The noise in the East Room was deafening as the guests shouted greetings when the clock struck midnight. Couples kissed, paper horns blew, streamers and balloons fell from the ceiling as celebrations broke out across the room. Even Leo and the Vice President, with their club sodas in their hands, got into the mood as the celebratory mood went on for at least ten minutes before it started to die down. The President and First Lady had found their own quiet place off to the side for their own midnight champagne toasts and passionate kisses.

"I love you so much, Babe." Abbey tried to say to her husband over the din in the room.

Jed replied "Me. Too." But he doubted she could hear him.

But there was no doubt of his love for her as their lips met and their tongues joined as one. Everyone else was too busy themselves to note what the First Couple was doing or else too smart to say 'get a room' to the President of the United States. Breaking apart for air, they each smiled at each other, thinking about what would happen upstairs afterward. After all, a new year would have to be celebrated the right way.

Satisfied, each turned back to their guests. Abbey, in her tight, off shoulder Oscar de la Renta black sequined gown with a slit on the right side showing her long silky legs made her way across the room, the envy of every woman and the desire of every man. The diamonds hanging from her bare neck glistened in the dim lights of the hall and the diamond drops off her ears reflected the lights hanging from the chandeliers. Jed's lower body grew tight just looking at her. And he knew she was only his. Of course, his Christmas present on her left hand reflected the light every time she moved her hand or glass. Oh man, was he ever lucky to have found her.

"Mr. President, Happy New Year."

"Thanks, Leo. Happy New Year to you too."

"Great party."

"Yeah. Abbey and her staff did a great job."

"Yes, Sir."

They both stood there, looking at the same woman as she made her way around the room, greeting guests and making sure everyone had what they needed.

"Quite a woman you have there, Mr. President." Even after knowing the both of them for as long as he had, Leo continued to be amazed at the strength of Abigail Bartlet.

"Yes, Leo, she really is."

"Excuse me, Leo. I need to mingle as well. Enjoy the rest of the party."

"Thank you, Sir."

Finally, about 2:30 am most of the guests had made their way out of the White House. Jed and Abbey finally decided that they could make their way upstairs to their private rooms.

Closing the doors behind them, Jed quickly took off his jacket, followed quickly by his bowtie and shoes. Abbey undid her jewelry and then stood in front of Jed. "Can you please unzip this dress? I have to get out of this."

"Sure." He quickly pulled the zipper down and watched as the dress slid to the floor and she stepped out of it. As she turned around and bent down to get it, he took her arm and straightened her up. Her bare chest, with only her panties and high heels on always stirred him to action. He started kissing her, guiding her backwards toward the bed. "Now, it's our turn to celebrate the New Year." They reached the bed and fell backward, his hands reaching for her breasts.

"Stop. Please!"

Jed raised his face off of hers. "What? Don't you want to have sex?"

"I don't feel good."

He stood up, trying not to be angry. "What do you mean, you don't feel good? You seemed to feel good a few hours ago."

Abbey got off the bed and walked over to her closet. "I'm sorry, Jed. It's been a long day." But what she wasn't saying was the tightness in her chest and the ache in her left arm was telling her not to exert herself. Not to risk it.

"Abbey, I don't understand. Up until now you seemed to be in the mood. What's going on?"

She came out of her closet, dressed in silk pajamas and went in the bathroom to wash her face. With no response. Jed shrugged, finishing changing clothes and went into the bathroom to confront her.

"Abbey, please tell me what's going on. I love you. I don't understand."

"I'm tired, Jed. Not just tired but exhausted. Let's just go to bed."

She left him in the bathroom. He finished washing his face, brushing his teeth, and turned off the light. By the time he made it out, she had slid in her side of the bed and had turned her back to him.

He knew she would tell him what was going on when she was ready, not a moment before. He slid into his side, closed his eyes, and quickly fell asleep.