"Jenna, do you want anything for lunch? I'm leaving now for about an hour." Leslie asked.
"No thanks, I'm going to Old Eb with Mar later."
Leslie grabbed her coat and scarf to ward off the chill from a frigid air mass that had enveloped DC two days earlier. She hit the intercom button.
"Mara, I'm going now. I'll be back in about an hour and 10."
Leslie waited a second to see if she got a reaction. Silence was Mara's lazy way of saying fine. She only spoke up if she needed Leslie to do something instead. Leslie was taking a longer lunch today because she was on a mission to find a perfect anniversary gift to acknowledge Mara's 6th anniversary at the embassy. Leslie still remembered hearing about how pretty the new Ambassador was and that she was being given quite the rude reception. Leslie felt sorry for her but that day she was too busy doing her job to think about it for more than a second. She always acknowledged her boss's first day on the job because it was the day her life changed too. A series of events would conspire to put Mara on Leslie's floor a week later. The job that paid the bills became a demanding dream job because Mara overheard a female being really sarcastic to someone and wanted to investigate who had such a sharp tongue with an adorable southern accent.
The last few years Leslie had sent Sam a single yellow rose to thank him for telling Mara to go look for an assistant among the worker bees who were just there to do a job and get paid not to climb the political ladder.
Sam had sent a dozen bright pink tulips to greet his wife when she walked in. He knew the significance of the tulips would bring a huge smile to her face. He'd also sent a CD that Mara had just found the time to listen to when Leslie buzzed her.
Jenna heard a small clatter in her Aunt's office. A few minutes later she heard the patio door flung open but not close. Her instincts told her that Mara needed her. She opened the office door slowly and picked up the discman that was on the floor beside the desk. A cold blast of wind sent Jenna scrambling to grab Mara's coat and her own. She stood at the patio door to see why Mara was outside on such a cold day. She found her aunt leaning against the railing, shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Jenna knew she was sobbing.
Mara couldn't feel the cold winds burning her face, threatening to turn her tears into icicles. She was staring at the Capitol but couldn't see a thing. She didn't hear Jenna calling her name, nor feel her coat being placed on her shoulders. Her emotions were so overwhelming that all she could do was sob.
Jenna struggled to get Mara's arms into the coat, moving them as if she was a Barbie doll. Her fingers were freezing as she buttoned the coat. Once she was safely bundled up, Jenna fastened her own coat and put on her mittens. She checked Mara's pockets, found mitts and shoved her hands into them. Mara still hadn't acknowledged her presence so Jenna wrapped her arms protectively around her aunt. She lost track of how long they were out there and her voice had grown hoarse from trying to get Mara's attention.
Mara finally leaned down and left a kiss on the top of Jenna's golden hair.
"Aunty Mara, what's wrong?" She yelled.
Mara still couldn't respond verbally. She just started gesticulating in the general direction of her desk. Jenna yanked her with all her might and managed to propel her back into the office and on to the couch. She closed the patio door quickly and poured a large tumbler of Amaretto. Twelve be dammed, she thought as she took a large gulp of the light amber liquid. She hoped it would take the chill that she could feel in her bones away. Jenna brought the glass to Mara's lips, but she wouldn't take it. She tried to choke back the tears but wasn't having much luck.
Note to self: giving someone who can barely breathe a drink isn't a good idea, Jenna thought.
"C...D" Mara managed to gasp.
"CD? Yes, I picked the discman off the floor."
"CD" Mara repeated again.
Jenna looked at her like she had two heads. "Do you want the CD player?"
Mara realized she wasn't giving Jenna much to work with and while she didn't want the player she shook her head in the affirmative. Jenna gave her the discman. Mara hit play and tossed the head phones in Jenna's face.
"You want me to listen to the CD?"
Mara nodded her head once more. She was about to tell her there was nothing on the disk when Jenna heard a crackle and then Sam's voice.
Good Morning, my beautiful fire breathing dragon. Happy sixth anniversary, Ambassador Whitford. I can't believe that it was six years ago that you were near tears on my apartment couch because you thought everyone hated you at the Embassy. You showed them all, that a goddess could be the ultimate political weapon. I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished my love. You simply amaze me.
