Title: Margaret's Birthday Daylight Series FLASHBACK 1 ?

By: chipmunkand Imp

Pairing: Leo/Margaret

Rating: MATURE SC

Spoilers: None

This is not strictly cannon by the show.

Timeline is near the end of year one, to start with

and then it goes off to Never, never land.

Doesn't matter the year or the situation.

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Note: A 'grateful' and 'enormous' thanks, to the actors and actresses,

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Archived at: http/ Leo reflects back to the warm memories of Margaret's Birthday.

Note: This falls between the fics in the Daylight series, Daylight and Easter Eggs.

Leo is in the living room of the Latrobe apartment, looking at the cd collection. He is trying to select something to listen to for the evening. Leo comes across a John Tesh CD and fondly remembers the night he gave it to Margaret, just a few short months ago.

Flashback to April 11 this past year

Leo overhears one of the assistants talking with Margaret out in her office and he's not really paying attention, but the connecting door is open. The conversation interrupts his report reading, when Margaret is asked, "What are you planning to do for your birthday tomorrow? You know, it is Saturday the 12th tomorrow," she teases Margaret. Like they all need to remember to add another year to their age after working in the White House, where one year equals about three on the average.

He can just see, in his mind, her sarcastically look back at her friend before she replies, "Nothing really. We have to work tomorrow. I don't know what time I'll get out of here. You know how it is."

He hears the other assistant reply, "Yeah, the country doesn't stop for weekends, holidays or birthdays. Catch you later, Margaret. I need to get back to my desk. Maybe the Sisterhood can get together next week for lunch and celebrate your birthday?"

"Ok, we'll see about next week," Margaret doesn't sound too hopeful for them all getting together, with everyone's schedules. "Hope you have a good weekend." She calls more cheerfully to her retreating friend, as she disappears down the hall.

He realizes he has forgotten her birthday, yet again. It's not too late to do something about it though, she doesn't seem to have any plans for tomorrow night. He quickly starts to make plans for Margaret. This might, in part, make up for all the past years I've forgotten it. She never once complained about it.

He sneaks out to her desk while she's away running an errand and looks up the name of the florist that she uses to order flowers, for the many occasions over the years when he needs to apologize. He orders her an arrangement that is not too big and that he's sure that she will enjoy. Good, it'll be delivered in the morning before she even arrives.

He intends to send her on her way home soon tonight and then he can pop over to the mall, to pick out a gift for her that she'll hopefully like. He furrows his brows when he reminds himself She might refuse it. After getting flowers, she'll think that an additional gift is inappropriate from me, her boss. Her frugal side will think that I have spent too much money on her, so I can't get anything too expensive. I could get something small and take it to her apartment. Then she'll not have any reason to refuse it. He smiles at something he remembers from last Saturday night and has an idea for her present.

He also wants to cook something for her tomorrow night. It'll be more personal, but not a date out for dinner. She might say no to dinner out. It's hard for me to do nice things for her. She's always thinking of how things reflect on me, things that I can't begin to repay, by just doing one something nice for her. His next problem is: he has no idea what her favorite foods are. It's her birthday and he wants to make her something she really likes. Desert is not a problem ... Chocolate of any kind, rich and decadent. But what to cook for her. He asks himself who would know. Ahhhh…. She has an older brother, Colin. I wonder if her brother's phone number is in her Rolodex?

He finds his name and number in the Rolodex, right where he thought it would be. He returns to his office to hide and quickly dials the number before she returns. Colin answers the phone and Leo introduces himself, "Colin, this is Leo McGarry, Margaret's boss."

Colin quickly asks with concern, "Is Margaret OK? Is there a problem?" She's his little sister after all. They just have each other now.

"Yes, she's fine. There's no problem. I'm just calling because Margaret's birthday is tomorrow, and a ahh… friend is preparing a meal for her birthday and wants to know what her favorite foods are, so she can be surprised for dinner tomorrow night."

"Good. You say she's fine? I do worry about her being in DC alone," he tries to relay his concern. He hopes to drop a hint that Margaret's friends are important to him, as a back up, for caring for her.

"Yeah, she's fine." He nods his head to the side, instinctively as if Colin can see him. "We both work too much, but I can't get her to leave the office before me. So, I have her safe in the White House quite a bit." He quickly adds, "Her friends are close to her." He chuckles softy, "They call themselves the Sisterhood. It can be scary concept for the men around here." Leo lowers his voice to convey his sincerity. "I keep a watch out for her myself. She would tear into me, if she heard me tell you this, since she's always watching over me."

