Disclaimer: These characters belong to Aaron Sorkin

Chapter 2: The Right Moment

Sam was making his way down to the Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue after his meeting with the President and the rest of the senior staff. They all wished him good luck, including the President, Leo, and the First Lady, who also promised that they will be down there if Donna didn't get a phone call.

Sam made it down to Ainsley's office and went inside. The roses, candles, and lights looked exactly the same as they were left half an hour ago. Sam decided to take out the matches and light the candles before he became more nervous and lit the White House on fire - again. 

Sam's cell phone went off a few seconds after he was done lighting all the candles. The caller ID showed it was Donna. "Donna wasn't suppose to call me," he thought to himself. He answered the phone anyway.

"Hi, Donna."

"Sam she's coming down now. I thought I'd give you heads up."

"Thanks, Donna. I'm ready."

"Okay. Good luck, but I don't think you will need it."

"Thanks. Remember: 8:00 and be ready for – you know – a call."

"Alrighty. Bye."

"Bye." Sam took a deep breath. He thought to himself, "Just tell her how you feel. Everything will be fine."

Ainsley was walking down the dark stairs to her office. She could see that the door was open and a soft light was coming from inside.

"Hello?" said Ainsley. "Is someone in there?" She stopped walking. She didn't think she was stupid enough to leave the door open and lights on. "You better step out or I'm going to call security right now!"

The thought of security coming down and ruining this day scared Sam and he jumped out from the office. "Ainsley. It's only me. Sam."

Ainsley's face lit up and she breathed out a sigh of relief.  "My man Sam! It's so good to see you!" Ainsley bounced down the stairs with a smile on her face as she greeted her favorite person in the world with a hug and - in Sam's opinion - a very nice kiss. Ainsley asked, "What are you doing here?"

Sam replied, "It's your birthday isn't it?"

"You remembered! I was just complaining to Donna how I thought you were a really bad boyfriend because you didn't remember my birthday!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes," said Ainsley, still smiling.

"Well then. Why don't you come into your office?" Sam took Ainsley's hand and guided her into her office.

"Oh my goodness! Everything is so beautiful! I never knew my office could look so romantic!" squealed Ainsley. "I love you Sam Seaborn!"

"I love you too Ainsley Hayes." Sam started to take the ring out of his pocket. He knew it was the right moment to ask. He deleted the long speech he had composed in his head about how much loved her and took his chance by saying, "And since you love me so much, do you think you would like to be my wife?"

Ainsley gasped at his question as Sam showed her the unopened ring box. Her mouth got dry and she felt frozen in time. She just stood in the middle of her office staring at the little box.

Sam was the first one to talk. "Go ahead, Ainsley. Open it." 

Ainsley carefully took the box and opened the lid slowly. "Sam," was all she could manage to get out.

Sam was starting to get the butterflies again. He started to think that maybe it wasn't the right time. Getting a little impatient, he decided to ask the question again. "Would you like to be my wife?"

Ainsley gulped. She wanted to say the right thing. She put a sly smile on her face and said, "I would like to be your wife as long as you would like to be my husband."

"I would love to be your husband."

Sam smiled bigger than Ainsley had ever seen him smile before. Ainsley was too happy to feel the two little tears coming down her cheeks as Sam put the ring on her finger. "It looks better on you than in the box," was all Sam could say as he admired the ring.

"It will look better when there is one that goes with it," was the only comeback Ainsley could think of.

"I love you, Ainsley," said Sam as he bent down for a kiss.

"And I love you too."