I know you are terrified, Mar, but this is it. I can feel it in every fiber of my being. Jenna is finally going to get that little brother or sister she always wanted.
Tears started to trickle down Jenna's face as she started to feel an inkling of the emotions that overwhelmed her aunt.
Darling, I have to admit that your unwavering faith and trust in God confounds me sometimes. I don't think I'll ever be able to understand how you've never lost your faith even for a few minutes. You certainly weren't kidding when you informed me you were an enigma. How you, the queen of action, can utter, 'It's your will Lord, not mine,' and mean it...I can't even find the words.
If you are too scared to even dare to have a glimmer of hope, don't be. I've got faith and hope enough for the three of us. The moment Dr. Phelps told me you were three weeks pregnant this morning, I felt this incredible inner peace. I'm not worried, Mara. I'm ready to tempt the wrath of the whatever from high atop the thing. I want to shout that I'm going to be a real daddy from the top of the Capitol steps. The only thing holding me back is the ass kicking Toby would give me.
Jenna laughed as the image of Toby kicking Sam up and down ever step of the Capitol Building flashed before her eyes.
One day, when Jenna is ready we can officially adopt her and we'll be that deranged but happy little family we've both always dreamed about. One day, because after all, it's God's will, not ours.
I love you Mrs. Seaborn. I'm here for you with arms wide open. Now, forever and always.
The opening notes of Creed's 'Arms Wide Open' began to play. Jenna rubbed the tears away from her eyes. She could picture ever emotion in existence coursing through Mara's veins, as she listened to the song. She rose from the couch and dialed Sam's cell from Mara's desk and hit speaker phone.
"Sam Seaborn" He said quickly, too busy writing a speech to glance at the call display.
"Are you trying to kill the mother of your unborn child?" Jenna asked in a perfect mimic of Mara's ultra sarcastic "hello, stupid" tone.
"Jenna?" Sam guessed.
"Hello McFly? I'm just the future adopted daughter to be and big sister. I can barely get through that without drowning in tears. Perfect gift for a hormonally challenged pregnant woman who is prone to sobbing so hard she hyperventilates."
Mara's head snapped up to look at Jenna as she wondered how her cousin knew about her hyperventilating. The line was silent for a moment as Jenna's words resonated within him.
"Oh, fuck! I never thought about that!"
"Sam! Watch your language. "Jenna admonished as Mara replied, "No shit, Sherlock!"
"Mara!" Jenna yelled.
The look on Jenna's face was priceless. She looked utterly flabbergasted over her two unruly toddlers. Mara couldn't help bursting out in laughter.
"Now she's going to laugh herself to death instead of cry!" Jenna yelled.
"Seaborn! Get your ass over here this instant and pick poor Jenna off the floor," Mara shouted through giggles.
The line went dead and they both knew he was scrambling to get out the door. Mara wondered what part of Sam's body would be bruised or bloodied when he arrived.
"I finally understand why woman have thrown up their arms since the dawn of time and muttered MEN!"
"Yes, Jenna. Every man is a moron." Mara laughed as she opened up her arms to give Jenna a hug. "Thank you, sweetie. I don't even know how to explain it. Every sentence Sam said seemed to bring up a different emotion and they just built up until I was overwhelmed. "
"I figured that was it once I listened to it. I couldn't make out all the words of the song but wow, how fitting."
Mara smiled softly, "It's even more than that, Jenna. Before we were married, Donna, CJ and Abbey threw us a Jack and Jill karaoke shower. I don't remember what I sang. After a drink or two, Sam performed and I mean gave the full rock star performance of that song for me. It was like everyone else disappeared. He left me weak in the knees and I was sitting on the floor."
"Aww. No wonder you were so quiet last night, that's when you got the news."
"No, Jenna, I found out when I listened to the CD this afternoon. I went for my yearly check up with Dr. Phelps yesterday. Since the second miscarriage, Dr. Phelps calls Sam with the results. He usually makes sure that we're alone and breaks it to me gently. He must have been so excited when he felt that inner peace that he couldn't wait until tonight and figured he'd give me our dream as the perfect gift. If he had just written me a note saying, "Congratulations, Mom". I'd be stunned, scared and on my way to him. Hearing his voice and the emotion behind it was just too much for me."
"May I?" Jenna asked.