Colin laughs outright, "Leo. Can I call you Leo? I've heard of you so much from Margaret, over the years, that I feel I know you. Yes, both the bad with the good. I guess I'm the one person in the world she can confidently blow off some steam with. Margaret seems to think the world revolves around you and your work. No one better mess with either one or they answer to her. She was a determined child. I can tell you that." He rushes to the end, very much like Margaret.

"Yeah, Colin, I'd like it if you called me Leo." With all sincerity he adds, "I probably need to apologize to you for being the main reason she has blasted you." He chuckles at the next thought, "I bet she was a strong willed little sister. I have a couple of those types of sisters myself."

"I hear you, Leo. She was the best. She used to have 'my back' growing up. I miss her and I'm glad her friends are helping her to celebrate her birthday. I'll call her tomorrow and talk to her. The kids will want to wish her happy birthday," her big brother promises.

"Colin, call her at the office. Unfortunately, that's where we'll be during the day tomorrow. I'm planning to get her out of the office early though," Leo has to sadly admit.

Colin returns to Leo's question, "Leo, she did have a few favorite dishes that she liked, which Mom made especially for her. One was a turkey casserole with cheese sauce, which is pretty easy to make. It's just a bed of pasta noodles with chunks of roasted turkey and broccoli pieces mixed in, with a cheese sauce over it. She should have the recipe there somewhere in Mom's cookbook. The other one is a little more involved. It's Glazed Turkey Breasts with Apples. With that one, I have no idea how Mom made the glaze, but it also might be in her cookbook. You 'do' know, Leo. The dessert for the dinner has to be something chocolate. It's her one big weakness."

"Yes, Colin." Leo chuckles more casually, "Her weakness is well known by all who know her. I'm sure chocolate will be somewhere on the menu." Leo's not about to reveal to Colin, yet, that he's the one providing the chocolate this year.

"OK, just so she has chocolate on her birthday." Colin hates to say it, "I'm sorry, but I need to get off now. Katie is at ball practice and I'm picking Ben up from a friend's house on the way."

"Man, Colin, it doesn't seem like they should be old enough to have outside activities. It seems like not too long ago that Margaret told me they were born.

"Yeah, they're 6 and 8, now! They really appreciate the cards you send especially to them every year for Christmas." Colin tries to slip in a hint, "It means a lot to her, too, Leo."

"I know, anytime I can make them happy, it makes her happy, also." Leo reveals how much they mean to her, "She tells me all of their accomplishments. She keeps me in the loop." Leo knows Colin needs to get off the phone now, but he's really enjoying talking to Colin, about Margaret. "I'll let you go now, Colin. We'll talk again, sometime soon. Never fear, Colin, we take care of our Margaret," Leo reassures him one last time.

"Thanks, Leo," Colin's voice reveals his appreciation. "I'll call her tomorrow. Bye for now."

"Yeah, you do that, call anytime," Leo encourages him to call her at the White House. "Bye, Colin."

He sets the phone back down and glances up toward her office desk. He's getting excited about this and he can look on the Internet tonight, back at the hotel, to see if he can find the recipe online.

The next day, Margaret arrives and finds the flowers on her desk. She reads the card and realizes that they're from Leo and that he's remembered her birthday, for like the second time in eleven years. Margaret knocks on his office door quietly, waiting for permission to enter. He looks up as she enters and smiles at the way she shyly looks at him and the floor alternately. She's not sure how to start what she wants to say. "Leo, I just wanted to come in to tell you that I think the flowers are beautiful and to thank you for remembering. The card on the flowers was really nice, too." She recites it in her mind To: my Margaret. Who never forgets me and always forgives me. Happiest of Birthdays! Always: your Leo.

"Well, Margaret. You're very welcome. I'm glad you like them." He notices the happy glow to her face. "You deserve beautiful things on your birthday." He watches her blush at his words. He loves that blush. He'd like to see it more often. "I meant what I wrote on the card, Margaret." He lets the silence continue between them as he tries to read her face. His own face displaying a small crooked smile that slightly shows the one dimple he owns.

"I'm keeping the card to myself, Leo," she replies quietly.

