Donna POV
I'm laying in Josh's arms, he's propped up against the pillows and
headboard, and my back is resting against his chest. He has his arms
wrapped around my waist with my head resting on his shoulder. This is
heaven on earth, to be certain. If I could get my mind to slow down,
I'd be enjoying this quiet time. To my knowledge, Josh is still
asleep. I haven't had much experience sleeping with him to know for
certain, but I'm almost positive.
Josh dropped a real bomb on me last night. I don't want to have to
deal with Erica Lee in the White House, or Mandy, or anyone else that
is going to question my marriage to Josh. I can't help but wonder if
Leo will allow us to work together. My concerns mount as the election
race draws to an end.
Can I lock us in this room? Close out the rest of the world and keep
us safe, whole, happy and sated as we were when we collapsed in each
others arms last night.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
I'm holding my wife, God how I love saying that, *my wife*, and she's
been awake for a long while now. She and I made love till the early
hours of the morning, and she should be sleeping, then again, so
should I. Of course, with the election being today, I'm not the type
to get much sleep. We are so close to realizing every dream I've ever
had while working in politics. Enough of that…
Donna thinks I'm asleep. I've remained very still and somehow managed
to keep my breathing steady. I don't want her to worry that I'm
awake. She's concerned about something. We haven't spent many nights
together as husband and wife, but we have spent enough time together
over all. I can tell when she's worried. Then again, in the past
twelve hours, I've given her much to be worried about.
We have to meet with Leo today. I made it clear there is no way I'll
work in the White House unless Donna is by my side. I made a
commitment to her, and while I know I also made a commitment to Leo,
my vow to Donna trumps any promises I've made to anyone.
The alarm is going to go off soon, and I want a few minutes with my
wife before the day takes off. I shift and break her from her
thoughts. Gently turning her over so I can see her beautiful blue
eyes and iridescent smile, I look at her and am so amazed that this
woman loves me. Even more astonishing to me, is that she married me.
No words are spoken as I begin to kiss her awake. She is soft and
warm and welcoming.
God, how I love this woman.
<><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
God, how I love this man.
I am amazed at the depth of his love for me and that he'd even want
to marry me. My life began anew when I joined the campaign. My heart
healed the day I married Josh.
It pains me to stop the kissing, but I must. One of us must be
stalwart.
Oh shut up it is too a word!
"Joshua…"
No response…
"Joshua… we have to get moving. It's a big day today."
Hhmmm… He's still not responding.
Okay. This calls for dire measures. I grab hold of his waist and flip
us.
For a split second, he smirks at me as I rise up just a bit above
him. Then, the smirk turns to a frown as I hop up off the bed and
stand next to him.
<><><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
"That wasn't very funny, Donnatella."
She totally faked me out! Now, she's standing next to the bed looking
down at me like an angel sent from on high. It's hard to concentrate
on her words.
"Josh, we have to get moving. We have to meet with Leo, and you
really should try to talk to Sam today. Plus, we have to get the
Governor elected."
"Get dressed, go outside, spin around three times and spit. You know
how superstitious Toby is!"
My woman doesn't get Toby's quirks. When I see her raise one
perfectly arched eyebrow at me and then walk into the bathroom to get
ready, I know my morning isn't going to go as planned. What the hell
else is going to happen today?
<><><><><><><><><>
Sam POV
Josh spent last night with Donna, and while that's a good thing since
they are married, I had really wanted to talk to him. He tried with
me yesterday, and I admit I was acting a bit childish. So, today will
be my `come to Jesus' meeting with him.
How do I admit to my best friend that I had prior knowledge of
Mandy's scheming with John Hoynes about Donna? It is going to
devastate him and probably ruin any friendship I have with him.
I meant what I said to Donna yesterday. Josh is like my brother and
that makes her my sister-in-law. She didn't deserve the paces Mandy
and Hoynes put her through.
What the heck is that?
Oh, it's the door to the room. But who would be…
Never mind… I can be a little slow on the uptake. Josh can't use
keycards.
I open the door, and he practically falls into me.
