya?" He asks, with hope in his eyes.
"I'm considering it. You're going to be needing me after the surgery, so I might as well start living with you now."
"Margaret, that's not why I want you to live with me. I want you there... cause I love you and need you and someday... well I want us to... umm..."
"I want that too," she shyly tells him, as she leans over and kisses his slightly red tinged cheek. She turns towards the table and notices Leo's ring is still where he left it three days ago.
Leo's eyes travel to what Margaret is staring at. They never talked about his ring. He knew she was aware that it was gone from his hand, but she never mentioned it. He watches her face as she smiles and then looks back at him. "Leo, we need to get going. The luggage is already downstairs, and I imagine the car that you arranged for us last night, is waiting also."
"Yeah," he says, as he stands.
They head for the door, stop and take one last look around their room and then Leo opens the door for Margaret. Leo hesitates in the doorway, for just a second. He's not sure he's ready to go back and face the goings on of the current White House. He sighs, not wanting to end their private time together, away from the prying eyes of the world.
"Leo, did you forget something?"
"No," Leo glances towards the balcony, remembering his ring on the table. "Nope, I have everything I need," he reminds her, as he kisses her cheek in reassurance. "I'm just a little unsure about going back to the West Wing."
"Well, we don't have to go back today. You could come to my apartment when we get back. We could search the Internet for a place for you, or we might even come up with something else to occupy our time," she suggests.
"I just bet you could," he says, shutting the door to their hotel room and to his past. He joins her in the hallway and puts a loving hand to the small of her back, guiding her towards their future.
The End.
This is the original ending of this story. But since I got a lot of feedback asking about the resolution between Leo and Jed and some other things, I am thinking about writing a sequel to this story. That is, if you want me too?
Bev