Celebrating Marriage

Last time we talked, I was sure that it was the best day of my life. But I lied. Today, in less than 6 hours, I am marring the love of my life. It was all sort of fast, but truth be told I don't care. 4 months after our first date Josh proposed. Of course, since nothing in our life can be easy he proposed while being interviewed on National Television. And at the time, he was in California and I was stuck at home with the flu. I guess all in all, it was rather romantic. Even though for the next two months our picture was plastered over every newspaper and gossip magazine. Fairy Tale Ending for White House Staffers was my favorite article. Of course I'm biased, Danny wrote it.

Anyway, less than 3 months after he proposed we're getting married. We decided to forego most of the usual wedding details. We're getting married in the Blue Room with the President well, presiding. Since my father died, I was worried that I would have no one to walk me down the aisle, but thankfully Toby stepped up and agreed. Of course knowing us, we couldn't help but add a little fun to our ceremony. That's why Sam's my Man of Honor, and CJ is Josh's Best Woman. Both of them were really great about it once we assured Sam he would not have to wear a dress. He is wearing a black suit with a dark blue shirt, identical to CJ's attire, only minus the heels. Josh is also wearing a suit because he hates having to wear tuxedos. I had a hard time trying to find something to wear and only succeeded in finding a dress when Josh's mother stepped in with an amazingly beautiful dress she found in a vintage store. It is a full-length ivory silk satin evening gown, with a Deep V-neck and twist detail that continues on the back, criss-cross style and ties at the lower back. Guaranteed to enhance every curve. I thanked Anna profusely and was immediately grateful for such an amazing Mother-in-law. Not that my own mother isn't amazing, she came down from Wisconsin and helped us pull everything together. I don't know if I could have survived any of this wedding stuff without her. Angelina Moss is a force to be reckoned with, anyone who gets in her way is tossed aside without any hesitation.

"Donna, stop daydreaming and come over here, we're about to go get pampered." CJ calls out as she motions towards the door. Being a woman, CJ is still staying with us most of the day. Sam, being well Sam, decided to tag along and see what we girls go through to become the extraordinarily gorgeous women we appear to be. We are starting with mud baths, then massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. I swear this is probably the most pampering I'm ever going to get the rest of my life.

Only two hours left until I'm getting married, I'm so excited. I keep thinking about how everything is finally working out in my life. I have a great guy, great friends, and a wonderful family that's about to become even larger. I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm pregnant. About two months along, I thought I'd tell Josh tonight during our weekend honeymoon. We couldn't be spared for any longer, so we get a weekend at The Cherry Hill Hotel in Times Square. Not that I mind really, I think Josh would go crazy without work to do.

"Donna come over here I need to do your hair." Ginger says as she motions me over. Truth be told, I think that Ginger has a serious crush on Sam. I only started noticing it about three months ago, but I think he likes her too. I wonder if they would mind a little matchmaking? I thought about working on CJ and Toby, but I think they will get together on their own time. I have to get married now though, so I'm gonna stop talking for a while.

"Let's get started, I have to get married today." I say with a smile as we continue the beautification process. We spend the next hour doing my hair and makeup, before the girls realize that they haven't even started getting ready. In the room is CJ, Anna, My mom, and Ginger. Sam left a little while ago proclaiming he needed to be desensitized after spending the day with us. Ginger is going to be my only bridesmaid besides CJ. She will be walking down the aisle with my twin brother Brogan. My sister Tallulah is going to make sure my niece Emma makes it down as flower girl. My three other brothers, Teagan, Giovanni, and Marcello are going to be ushers, they were too nervous to be in front of the cameras. That's right cameras, are wedding is going to be broadcast on CNN because apparently it is the political event of the year. Like getting married isn't nerve wracking enough, now people from around the world can experience it too.

"Hey Donna?" CJ asks as my mom and Anna leave to check on the boys leaving Ginger, her, and I alone.

"What?"

"I don't mean to be rude, but why do you have weird names in your family?"

"You mean like Tallulah, Marcello, Teagan, Giovanni, Brogan, and Donnatella?"

"Yeah, there just not names you hear everyday." Ginger asks joining in on the conversation as well.

"My parents were very involved in their cultures. My dad is pure Irish and my mom is pure Italian. When they got married they decided to spilt the names. Half the kids would have Irish names, and the other half Italian. Luckily they had 6 children so it turned out equal. So Tally, TC, and Brogan got the Irish names, and Marc, Gio, and I got the Italian ones. It's all pretty simple."

"You must have a really big family."

"Are you kidding, I have 3 sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, and 9 nieces and nephews. Christmas is a pain."

