Thoughts From the Shadows Come Into the Light – Epilogue

Summary: The Bartlet administration celebrates a Rose garden wedding and Ron makes a small

Confession

A/N - This is ABSOLUTELY the last chapter for this story! You people are insatiable!

Hope you like the way this ends up. Karen

The day had dawned bright and clear. After almost a full week of rainy weather, DC finally was basking in all out sunshine. And the results in the Rose Garden were spectacular. It was as if a black and white world had blossomed into brilliant living color. Besides the beneficial results experienced amongst the flora, the sunshine managed to work magic on a select cadre of people. The promise of better weather eased the worries of a certain bride-to-be, which in turn allowed her bridal party and fiancé to relax a little as well. Only one person did not wholeheartedly embrace the improved weather – for it meant the festivities were back on schedule for Plan A – an outdoor wedding. Given the high-profile guest list, an indoor wedding would have been more manageable from a security standpoint, but the closet romantic in charge of security knew what a formidable force he had to deal with. The bride's heart was set on using the Rose Garden even though her more pragmatic side understood the ramifications. He didn't want to disappoint her, but he knew where his duty lay – and he knew she understood his dilemma.

He would try to make it all work – she deserved that much, both of them did.

And he had two weeks to figure something out.

The big day finally was at hand. Up in the Residence, a bevy of stunningly beautiful women were seeing to several last minute details while their male counterparts were sequestered in the Mural Room awaiting the appointed hour of the nuptials.

Ron Butterfield had worked his special brand of magic once again – he had succeeded in devising a plan that would ensure the safety of the VIPs while allowing the bulk of the wedding details to proceed without restriction. The few changes he had to insist on were readily agreed to, Donnatella Moss wasn't a fool. Ron smiled as he recalled his meeting with Donna to discuss the solutions he had developed. While she had been disappointed that the Secret Service had nixed a totally open air event, she understood why. The seating area as well as the buffet table and dance floor would be under a large canopy. After Rosslyn, the President rarely entered and exited buildings into the open air and even though this was the White House, Ron wasn't taking any chances. Donna and Josh would say their vows under God's own sunshine, but everyone else could leave the sunscreen at home, so to speak.

Ron caught up with Leo just outside the Mural Room.

"Is everything ready, Ron?" Leo asked.

Ron smiled at the older gentleman. "Yes, Leo, everyone is on station and ready to go. Now all we need is the bridal party. How is Josh doing?"

Leo chuckled. "Josh is a man conflicted – he can't wait to marry Donna in his heart, but I think part of his brain is trying to convince him to bolt."

"In other words, he's looking like a deer in the headlights."

"Yup."

"Should I assign a detail to make sure he's on time?" Ron offered with a grin.

"Nah, Abbey's in there right now informing him that while the 82nd Airborne may work for her husband, SHE has a more powerful force at her disposal should he EVER hurt Donna."

"The Sisterhood." the agent stated with just a hint of a shudder.

Leo arched his eyebrows at the younger man in genuine surprise.

"I didn't realize you were aware of that, Ron."

"Leo, throughout this Administration I have seen and learned a great many things, not the least of which is that the women who work here are just as intelligent, cunning and resourceful as the men, maybe more so. I have CJ watched work the press like a genius, Ginger and Bonnie keep Toby in line. I have been amazed at the efficiency and brilliance of Carol and Margaret as they keep all the balls in the air. I have mourned for a woman who had the wits and spunk to sass a President. And I was there that awful night and could only watch and listen in amazement as Donna Moss went toe to toe with Abbey Bartlet and win, then hold an endless vigil till the person she cared for came back to us."

"Yes, Leo, I've been aware of the Sisterhood for some time now. They are intelligent, fiercely protective and have the ability to be utterly diabolical. I may offer them a posting as a counter-intelligence unit after the President leaves office. Individually, each is a force of nature – collectively, well, we mere males don't stand a chance."

Leo nodded his head thoughtfully at the agent's words.

"Well, Ron, it always makes me feel better to have another believer added to the ranks. There's always safety in numbers. Welcome to the club."

"The club, Leo?"

"Ron, the Sisterhood has been scaring the hell out of the rest of us for years. You have just joined the select fraternity of the Brotherhood – a band of mere males brought together by one common thread."

"Fear of the Sisterhood?" Ron guessed.

"Fear is too mild a term, my friend. On the whole, we live in abject terror of incurring their wrath." Leo admitted ruefully.

"In other words, the 82nd Airborne doesn't have a prayer." Ron said.

"You got it." Leo checked his watch and grimaced. "And today would be THE worst possible day to anger the Sisterhood so I'd better get Josh and the guys to the Rose Garden or Donna, Abbey, CJ and Zoe, in that order, will skin me alive."

Ron shook his head. " They really have you spooked, don't they?"

"Have you ever seen Donna grab Josh's ear! She yanks! And CJ can inflict great bodily harm with just a file folder. And do I really need to remind you that Abbey is a surgeon?" Leo replied tartly.

