About a week later, yes a week, Sam entered the West Wing, ready to finally talk to Ainsley.
"Bonnie, cancel my meetings for the morning." Sam said, heading into his office.
"Why?"
"I have to talk to Ainsley."
"She's not here."
"What?" Sam walked into the bullpen and stared at Bonnie.
"I heard her talking to Donna last night. She seemed really upset." she said. "I don't know anything. Ask Donna. I do know she's not here today though."
Sam frowned and headed towards Josh's office.
"Donna!"
"Hey Sam." she greeted.
"Where's Ainsley?"
"She went to North Carolina."
"What? Why?"
Donna sighed and Sam gave her a pleading look.
"Her sister was in a car accident."
"Is she okay?"
"She died. The car was totaled."
"Jesus. Did she tell you how long she was going to be down there?"
Donna shook her head and Sam ran a hand through his hair.
"Thanks." he started to walk away and headed towards Leo's office as he pulled out his cell phone. He dialed Ainsley's number and waited.
"Hello?"
Sam felt his heart break, hearing Ainsley's depressed voice.
"It's me." he finally said.
"Hi."
"I heard about Casey." Sam heard Ainsley start crying and he wished he was there holding her.
"I just can't believe it."
"I know..." Sam stopped and turned around, heading towards his office. "God Ainse, I'm so sorry. How's Brian doing?"
"He... God Sam, he's so upset. I don't blame him. I miss her so much."
"I know. How long are you going to be down there?"
"I don't know. I told Leo and he told me to take off as long as I need. How're your parents doing?"
"My mom is just getting by and I haven't really talked to my dad. How're you doing?"
"I don't know. I'm so confused. I wish you were here. I want you here. I need you here with me. I know you can't come down because of work."
"No. No I'll be there. Are you sure?"
"I miss you."
"I'm sorry I was acting like a jerk."
"I figured you just needed time."
"I'll be there soon."
"Okay. I love you Sam."
"I love you too." he snapped his phone shut and headed for Leo's office again. "Margaret does he got a minute?"
"Yeah. Go in." she nodded. Sam entered Leo's office and he looked up.
"Hey Sam."
"I need a couple days off."
"Why?"
"I'm going down to North Carolina."
"Go." Leo said without hesitating.
"You sure?"
"She needs you right now. Just go. We'll get by without you for a few days."
"Thanks Leo."
"Don't thank me. Just go."
------------------------TWW----------------
Ainsley was out in the driveway the second she saw Sam pull his car into the long driveway. She rushed out to the car and Sam immediately pulled her into his arms once he was out of the car. He buried his face in her hair as she sobbed into his chest.
"Shh..." Sam kissed her forehead, trying to calm her down. "Come on. Let's go inside."
Ainsley shook her head, wiping the tears off her face.
"I can't go in there. I've been stuck with them all day. If I hear one more thing or one more person starts crying I'm going to lose it. We'll go sit in the backyard or something." she said, taking Sam's hand in hers. She led him into the backyard and they settled down on the swing set.
"How are you doing?"
"It's sunken in that she's gone but I... I feel horrible."
Sam nodded and swung sideways, taking Ainsley's hand in his.
"Thank you." she whispered.
"For what?"
"For dropping everything and coming down here to be with me."
"I do anything for you." Sam murmured.
--------------------TWW-----------------
After Casey's funeral, Ainsley immediately went to bed but Robert pulled Sam into his office.
"You want something to drink?" he asked.
"I'm fine. Thank you though." Sam replied. "I am very sorry about Casey."
"You shouldn't have to bury a child."
"No."
"I'm glad you came down here. Ainsley and Casey were close. None of us knew how to get her to open up. You're the only one she trusts now. She loves you a lot."
"I love her very much."
"You're a good man Sam and I couldn't pick anyone else to be with Ainsley." Robert said. "I read the article about you buying an engagement ring for her."
Sam just stared at Robert, not knowing what to say.
"Good luck."
"Uh..."
"Proposing. Wait a few weeks though. Let her adjust to this first."
"Yes sir."