Chapter 7: Let's Go Shopping

Ainsley was walking through the West Wing hallways on a slow Thursday morning when she spotted Donna gathering some files from someone's desk. "How's everything going so far, Donna?"

"Oh, we aren't too busy yet," said Donna as she started to walk back to her office. Ainsley decided to walk with her.

Donna asked, "How many more months until the wedding?"

"Nine"

"Is the planning going okay?"

"This week Sam and I have finished the guest list. We are just going to have family, friends, and a few people from the political world. We have a little more then 170 people coming to the ceremony reception- if everyone comes. The hardest part of the guest list was deciding which Congressmen or other political people to invite."

"I bet." Donna lowered her voice and asked, "Are Sam's parents coming?"

Ainsley lowered her voice as well. "Yeah. We had a lengthy discussion about it. He called them and they agreed to come and act civil. Sam's father's mistress isn't going to come."

"I see." Donna began to talk in a normal volume. "Let me know if you need help with anything."

"Actually, I was going to start going dress shopping this weekend while Sam is working. Do you think you and CJ and get some time off to come with me?"

"Hmm…" Donna looked over her calendar when she came to her desk. "I think I can fine some time Saturday afternoon. I'm not so sure about CJ though."

"Okay. I'll give her a call later and then we can find a good time. I'll see you later Donna."

In the afternoon, Ainsley came up to Sam's office for their usual wedding planning lunch. Ainsley always made a list of what needed to get discussed during their lunch period. Today was deciding on a menu with the chef that will cater their reception. As she walked up stairs, she found CJ in the hall and asked her about dress shopping.

"I think I can squeeze some shopping time in," said CJ. "I should be free by 5 or 6, if that isn't too late."

"I think that can work. I'm just going to be looking. Donna will be coming with us. I'll give you a call later with a time."

"Okay. How are the wedding plans coming?"

"Sam and I are about to go down to the mess and talk with the caterer about a menu."

"Have fun! I'll catch you later," said CJ before she continued walking down the hall.

"Later, CJ."

"Hey, Ainsley!" called Sam coming up behind her.

"Hi. Ready to go?" asked Ainsley giving Sam a kiss.

"Yeah. I only have an hour before I have to leave for a meeting."

"Let's get going then," said Ainsley who grabbed Sam's hand as they walked down to the mess.

As they walked, Ainsley told Sam about her weekend plans of going dress shopping.

"Sounds like fun," said Sam.

"I think I'm going to have more fun planning what we are going to eat."

Sam laughed. "Of course you are going to have fun planning the menu."

During their meeting with the caterer, the couple decided with a Southern food theme instead of having unfamiliar foods that people would just pick at. They will serve shrimp salad, crab soup, grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and grilled vegetables. They also picked out a simple vegetarian menu. The dessert would be vanilla ice cream with peach cobbler. Ainsley insisted that the party favors had to be a box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Sam left the meeting early since he had to go back to work but Ainsley stayed to schedule another meeting with the caterer to taste their menu and choose a wine and cake.

Later that day, Ainsley called Donna and CJ to set a time for when they will go dress shopping. They decided to leave work at 5:30 on Saturday to go shopping and then meet the boys for dinner at 8:00.

Saturday finally came and Ainsley was so excited to look for her dress. It was almost 5:30 when Ainsley made her way upstairs. She found CJ standing outside of Donna's cubical.

"Hey CJ," said Ainsley as she approached Donna's office. "Where's Donna?"

"Hi. Donna is just finishing up with Josh in his office."

Suddenly, CJ and Ainsley head Donna's voice yelling inside Josh's office. "Josh! I need to go! CJ and Ainsley are waiting for me!" Donna's voice calmed down a bit. "I told you where everything is and Ginger and Margaret are still here if you need anything. Can I please go?"

Josh started to talk, "Just one more thing-"

Donna began to yell again. "There's no one more thing! I'm leaving now!" Donna stormed out of Josh's office and gave a pleasant smile to CJ and Ainsley who were watching the office door. "Hi, guys. I think I can go now."

"Okay then," said Ainsley as Donna grabbed her coat and purse. Then the ladies headed out of the White House in search for the perfect wedding dress.

After going in and out of small wedding dress shops, Ainsley had already picked out a few dresses. By the time they got to their third store, a certain dress caught Ainsley's eye. She liked the dresses she found before, but none of them compared to the one she just found.

The top was beaded and embroidered with small flowers. There was a ribbon that went around the top tied into a small bow just under the bust. The skirt was big and full- which was exactly what the bride wanted.

While she was admiring the strapless ball gown dress, Donna walked up to Ainsley and said, "I think you should try it on."

"But I wasn't going to try anything on today. I was just going to window shop."

CJ thought Ainsley should try it on as well. "You won't hurt anything if you tried it. I can already tell that this is your dress."

Before Ainsley could say anything. Donna called over a store manager to help them get the correct size. CJ finally got Ainsley into the dressing room with the dress.

"I'm ready," called Ainsley from the dressing room. She opened the door and stepped out in her ivory gown. Ainsley asked, "What do you think?"

CJ said, "I think that dress was made for you. You look amazing. Give a little twirl."

Ainsley blushed at the compliment and spun around making the skirt puff out even more.

"Ainsley, I think that's the one," said Donna.

Ainsley was looking at her self in the mirror when she asked, "Do you think Sam will like it?"

CJ and Donna both said, "Yes."

Donna added, "The President would also like it."

CJ couldn't read Ainsley's expression so she asked, "Do you like it?"

Ainsley smiled when she answered CJ's question. "I want to get married in this dress."

CJ looked at the clock on the wall. "We better get going for dinner. I'll go get the manager to get your dress taken care of."