"Josh Lyman's office."
Donna answered the phone without checking caller ID, typing away to respond to the emails that had piled up over night.
"It's me," Josh informed her.
"Where are you," Donna whisper yelled into her phone. "You two have senior staff in 10 minutes."
"Relax. We're here."
"Oh." Donna relaxed back into her chair. It was National Bring Your Child to Work Day and Donna wouldn't have been surprised if Josh and Audrey were running late. "So why did you call?"
"To warn you."
"About what?"
"I put her in that outfit you bought for her to wear today."
"Headband too?"
"Headband too," he confirmed. "And this ridiculous badge you had made." Even as he teased her Josh grinned about it.
Donna smiled. She'd had a small White House ID printed with Audrey's photo and the words Audrey Lyman, Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff to clip to her dress. "So what's the problem."
"Donna, she looks adorable," Josh practically gushed. "And we're in a place of business so I encourage you to keep it together when we walk in."
Donna rolled her eyes, able to hear Josh walking into the West Wing in the background. "I think I'll be able to manage," she laughed. At that moment Donna saw Josh round the corner and hung up the phone, squealing a little as soon as she saw Audrey.
Josh sighed. "What did I just say?"
Donna leaned over and took Audrey from him, kissing her cheeks and taking a closer look at the dress and matching cardigan. She looked like a tiny, and adorable, senator in her navy blue dress and cardigan. Donna gushed over the baby, leaving Josh to lug everything he'd need for the day into his office behind him.
"I'm here too, you know," he remarked.
She turned her attention back to him. "Yes. And you should be on your way to Leo's for Senior Staff." She shoved a folder into his arms, straightening tiny American flag bow on the headband in Audrey's curls. "Little Miss and I will be at the First Lady's welcome reception and we will meet you in Margaret's office when your meeting is over."
Josh kissed Audrey on the cheek and told her to be good as Donna shooed him out the door. She sat Audrey down and took her little hand, walking slowly trough the corridors with the toddler.
"We're going to go eat breakfast and listen to Dr. Bartlet read a book," Donna told her, rounding the corner towards the South Lawn. They joined the crowd of parents and children from the White House and OEOB staff, Donna grabbing a few things to eat as taking a seat in the corner of the room in case they needed to make a quick exit if Josh needed them. She drank her coffee and ate a few bites of a danish, passing on both the green eggs and the ham that were offered, while Audrey played happily with a toy from her bag.
After a few bites of berries, Donna saw Audrey watching the older kids playing off to the side. "You want to go over and play, Sweet Pea?"
Audrey shrunk back into Donna a bit, content watching from afar.
"Alright," she smoothed Audrey's hair, "you don't have to." She'd noticed a little trend developing in Audrey, who was becoming increasingly shy.
A few people popped by to say hello, including the Cat in the Hat, but before they knew it the program was starting. Dr. Bartlet and Zoey were introduced and spoke very briefly before reading Oh, The Places You'll Go and handing out a copy of the book to each child, the front cover stamped with the day's date and signed by the President and First Lady.
Donna held back as the crowds thinned out, knowing Zoey and Abbey would want to say a few extra words with Audrey.
"Ahh," Abbey smiled. "My favorite Lyman." She bent down to Audrey's level to greet her, handing her a book and posing for a photo for the White House photographer.
"Book!" Audrey proclaimed loud and clear, earning adoring smiles from everyone around.
"She's just so cute," Zoey gushed. "Does Josh ever need a babysitter?"
"Every single day," Donna quipped. "But that's why they keep me around. Audrey stays with his mom."
Zoey laughed, the four women chatting for a moment before Donna checked her watch, having to head to Leo's to meet Josh after senior staff.
"If you get busy this afternoon just bring her by," Abbey offered. "We'd be glad to spend a few hours with her."
Donna conveyed her thanks and then strode quickly back to the West Wing, making it to Margaret's office just as Leo's door opened and Josh emerged.
"Banking bill," he began as a way of a greeting, "it's going to be a mess today." He took Audrey from Donna, kissing her little cheek as they walked into Leo's office. "We need to get Rhodes, Morris, Skinner and Tucker on the phone this morning. And then I need 30 minutes with the speaker before the end of the day."
Donna nodded her head in agreement as they entered the Chief of Staff's office.
Josh put Audrey down, instructing her to go say hi, and she immediately grinned ran around the corner to Leo.
