A/N: I was going to let s5 play out and tie this story to what happens on the show but I want to wrap it up now. Even though the show has said several times that Elizabeth will run for president, I think something could happen to change that so I didn't address the issue of a presidential campaign at all.

Russell arrived home to find his wife and daughter in the nursery.

It was a charming room for a baby. They had planned it during the second trimester. As often happened with non-work related activities, Russell had initially not been much interested but then had got drawn in. He had been working at one end of the sofa with Stevie immersed in paint samples at the other end.

"I can't decide between green and lavender." They knew by then they were having a girl but they didn't want a pink theme.

"Use both," was Russell's absent-minded advice.

"On opposite walls?" Stevie asked doubtfully.

Russell stopped working for a moment to consider the matter. "Green on the bottom and lavender on top with one of those wallpaper things in the middle."

"A border. You're a genius. What pattern?" Stevie took an excited breath and uttered one word: "Pandas!"

"Now you're talking."

So the nursery was painted light lavender above and pale green below with panda bears cavorting around the room just above crib level. The stuffed panda Russell had brought home was still in the guest room. It took up too much room in a small nursery equipped with a baby's needs.

This evening Stevie was laying Ivy on the changing table. "Good timing, Daddy. I'm going to start dinner."

Russell didn't love changing diapers and was grateful that his schedule spared him much of that duty but he did it efficiently when called upon.

As they ate he announced there would be a state dinner. "Paul Revere said it first: The British are coming."

"Royalty?"

Russell shook his head. "Prime minister and a few dignitaries including your ex future in-laws."

"Jareth's parents!"

"Lady Sutherland and her husband who is plain Mr. Glover."

"He's inordinately proud of his wife's title to make up for lack of his own."

"Get Alison started on a gown so you can show up every other woman at the dinner including your mother."

One weekend Russell suggested they golf together.

"I'm not very good," Stevie said. "You might be bored while I take extra strokes."

"I'm looking forward to it. I can't take the humiliation of being beaten by both you and your mother."

"It'll be great exercise plus fresh air and sunshine."

"Exercise? Does that mean no cart?"

"Only a caddy cart for our bags. We're walking the course."

Russell wore a polo and khakis. Stevie wore a polo and shorts. They were walking shorts, not Daisy Dukes, but they fit well and she became aware that Russell was usually several steps behind when walking and it wasn't because he couldn't keep up.

"Nice swing," he said as she teed off the fourth hole.

"Club or ass?"

"Ass. I have no idea where the ball went."

They played nine holes. When Thomas picked them up Russell told him to stop at the White House.

"It's Sunday," Stevie objected.

"I'm picking up a report I need to read tonight."

"I know you. You'll get in there and lose track of time."

"Come with me. You can pry me away."

Stevie no longer had a badge allowing her entry but Russell could sign her in. He let them into his office. Stevie wandered around for a few seconds before turning to Russell who was leaning against his desk.

"There's no report," he said. "But you mentioned a fantasy once."

Stevie smiled. She locked the door to the hall and made sure the door to Adele's office was locked. She walked toward Russell. "Strip."

Russell shook his head. "I'm not that easy."

"That hasn't been my experience with you."

"Well, I'm not going to make it easy for you this time."

Stevie shrugged. She took off her sneakers, pulled the polo over her head and dropped it, unfastened her shorts and stepped out of them. Her bra and tiny panties followed. She went to a cupboard where she knew a blanket was kept for occasions when Russell had to stay in the office all night. She spread it over the sofa. Russell was out of his clothes by then.

"Thanks for making it easy after all."

"That backfired on me. Not enough blood to my brain to think it through."

Stevie glanced down his body. "Looks like there's plenty of blood where it needs to be right now."

The sofa was wide and they weren't big people.

Afterward they lay with Stevie's back snuggled against Russell's front. Russell was always satisfied and sometimes sleepy after sex but he wasn't a man who rolled off and started snoring. His mind was too active to shut down fast. Some of their best conversations took place post coital.

"It was two years ago that I started having impure thoughts about you."

"And me about you," Stevie said. "But we didn't know it for months."

"I felt bad at first about feeling so good."

"Because you thought you were betraying Carol?"

"No," Russell said. "It was because I didn't feel like I was betraying her. The first month I missed her terribly, the second month was easier and the third month, you were in my heart and mind and I no longer missed her like I thought I should."

"I alternated between wanting to tell her I'd take care of you for her and thanking her for giving me the chance."

"You'd think we were Catholic or Jewish with all that guilt."

