"Dinner was delicious, Donna." Joan compliments me as Sam and Josh clear the table.
"Yes." Sam agrees. "Thank you for having us over. We're honored to be your first dinner guests."
"Thanks for coming, buddy." Josh claps Sam on the back in the kitchen. And while his friends have stopped by on and off throughout his recovery, tonight feels like something different entirely. It's us, as a couple, having them over for dinner in our condo. It feels so official.
I've cut my hours at the hospital back considerably as a result of school and caring for Josh. But he'll be transitioning back into his role as Deputy a Chief of Staff next week, and I'll be taking a few more shifts at the hospital. At first he was worried that I was stressed about money, but now he understands that I genuinely like my job. I make an impact in people's lives. It's something he can relate to, so he's been very supportive of my irregular hours.
Joan brings up the holidays, asking us if we'd like to come to Thanksgiving at their place or if we should all drive to Connecticut together.
We debate the merits of both choices but don't come to a conclusion other than the fact that we are spending the holiday together. Joan and Sam are headed to California for Christmas with the Seaborn family, she tells me. It's clear that she's excited about the trip. I know that Josh and I will both be be working that week, and in all reality I'm fine with staying in DC anyway.
Sam's phone rings and he answers, greeting CJ and listening for a moment until he pulls the phone away.
"She's with Toby," he explains to all of us, before making careful eye contact with me and asking, "they'd like to know if it's okay to stop by and watch the midterm returns come in?"
I look at Josh, who is clearly already pushing the limits of what his body can handle, but he looks so excited at the prospect of CJ and Toby joining us.
"Fine by me," I answer honestly. And it is. They've all been great over the last few months. And I'm not going to let Josh get too worked up or too tired tonight anyway. "We have plenty of cake for dessert."
"Tell them to bring a couple six packs!" Josh adds, which earns him a pointed look from me.
"Is that a thing?" I quietly ask Joan in an aside.
"Is what a thing?" She stares at me, confused.
"CJ and Toby."
"I've always suspected. But I have no real confirmation either way."
"That's a shame." I shrug. "They seem like they'd be good together."
I chat with Joan while Sam and Josh catch up as well.
"I'm sorry," he eventually tells Sam. "I'm exhausted. I just need a minute if CJ and Toby are going to come over."
I watch him closely, glad that he's being honest about what he needs in his recovery, as he excuses himself to our bedroom for a few minutes.
Sam asks me if he should call CJ to cancel, and if he and Joan should leave too, but I tell him no. Just give Josh a few minutes to rest and he'll be glad to see everyone.
Sam spots Toby parking CJ's mustang parking at the end of the block, so he and Joan head outside to meet them, taking a seat on the steps and opening a couple of beers.
I quietly slip into our room and perch on the side of the bed.
Josh opens his eyes and lets out a tired sigh.
"You want to call it a night?" I ask gently. He's been going all day, with the added exhaustion of entertaining for dinner.
"No." He stretches a bit and then sits up. I see that he's changed into a pair of giant pajamas that CJ gifted him when he came home from the hospital. He slips into a pair of house shoes and looks down at himself for a second.
"Nobody will mind if you wear your pajamas," I tell him softly.
He nods once and takes my hand as we make our way out of the apartment and down the steps. When we reach the doorway to the building I see him plaster a smile on his face and greet his friends with a joyful facade.
He sits down on the step and CJ greets us both, handing me a beer. I pop the top and take a sip, sitting it between Josh and I to share.
I listen as they discuss the election returns, but my mind begins to wander. I realize that over the course of my relationship with Josh, my life has changed- for the better- in so many ways I would never have anticipated. Not only am I in a loving and stable relationship with the man of my dreams, my dearest friendship has blossomed as a byproduct and I can honestly say that it feels as though my extended family has grown, too. The White House staff have been so welcoming and kind to me. Sam, Toby, CJ, Charlie and most of all Leo have become pillars of strength for Josh and I over the last few months.
I pull myself back to reality when I realize CJ is asking my opinion on a couple of ballot initiatives out of Wisconsin.
We chat for a little longer, but Josh is fading fast and we all see it. Our guests say their goodbyes and we head back inside, and straight for bed. Josh dozes off before I do, but I don't mind. I lay in the still, dark room and listen to his rhythmic breathing.
While he's not completely in the clear for long term medical side effects, Josh is doing remarkably well in his recovery. He's given his best effort to stick to a heart healthy lifestyle and PT routine. After a very delicate conversation following an argument earlier this week, he also agreed to talk to Stanley about everything he's experienced. He wasn't wild about the idea, given his position, but after waking up in a cold sweat two nights in a row he promised me he'd make an appointment.
And as far as whatever lies ahead in our journey? I fall asleep knowing we'll be okay because we have each other.