"PapaWeeOh!" She was still working on mastery of the concept that Papa Leo was two words.
The normally gruff exterior of the Chief of Staff immediately softened. Audrey had the ability to bring out the happiness in everyone around her.
"Well good morning, Smiley," Leo greeted her using the nickname he'd given her as a newborn. "I heard you were going to be hanging around here with us today. Are you going to show your Dad how to keep Congress in line?"
Audrey looked to Donna for an answer, causing them all to chuckle.
"Good girl," Leo added, just as Margaret poked her head in to announce the arrival of his next meeting. "Have fun today, kiddo," he told her.
"Josh? I'll see you at 1:00 to go over progress on the banking bill?"
"Yes," he nodded in confirmation.
"And don't forget to take Audrey by the Oval. Neither of us will ever hear the end of it if she doesn't stop by to see the President."
Audrey gave Leo a hug goodbye and Josh scooped her up as they made their way into the hustle and bustle of the west wing corridors, walking with a baby on his hip and Donna matching him stride for stride while giving him a run down of his next meeting.
They settled into their respective desks, Audrey playing in Josh's office as Donna set up the calls and meetings Josh would need to take that day. She peeked in to let him know he was all set, handing him a memo and some notes that would assist him and grabbing a few briefing folders he would no longer need.
"You have three minutes before the tour begins," she told him. "And you're he first stop."
"Kay," he told her, releasing a puff of air as he spoke.
"Do you know what you're going to say?" She had been reminding him about this for weeks. He just had to peek out into the bullpen and say hello to the group of children taking the tour and pass it off to Ed and Larry.
"Yes," he stood and pulled his suit jacket on. "And they're going to love it."
"Oh?" Before Donna could question him further he reached into his backpack and pulled out a bag of candy and scooped Audrey up.
She stood back and listened to him speak briefly about what happened in his portion of the building, the excitement building within him. She loved to watch him when he was like this. He was so passionate- it was contagious.
Josh ended his short speech by encouraging the kids to get involved- after all, it would be their world soon. "Student government, research and open dialogue with parents, peers and other members of your community," he told them. "Follow the issues that matter. Write your Congressional representatives! And," he grinned, "have a piece of candy before you go."
Donna beamed with pride. He'd nailed it. She took Audrey from him as he gave her a nod of appreciation and kissed Audrey's cheek goodbye as he hurried off to a meeting in the Roosevelt Room.
"Okay," Donna corralled the visitors to take them to their next stop. "Up next is communications, so if you'll just step right this way..." she led them into the cramped areas in front of Ginger and Bonnie's desks. "This is Sam Seaborne, and he is going to tell you all about what happens in here."
"Unca Sam!" Audrey greeted him right on cue, causing most of the kids to laugh.
"Your name is Uncle Sam? And you work here?!" He asked.
Sam didn't miss a beat. "I am Uncle Sam to Miss Audrey," he confirmed, giving her a little waive, "and yes, I do work here. The combination is quite patriotic," he grinned. "Anyway, we're the communications department..."
Donna and Audrey stepped away from the speech and wandered around the corner into CJs office, Audrey picking up the pace when she saw the press secretary.
"Well, good morning Miss Lyman," CJ greeted her with a wide grin. "Don't you look fancy today."
Audrey stared wide eyed at CJ, saying nothing as she silently moved to hold onto the handle of the second drawer on CJs desk. She wore a particularly calculated look, and CJ recognized it immediately. It was a softer version of the same look that crossed Josh's face after a victory.
"What are you doing?" CJ bent over and asked Audrey softly, straightening her little sweater in the process.
Audrey blinked her long lashes a few times at CJ before turning a questioning gaze to Donna.
CJ glanced between the two, wondering what she wasn't catching.
"What do you say," Donna asked, walking over to perch on the arm of CJs visitor chair.
"Pease," Audrey almost begged Donna in her little voice, still not letting go of the drawer handle.
"Don't ask me, ask CJ."
"Pease?" Audrey asked CJ, bouncing up and down a bit.
"Tell her what you want," Donna instructed softly. She was trying to get Josh to stop speaking for Audrey, and this was the perfect way for the little girl to begin to fend for herself.
"Fish!" Audrey stated excitedly.
"Ah," CJ smiled, glancing at Donna for the go ahead before rolling her desk chair over a little farther to help Audrey open the drawer and procuring a bag of goldfish crackers.