<><><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
In some ways, I had really hoped Sam would have left for the war room
already. He's here and actually helped me open the door to the room.
Damn keycards. Can't we just use regular room keys?
"Morning, Sam."
My tone is cool. After yesterday, I'm not sure how he's going to
react towards me.
Sam is expressive. It is what makes him an incredible speechwriter.
His passion comes through. He is fiercely loyal and an idealist.
Politics haven't jaded him yet.
Softly he responds,
"Josh, good morning. How are you?"
I guess he heard about the fight. I turn away so I don't have to face
him and busy myself in the dresser drawer.
<><><><><><><><>
Sam POV
What do I say? What can I say?
"I'm fine, Sam." I hear his clipped response and know this is my
moment. If I don't do something now, I'll never get another chance.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. You caught me off guard."
I watch his back stiffen, but he still doesn't turn to face me, so I
push ahead,
"I *am* happy for you. I'm thrilled for you actually. That doesn't
negate my disappointment at not having been there to share with you
the most important day of your life."
I watch some of the tension leave his shoulders as I continue,
"Josh, you're like a brother to me. You saved me from Gage Whitney,
you brought me along on this journey, and I am forever grateful.
You're also my best friend, and you included me in what will be one
of the most important things I will ever do with my professional
life."
Now, for the hard part…
Josh turns to look at me and as he attempts to speak, I hold up my
hand to ask him silently to allow me to finish,
"There's something you need to know. I don't know how you will take
this information after the fact, but I need you to know that Mandy
and John Hoynes were hatching some sort of a plan together. I presume
Mandy wanted you back, and I further presume John Hoynes wanted to
throw you off your game. He's pretty pissed at your defection to the
Governor's campaign."
<><><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
I don't know how to respond to Sam. I don't know how to imagine that
my best friend, the man I think of like a brother, didn't come to me
immediately when he knew something was going on with Mandy and Hoynes
and that Donna was directly involved. Matter of fact, let me tell him
that…
"You think of me like a brother? You think of me like your best
friend? And you didn't come to me, immediately with that information?
You didn't think it would be relevant?"
I am seething. At the very least, Donna was my assistant and friend,
Sam should have been protecting her. All of us look out for each
other, and the guys, we always look out for the women. We have
manners and ethics. We try to be gentleman; as much of gentleman as
we can be in politics.
"Who the hell did you think you were by not looking out for Donna?
Granted, you didn't work for Hoynes. You didn't know about all the
women, but you knew some of the stories. Even if you thought they
were rumors. Why wouldn't you come to me? Why wouldn't you look out
for Donna?"
I cannot get into another fight; Leo will personally kick my ass if I
do. I desperately want to pummel Sam until he feels a tenth of the
rage and horror I feel at his words and lack of action.
I take a deep breath and let Sam speak…
<><><><><><><><>
Sam POV
"Josh, I had no solid foundation, first of all. Second, yes, I should
have come to you directly, but if you dropped what you were working
on, things could have gone much differently. This IS the election for
the Presidency."
Okay, so that wasn't the thing to say… Josh's response is deathly
quiet.
"Samuel Norman Seaborn, there is nothing I take more seriously
professionally, than the election for the Presidency. However, you
know me. My friends and family come first. Nothing changes that. You
stood by while Donna was being plotted against by my ex-girlfriend,
who convinced a Senator, who is probably going to be the Vice
President Elect by the end of the day, to harass her."
I spin around at the sound of the door clicking shut. I look and see
my wife standing by the door, her eyes filled with tears, her lip
quivering and disbelief in her expression.
<><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
Sam knew?
SAM KNEW?
How could he?
I watch as Josh moves to my side in three long strides. As his arms
come around me, I come apart. I chance a glance up at Sam and see him
looking just as devastated as I feel. I pull myself together and know
that what should be the happiest time of my life is causing pain for
everyone I love.
"Enough!"
I shake myself from my husband's arms and take a step further into
the room. I stand between Josh and Sam and finally speak MY peace.