Leo figures that now is a good time to check out his chances at cooking tonight for her. "It's a light work load today and I'm going to try and get us out of the office at a decent hour tonight. You got any plans for tonight, since it's your birthday?"

"No, I was just going home for a quiet evening." She grins and admits, "Getting out early will be a treat. You could use an early evening yourself, Leo."

"How about I come over again, to your apartment, and cook for you tonight?" He asks like it's a casual request.

"That sounds great, Leo. I was just going to grab a salad from the mess before I left." She drops her voice like it's a bad thing, "You're going to spoil me, on the weekends."

He gives her a warm smile, "Good, I can swing by the grocery store on my way over or you're more than welcome to go with me. We can possibility stop at the video store and rent a tape to watch later, if it's all right. It's your birthday, you can pick the movie." He shields his eyes with one hand at his offer, like he's afraid she'll pick a chick flick, as Josh calls them.

She gives him a mischievous smile at his dreading her choice of movie. I can make the Sisterhood proud and boast Monday at lunch how I got Leo McGarry to watch a good chick flick. "Sure, Leo. Sounds like a good plan to me. Especially the part that I get to pick tonight's movie." She teases him as she leaves to return to her office. She sees him drop his forehead to rest on his folded hands on top his desk, as a gesture to her that he knows he's going to be so tortured this evening.

Leo drops a hint to the President that it's Margaret's birthday, he's trying to get her out early and everyone knows she won't leave till he does. The President cheerfully agrees. He knows Leo needs a night off more than any of them. The President makes a point to stop by Margaret's office and give her a hand written birthday wish. He expresses his appreciation for her taking such good care of his best friend and her hard work for the administration is appreciated as well. "Sir, I'm really touched that you took time to bring me a birthday wish and that you'd speak so highly of me. I'm just Leo's assistant."

Leo moves to the front of his desk at Margaret labeling herself as 'just' his assistant. He doesn't want to interrupt the President's time with her.

He can hear the Presidents comment to her reply, "Margaret, believe me. You're not 'just' Leo's assistant, you're an extension of him and his office. I know you're a team. He couldn't do this job as well with anyone else, but you. It takes years to develop the needed synchronization of teamwork that's needed to accomplish the work we need to do, while we're in the White House. The same way I need Mrs. Landingham with me. The only one that is possibly an exception would be Donna with Josh. They are so tuned to each other it's scary, but their time has not yet arrived, for the great things those two can achieve for this country. This administration it's Leo's time and mine. Some day it'll be Josh and Sam's time. Leo needs you now and later Josh will need Donna. We all know we can do great things, with 'just our assistants' having our backs."

"Thank you, Mr. President," she tells him with her eyes shining with tears of joy at his words.

He leans forward, places a hand on either side of her face and kisses her forehead, "Happy Birthday, Margaret."

As he straightened back up, Leo is in the doorway. He had heard the President's final words and moved to reveal his presence. He's grinning as he goes for the dig, "What are you doing out here dropping a kiss on my Margaret, Mr. President?"

"Leo, it's her birthday," he explains in a booming voice like he's announcing it to the entire West Wing. " 'Your Margaret' deserves all the kisses and hugs she can collect today."

"I'll keep that in mind today, Sir," he watches her face as he replies to the President. He can see she's doing that marvelous blush again.

The President notices that Leo seems to direct his reply to Margaret, while addressing him. He'll have to keep an interested eye on these two.

The first of the other staff members to arrive to wish Margaret a Happy Birthday is Josh and in his grand manner he announces, as he enters her office, that he heard that Margaret is collecting birthday kisses. He proceeds to kiss Margaret loudly on the cheek, much to her embarrassment and appreciation at his taking the time to give her a birthday wish. Donna is right behind him, to give Margaret a heartfelt hug. They both roll their eyes at Josh's antics together and grin at him, at the same time. The other staff members dropped in throughout the day, making Margaret's day a happy one, collecting hugs and kisses.

Leo knows that to her the best part of her day so far was her brother and his kids calling her right before lunch. She misses them, but talking to them made her happiness complete. He observed all this with a smile from his desk. Knowing that he had more surprises in store for her after work.

The day goes quickly as they are both anticipating the evening ahead.