CJ grabbed a napkin and shook a few crackers out, Audrey reaching happily for them.
"Sit down while you're eating, please," Donna softly reminded from where she sat and Audrey withdrew her hand and quickly made her way to Donna's lap, CJ scooting the napkin and the snack across the desk.
The three sat in a moment of silence before Donna spoke. "Do you think she's getting shy? It just seems like the last few months she's gotten a little more... clingy."
CJ pondered the question for a moment. "I'm not sure. I can't say that I've noticed one way or the other."
"It's just that the books I've read say-"
"Wait." CJ interrupted. "You're reading parenting books?"
"Well, yeah." Donna never thought twice about it.
"Donna..." CJs voice was a mixture of wonder and concern.
"CJ, you know us. We're... It's just..." Donna's thought trailed off as she smoothed Audrey's hair.
"I know," she assured her friend, truly not needing further explanation. CJ watched the normally fidgeting toddler sit content on Donna's lap. And while she may not understand exactly the dynamic between Josh and Donna she did understand what her friend was saying. The two had something special. Something that, if CJ got right down to it, could hardly be explained. It was a gentle understanding, she supposed. "Anyway. You were reading the books," CJ leaned back in her chair. "And it's a good thing, too. Somebody has to make sure Josh is doing it right."
Donna smiled somewhat sadly. "I was reading the books and it seems like she should be more social than she is. This morning at breakfast she just watched the other kids play but didn't want to join them."
"So, she's shy." CJ didn't see the big deal.
"Well she is, but I'm worried it's more than that. Im worried she doesn't know how to interact with kids her own age. She's just around senior staff and she spends all day with Edie."
"Have you talked to Josh about this."
Donna sighed softly. "It's a touchy subject. He just doesn't think anything is wrong but I'm still worried. Well, maybe not worried... but I notice. Even when I take her to the library she pretty much just clings to me but I can see her watching the other kids. She'll sit through story time if she's on my lap but she still doesn't really interact."
CJ nodded her head slowly as her friend continued, knowing Donna just wanted someone to talk to about her concerns. "I suggested some of those Gymboree classes. He wasn't too receptive at the time but I can tell he's still thinking it over."
Donna popped a goldfish cracker into her mouth and checked her watch. "Anyway. Shall we get going?"
"Yes," CJ stood and extended her hand to Audrey. "Ready for your debut?"
The three slowly made their way to the briefing room and Audrey joined CJ at the podium while Donna found a spot to lean on the side wall.
"Hey Chris," she greeted one of the White House staff photographers as he stood next to her.
"Donna! How's it going?" He lifted his camera and began to snap photos, taking several of Audrey and CJ as well as various other reporters children who filled the briefing room.
"We've seen a lot of you today," Donna commented, noticing that Chris had earlier photographed the two of them at brunch and the first lady's book give away.
Chris shrugged his shoulders and looked a little guilty. "Special assignment from the Chief of Staff's office."
"Ah." Donna understood and gave a knowing smile. It was really no surprise to her, but Edie must have called Leo to make sure someone took pictures today.
A quick moment later CJ entered the room with Audrey in tow and stepped to the podium for the mock press briefing.
"I'm CJ Cregg," she announced, "and this is my helper today, Audrey Lyman."
Audrey peered out across the room full of people, taking it all in. Her eyes became wide and she stared somewhat helplessly at Donna.
Donna gave her a little waive and a smile, hoping to calm any anxiety that may have been starting to bubble up inside the little girl.
CJ explained the daily briefing process and then allowed the kids to ask questions. All of the hands in the room raised and several kids shouted "CJ!" as they were likely instructed to do by their press corps parents, a few camera bulbs flashing in the distance.
That proved to be a little overwhelming for Audrey who's chin began to slightly quiver as she reached out with both arms for Donna who was there in an instant, taking her from CJ who never missed a beat in her program. They pair stood to the side and watched the mock briefing, Audrey completely content not to be the center of attention.
Twenty minutes later CJ announced that lunch would be served in the mess and the room cleared our, Donna and Audrey trailing behind the crowd.
"Hey," a winded Josh fell in step beside her, checking his crappy watch. "I was hoping I'd make it back in time for lunch."
"Daddy!" Audrey grinned at the sight of him, her tiny dimples popping out to mirror Josh's own.