Mara smiled a slightly sad smile. "Sure."
Jenna placed her hand on Mara's stomach, closed her eyes and concentrated hard.
"I'm feeling something positive," Jenna lied. She didn't feel anything, but she trusted Sam's vibe.
"Really? Jenna, can we talk about you for a minute? How are you feeling after hearing that?"
"I'm getting a baby brother or sister! I'm thrilled! I have two questions, though."
"Go ahead."
"Am I going to have to share my bedroom with the baby?"
Mara smiled. She was always happy when Jenna acted her age. "No, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Your room will be your room only."
"Cool beans. When I first heard Sam, I had mixed emotions but they're gone now. Can you adopt me before the baby is born? I want to be a real sister too."
The tears started streaming down Mara's face once again as she gave Jenna a radiant smile. "How does Jenna Leveille Seaborn sound to you?"
Jenna said it out loud slowly a few times. "It sounds like Mom and Dad are breathing a sigh of relief. I bet they are on their way to sign up to be the baby's guardian angels." Jenna's face changed for a second and then she grinned. "I feel it, Mar. Wow, I feel that inner peace. Everything is really going to be OK."
"From your lips to God's ears," Mara said softly.
"Do you want me to stay with Ginger or Ainsley tonight?"
"You don't have to do that sweetie."
"I know, but I don't really want to watch you and Sam suck face all night long either."
Mara chuckled, "What am I going to do with you young lady? I'm going to be reminding you how 'gross' sucking face is when you come to me and ask to go on your first date."
"Maybe I'll ask Sam then." Jenna replied with a grin.
"You'll never ask Sam because he would say no. He doesn't want you to date until you're 30."
"He is even more over protective than Dad and I didn't think that was possible."
"He loves you so very much Jenna. He figures that if he can protect or shield you from certain things he should. He just goes a little overboard. I give you more freedom because I swear you're a worldlier version of myself at age 13. My Mother had no clue where I was or what I was up to when I was your age. It's lucky for her that I was a good kid with a good head on my shoulders. I never even tried drugs, I tried a cigarette once and hated it. I didn't see the point in drinking and it wasn't taboo cause I'd get some at special meals. The world was a safer place back then Jenna. I could disappear to walk to the library or hop on a bus to go to the Oratory and be home safely in time for dinner."
"You'd go that far alone? Wow, I get to go next door and that's it."
"Jenna, I know it sucks but not only do we have to worry about child molesting freaks but terrorist freaks who might think they can kidnap you to force me to do something. I wouldn't let you go roaming in Montreal and I'm certainly not going to let you go roaming here. It's not fair I know but there are ways to get around protective custody."
"How?"
"Say you want to go shopping without Sam or I. You can ask CJ, Ginger, Donna, Carol, Bonnie, Leslie or Ainsley. Josh would practically drop anything to do you a favour. Even Toby would set foot in a mall just for you. All you have to do is ask one of them and then have them call Sam or I. We just need to know that you are with someone we trust."
"Kay, you know I don't think I've ever thanked you for turning your life upside down to care for me. I told Sam awhile ago that he was a good Dad to me. You've done a good job of mothering me too. I'm so used to you being my wicked cool Aunt that it's harder to remember that you're my Mom now."
"I know Jenna. You are also too much like me so we are going to continue to clash. Plus Sam lets me be the heavy too often."
"I overheard Carol once asking CJ why Sam let me get away with saying something really snotty. She said that he is so use to ignoring you that he just ignores me too."
"That is true, I've always given Sam a hard time but I rarely get it back from him so I'm not use to it and..."
"That's why I get busted, you notice not ignore."
"Exactly. You may have to tread carefully around my moods Jenna. Remember it's the hormones not how I feel."
"Mara you decapitate first and ask questions later. I'm use to it by now. You let everything out and then it's gone. Last week, Sam pulled me aside and told me that he was getting sick and tired of me rolling my eyes at him all the time. How long was he holding that in?"
"Sam let's things fester Jenna. He bottles everything up inside which is a very bad thing to do. Sometimes I pick fights with him just so he can vent and let some of it out."
"What's it like to have someone love you as much as Sam does?"