They actually manage to escape the White House at 5pm. The grocery store is the first stop and Leo gathers discreetly the ingredients needed for her special dinner. He adds a few staples that they can use another time, so she doesn't notice what he's gathering. "Margaret, do you think you can go pick us out a turkey breast? We have enough time tonight to roast it. Get us good size one, we can always do something with the leftovers."

"Sure, Leo." She agrees to get the shopping done faster, "I can go get it, while you finish up here in the produce, if that's possible." She gives him a pointed look, like we're not staying here all evening debating the merits of each vegetable in the produce department.

"Yes, Margaret. I'll be done when you arrive," he smiles and replies as he has a secret plan of his own.

"Good, Leo. I'll be right back," she promises over her shoulder. She's in a hurry to start their time together tonight.

He looks at the nearest produce table, till he sees her, out of the corner of his eye, turn the corner of the aisle. He has two more items that he'll need for the meal. He remembers from last week where the rice and pasta aisle is and he hurries to it. He grabs the pasta noodles that he'll need and heads to the end of the aisle, looking at the overhead signs for the dairy or cheese section. He needs to find shredded cheese and chocolate whipped topping.

He now goes to pick up the one item that he had to call and order at the bakery. He knows it's up front. If Margaret gets back to the produce before me, I can always say I was looking for her. I can act dumb. Like she's going to believe that. He's going to try and keep what he's making for dinner a surprise, but that's going to be hard with her in and about the kitchen, while he's preparing it. Maybe, I can try to make the main course in stages while she's out of the kitchen doing things around the apartment, when she's around I'll work on the vegetables. She can set the table and pick out some music and just relax. She can even have her quite evening, reading or doing needle work, while he works in the kitchen.

He just makes it back to produce at one end, as Margaret enters the area from the other. He has the noodles and shredded cheese in the bottom of the cart. He'll have to distract her as they check out. "Margaret, get me to the check out and then you better go to the frozen section and get us some ice cream for the movie. I know you want your chocolate flavor, with the chunks of chocolate in it."

"Oh, good idea, Leo," she agrees and her face lights up. "You'll have to wait in line a little bit, but that will give me time to get to the ice cream and get back."

"Margaret, I can see the check out lines from here, you go on. Pick me out some, too. Surprise me," he tries to encourage her to take her time. He smiles as she leaves him and he just happens to be standing in front of the bakery counter. Talk about planning. After he accepts what he had on order. He grabs a bag of fresh potato rolls that will go great with the casserole.

He's almost done checking out as she hurries up to him with the ice cream. She missed most of what he's purchasing as it's already bagged up.

They leave the grocery store and drive to the next stop on their route to the apartment.

At the video store, which is their next stop, Margaret's in a particularly good mood and decides to start the torture on Leo with her choice of movie. "Leo, you did promise that I get to pick the movie." He rolls his eyes in desperation. She gives him the look that women give to the man they're with and he's being stubborn in public. He quickly grins at her and shrugs his shoulders, surrendering quietly to her guidance. She smiles back, knowing that in this, she gets her way. She thinks it's a nice change for them.

She proceeds to the romance section and he follows at an unhappy pace. He sees some other guys there, being subjected to the same torture. The males avoid eye contact with each other. Not willing to admit in public that they have lost in the decision making process, in this store, tonight. She glances at some of the titles and Leo scans the wall to read some of the new releases. He has no idea what they're about. He's so out of the loop on popular movies.

Margaret sees a display at the end of the section of Easter themed movies. Some are old classic movies, and of course, some are children's animated movies. She wanders over and checks out the titles. Margaret also notices that Leo have moved to the next aisle to look at some historic movies. She knows he's happier there.

She finds just the old classic that she'd really like to see again. She hesitates knowing Leo will cringe at an old chick flick. But he told her that she gets to pick for her birthday. She smiles and makes her choice. She moves back to the romantic section and softly calls, "Leo, I think I have what I want to watch tonight." She continues to look over the movies in front of her as she waits for Leo to rejoin her.

"So, you made your decision," he hopefully asks when he gets beside her.

"I guess, but they have so many that I'd just love to watch that it's hard to pick just one. Maybe I should take another movie and make my final choice at the apartment." She's going for the big torture now, as she points to several movies, "They have Run Away Bride, Ghost, and Thelma and Louise. All movies that I like to watch."