Josh grabbed a few slices of pizza for the three of them and slid into the chair next to Donna, who handed Audrey over to him and popped up to grab two salads. Josh had intentionally avoided the 'rabbit food,' as he called it.
Josh and Donna quickly ran through the rest of the day's schedule, which was rather light due to the number of small guests in the a White House.
"She'll be ready for a n-a-p around 1," Josh nodded towards Audrey, who was already beginning to fade after an exciting morning. "I can call my mom and have her swing by to pick her up."
"No, Joshua," Donna almost scolded. "Your mother has plans today. Let her have a few hours to herself. It's take your child to work day, so she's staying here."
Josh chuckled. "I understand, but I don't think the organizers of today's festivities intended for me to take my 2 year old to a meeting with the majority leader."
"Well, obviously." Donna rolled her eyes. "She can stay with me while you're in your meeting and then she can spend the rest of the afternoon with us in your office." Donna stated her plan with confidence but lowered her voice to an understanding tone. Some decisions she'd prefer not to make for him. "Unless you really want her to go home..."
Josh looked at her like she'd grown a second head. "God, no, I don't want her to go home," he announced immediately. "If it were up to me neither of the two of you would ever leave my field of vision."
Donna flushed a bit as his comment, looking at her plate, and Josh, realizing what he'd just stated fidgeted a bit before kissing the top of Audrey's head and changing the subject. "How'd you like to spend the whole day with Daddy and Donna, Shortcake?"
"Yeah!" Audrey let out a little cheer and then went back to concentrating on feeding herself the tiny bites of cheese pizza and a few of the peas that Donna had placed in front of her.
Josh and Donna quickly went over a few things that they needed to accomplish and what Josh would need for the afternoon between exchanging pleasantries with the other White House employees and their families.
And as Josh cleared their plates and dashed off to the hill Donna wandered back to his office and situated Audrey with a few toys so she could get some work done. It wasn't long before nap time was approaching and Audrey was drifting off in Donna's arms as she tried in vain to type a memo before throwing in the towel.
She made her way to Toby's office, which she found empty, and situated them on the couch. Before she knew it Donna dozed off, too.
An hour later Josh wandered through the West Wing, trying to locate Donna and Audrey when he found his office empty. He peered through the window in Toby's office and smiled, quietly letting himself in. The girls were curled up on the couch with a blanket tucked over them as Toby worked quietly on his computer.
"How long have they been sleeping?" Josh adjusted the blanket gently, pulling it up from where it had slipped off of Audrey's shoulders as she'd moved closer to Donna and drooled a little on her dress shirt, which amused Josh greatly.
"I found them on the couch about twenty minutes ago," Toby stated quietly, and covered them up.
"Thank you," Josh extended his appreciation for letting them sleep and sat down in Toby's spare chair.
Toby nodded once in acknowledgment. "No need," he stated flatly. "We take care of family around here."
"So while I've got you, how do you want to handle this afternoon's briefing on the article regarding-"
Toby handed Josh a sheet of paper, his preferred response to the anticipated questions outline. "Take a cue from the kid," Toby nodded to Audrey. "And work quietly."
"Hmmph," Josh grumbled, watching Audrey out of the corner of his eye and knowing she was awake but pretending to sleep. "And I was going to invite you to the ice cream sundae bar," he emphasized the words ice cream.
Audrey gasp a little at the concept of a treat, sitting up and placing her hand on Donna's face to wake her. "Donna," she whispered excited. "DonnaDonnaDonna..."
"I'm up," Donna removed Audrey's hand from her face and sat up, smoothing her own hair and clothing and then reaching over to do the same to Audrey.
"Where are your shoes, Audrey Joan," Josh laughed.
Audrey looked to Donna, who reached over and grabbed them, placing them on her little feet and struggling to tame her curls and get her headband back on as Audrey wiggled around.
"Why are you so excited?" Donna couldn't figure out why the little girl was bursting to get out the door.
"Ice cream," Josh and Toby responded in unison, both standing.
"You coming?" Josh asked Donna. "The President will be down there and he wanted to see her."
"I'll pass on this one. I have to get a few things done."
"I'll bring you a bowl," Josh responded, knowing she wanted hot fudge and two cherries. "Toby and I will finish our meeting in my office.
Donna nodded her appreciation and walked to her desk to get back to work. She hadn't accomplished much of anything that morning and had loads to do. She barely noticed when Toby and Josh returns, thanking him quickly for the snack and returning to her typing as Toby, Audrey and Josh holed up inside the office.