"Ouch, I see your point. We'd better move."

"Exactly."

A few hours later, the reception was in full swing. The wedding came off flawlessly, Josh had surprised Donna, and everyone else, with a wedding oath that he had written himself. The soul of a poet poured forth with the words he spoke to Donna, and the smile he earned from his new bride told him he had done just fine. The kiss was a source of great amusement for the guests and it wasn't till the President threatened to have the Secret Service separate them that the newlyweds finally came up for air.

Once the photographers were done, dinner was served. The White House kitchen staff had done themselves proud. While such extensive use of government property and staff rankled more than a few Republican hackles, the Bartlets and Leo had made it perfectly clear that they would reimburse the taxpayers, who by the way hadn't made near the fuss about cost as the Republicans had. In fact, thanks to timing and CJ's talent for spin, the Josh and Donna story made for great press. The Republicans realized that continued sniping would only serve to paint them into a very bad corner, so they dropped the barrage quickly.

Ron watched from the sidelines as the first dance took place. Josh and Donna only had eyes for each other as they floated around the floor. Then it was time for the parents to join them, father & daughter, mother & son. As the song finished, Sam stepped to the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Josh and Donna, I welcome you to the Rose Garden. I hope everyone enjoyed their dinner and that you'll all take a turn or two on the dance floor. I promise to try not to step on anyone's toes." Sam paused while the crowd laughed and then he turned towards Josh and Donna with a champagne flute in his hand.

"Josh, Donna, I'm very happy to be standing here today. As we all know, good things come to those who wait. Some of us just have to wait longer than others. You are living proof of that. We all know the struggles and obstacles you have both faced in the last few years. We know the successes, the joys as well. We watched you both fight for your lives, watched you fight with each other and for each other. Most of us saw what you were destined to be early on, and we waited for you to figure it out. And waited, and waited…" Sam grinned as the crowd chuckled, certain members rolling their eyes and nodding vigorously in agreement with Sam's words.

"But seriously, you two have come along way from those early days in Manchester. Part of the way, you each walked alone, but most of the time you walked together and shared a path. The day that you two finally realized where you belonged, well, that was one of the happiest days of MY life, I can tell you.

To Donna and Josh, may your lives be full and happy, stay strong and supportive, and never settle for less than the best. Love each other. Be patient, care for each other. Never forget your past and embrace your future with all you have. Be happy, my friends. To Josh and Donna.!"

Various terms of congratulations greeted the end of Sam's toast. Sam raised his glass toward Donna and Josh with a fond smile. They raised their glasses in salute to their friend then to each other.

For the next hour Josh and Donna made the rounds visiting their guests in between dance requests. The Bartlets stole their dances early on then quietly melted into the background so as to not steal the spotlight from the young couple. Ron Butterfield had relinquished operational control to Dave Van Smythe directly after dinner. While not unheard of, such a handover rarely occurred. But this was a very special occasion and Ron had a marker to collect. He had briefed the President and Leo about the matter and had received their approval for his plan. They had been surprised and amused about the incident in the Sculpture Garden – surprised that Josh had made it such a wonderful experience for Donna; amused at the bargain Ron had made for his cooperation. Leo and the President fully intended to watch Ron claim his dance.

Ron was a patient man who knew how to pick his spots. Josh and Donna had just taken the dance floor as the opening bars of Unchained Melody began. Ron walked over to the couple and smartly tapped Josh on the shoulder. Josh turned to see who dared to cut in, then smiled when he saw who was there. Without a word Josh placed Donna's hand in Ron's and retired to the edge of the dance floor. Donna smiled at Ron as he led her expertly around the dance floor.

"Well, Donna, has today been everything you hoped for?"

"Oh, Ron, I don't know when I've been happier." Donna replied with a brilliant smile.

"I'm very glad to here that. You and Josh deserve to be happy."

"Well, we do have you to thank for helping keep our secret. If you hadn't been willing to keep our secret…" Donna's voice trailed off as Ron shook his head.

"It wasn't a matter of being willing to keep my mouth shut. I was honored that you both trusted me with the knowledge. I would not have shared that knowledge with anyone, not even the President. Do you want to know a secret?" Ron asked.

Donna nodded, wondering just what he had to share with her.

"Leo bet the President that Josh would propose to you before the end of the Administration, and that his proposal would be so totally un-Josh that no one would believe Josh when he described what happened. We were in the limo at the time, on the way back from Air Force One, when they made the bet. The President said that it was a lousy bet because there probably wouldn't be any witnesses, but he made the bet anyway. I couldn't help myself, I started to chuckle right then and there. The President wanted to know what was so funny, and I just told him that one of the agents on the commlink had made a rather humorous comment concerning the goat in Will Bailey's office. The President accepted my explanation and returned to his discussion with Leo. I had to resist the urge to tell Leo that he'd won the bet already." Ron smiled down at Donna as he watched her nimble mind work things out. She started to chuckle at the implications of Ron's story.