"Protestant is a practical religion. We get past the guilt. Or maybe we're just well-adjusted people who say enough is enough." Stevie wiggled against Russell.

"Stop grinding. It won't do any good. I need more recovery time."

"Speaking of time, is Thomas waiting for us?"

"No. I told him I'd text when we were ready."

"Text him. I need to get home and either nurse Ivy or pump. And by then you'll have recovered."

Alison did not disappoint. She wanted an autumn color for October. She found a luscious fabric in shades of copper and burnt orange and created a one-shoulder gown with a wrapped bodice flowing into a slim sheath covered with sequined leaves. The skirt began widening just above knee level to a full flair at the ankles. Stevie's hair was slicked back and up to become a riot of falling curls at the back. Jewelry would have been superfluous so she wore none except her engagement and wedding rings.

Alison always provided a tie and pocket square for Russell of the same fabric as Stevie's outfits but tonight he was in a tux so they were put away for a less formal occasion when he could wear a suit. Russell hadn't worn a wedding ring when married to Carol but he always wore the ring Stevie had given him when they exchanged vows.

Ambassador of protocol Cyril Quist performed introductions, presenting each foreign dignitary and escort to the entire receiving line and personally introducing them to the president and first lady. Vice president, cabinet members and others in the receiving line introduced themselves and their spouses. Chief of staff was arguably the second most powerful position in the administration but it didn't take precedence over positions of higher consequence so the Jacksons were farther down the receiving line. While greeting and shaking hands with dignitaries who came before her, Stevie didn't see who accompanied Lady Sutherland until they were face to face.

"Jareth! I didn't know you'd be here."

"Dad was feeling a bit dodgy so he stayed across the pond. I'm filling in as Mum's escort."

"Lady Sutherland, so nice to see you again. This is my husband …"

"Russell Jackson, chief of staff," Russell said smoothly. "Honored to meet you."

Lady Sutherland smiled but it was simply a movement of her mouth. "A pleasure, Mr. Jackson. Stephanie, how delightful." Her voice added no warmth to the words.

"Jareth, glad to finally meet you since we never managed that when Stevie worked in my office."

"An honor, sir. Congratulations on your marriage." Jareth turned to Stevie. "And to you, as well."

"Thank you. We're all seated together so we'll see you at dinner."

The tables seated ten so there were six others besides the Glovers and Jacksons. Stevie could tell that Lady S felt slighted at not being seated with the president and first lady. She had to make do with national security advisor Ellen Hill and the chief of staff. Cyril never made a mistake with matters of rank and title. Lady Sutherland had angled for an invitation to join the prime minister's entourage but her standing in England was social rather than political so she simply wasn't important enough in DC to warrant being placed with higher politicos. In fact, Cyril had granted her a favor she didn't realize by seating her with Admiral Hill, a powerful woman in the Dalton administration. He had included Stevie and Russell because of Stevie's previous connection with the parents of her former fiancé.

Stevie enjoyed dinner. Russell was on best behavior which meant he was witty and spoke knowledgably with every person at the table about something that interested them, including Lady S who unbent and was actually animated when asked about her fascination with David Bowie and The Labyrinth film that led to naming her son Jareth.

Russell asked Jareth about his work but admitted he could add little to the discussion. "What I know about physics would fit in a box too small to contain Schrodinger's cat."

Jareth laughed but no one else got it. "The fact that you know about Schrodinger's cat leads me to believe you could discuss physics but are wisely sparing the rest of the table that agony."

Stevie spoke with everyone, too. They all knew her and several asked to see pictures of the baby. Jareth was surprised by the news.

"I knew you were married but not that you had a child."

"Ivy is four months old."

"She's as beautiful as her mother."

"A sweet child," Lady S agreed. Stevie got the impression that Jareth's mother was warming to her now that, with a husband and baby, it was unlikely Stevie would be ensnaring her son again. "And your dress is lovely. May I ask the label?"

"Ali Mac. My sister is a designer. She dresses me for these occasions."

"Quite talented."

Guests mingled among tables after dinner ended and the dancing began. Elizabeth and Henry came over to greet Jareth and his mother since they had time only to introduce themselves during the receiving line. Lady S was a handsome woman; Elizabeth was beautiful. Lady S's manner was chilly and formal compared to Elizabeth's easy warmth. Stevie was so proud of her parents, not because they were good looking and known as the glamorous McCords, but because of their understanding and intellect and genuine desire to do the right thing and leave the world better than they found it.