"John Hoynes is a leech. He is womanizing, sub-human, disgraceful
excuse for a man. Sam, finding out about your actions or lack
thereof, has shaken my confidence in you, but I trust Josh. You are
one of his best friends and like a brother to him. You told me
yesterday that makes me like your sister in law. SO, from here on
out, be the man you should have been. Trust Josh the way he and I
trust you."
I look over at my husband and silently implore him to get on board
with this idea. If I can get past this, so can the boy wonders.
Josh plants one of his hands on his hip and runs the other through
his hair. He looks at me, turns away from me and then turns back.
My husband nods at me. Okay, fifty percent; I turn to Sam.
He looks stunned, and scared, and sad, and a plethora of other words
that start with the letter S. As I watch him, he slowly nods at me.
I smile at both of them. Turning to Sam, I hug him and feel the
tension in the room dissipate just a bit. Once we part, I turn to
Josh and hug him, kissing him softly. Letting him know without words
we are a team. Nothing can hurt us so long as we are together.
Together we can slay the dragons.
Together, we all can get the Governor elected. Which by my
calculations we're late getting started on today.
"Get dressed boys. I'll meet you in the war room."
With a perfunctory kiss for my husband, I close the door behind me.
<><><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
Damnit Josh, where the hell are you? You can't be late on Election
Day.
The door to the war room opens and Donna walks in, the evidence of
recent tears clearly visible. I quickly walk over to her and pull her
aside.
From the corner of my eye, I see Mandy with a scowl on her face. If
she's taking offense to my concern about Josh's assistant, she can
take that up with me directly. There is no love loss between Mandy
and those running this campaign.
"Donna, what's wrong? What did Josh do?"
I watch as she pales, not knowing how to respond.
"Nothing Leo, everything is fine."
I swear these kids are going to be the death of me.
"Donna, first of all, something is wrong, it's obvious. Second of
all, if Josh did something, I have permission from Noah to kick his
ass. Third, I need everyone's head in the game today. Today of all
days, Donna, so if you'd tell me what the idiot did, I'll be happy to
fix it, so we all can get the Governor to the White House."
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
"Josh didn't do anything, Leo. He's been wonderful, perfect even.
Well okay, as perfect as Josh can be."
I watch as Leo smiles and understand clearly why Josh has the
relationship that he has with Leo. There is something paternal under
the hard skinned politician. He fixes me with a look that reminds me
clearly of the look my father would give me when I'd disappointed
him.
"I swear, Leo. Josh and I just found out some disturbing information
that has us both a little rattled. Josh though, will be perfectly
fine when he walks through that door."
I hope that stops Leo from pushing.
<><><><><><><><><>><><>
Leo POV
If she thinks this is over, she's nuts.
"What did you find out? Donna, I need you to tell me."
I watch her bite her lip. Desperate to not tell me, since I'm
everyone's boss and desperate to maintain the secret she shares with
her husband. I hear the door to the war room open and Josh walks in
with Sam. They look like they went ten rounds without ever raising a
hand.
Okay, this is starting to make sense.
"What happened with Josh and Sam?"
She looses all color in her face as I ask the question. Mrs. Lyman,
I've been at this longer than you my dear. If I'm going to get Jed
elected, I need to work out the kinks, and that's got to happen first
thing.
I look over and see Sam and Josh, with looks of vengeance and
determination on their faces, make their way to Mandy. The penny
drops.
Sam must have known something and didn't tell Josh. Mandy played a
part. I reach down and take Donna's hand and begin to walk toward the
assembled group. They stop their heated discussion when they realize
I'm behind them.
"Five minutes. I want you all in my office for five minutes. Let's
go."
Josh sees me holding on to Donna and seems to understand I'm not
kidding. Slowly, they all walk behind me into my office. I shut the
door with a look to Margaret that tells her no one is to disturb me.
I look over the assembled group. Josh with his hand at Donna's back,
Sam on the other side, presenting a united front, as well as looking
like the young woman's protectors. Mandy is just glaring.
This better be good.
"Speak."
<><><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
"Leo, we need the marching orders for today."