"Donna!" Josh bellowed from his desk an hour later.
"DONNA!" Audrey immediately screamed at the top of her lungs from where she was perched on his lap, mimicking her father and then letting out a string of giggles before repeating, "DONNA! DONNA!"
Donna appeared in the doorway, hands on her hips and an unamused look on her face. She couldn't help but to immediately zone in on Josh's completely amused and somewhat proud expression.
"Uh-oh," Audrey blurted out as soon as she saw Donna.
Toby was trying his hardest not to laugh.
"Joshua. What have I told you about the bellowing?"
"Sorry," he grumbled.
"And Audrey," she turned her gaze, which softened considerably. "You know better than that. Inside voice," Donna rounded his desk and picked her up from Josh's knee.
"Sorry," Audrey almost whispered.
"Okay. Now let's go find the file that Daddy needs."
Audrey swing her feet a bit as Donna toted her off to the bullpen.
"Hold on to this," she handed her a small folder. "Be very careful. You're our special helper today so you're going to help by giving this to Daddy."
They walked back to Josh's office, passing Toby on the way. "Night Toby," Donna told him in passing. "Goodnight, ladies."
"Bye Bye Unca Toby!" Audrey called out, still proudly clutching the folder that Josh needed.
Donna and Audrey delivered the requested materials to Josh who thanked them and sat back in his chair with a groan. "Well, ladies," he began, "I'm exhausted and nowhere near finished so what do you two say to grabbing some dinner and finishing this at home?"
"Sounds good to me," Donna smiled.
"French fries?" Audrey asked hopefully, perking up a little bit more. She was certainly her father's child.
"You can have a bite of Daddy's," Donna answered, receiving a few little claps of excitement from Audrey and a grumble from Josh, who muttered something about not having anything to eat by the time the two of them were done picking over his meal.
"Go get Walter," Donna instructed referring to the floppy eared Bunny Audrey toted everywhere. "I'll pack up and call in our order and we can go in 10 minutes."
"Nah," Josh stood and began to gather his own things. "Let's go somewhere nice."
"Oh." Donna was taken aback a bit. They had a routine involving take out and working from Josh's apartment down to a science.
"It's a special day," Josh told her with a shrug. "And it's a working dinner, really."
"Alright," Donna gave him a bright smile, making it all worth it in Josh's mind.
And when they were seated in a corner booth, full from a delicious meal of fresh pasta and a charred steak, neither of them were jumping at the opportunity to get back to work. Audrey was fading fast, struggling to keep her eyes open as she slowly nibbled on her fries. They both saw it and Josh motioned for the check, paying the bill as Donna wiped off Audrey's face and hands, the three of them making their way back to his brownstone.
Audrey nodded off in the car and Josh gently unbuckled her seat and carried her down the sidewalk.
"I received quite the interesting phone call this afternoon," Donna told him as they slowly made their way up the stairs.
"Oh?" Josh didn't look at her, knowing what she was about to say. She was right and he knew it. He'd admit it... eventually.
"Mhmmm..." Donna continued. "Activity classes for toddlers? Music & Art and one called Gym & Movement. Ringing any bells?"
"Perhaps," Josh grumbled. He'd been watching Audrey closely since Donna had mentioned her lack of socialization and he had to admit she was right- Audrey was very shy.
"Well I think that's great," Donna reassured him. "You're scheduled to do a walk through of the facility next Tuesday at 1:45 and then you can sign her up for a trial at that time if you're pleased with what you see."
"Thank you," he told her as she fished his keys out of her purse. "Wait... me? You're not coming with me?"
She rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm coming with you. And you're buying me a fancy coffee on the way."
He grinned. "Deal."
Audrey shifted a bit in his arms, her eyes blinking heavily a few times, getting her bearings once again.
"I'm going to lay her down," Josh stated softly.
"I'll get everything you need to review the banking bill set up," Donna told him, taking his backpack off his shoulder.
"Goodnight, Sweet Pea," she kissed Audrey's head and smoothed her wild curls.
Audrey opened her eyes just a crack. "Lubb eww," she muttered sleepily but the I Love You came ringing through loud and clear to Donna, who's heart melted.
"Love you, too, little one. So much."
Josh grinned broadly at the exchange, his dimples popping out a bit. It would occur to him, later that night as he lay alone in bed, that nothing had made him happier in years.