"It's indescribable Jenna. It's like Christmas, New Years, winning the lottery, the first day of spring and your birthday all rolled up together and multiplied by a billion. It's worth waiting for and don't ever settle for less Jenna. You deserve it."
They heard the door open slowly and looked up to see a frazzled looking Sam standing at the door with a large bouquet of licorice lollipops in hand.
"Is it safe to come in?"
"Yes you dope, get in here."
"I'm going down to the cafe to get something. I'll be back in ten minutes." Jenna stated.
"Kay, I know we were going to go to Old Eb for lunch Jenna but we can swing by for dip on the way home. I suggest you get yourself a pizza and I wouldn't mind one either."
"Sam?"
"Pizza sounds good, thanks."
"So what did you hurt on your way here?"
"What makes you think I hurt anything?"
"Sam, you always end up bloodied or bruised when you rush anywhere. So was it your knee?"
"Yes, I only knocked it though. Did I really freak you out?"
"Let's just say if it wasn't for Jenna I would have frozen to death on the patio. Samuel, you dropped an emotional bombshell on me and I couldn't cope with the emotions all at once."
"Sorry, I really didn't think about that. How are you doing?"
"I'm feeling shell shocked. Jenna is going to go stay with Ainsley tonight. I may as well go home because I'm not going to be able to get anything done today. My three o'clock canceled and I can cancel my four o'clock. What were you up to?"
"The Christmas address. I was also putting the final touches on your Disney speech. Donna is getting nervous."
"She'll be fine. You'll be there for moral support. You really should talk to Leo about giving Josh the day off to see her. Donna's days of standing in the wings are over. It's time she take center stage and Josh should be there rooting for her."
"I'll see what I can do. Do you want me to bring home Thai?"
"I don't care, just get home as fast as you can."
"You are avoiding the subject."
"You should know all about that Sam. I'll speak when I'm ready. Now kindly hand over the lollipops."
Sam unwrapped one, gave his wife a kiss and popped it in her mouth. Jenna came back with four pizzas that they all shared. As Sam left he brushed his hand against her belly and gave Mara his most dazzling smile.
"I love you."
"I love you too Sam, now get so you can get home."
Sam made it home a little after five and found Mara curled up on the couch. The coffee table was covered in tiny beads from the gingerbread men ornaments Mara had been making. He brought dinner into the kitchen and came back out into the living room where he carefully swept the beads back into their boxes and put the red ribbon away before Killer decided to play with or eat it. He set the dining room table and then knelt down to gently kiss her awake. Mara looked up at him, smiled softly and cuddled back into the pillow.
"Come on sleepy head, dinner is on the table. I've got spring rolls, your favourite..."
"Give me a few more minutes. Or you can bring my dinner over here and feed me."
"You are so lazy. I'm not feeding you so sit up."
Sam brought dinner over to the couch and waited until they had both finished eating to try talking to her. He cleared the plates, brought them to the kitchen and returned to his seat next to her on the couch. He reached over and held her hand in his.
"So, Mom how are you feeling?"
"Jenna wants us to adopt her before the baby is born."
"She does?"
"Yes, she said she wanted to be a real big sister too. I asked her how Jenna Leveille Seaborn sounded to her. She said it sounded like her parents were breathing a sigh of relief. "
"Wow, I guess we better get the wheels in motion then. You didn't answer my question though."
"I'm scared Sam and every bit of love you give me isn't going to change that fact. You sense this time I'm going to carry full term and Jenna senses it too. My common sense refuses to let me get my hopes up. I've got to prepare for the worst Sam, I just have to."
"If I thought it would help I'd convince you to celebrate, but I know that there's no sense in that. You do what you have to do and I'll be making plans for the nursery.. You have an appointment with Dr. Phelps Monday morning at 9."
"Yeah, so what did you do this afternoon?"
"I turned down two jobs."
"You think I'm going to support a lazy ass husband do you?" Mara teased.
Sam ignored her. "Nancy offered me a job at the NSA again. I think she figures if she asks me enough, I'll get tired and just say yes to shut her up."
"Nancy likes you Sam, you laugh when she calls Fitz Admiral Sissy Pants."
"Actually it's Admiral Sissymary," Sam chuckled, "Hoynes offered me a job too."
"Communications Director and Senior policy advisor?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"He asked my permission to ask you. I told him I didn't think you'd accept, but he was welcome to try."