"So what were the terms of the bet?"

"If Leo won, the President could not make him play chess for three months. If the President won, not only would Leo have to play chess twice a week for three months, he would also have to take "Cheese Day meetings" instead of Josh."

"Leo is a very lucky man, remind me to never play poker with him. That kind of luck is something you don't mess with." Donna said.

"I couldn't agree with you more."

"So when did they settle the bet?"

"Actually they haven't yet, because no one has asked the question yet." Ron said.

"Well, why don't we go fix that, I'd like to share the joy, don't you think?" Donna smiled, just a touch of deviltry evident in her blue eyes.

Ron grinned right back. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Why don't you fetch Josh and I'll round up Leo and bring him to the President."

They parted and embarked on their assignments. When the little group had gathered at the resident's table, Leo turned to Ron.

"What's up, Ron?"

"Well, Leo, it concerns your wager with the President."

"The bet about the proposal?"

The President leaned forward eagerly. He always suspected that the tall agent had a romantic streak as well as a good sense of humor.

"Yes, Leo. Have you asked Josh about the proposal?"

"No."

"Well, why don't you?"

"Now?" Leo was not sure what was happening here.

"Yes sir."

What the hell, Leo thought, and turned to his deputy, who happened to be grinning hugely.

"Josh, just how, where and when did you propose to Donna?"

"In the Sculpture Garden, at sunset, in October, down on one knee by the Calder." Josh replied, a soft smile on his face as he remembered the moment. He squeezed Donna's hand gently and she smiled in return.

"Well, that's what he says he did. I told you it was a lousy bet, Leo, because other than Donna there wouldn't be any witnesses." The President pointed out, hoping that the bet would be null and void – he'd really hate not being able to torment Leo at chess for three whole months.

"Mr. President, I hate to break this to you, but there actually was a witness, other than Donna." Josh spoke up, unaware that he was about to really ruin the President's fun for the evening.

"What? Josh, are you telling me that you arranged for someone to watch you propose to Donna?" the President blustered.,

"No sir, I had planned for the moment to be private, but as usual my plans didn't quite work out." Josh replied ruefully.

"Well, who was the witness then, CJ, Toby?" Leo was getting curious now.

"Actually, sir, it was me." Ron was the last person the President expected to answer.

"Ron! It was YOU ?" How long have you known?" The President started to get the feeling that he probably didn't really want to know the answer.

Ron glanced over at Donna who nodded her permission for him to answer.

"Well, sir, I've known since before the bet was made." Ron waited for the realization to sink in. It didn't take that long.

"That's what you were laughing about in the limo!" Leo crowed while the President shook his head sadly.

"And here I thought that all along you were on my side, Ron. You're fired." the President groused.

Ron just shook his head. "Sorry, sir, but to borrow from Donna's lexicon, my answer must be 'Impervious!'."

"Alright then. Leo, you are off the hook until, let's see, today's June 22, so until September 23 you are granted a reprieve from playing chess with me, then your ass is mine. Now I have to find someone new to torment. Ron, I don't suppose you know how to play chess, do you?" the President inquired hopefully.

Ron just chuckled. "Sorry, sir, no I do not."

The President waved his hand in defeat.

"Yeah, it figures. Get outta here, Ron."

Ron bowed slightly toward the President. "Yes, sir. I believe Mrs. Lyman and I have a dance to finish." With that, he bowed towards Donna, holding out his arm to Donna and with a demure smile, Donna took his arm and they returned to the dance floor.

"Josh, just one question."

"Yes, Mr. President?"

"What did you have to promise in order to get Ron to keep your secret?"

"Just one thing, actually, sir." Josh replied happily.

"Really? What?"

Josh pointed to the dance floor.

"That."

Leo and the President didn't quite follow his meaning.

"All he asked was a dance with Donna at the wedding, nothing more. He kept his end of the bargain, now Donna is keeping ours." Josh explained proudly.

"Well, I'll be damned. Who'd have thought that Ron Butterfield was a closet romantic?" Leo mused.

"Leo, I've come to discover that Ron Butterfield is a man of many talents and is a very observant man. I'm glad his is on our side, he would make a formidable opponent. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I will go dance with my wife." Josh paused, savoring the words he just used to describe Donna.

The two older gentlemen watched as Josh approached his wife and reclaimed her from the tall security agent. They watched with benevolent interest as Ron Butterfield kissed Donna on the cheek before returning her to the arms of her husband. Ron quietly moved off to the edge of the dance floor, eventually blending into the crowd, ever vigilant of the people he had sworn to protect. It wasn't long before Ron was lost to the view of the two gentlemen, but they were secure in the knowledge that the tall agent was once again standing watch in the shadows, not only watching over the President and his family, but also watching over the rest of the 'family' of the West Wing.