Liz nervously awaited her father's SUV. She had received word from her agent that Air Force One had landed an hour ago, but with the heavy snow, the usual thirty-minute drive was taking much longer. She had checked on her mother this morning and she was still stable. There had been no changes during the night so she guessed that was good. She had run into both Dr. Scott and Dr. Nolan and they had seemed pleased with her so-called progress. Liz had to feel that if the doctors were pleased then she should be as well.

Finally, the first police cars of the motorcade were coming into the cleared parking area. The on scene Secret Service personnel appeared in the lobby which signified the arrival of the Presidential motorcade. Liz had seen it so often she had it memorized. Two black SUVs pulled up to the overhang and agents jumped out of the front seats, looked around, and then opened the back doors. Out of the first one came her father, followed by her two sisters. The three of them quickly entered the empty lobby and the now foursome hugged each other. Out of the second one came the Chief of Staff and the Press Secretary. They also entered the lobby and waited until the family reunion was over.

"How's your mother?" was the first words out of Jed's mouth.

"The doctors were pleased that there were no changes overnight. I guess that's progress."

"I will take that. Can I see her?"

"Of course. We can all go up, but only one can go in at a time. Leo, CJ, I'm sorry but family only past this point because of ICU restrictions."

Leo and CJ nodded. They understood. At times, hospital policy was a hassle.

The foursome, escorted by several agents, walked away while the two left behind made themselves comfortable until the Bartlets returned.

ICU was on the second floor, at the back of the hospital. Jed almost walked away from his girls, so eager he was to see Abbey. But he slowed down so they could keep pace with him. As they turned the corner, they knew instantly where they were going. Two agents stood by the glass wall cubicle as well as two individuals dressed in white lab coats. Jed knew one of them was Robert Nolan, Abbey's longtime colleague. He assumed the other one was Dr. Scott. He approached both of them with his hand outstretched. "Robert, glad to see you after all these years."

"Yes, Mr. President. Same here. I would like to introduce Dr. Francis Scott. Dr. Scott, Josiah Bartlet, President of the United States."

"Jed Bartlet, Dr. Scott. Glad to meet you in person."

"Thank you, Mr. President."

"My children, Dr. Ellie Bartlet and Zoey Bartlet."

Everyone shook hands and then turned to look at the patient.

"How is she doing this morning?"

Dr. Scott answered. "Her vital signs are stable. The pump is doing what we want it to do. Right now, we're just monitoring her and letting her rest. That is all we're going to do for the next few days. Keeping her quiet is good for her and helping her heart heal."

"Can I go in?" Jed was anxious to be by her side.

"Yes. Just don't stay too long. Brief visits are what we want right now. Ten to fifteen minutes at a time is best. And one at a time. Encourage her not to talk. It takes a lot of her energy to talk and she needs to save it."

"Mr. President?"

"Yes, Bob?"

"The hospital has set aside a group of rooms just down the hall for you and your family while you are here. Please feel free to use them as you see fit."

"Thank you. Now, if you don't mind, I've come a long way to see my wife."

"Please, go ahead."

The doctors turned away and so did the three daughters. They all wanted to give him the most privacy they could for this reunion. Jed walked in the cubicle and looked down at Abbey. Wires came and went in every direction. Most were hidden by the bedsheet but he knew that each one monitored some essential function. He hadn't been married to a doctor as long as he had not to know that this many wires signified significant medical problems. He located her hand and placed his on top. He was astonished that his Christmas present was still on her finger. It had been taped to it so it wouldn't be accidently lost. Usually, it would have been taken off but he guessed in the rush to get her to cath lab it was quicker to just tape it. But the main relief he got from the touch was the warmth of her skin. Just from that he knew the beat of her heart was strong enough to push blood even to the furthest extremity. Even if it needed that equipment to do so. Right now, he would take it.

"Abbey, it's me. I'm here. You're going to be ok. I love you." He looked around and pulled up a chair. He still couldn't let go of her hand. It was the only thing that assured him of her life.

He didn't realize that his time with her had passed until Ellie came to the door and said "Dad, can I stay with Mom now? It's been thirty minutes."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Abbey, I'll be back. I promise."

He stood up and left the cubicle so his children could have their time. As much as he wanted to stay, he wouldn't deny the others their time as well.

Jed found the dedicated rooms the hospital had set aside and entered. Leo and CJ had been escorted to them as well.

Leo turned as he entered." How is she, Mr. President?"

"How the hell do I know, Leo?"

Leo then knew he was going to have a battle on his hands.