Leo groans while dropping his head to look at the floor and then spots the movie in her left hand. He grabs her other hand with his left hand, "Margaret, you have a movie and I'm not watching two chick flicks, back to back, tonight." He gently pulls her towards the front of the store. "I'd like to start dinner soon." He never lets go of her hand as the make their way to the check out counter.

She's perfectly content to let him take her by the hand anytime and follows him, not wanting to break contact with his hand holding hers. Try not to grin too much and act casual. The feel of his hand so solidly holding mine is making me a little breathless. I must remember this. It's a high point to my birthday. Sigh.

Leo pays the rental fee and he remains holding her hand all the way out to the car. Neither one of them seems to care that they're out in public and holding hands. She smiles, thinking it's cute and chivalrous of him. He walks her to the passenger side and hands her into the car. Well, I did that without thinking. It was natural to take her hand with mine. She didn't pull it away and there was no way I was letting go, till I had to. It was nice to have someone to hold hands with. To hell with what others think. She's my Margaret.

They smile at each as he stops before pulling out into traffic. Both happy to proceed with the evening they have planned.

They arrive at the apartment and take the groceries into the kitchen, setting the bags on the counter tops. Leo takes just enough time to turn on the oven to preheat, before both of them head off to get changed into their casual soft clothes. He hurries into the bathroom with his clothes satchel and her into the bedroom. He finishes quickly dressing, and then he takes his gift for her and places it on stand in front of the CD player, for her to find when she comes out of her room. He continues on to the kitchen to begin his preparations for their evening meal. I need to hide some of the ingredients and to leave out some extras, to keep her guessing what's on the menu.

Margaret goes into the living room after a quick stop in the bathroom to freshen up and she immediately notices the brightly wrapped gift. She wanders over and hesitantly picks it up. She first opens the card and reads the birthday greeting from Leo. Margaret, I hope you enjoy this small present as much as I enjoy time here with you. Best Wishes on your birthday. Yours, Leo. Margaret smiles softly and glances in the direction of the kitchen. She opens the wrapping and sees that it's a John Tesh CD, 'Sax by the Fire'. It's one that I don't have. Sigh. He was looking at my CD collection last week, when he cooked dinner for me and stayed to watch a movie. I had a nice week of dreams following that night. She turns on the CD player and puts in her new CD from Leo.

Leo can hear the soft piano and sax music start and smiles knowing she found his gift. She must like it. Hope she liked the card. She probably is shocked that I actually was able to go and pick them out by myself, just for her.

She makes her way to the kitchen with a shy smile on her face, "Thanks for the CD, Leo. I love to relax listening to John Tesh. It his latest CD and I really love it. I've been meaning to pick it up."

"You're welcome, Margaret. I like to listen to him, too. He's so talented. He just amazes me." Leo lets her see a little glimmer into his private world. He's slicing some raw carrots into sticks, to place in cold water in the fridge, to curl.

She asks, "Would you like something cold to drink?" She opens the fridge and asks after viewing the contents, "I have diet cola and more of the bubbling grape water that you enjoyed last week. The strawberry water is here if you're brave enough to try it," she teases him.

"Yes. Thanks, Margaret. I'll stick to the grape. I did like it last week. I may get used to your healthy foods, yet," he teases her right back.

She leans on the counter and watches as he prepares the vegetables for their meal.

He cranes his head to the side and looks at her. "Margaret, you said you planned a quite evening relaxing. Why don't you go and listen to the music or do something to relax, as if I wasn't here? Like reading a book or doing some needle work or just sinking into your wonderfully large couch and having a nap." She smiles at him remembering her couch. He continues, "I have plenty to do, to keep me happy and busy here in the kitchen. You know how I am when I'm cooking. I forget anyone else is in the room." Like he could forget she was there. He needs her out of the kitchen. "We have the whole evening ahead to enjoy ourselves. We both should take advantage of it." He's been getting out a large saucepan to boil the pasta in. He fills it with water and sets it on the stove.

She reluctantly agrees, "OK, Leo. I'll leave you to enjoy the kitchen. I was going to hang out on my couch this evening. I'll find something to do as I listen to the new CD." She smiles at the mention of his gift. It means more to me coming from him and the fact that he likes it too will help with my daydreams of him when I listen to it. Not that I need any help.