"Your dress is a spectacular success," Russell said as they danced.

"Ali outdid herself," Stevie agreed.

"The dress is only as good as the body inside it."

"Is that why your hand is on my butt instead of my back?"

"I'd say lower back."

"I'd say upper butt."

"Want me to move it?"

"No."

"What's your excuse for rubbing your breasts against me?"

"It feels good."

"For me, too."

When Stevie and Jareth danced they took the opportunity for closure on their relationship.

"I was both shocked and not surprised when I learned of your marriage," Jareth said. "Not surprised because your work always meant more to you than us. But shocked because I had never thought of Russell Jackson as a rival."

"He wasn't. I hope you know there was nothing inappropriate before his wife died."

"Oh, I believe that. But the mentor-protégé relationship was special, wasn't it?"

"Yes, although I didn't know it then. And if Carol had lived it wouldn't have developed."

"You both look very happy. I'm glad you have each other."

"What about you? Have you found someone?"

"Not yet. I've dated since we ended but nothing serious. Maybe that will change now."

"I hope so, Jareth."

"I rather regretted breaking it off, you know."

"It was for the best and you recognized that. We seemed like a good match but it was all on the surface. We weren't meant for the long term."

"Is it terribly tasteless of me to say that you and Russell aren't going to celebrate a golden wedding anniversary?"

"It is, but you aren't the only one. Of course we're aware. And we don't care. We'll take however long we get."

"I hope you celebrate the silver at least."

Conrad, Elizabeth and Russell were called out for a few minutes as the evening was winding down. It wasn't a big crisis but a quick conversation now would prevent escalation later. Stevie and Henry danced the last dance together while they were gone.

"Sorry I missed the last dance," Russell said on the way home.

"You didn't. We'll have that at home as soon as I feed Ivy."

"I take it this will be a horizontal dance instead of vertical?"

"Yes. And with fewer clothes."

A few weeks later Stevie announced, "We're going to Mom and Dad's for dinner next week. Olga Gorev will be there."

"I know. So will Dmitri Petrov. He's been called back from Alaska."

"Why?"

"Bess and Henry are playing matchmaker."

"Oh my god, the White House and state department are planning an alliance!"

"Officially, we want two young people with a lot in common to meet. Unofficially, we're pimping out a CIA asset to the daughter of assassinated foreign minister Anton Gorev who was a likely candidate for president of Russia. A president who would have been friendly to the U.S."

"Do they know?"

"Not yet but they're both intelligent. They'll probably figure it out during dinner. After all, what are the odds that two young Russians are invited to the secretary of state's home without an ulterior motive?"

"We should say Ivy is sick and skip it."

"Can't. We're the cover to keep the evening from being awkward. I've met both of them. You know Olga a little and Dmitri biblically. Our presence is supposed to send a subliminal message of marriage and children."

"I thought not using Dmitri as an asset was a condition of the prisoner exchange. That's why his name was changed to Alexander Mehranov."

"Russia reneged on agreements with us so we brought him back into intelligence under his new identity."

"And you get to make nice with another one of my boyfriends. Which I know you secretly enjoy because you're the one who got me and then knocked me up. I could see it with Jareth."

Dmitri arrived shortly after Russell, Stevie and Ivy. Henry had mentioned the circumstances of Stevie's life with Russell when Dmitri arrived in DC, in case he wasn't aware, but it hadn't been necessary. At the Alaska station, any news was welcome, even if it was DC gossip that disappointed the recipient who remembered his handler's daughter with great affection. But Russians are stoic and it wasn't the first time Dmitri's hopes and dreams had been crushed. He had taken the loss of Stevie with resignation and was able to greet her and Russell with determined cheerfulness. He even held Ivy and complimented her parents.

Olga arrived a few minutes later and there was a promising start to the evening when it turned out that Dmitri and Olga were acquainted. They looked astounded when they recognized each other.

"Mitya?"

"Olenka?"

The diminutives of their names made it clear they were old friends. It turned out that before Olga's father was foreign minister he had been involved with military instruction and had often visited the academy where Dmitri received his training. Olga's mother was dead so Anton had brought his daughter with him sometimes. Dmitri – a star pupil and a well-spoken young man – had been assigned to conduct Olga on a tour the first time she visited, to pass the time while her father was in meetings. He had volunteered after that to keep her company.

"None of the other cadets wanted to waste time with a scrubby schoolgirl," Olga said. "But Mitya was always kind."

"I was a little homesick," Dmitri admitted. "My sister is your age. You reminded me of family life."