Maybe I can get this train back on track. This isn't the time or
place for Leo to be getting involved. I watch as he begins to speak
again,
"I need to know what is going on with the four of you and why Josh
felt the need to defend Donna's virtue to the potential Vice
President."
Or maybe it'll just derail a bit further…
<><><><><><><><><><>
Sam POV
I owe Josh, more importantly I owe Donna. It's my turn to help.
Without giving it much thought, I blurt out,
"Mandy and John Hoynes were plotting something against Josh and were
probably going to use Donna."
All eyes are suddenly on me. Mandy looks as if she could spit fire. I
watch Leo's face as he turns to Mandy; I'm stunned at his words.
"Mandy, today will either be your crowning glory or your worst
professional nightmare. If you want it to be your crowning glory, I
suggest you go out there and make it work. Before you do, please know
this. You won't be joining us, should the Governor be asked by the
voting public and the Electoral College to step up and become the
leader of the free world. The Governor values loyalty and teamwork
above all else. You haven't shown those to be two of your strongest
qualities. You can spin it however you want, and use the win to your
advantage, but remember something, DC politics is about whom you know
and whom you owe. Right now, you owe us."
Mandy glares at the entire room and hobbles out without a word. I
doubt we've heard the last of her.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
"Now then, that leaves you three. Sam, I don't know what happened
between you and Josh, but you are friends, you have been since I
first met you. Move past this. Move past it quickly."
I turn to Josh and look upwards, hoping Noah will give me some divine
direction.
"Joshua. Sam is like your brother. Brothers fight. Friends fight. I
told you coming to listen to Jed speak in Nashua was what sons did
for old friends of their fathers. You came, you listened, and you
helped put together an amazing team of people to help get Jed
elected. Today is the day we've worked for. Today is the day you
solidify your mark in politics. You do it, with your best friend come
brother on one side and your wife on the other. Bury the hatchet. If
we make it to the White House, you'll be my deputy. Jed has already
asked me to serve as Chief of Staff, and I'd like to ask you to
provide your expertise as my Deputy Chief of Staff."
<><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
My whole body is buzzing, and it's not because Donna is near me,
which would be the normal reason.
Deputy Chief of Staff.
I can't even let myself dream of that right now.
"And Donna?"
I watch Donna as she drops her head down. Leo looks me in the eye,
remembering my words from last night.
I *won't* do this without her.
I *can't* do this without her.
"Donna will be working right beside her husband."
I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding as I feel Donna's
hand grip mine.
<><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
Not only do I get to possibly work in the White House, but I get to
work with Josh? Oh. My. God. We need to go get the Governor elected.
"Thank you, Leo."
I see the smirk and hear the words
"Don't thank me yet, Donna; you may live to regret thanking me when
you have to work in the White House with him."
I smile at Leo, and then look at Josh when I reply,
"No regrets, Leo."
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
"Okay, people, let's get going. Sam, find Toby and brush up a few of
the speeches. Josh, I need you for a minute and Donna, too."
Sam leaves, and when the door is firmly closed behind him, I
continue,
"Donna, do you know who Erica Lee is?"
Of course she knows who Erica Lee is, but I want confirmation of that
fact before I continue. She slowly nods at me, and I proceed.
"Josh explained to me that Ms. Lee was let go following her failure
to bring Josh back to the Hoynes campaign. Josh also mentioned to me
that he would very much like to bring her back to work with the
Bartlet administration should we be elected. We would find a position
for her someplace very far away from Josh for her, but I wanted your
permission for this to happen."
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
I could say no.
Really, I could. But I shouldn't.
Leo is going to let us work together. Leo acknowledged we can work
together in the White House. Leo gave us his blessing.
"Okay, Leo, just as long as she is *far* away."
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
I smile at Donna and nod at Josh.
"Okay, Josh. With the permission granted by your wife, I'll talk to
Erica when this whole thing is settled."
Josh smiles and nods at me and then asks,
"Why the change of heart, Leo?" I know he's asking me why I changed
my mind about letting them work together.