"Ah, Donna accepted his offer. She's getting my office and Bonnie as her assistant."
"I figured she'd accept. She loves PEI so much and the flexible hours so she can finish up her courses at Georgetown. I knew when she didn't jump at my offer that there was something more appealing to her. I told her she should have asked for Josh's office, but she likes yours better. "
"She plans on stealing Toby's couch. CJ is excited about her new position, she keeps asking my opinion on what fabric she should use. I keep telling her just to pick the most expensive stuff since you are footing the bill."
"Yeah, she told me you suggested she go looking for a desk in Provence. I told her that if it was your suggestion, you'd pay for it." Mara replied with a smirk.
"I guess my days of interior decorating are over." Sam said solemnly.
"CJ, Carol, Ed, Larry and Nancy are going to my new foundation. Leo and Margaret are going to the DNC and I still can't believe Toby is going to move in with Mandy and write his memoirs. I'm going to miss Tobs."
"Me too but he's only an hour away. Charlie got his early acceptance to Harvard law today but he still wants to go to Georgetown. It seems everyone has plans except Josh and I."
"I take it Hoynes hasn't offered Josh anything yet?"
"No and Josh is ticked off."
"I don't blame him, although I honestly can't see Josh working for him."
"You know the timing of this pregnancy is perfect, I can be home to take care of you."
"Sweetie, while I appreciate the thought, you hanging around all the time would drive me bonkers. I think you should offer John you services as a freelancer."
"I sort of accepted an assignment already."
"Inaugural?"
"Yes, I'm going to pick it up after the 3rd draft."
"You've got a gift Sam. Maybe you should write your own book: In and Out of the Loop: My Life in Politics."
"Nah, my life in politics has only just begun."
Mara smiled at Sam, opening her arms so he could rest against her. She wrapped her arms around him protectively and left a kiss on his neck.
"I think it's only fair to warn Jenna that someday in the future she's going to be the First Daughter."
Sam chuckled, "I think she'll want to run my campaign."
"You should let Leo know that you want to run in a few years. He'll keep his eyes open for congressional seats for you. I'd put Toby and Josh on retainer, too."
"What if I hate it, Mar?"
"You find a reason to go in every day until your term is over. Sam, I want you to understand that it doesn't mean squat if Ginger, Jed, Abbey, CJ and I can see you as President Seaborn. Don't think you have to do this because we want you to. Don't even do it because you feel a sense of duty. I'm not going through 8 years of hell because you don't want to disappoint us. Even if you become an ambulance-chasing attorney, I'll love you just as much as if your theme song was 'Hail to the Chief.' Whatever you decided to do, I fully expect you to keep any promise you make to me."
Sam turned so he could face his wife and rested his forehead against hers. "Mara, I admire Leo and Jed for countless reasons but I'd never risk your love or happiness for anything or anyone. You, Jenna and our baby are my highest priority, the most important, number one focus of my life. I..."
"You just said three things that mean the same thing."
"I'm professing my undying love and devotion and you're checking my grammar?"
"Someone has to, because you're certainly not." Mara replied with smirk before kissing the indignation right off her husband's face."
"Care to take this up to the bedroom, you evil wench?"
"Do you really think a little flattery will sway me enough that I'd let you have your way with me?"
"Sure, because not only are you an evil wench, but you're also an easy wench." Sam chuckled as he unbuttoned her shirt and ran his tongue along the edge of her seamless bra.
Mara moaned softly, throwing her head back and chuckling. "Screw the bed, Samuel. Right here, right now." She pushed at his shoulders to give herself more room to recline on the couch.
Sam didn't bother answering her. He was too busy leaving a ring of tender kisses on her taut stomach as his hands made quick work of the button and zipper on her leather pants. She raised her hips to help him while she ripped his shirt off, sending buttons flying. Sam gave her a look for a fraction of a second before removing his T-shirt and returning his attention back to her inner thigh. His teeth raked over her tender flesh and her moans and squirming only encouraged him in his mission to drive her insane. She was too far gone to notice that she was the only one naked as Sam purposely trigged climax after climax until she lost all touch of reality and let Sam sweep her away to an euphoria she hadn't felt in weeks.