Over dinner Stevie confessed that she and Russell hadn't actually been invited to dinner. "How did Mom put it? 'We're having guests. Bring Ivy.' We expected to eat off of trays in my old room."

"Oh honey, we wouldn't carry trays up the stairs for you," Henry said. "You'd get leftovers later."

"It's not that I love Ivy more," Elizabeth said. "But I already know you and Russell. I want to know my granddaughter."

Dmitri managed a few minutes alone with Stevie. "I'm happy for you. Russell Jackson is a good man."

"I grew up with my parents' marriage as a model. No two marriages are alike but I wanted that kind of relationship."

"And you found it with Jackson?"

Stevie nodded. "You'll find it too, Dmitri."

After dinner Stevie and Russell went up to Stevie's old room to settle Ivy for the evening. Russell stretched out on the bed while Ivy nursed.

"I haven't been up here since spring break when Bess and Henry were in Paris. Remember?"

"I remember I had to stay here all week to keep an eye on Jase and Ali. We had sex right where you're laying because we couldn't get any other alone time. That won't be repeated tonight."

"We have to give your parents time to have a subtle talk with Dimitri and Olga."

"Their work is practically done for them since 'Mitya' and 'Olenka' already know each other."

"That was a lucky break," Russell agreed.

"Are you satisfied now that you've managed to intimidate all my exes?"

"As long as none of them start hanging around you again."

"They wouldn't dare. You know they're afraid of you. The only reference Harrison made to our relationship at Douglas Jackson's funeral was to call me Gingy and that was a childhood thing. Arthur mentioned me working for him and immediately shut up when you reminded him that I worked for you, too. Jareth never brought up our engagement when you were around. When we danced he admitted he had wondered if he made a mistake calling it off but he could see how happy we were. The words Potomac Lodge did not cross Dmitri's lips. All that wasn't just to spare my delicate sensibilities, you know. They treat me like a casual acquaintance because you've got a look waiting that they don't want directed at them."

"Then yes, I'm satisfied," Russell said. "I can live with your past now."

Russell hadn't tired of jigsaw puzzles so he and Stevie always had one in progress. The first one they had worked on together was five hundred pieces which wasn't much of a challenge. They quickly moved on to seven hundred fifty and then to a thousand pieces. They didn't have space for anything bigger and more pieces weren't necessarily more challenging so their current project was a 3D puzzle of the White House.

When Dalton's second term ended a few months later, Russell and Stevie took a long vacation with Ivy. After they returned, Russell was invited back on the news show circuit. He'd always been a frequent guest due to his insight into current events and his sharp delivery of opinions. That hadn't changed. He was also writing a book about his years in the White House.

Russell's book led to offers of guest lectures and teaching. His alma mater Harvard wanted him but he elected to stay in DC and accepted a position at Georgetown University. Stevie had once said she could see him as a professor. She was right.

Two months after Ivy's second birthday Stevie told Russell she'd missed her period.

Russell didn't look thrilled. "We've been careful …" He stopped.

"Are you remembering last month when we got a little carried away?"

"We've talked about Ivy being an only child."

"And yet you didn't get a vasectomy. I even offered to get my tubes tied and you said no because if you die too soon I'll still be young and might want another baby. I'd settle for you wanting this baby."

"I do. It was a surprise, that's all."

"Once more with feeling, Russell. Because I'm not feeling the love yet."

"I want the baby, all right? Give me five minutes to get used to the idea. You must have suspected and didn't bother to share the news sooner."

"Okay, you want the baby. But do you really want it or are you just saying it?"

"I'm not playing that game."

"You did say a maximum of two before you're sixty. Well, I should be due in April which is months before your sixtieth."

"You got me," Russell said through gritted teeth. "But what the hell is wrong that we can't control ourselves long enough to grab a condom?"

"We're in love," Stevie snarled in a remarkably unloving tone.

"Thanks for the reminder. I couldn't tell from your voice."

"Mommy? Daddy?"

They whirled to see Ivy almost in tears at the foot of the stairs.

Russell was closest. He picked her up. "Princess, you should be asleep," he said gently.

"It was loud."

"We're sorry, sweetie," Stevie said, kissing her cheek. "It's all right. How about another story?"

Ivy nodded.

Russell carried her upstairs and handed her to Stevie at the bathroom door.

"Potty first," Stevie said. "Daddy will get a book."

Ivy was still in the nursery but she had been excited to switch to a toddler bed for her second birthday. She was in pull-ups and toilet training was going well. Stevie and Russell read the girl bunny and boy bunny parts. Ivy drifted off before the story was finished. They tiptoed out, closing the door between the rooms.