"I only have a brother, so I don't know what it's like to be around so many people." CJ says as she sat down next to me.

"It's not that bad, I've always loved having a bunch of people around, that's why I can't wait to have kids."

"As long as you don't have them right away, that way you and Josh will have some alone time." CJ says off-handedly. Uh Oh!

"Well, there might be a glitch in that plan." I say with a small smile.

"You're pregnant?" Ginger asks excitedly.

"Two months, I just found out last week."

"Does Josh know?" CJ asks

"No, I was going to tell him tonight after the wedding. I figured it could be my wedding gift." I say with a laugh as I smooth down invisible wrinkles on the dress. I steal a quick look at the clock.

"Twenty more minutes until you become Mrs. Lyman." Ginger says as she notices my glance.

"Mrs. Moss-Lyman, a girl needs to be independent as well." I say smiling

"You nervous?" she asks

"Are you kidding, my butterflies are now airplanes. I'm getting married today. On CNN no less."

"You're not having second thoughts rights?" CJ asks nervously.

"No second thoughts, just… apprehension. I mean this is a big deal, a life changing big deal." We all sit there in silence until a knock on the door interrupts us.

"It's time to go girls." My mom says as she opens the door. I rush over and hug her.

"Thanks for everything mom, I couldn't have done this without you."

"You my darling Donnatella are one of my greatest treasures and I am so happy for you."

"Thank you mom." I say as I gently wipe some of my tears.

"Everyone's lined up, this is it." She says as she motions for us to follow and I have to catch my breath.

"Donna you look beautiful." My brother Brogan says as he gives me a quick hug.

"Everyone take your places." My mom says before she leaves to sit down

"Hey Donna." Toby says as he stands next to me.

"I want to thank you for this Toby. It means a lot to me."

"It's no big deal, and may I say you look spectacular. Josh doesn't deserve you."

"I know, but I love the big lug."

"If he ever hurts you, you tell me okay."

"Promise."

I suck in a deep breath as the music starts to play and Ginger and Brogan start walking. Next Sam walks down the aisle to sounds of laughter. Last, but not least, Tally leads 2-year-old flower girl Emma down the aisle. The music changes to Ave Maria and I take another deep breath before I start my decent. Right away I notice Josh standing at the front and all my worries go away. I focus only on his smiling face and everyone else seems to fade away. When I finally reach Josh, Toby kisses me softly on the cheek and 'hands' me over to him.

"Hi" I whisper as I turn to him

"Hi" he whispers back smiling wide.

"What you doing after this?"

"Spending my life with you." I smile again and calm my nerves as President Bartlet starts.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Donnatella Moss and Joshua Lyman. I like to think of them as my friends, my family. I've been waiting for these two to get together from the moment Donna walked in and hired herself."

"Right away I could see that these people belonged together. They completed each other; they were the other half everyone looks for. I don't know what Josh would do without her, and to be honest, I don't want to know. They balance each other out, they take care of each other, they respect each other, and most of all they love each other deeply and sincerely. Theirs is a love we should all strive to achieve." I try not to cry as he puts his hand over Josh and I's joined hands.

"Josh and Donna have decided to say their own vows so I'll let them start. Joshua"

"I, Joshua Ezekiel Lyman, take you, Donnatella Leighton Moss, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity."

I can feel the tears slide down my cheeks as he recites his vows, and I try to remember mine.

"I Donnatella Leighton Moss, take you Joshua Ezekiel Lyman to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together." I try to keep my voice strong, but in the end the tears just keep coming. "I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."

"Sorry guys, but I have to ask. Does anyone know any reason why these two should not be wed? Speak now or forever keep your peace." President Bartlet says after we finished. Josh and I laugh as Sam and CJ basically glare at the guests, daring them to speak.

If we have no objections, I will continue. Josh do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." He replies looking into my eyes.

"Donna, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Can I please have the rings?" I turn to Sam and Josh turns to CJ for the rings.

"Josh, place this ring on Donna's hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed." Josh smiles and takes my hand, placing the ring on it.

"With this ring, I thee wed. "

"Donna, place this ring on Josh's hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed." I place the ring on Josh's hand and smile.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." As soon as the words are out of his mouth Josh grabs me and kisses me. I didn't hesitate one bit and we only parted when the entire room began clapping boisterously.

"I think we should stop now." I whisper against his lips as we part.

"Yeah, we have all night."

"We have the rest of our lives." I say with a smile as I hug him tightly.

"I present for the first time Joshua Lyman and Mrs. Donnatella Moss-Lyman." I can't believe this happened. This is the greatest day of my life.