"Merry Christmas to me," she said afterwards, her fingers playing in his silky hair as he lazily continued caressing her breasts. Sam looked up at her through his lashes at her declaration as he smiled softly at her.
"Enjoy that, did you?"
"You could say that. I think they heard me in Paris. Sam, we need to send Jenna to Ainsley's more often. In fact, promise me that every few days and you'll never have to work another minute in your life. The hell with the country, I want you to serve only at my pleasure."
"I love it when you're being selfish. You know, the last time I was asked that Proust questionnaire I said my favourite sound was hearing your laughter. I've changed my mind. Listening to you in ecstasy and knowing I'm responsible, that's my favourite sound in the world."
"I aim to please. Hey! You're still half dressed! Now that just won't do. Be it resolved that it's been quite some time since we decided to see how long we could make love before passing out."
"That question is going to require an awful lot of research." Sam glanced at his watch. "Jenna will be back in eleven hours. I suggest we start..."
"Debate prep immediately? I'm two steps ahead of you pretty boy."
Sam rolled his eyes and swept her up into his arms to carry upstairs to their room. Sleep was the last thing on either of their minds.
Everyone noticed that Mara seemed a little off at her and Sam's annual Christmas party, but they all assumed it was the after affects of the migraine she had the day before. When Mara woke up that morning, her head felt like it had exploded. She had the Imitrex in her hand when she dropped it like a hot potato. She couldn't get a hold of Dr. Phelps so she was forced to call Abbey and let her in on her medical condition. Abbey assured her that one pill would not harm the baby. Mara didn't seem to convinced so Abbey turned into Dr. Bartlet until she took the pill. Abbey sent Sam home for lunch to show Mara the results of studies on occasional usage of prescription migraine drugs and their effects on pregnancies. A day later Mara only had a mild bounce back headache. Jenna had relished the opportunity to help out by cooking.
Sam surveyed the scene in front of him, amazed at how similar it looked to the very first Christmas party they threw. Toby was still arguing with Mandy, Donna was still gossiping with Bonnie and Ainsley was eating. He smiled at Jenna, who had just brought Michael back inside after they played in the snow on the front lawn. He had surprised Mara with snow the first year and continued the tradition because it never failed to make his wife smile.
Josh noticed Mara head into the kitchen and followed her. She pulled a cookie sheet of cheese puffs and stuffed mushrooms out of the oven and started arranging them on the tray.
"Need some help?" Josh asked as he sat on a stool in front of the serving tray.
"You can help me fill the tray."
"Mara, what's wrong?" Josh asked as he started popping the food in his mouth.
"Nothing. Hey! I said fill the tray not eat everything that goes on the tray."
"Mar, contrary to popular opinion I'm not dumb. Something is up with you. There's this tiny glint of sadness in your eyes and it's almost undetectable but I can see the fear too. Are you pregnant?"
"What makes you think that?" Mara asked a little to quickly.
"I can only think of three things that put the fear of God in to you. You're over the thunderstorm thing and Sam isn't hurt, so it can only be one other thing. Dr. Bartlet has also been a little overly concerned about a mere migraine. Finally, Sam has been grinning like an idiot for two weeks straight and there is no way he's getting sex every night. So how far along are you?"
"Five weeks. " Mara replied barely above a whisper.
"You're terrified."
"Uh-huh."
"Sam isn't though."
"Sam's convinced that this is finally going to be the one. He says he can 'feel it' but I can't..."
"Even hold out the slimmest glimmer of hope? Oh sweetie."
Josh got up and wrapped his arms around her. "You can count on me to be deputy downer."
Mara couldn't manage a smile so she just left a soft kiss on his neck. "Josh please..."
"Don't worry your secret is safe with me. Go get a breath of fresh air. I'll stop eating long enough to fill the tray and bring it out."
"Thanks Josh."
Christmas and New Year's seemed to go by in a blur. Before Mara knew it the inauguration was upon them. President Bartlet and his staff had exactly one week left in the White House. Josh had finally found himself a job as Mark Godfrey's replacement on Capital Beat. Sam accepted Georgetown's offer to teach a course on law and ethics in the fall. He'd only be working ten hours a week which suited him fine. He wanted to be around his infant son or daughter as much as possible. He had handed John the final copy of his inaugural address and had written his first and only radio address for the President. Two days after John Hoynes was sworn in as the president of the United States, Sam and Mara would be on their way to spend a month in Anguilla. Jenna was looking forward to spending a month back in Montreal and would spend a couple days with Ginger and Ryan until Dani could fly down to escort her home. Toby would be settled in to Mandy's 5th Avenue apartment by the end of the month. The gang would all be together one last time for breakfast the morning after the inauguration at Sam and Mara's.
