Title: The Presidential Name Game

Category: General/Humor/Romance
Rating: PG
Summary: Josh and Donna figure out names for their next baby

Disclaimer: Ha!

Author's Notes: Feedback, please

Written: 6-9-05 to 8-22-05

Chapter Six

The Santos' often liked to have the Lyman's over to eat dinner in the residence. The children from both families enjoyed each others company. It wasn't unusual for the First Son, Peter, to wander into the West Wing and ask Josh or Donna during working hours if Noah could take part in a game. So when the Santos' suggested dinner Josh and Donna jumped on the chance. There they would spring their questions on the unsuspecting couple.

It had been a quiet Friday and both families were sitting around the table talking. The older boy was trying to explain baseball to Noah who, between his father, extended family, and television was picking it up little by little. The Santos' daughter, Katie, was telling Donna and her mother about ballet practice. Josh and the President were speaking about the new Lego set that Peter had gotten and was frustrated with. Peter claimed it was impossible to complete. Josh, who was not one to turn down a challenge, made plans with the President to work on it as soon as dinner was over…

"Damnit! This piece is going to fit on the other piece if I have to die trying!" Josh punctuated his words by slamming the pieces together after each syllable.

"Calm down, Josh, I can't have my chief of staff go mental over legos, it wouldn't look good."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure Donna wouldn't be too happy either."

"Especially being left alone with Noah and a baby on the way," Santos said, making Josh stop what he was doing.

"There were actually two things I needed to talk to you about concerning that."

"Ok."

Josh stared hard at the President, gaining his complete attention.

"First if something were to happen to me on the job…"

"Josh…"

"No, listen. If something happens to me, since I'll probably be around you, I need you to make sure that my family's ok," Josh said, seriousness covering his face. He had talked to several people about taking care of his family if something should happen, but seeing as how the President would be closest to him if something did occur made this talk all the more important. "Donna's strong and she'll try to play that up for the kids but she would need someone and I would want you and the First Lady to be among our friends who help her." Then he kind of smirked. "And, if you're with me, tell Donna that I said something elaborate and poetic about loving her and our family because even if I can't say anything, I know that's what I'll be thinking."

"How do you know that?" the President asked, curiosity dripping from his words. Josh's voice got real quiet.

"Because that's what I was thinking at Rosslyn." Josh then cheered up. "But I have a better question to ask you."

The President waved his hand in circle. "Get on with it."

"Sir, I was wondering if you would allow Donna the use of your name for our baby if it's a boy. We would like to name him Matthew Josiah."

"No kidding?" the President asked, his mouth gaping open.

"No kidding," Josh responded, smiling at his boss's face.

"I'd be…completely honored. Of course, Josh, of course. Thank you."