After she leaves the kitchen, Leo starts to assemble the dessert. It's his version of 'Death by Chocolate'. First, he brings out the two plain layers of chocolate cake that he had them make for him at the bakery. On a large plate he squirts a swirl of chocolate syrup, placing a layer of cake onto it, squirting chocolate syrup on top of it to soak in. Leo goes to the fridge and gets the chocolate ice cream that Margaret picked out. He had it in the bottom and not the freezer area to soften, but he may have to microwave it slightly, he needs to get it spread over the cake and he doesn't want Margaret coming back and seeing it. He tops the ice cream lightly with syrup and places on the top layer of cake, which he now tops with a layer of the chocolate whipped topping. A dousing of swirled chocolate sauce covers the whole cake, as the final topping. No wonder they call this kind of dessert, Death by chocolate. He transfers the cake back to the freezer to refreeze.

When the turkey is done, he chops it into cubes and combines the ingredients together for the casserole and pops it back into the oven for the final baking time. He looks around the kitchen. Their meal is cooking and the preparation dishes are washed up for now. He hears her approaching and he offers to bring her a drink from the kitchen, so she doesn't find the chocolate desert in the freezer. He's in a great mood now that her birthday dinner is under control. It will be about thirty more minutes before it is done. Listening to the music from her new CD, he puts their drinks down and grabs her hand. "Margaret, dance with me. This music is too good to waste. You can work up an appetite for the wonderful dinner I have in the oven for you." He smiles at her playfully. How can she resist his charming attitude now or anytime in the near future?

He gently pulls her into a slow dance. Very shortly the CD changes to the next song and the music speeds up. Leo exaggerates the steps and swings her faster, just for the fun of it.

She's smiling and joining in with his playful mood, as they get breathless. Margaret's giggling when they almost fall into the chair and soon they next bump the recliner at the other end of the room. She's not used to this wonderful, spontaneous side of Leo and it's amazing her.

The next song is a soft and mellow one. He pulls her closer to hold her against his chest, to relax and recover after the horsing around, they were doing just a minute ago. Dancing close to her, in our socks, is better than any dancing we've done at a state dinner. With her head resting on his shoulder, he quietly asks her, "Margaret, why didn't you have anything planned for today?" I'm just glad she didn't have plans because it gave me time with her, here at her apartment, to cook and relax. She looks so happy.

Margaret hesitates, not lifting her head, "I don't know. I knew we had to work today and I didn't know what time we would finish, so I thought I'd just pick up something on my way home and have a nice quiet evening to myself. I'm not afraid of my own company, especially with the pace of our jobs and the hours we keep. Time to myself is a luxury, but I am glad to have you here to share it with me." I didn't really want to plan anything in case Leo wanted to come over like this. This is turning out better than I could have imagined. He remembered my birthday and we're here dancing. He's making me dinner. It's better than any of my dreams. Note to self, with my face snuggled into his heck, his lingering cologne has a whole new and wonderful smell when added with his manly scent, at the end of the day.

They are tired and relaxed. The dancing is more like cuddling at this point. They both tell themselves that it's because this is a special occasion, not a regular occurrence. It might be a wake up call to Leo and Margaret that this might be a more than a friendship, which has been years in the making. They are like a new couple, they are doing all the first dating things, but just do not realize they are doing it.

As their dance finishes the kitchen timer rings, letting them know dinner is almost ready. He tells Margaret to set the table while he serves up their meals. "Margaret, set out your good china. It's a special occasion." She gets out a nice tablecloth and her good china and glassware and even some candles although she's a little apprehensive about that. She's afraid Leo will see more of her feelings, with the romantically set table, than she's willing to share, just yet. I don't want him to get the wrong idea or scare him off. He did ask me to dress up the table, but is this too much?

The meal that Margaret's brother said was her favorite was one that her mother made every year on her birthday. Leo has no way of knowing that just yet, but knows that it is a favorite of hers and that's enough for him. He just hopes she likes it. He hands her the bottle of cold bubbling grape water and while she pours it into her good wine glasses, he brings their dinner in.

She looks up to see what he has made and is surprised to see it is one of her favorite meals. I haven't had this since Mom died and I've really missed it on my birthdays. How did he know? With questioning eyes she tears up at him and he's at a loss as to why.

He takes his napkin and wipes the tears gently from her cheeks. This is unexpected. I wanted to do something special for her, not reduce her to tears. "Margaret, why are you crying? Is something wrong," he asks her with concern and receives a small watery smile from her. He smiles back at her in encouragement.