With each box Sam packed, Donna seemed to move in a carton of her own. If it had been anyone else he might have resented it but Donna's enthusiasm was too charming to dampen. Donna and Josh were headed to Anguilla for two weeks after Sam and Mara returned. Josh hadn't said anything, but Sam was fairly certain Donna would be presented with an impressive engagement ring and a horrible marriage proposal from Josh at sunset one evening.
"Earth to Sam?" Ginger chided.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought What do you need?"
"I filled out most of the paper work for you but Georgetown needs your signature on a few things."
Sam signed at all the little sticky tabs and handed them back to Ginger.
"Sam, you didn't even look at what you signed. Those could have been your commitment papers!"
"You would never do that to me Ginger Ale. You want to go grab lunch?"
"Sam, it's not even ten yet!"
"Breakfast then?"
"Sam, go bug CJ, I still have some work to do."
"If I go see CJ I'll get her 'seniors checking out of school' speech. Come on Ginger, nothing is urgent and I need a playmate."
"Sam, one of us has to be a responsible adult."
"Sam, snowball fight in ten minutes." Josh announced as dashed by to see if Leo wanted to join in."
"Is he out of his mind?"
"Ginger, I order you to go get your coat and get ready to dodge snowballs." Sam laughed.
"Toby, a little help here!" Ginger exclaimed.
"Ginger, I promise I will not aim at you or Bonnie on purpose. I apologize now if I miss. You on the other hand, get no such guarantee." Toby replied giving Sam an evil smirk.
Sam called Mara and invited her over but she declined. She was trying to get everything done so she could spend a day in the West Wing and go away for a month. It had finally dawned on her that her all access past was about to be revoked and she'd really miss popping over for a few hours or reading security briefs on CJ's couch. She also hated the idea of Abbey being an hour and a half away in Manchester.
Jan 19 2009
The day before inauguration Mara found herself in the West Wing for the last time. She'd be there tomorrow but it really wasn't going to the the Bartlet White House anymore. The last box had been taken out of Sam's office the night before and the only sign that it was once his office was the picture of them on their wedding day that still sat on his desk. Everything else in the office belonged to Donna. She leaned against the door frame as her mind replayed the highlights of her history with the office and it's occupant. Just then, Sam came along and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"It's the end of an era."
"If I knew being here would make me feel this melancholy, I would've stayed away."
"I think your hormones have a little to do with that. Donna assures me she'll vacate the office on our anniversary."
Mara smiled at that. "I guess you can't request this office as President."
"Umm no. Come on let's go check out my future office."
"Hey Charlie, is he in?" Sam asked.
"No, but he will be soon. You can wait for him inside."
The White House photographer had spent the day roaming the halls documenting the last day of the Bartlet Presidency. He'd expected most of what he witnessed through his lens but after taking a candid shot of Charlie with the door to the Oval office open, the scene inside captured his attention. Sam's back was to him, his arms were braced on the President's desk as he gazed out the window directly behind the desk. Tom snapped the picture knowing that the relationship between Sam and the Oval Office was far from over. Mara had gotten up from the couch and wrapped her arms around her husband. Tom took the picture and turned to see who had come up beside him.
"They really look like they belong in there don't they." Donna said quietly.
"They certainly do." Tom replied while his finger continued to snap away.
Sam had turned around but he was focussing all his attention upon his wife so he didn't notice they had an audience. He kissed Mara softly and gently placed his hand over her stomach.
"Some day little one, you'll be running around in here when I'm trying to run the country." he said so quietly only Mara could hear him.
Donna's eye caught the motion and her brain started working over time. She excused herself and went off to find Josh. Tom made his presence known and asked if he could take a few pictures of them, and they happily obliged. When Jed arrived he ordered Sam to sit in his chair and asked Tom to take the picture.