"We woke her up and made her cry." Stevie sounded as if she might cry, too.

"We weren't that loud. She wakes up sometimes. She's come down before when we weren't making a sound."

"But this time we were fighting and it scared her."

"She probably won't remember in the morning." Russell paused. "You know what that story reminded me of?"

Stevie stared at him. "Fucking like rabbits?"

"I'd say banging like bunnies but yes, the thought crossed my mind."

"Russell, were you seriously thinking about sex while reading a story to our child!"

"If you're not interested, say so and skip the lecture."

"Well, since I'm already pregnant we don't have to control ourselves long enough to grab a condom."

Afterward, lying with her head on Russell's chest, Stevie giggled and said, "Humping like hares."

"Coming like cottontails. I'm happy about the baby, Stevie."

"I know. I was being a bitch. I panicked at first, too. I had gotten used to thinking we'd just have Ivy and I was fine with that and then I had to switch gears."

"How long it did it take you?"

"Two days."

"And you gave me hell two minutes after I found out."

"Probably hormones."

"Sure, that must be it."

"I can feel you rolling your eyes."

A month later they had the first ultrasound. The tech was visibly nervous when studying the images.

"What's wrong?" Stevie asked.

"Nothing. I mean, I'm not sure what I'm seeing. I'll get your OB." He turned the monitor off and left the room.

Russell and Stevie stared at each other, their worst fears running rampant. Russell took Stevie's hand.

"I'm not having a vasectomy yet. If something is wrong, we can try again."

"Oh, Russell, thank you for saying that. But maybe it's all right. The tech said nothing was wrong."

"He's about twelve and doesn't know what he's doing."

Their OB came in, turned on the monitor, took up the transducer and after a moment said to the tech, "You're right, Rob." To Stevie and Russell: "Rob is new and hasn't seen this before." She turned the monitor and pointed out Baby A and Baby B. "You're having twins!"

"Is everything all right?" Russell demanded.

"Just fine. Sorry for the scare."

Stevie looked delighted. Russell looked relieved, and then resolute as he asked, "Can you recommend an urologist? This is good news, but it's not going to happen again."

Stevie took after her mother in having a relatively easy time with pregnancy and childbirth. They found out they were having a boy and a girl. The boy would receive his father's middle name and his maternal grandfather's name. They chose the girl's first name because they liked it and it sounded cute with her brother's name. Her middle name would be her mother's middle name. The babies were born two weeks early, as often happens with twins. Wyatt Henry arrived fourteen minutes before Wendy Grace.

In the fall Stevie modeled Alison's designs for a charity event. Alison used professional models for her shows in New York but Stevie was well-known in DC and her tall, willowy figure displayed the designs beautifully.

When Russell entered his lecture hall the following Monday the entire class was studying their phones. Several guys called out some version of "Your wife is hot, Professor!"

"I'm aware," Russell replied. "But I'll pass along your appreciation."

"That's so brave of her," one young woman said a little snidely. "Modeling at her age after three children."

Silence fell. Russell was furious but he merely nodded and said, "Stevie is almost thirty and the twins are only six months old. But it was for charity and one of the designers is Ali Mac. She didn't want to turn down her sister."

Another chorus of similar comments, mostly from the girls: "Ali Mac is your wife's sister?!"

"Alison McCord. She asks my opinion of ties sometimes. And now, as fascinating as this is, our subject today is not fashion or modeling or designers so let's dig into politics. What happened this weekend that we might want to discuss?"

Russell hadn't expected to become the father of three more children in his late fifties. Five years before, if he contemplated such a future he would have assumed, and maybe even welcomed, another heart attack. But after the stress of life on a world stage where every decision was important and had vital, often life and death consequences, he found the kids and their small but expanding world relaxing, fascinating and amusing.

As for Stevie, she had willingly put career plans on hold. She had decided years ago against law school. There were many other ways to serve but she loved being a wife and mother and that was her preferred role for now. The kids were so young and, while Russell's health was better than it had been five years ago, time wasn't on their side. It was important to enjoy family life together and make memories that would last forever.

Stevie thought she would enter public service in some capacity when the children were in school. For now, she had begun writing again. It was something she could do at home. Years ago she had abandoned the novel she started at Lovell College. She had been young and inexperienced then and simply didn't have enough to say. That was no longer true. Stephanie McCord Jackson had plenty to say and the confidence to do it well.