Chapter 18

"Where am I?"

"Abbey, you're awake."

Abbey eyes finally focused on the face. "Leo?"

"I'm here, Abbey. You're going to be fine."

Abbey finally focused on the motion of the vehicle. "What's going on? Last thing I remember I was in the hospital room."

"Yeah. There was a problem at the hospital. You're on your way to the plane."

"What kind of problem? Jed? Where's Jed? Is he okay?"

Leo placed his hands on the Abbey's arm. "He's fine Abbey. He's in a different ambulance. You two will meet at the plane."

"Leo, what happened? What time is it?"

"It's two am. As to what happened, it's a very long story. I'll let Ron update you when we get on the plane. You're going to Germany to complete your recovery."

"Leo, please tell me what happened. I lost a lot of hours."

"Abbey, just rest right now. We're almost at the airport. I promise that you'll understand soon what happened."

Abbey knew that Leo wasn't going to tell her anything so she did as she was told.

The vehicle came to a stop and the back doors opened.

Leo jumped out and let the agents lift the First Lady's stretcher out of the ambulance. Slowly, they made their way up the service stairs into Air Force One and soon Abbey was lying on the bed in the Presidential quarters.

She watched as Jed's stretcher was also carried in and he was assisted onto the bed.

"Jed!"

"Abbey! You're awake."

Frustrated, Abbey replied. "Why is everybody so surprised that I'm awake? What is going on, Jed? Leo won't tell me anything."

Jed leaned over and kissed her. "Where do I start?"

"Daddy! Mom!"

The three Bartlets hugged each other tightly, glad that they had been safely reunited. Tears fell from Abbey's and Zoey's eyes. Jed could tell his eyes were getting moist but so far he had restrained himself from joining in the crying party.

"I didn't know if I would ever see you two again."

Abbey continued to hug her daughter tightly, not wanting the contact to be broken. Eventually, Abbey let go.

Taking Jed's hand in hers, she brought it up to her lips and gently kissed it. Whispering again, "I love you", she noted the agreement nod of her husband's head.

Realizing that her parents needed some time alone, Zoey stood up. "I'll leave you alone, but only for a few minutes. I don't ever want you out of my sight again."

"Thanks, Zo. We'll be fine. Tell Leo that I'll talk to him in a few minutes, will you?"

"Sure." She kissed her Dad and closed the door as she left the room.

Jed turned to Abbey and with his newly bandaged hands, grabbed hers. Trying not to grimace from the pain, he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Jed. I'll be fine. I'm just tired and I hurt a little bit, but I'm fine."

"I love you."

Abbey could see the sparkle in his eyes. The desire. "Jed, you never quit hoping do you?"

He smiled. "Abbey, without hope there would be no life."

"I love you so much." Lips came together in a gentle kiss and with the promise of much more.

THE END