"Just in case I'm not around to witness this for myself. "
"Perish the thought Jed." Mara said quickly.
She sat down on Sam's lap and Tom took a few more pictures.
"Tom, if you're free Monday morning would you mind coming over for breakfast? You've been a part of the inner circle and we're all having one last breakfast together at our place."
"I'd love to, I'll even bring my camera."
"You don't have to Tom."
"I know but in a month from know you'll all be happy I did."
"Ten o'clock, don't be late or Jed will eat your eggs."
"Josh!" Donna bellowed as she spotted him leaving CJ's office.
"Don't yell."
"You've been holding out on me mister! Why didn't you tell me Mara was pregnant!"
"What?"
"Don't try to play innocent with me Joshua. You can't lie to me."
"What makes you think I know anything?"
"I couldn't figure out why you were being so considerate of Mara and it finally dawned on me a minute ago."
"So being nice to Mara equates pregnancy?"
"In this case, it does."
"Donna, I love you, but I really have no idea what you are talking about. Mara's pregnant?"
Donna stared at him hard watching for the usual signs. He maintained eye contact and wasn't fidgeting. She looked away and then right back at him. Josh looked at her like she had two heads.
"So Mara didn't tell you she was pregnant?"
"No." (I'm not really lying. I guessed, she didn't tell me.)
"I'm sure she's pregnant Josh. Why wouldn't she have told me?"
"Donnatella, if she was pregnant, giving Mara's history...Can you blame her for not saying anything? They were a week away from announcing when she miscarried last time. If she is pregnant, she isn't ready to tell you and if she's not, you'd only upset her. Give it a rest Nancy Drew."
"She's pregnant Josh, I know it."
"What makes you so sure?"
"I just caught Sam and Mara in an unguarded moment. He put his hand on her belly and was saying something too low to hear. Knowing Sam, he was telling the baby he'd be back in the oval office."
"I can see how you came to that conclusion, but Sam might have been telling her they'd have a baby one day. It's a good conclusion to jump to, but you shouldn't be jumping."
"I guess but I know I'm right."
"So are you going to miss me Monday morning?"
"Yes Josh I'm going to miss you. I'm going to really miss everyone. I wish Sam would have accepted the job. I'm also sort of happy you won't be here though Josh. This is my chance to stand on my own and not have you as my safety net. I'm playing with the big boys now and I like it."
"You'll be amazing Donna. You are amazing, my Donna."
"Kiss me Josh. Right here, right now."
"Donna! We can't." Josh teased.
"What's the worst thing that will happen? You'll get fired a day early?" Donna chuckled before yanking Josh to her and kissing him hard.
"Hey you two, rent a room." Sam chided.
"I don't' know Sam, when in Rome..." Mara didn't finish her thought because Sam got the message and drew her into his arms for a long slow kiss.
"For crying out loud, when did we let a bunch of horny teenagers in the White House?" Toby inquired.
Mara laughed, "Ah come on Toby-won you'd join in if Mandy were here."
"She will be in an hour. I'm off to get her at DCA. We're all leaving from here tomorrow right?"
"Yeah, give Mands a kiss for me and I'm expecting her at breakfast Monday."
"I will, now get all of you, before some member of the press finds you."
"Sam?"
"I just need our coats, your purse and our picture."
"Hey Mara, what are you wearing tomorrow?" Donna asked.
"Probably my leather pants and a warm sweater with my coat to the swearing in. For the balls either my red dress or the tanzanite coloured silk organza one."
"I vote for the tanzanite." Sam said quickly.
"Me too." Josh agreed.
Donna elbowed Josh. "What? I'm sorry but breasts like Mar's shouldn't be hidden." Josh said with a dopey grin.
"Joshua!" Donna admonished while Mara started laughing.
"I'm getting our things before I say something to annoy Donna. "Sam said with a huge grin.
"Take another look at Mara's breast Josh, cause you sure as hell aren't seeing mine for a long, long time." Donna stormed off towards her cube with Josh trying to catch up to her.
"He'll never learn will he?" Bonnie asked as she passed by them on her way home.
"See you in the morning Bonnie." Sam chuckled as he handed Mara her coat and guided his wife in the direction of the exit.
-Fin-
To be continued in The Ambassadors Husband.