She explains the significance of the meal, "Mom used to let us pick what we wanted for our birthday dinner at home growing up and I always s picked this casserole. It's one of the things I really miss each year on my birthday, since she and dad have been gone."

Leo now understands, "Well, I have to confess, Margaret. I called your brother, Colin, yesterday about wanting to do something special for you and to get some ideas. He said this was one of your favorite meals. I guess he was right."

She's grateful that he took the trouble to do this for her. She smiles at him brightly and he seats her at the table.

They start with a toast to her birthday and eat the delicious meal he's prepared. She enjoys the turkey and broccoli casserole, the cheese topping he made is very like the one her mom did. She thinks the curling carrot sticks in the cocktail glasses are cute. They look like little flower bouquets. The rolls are ones that she has not had for a while and he has them in a small basket staying nicely warm, wrapped in a cloth. She realizes he put a lot of effort into this dinner for her birthday.

He learns more about this special woman, who has worked for him for the past eleven years. As they eat their meal, she tells him a little about her parents and their accidental deaths that left her on her own, just starting college. Her older brother and his children are her only family left. Her White House family is the other part of her life that she cherishes. She feels like she's making a difference with what she does with her life, because of whom she works with and where she works. It's the most important thing she has ever done. He reaches over and holds her hand, fingers intertwined, as he agrees with her assessment of their lives. She has had a harder life than he ever knew and never heard any complaints from her. She always just revealed the good events as they happened. He knew about Colin's wife dying, when Margaret took time off for the funeral. He's glad he can make her life a little happier even if it's just for tonight.

They are both too full to even think about dessert now. He smiles at the chocolate surprise he has for her later. They quickly carry their plates into the kitchen. They already have a system. She packs away the leftovers and he's clearing the dishes and loading the dishwasher. They both go to change clothes, her into her pajamas and him into sweats. She arrives last and notices with a smile that Leo is already at his end of the couch. She pops the video into the machine and joins him. They settle onto the couch, immediately cuddling and starting to watch the movie.

Leo finally gives in as the previews are showing at the beginning of the tape, "OK, Margaret. You can tell me about the movie that you picked, now. You have me safely pinned back on the couch," He's grinning at her as he teases.

"Leo," she slightly scolds him and grins at him. She knows he wants to be there. She decides he might as well know what his torture is for the evening, "Its 'Easter Parade,' a musical with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. I wanted to see it with Easter coming up." She reveals to him some more of her private side. "My mom used to watch these kinds of movies with me, when I was younger. I miss doing things like that with her. Like this year, my birthday sometimes falls right before Easter and we would have watched this on TV." She nicely silenced any protests that he was contemplating.

He just looks at her smiling face, knowing that he was just denied his manly right to complain about her chick flick. He can only pull down his eyebrows and settle in more comfortable, looking interested in the movie. A musical at that.

After about an hour later, he climbs out from behind her and she puts the movie on pause while he goes and makes them some hot chocolate. She sits up when he returns with two large mugs. They sit in the center of the couch and lean together. Drinking it slowly, enjoying the warmth and the companionship as the movie continues.

Soon they are once again cuddling on the couch.

When the movie ends, both of them are craving some chocolate. "Leo, I need something sweet to eat. I should have something in the kitchen that we can have as a treat."

He tells her to wait, "Margaret, I made a dessert for us to enjoy this evening. I'll go and get it, now. It won't take me too long."

She goes to the bathroom to put a comb through her hair and brush her teeth and heads back to the living room. She notices that he had placed plates, cutlery and napkins on the coffee table, along with some water glasses. Once again she turned on the stereo playing the CD Leo gave her. She gets comfortable on the couch again, enjoying the sound of the soft music.

He enters the living room with the chocolate dessert that has a single lit candle in the center of it. He sets the dessert in front of her and tells her to make a wish.

I'm finding it hard to make a wish because of how wonderful this night is turning out. I would like another dance with him, to be in his arms again. So she makes her wish, closes her eyes and blows out her candle, ending with a smile.

Leo realizes, as he looks at her face in the candle light that he's not seen anything more beautiful than that, in a long time.

As they sit enjoying their chocolate dessert, Leo asks, "So, what did you wish for?"

She tells him, "Leo, I can't tell you, or my wish won't come true."

He notices her glance at the CD player as she answers. I think her wish was that she wants to dance again. He's wearing a slight grin and slowly stands. He gently takes her hand and pulls her up, into his arms. They begin to move to the slow music. It's less playful and more thoughtful than the first dance. They are just enjoying the music, the closeness and this moment in time. One dance turns into two. He lays his cheek on her hair and takes pleasure in the flowery scent of her. Then the third song finds them still dancing slowly. The lights are still low from the movie. " Margaret, I just want to let you know that I have enjoyed your birthday evening. I also purchased this CD for myself. When I listen to it, I'll remember this evening and you."

"That's sweet, Leo." She just has to ask him, "How did you know I wished we could dance, again?"

He chuckles low and soft, "I just got lucky. I was hoping you wished for dancing, when you glanced at the CD player," he confesses to her quietly, with his face still resting on her head.

They continue to move together till the song ends. Leo knows that he should go home now, even though he can tell they both want this moment to continue. He needs to make his last check in with the President.

She doesn't want this night to end. She's going to mass in the morning at her local parish church. It's Palm Sunday, so she's not about to miss it, unless work has an emergency. She wonders if Leo might want to go along with her. "Leo, would you like to go to mass in the morning? It's Palm Sunday tomorrow. I go to a small church in the neighborhood."

He takes a moment before answering, "I was planning to go to church with The President and First Lady at the National Cathedral. I think I'd rather go with you, to a quieter service. I do prefer a small church, instead of the huge one the President attends."

She smiles in happiness, "You're always welcome to join me. The mass begins at 9:00 am. You should probably get going. It's getting late and I know you need to check in with the President, yet tonight. Unless... Do you want to sleep here on the couch tonight? You have your suit hanging in the bathroom and we can go from here in the morning."

He smiles back at her and her offer, "Let me talk to the President first and I'll let you know." He calls in to the White House and checks how things are before the President turns in for the night. He also lets the President know the change in plans for the mass in the morning before he hangs up. The President knows that Leo does like a small church and he has no argument. He's just glad that Leo's taking time to attend.

Leo finds her in the kitchen putting the cake into the freezer after she wrapped it in clear wrap. He clears his throat to let her know he's back, "It's all set, if you're sure it's alright for me to stay."

"Yeah, I'm sure. Let me get you some linen and a pillow for the sofa." She brings them in from the bathroom closet and puts them on the sofa.

She walks over to Leo, "Thanks for everything you did for me today." She leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek, blushing as she pulls away.

He then gently holds her face in his hands and softly kisses her forehead, "The pleasure was all mine, Margaret."

She walks into her bedroom, deep in thought of the birthday she has enjoyed. He settles down for the night on the sofa, with a smile on his face, something that is missing many of the nights in his life. Happy dreams are awaiting both of them tonight.

present day

Margaret notices Leo standing in front of the stereo in his long satin lounge pants, with bare feet and bare chest. She smiles at his favorite manner of dress in the evenings. He's holding the CD cover and listening to the music of John Tesh. She knows exactly what he's thinking about and she walks over and opens a small box of keepsakes on the small table and pulls out a single candle and walks over to him and shows it too him with a smile.

He smiles at her attire and can tell that she was in the middle of preparing for bed. She's wearing her raspberry satin bed shorts, without the matching long satin shirt. He runs a finger along the front edge of her bra and then he pulls her into a slow dance, only this time they can kiss passionately, like they wanted to the first time they danced to this CD, but weren't ready for, yet. They relax more in their own little world, savoring the soft music and the movement of their bodies together. As the song ends, they move slightly apart and smile softly to each other. Leo continues to hold her hands and walks backward toward the bedroom door. She smiles coyly, willingly allowing him to lead them. They never would have dreamed, when they first listened to this music that night, she would have her wish answered many times over.

The end

p.s. Do you want more flashbacks?

blessings

chipmunk

Imp

Betty Lou 24, 2003

Fan Reader Rating Chart:

Rating System!

CHILD - suitable for all ages

YTEEN (younger teens) - some content may not be suitable for children

TEEN - suitable for teens and above

MATURE - suitable for mature readers

ADULT - adults only

P — Profanity
SC — Sexual Content
V — Violence
GV — Graphic Violence
GS - Graphic Sexual Content