"Jed reminded me of a few things last night. None the least of which
is he's a hopeless romantic, and this is a perfect love story for the
administration. Secondly, he also reminded me that he wouldn't be
half the man he is without Abby. Thirdly, he reminded me that I
wouldn't probably be here without Jenny. Finally, he also reminded me
that if we control the story it becomes a non-story."
<><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
I listen as Leo finishes,
"But the most important thing Jed reminded me of, was that he is a
hopeless romantic. I see a renewal ceremony in your future if he
takes the White House. Something in the rose garden maybe, with all
of your family and friends present?"
I can't help but laugh as Leo mentions a rose garden renewal
ceremony. I do so love these people who have become my new family.
"Leo, I'm going to head over to see if CJ needs help with the press
for a while. I'll leave you two to figure out the last hours of the
campaign."
<><><<><><><><>
Josh POV
Leo and I watch Donna leave and then resume our discussion of the
campaign's final steps. When we're done, I head out to accomplish the
goals for the day.
I barely see Donna until much later in the day when we're gathered at
the farmhouse. The polls in the east have closed, and as the rest of
the polls across the country are beginning to close and the race
seems like it will go our way, Donna and I take a walk.
I hold her hand as we make our way past the visible secret service
agents. I know there are others out there in the vast darkness that
surrounds us, but for now, I need a moment alone with my wife.
"Were you serious with what you told Leo earlier today?"
I can see the utter confusion on Donna's face. She's had the ride of
her life since she joined this campaign, and tonight is the
culmination. Her brain probably doesn't remember what she did twenty
minutes ago, nevermind this morning.
"When I said what?"
"That you have no regrets and don't plan on having any?"
"I was totally serious, Joshua."
I look at her, seeing her beautiful face in the moonlight that shines
down on our little spot in the world. The Manchester House is
gorgeous, the property expansive, and it feels like there are no
other people out here besides Donna and me.
I gather her in my arms and know she is my soulmate. By the light of
the moon, I take a moment to look into her eyes. I find what I'm
looking for when I see the love she has for me reflected in her eyes.
She is the person who will stand with me and be my partner, my
guardian angel, and forever my beloved. I step back from her and drop
down to one knee, repeating the words that have filtered through my
mind since we were married. I never proposed the right way, but maybe
I can make that up to her.
"Donnatella, I love you with all that I am and all I can ever hope to
be. You make me a better man by loving me. You make me the man I was
meant to be just for joining me on this journey. You are my hopes, my
dreams, my heart and my soul. I know we're already married, but would
you do me the great honor of renewing our vows in front of our
friends, families and, hopefully, the President and First Lady."
<><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
Josh probably wants an answer right now, huh? Well then, he shouldn't
be asking questions that are going to cause me to bawl my eyes out.
I can only nod; I am so overcome with emotion. Josh couldn't have
picked a better time or place. He takes my nodding as a yes, wraps
his arms around my waist, hugging me close to him, and then lifting
me up as he twirls me around.
This is better than any romance book I could have read.
This is better than any fairytale I was told as a kid.
This is SO much better, because it's my real life.
I kiss Josh with everything I have in me, and when we break apart, we
need a moment to regain our composure. When we do, he tugs me along
back to the house. He stops just before the porch, turns to face me
and whispers,
"I am my beloved's…"
<><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
"And my beloved is mine."
I can't help but smile as I hear Donna's response.
We enter the house and see that the election is even closer to being
done. The polls should be just about closed by now all over. We'll
start getting final numbers in and projections on the winner.
I look around the room and realize these people are my new family. We
have shared blood, sweat and tears to get the `real thing' elected.
This campaign has done many things for me professionally. If we win,
Donna's right with her nickname, I will be considered the `boy
wonder' by the politicos and pundits alike. If we lose, I will be
vilified by the press, but still retain a huge boost in the DNC.
The changes in my personal life, though, have done the most for me.
It is not merely that I am married. Rather, it is that I've found the
person who I trust with my heart, my soul, and my mind. Being
vulnerable in politics is like laying yourself bare for the vultures
to attack. Yet, with Donna, I can be vulnerable. I can show my
weaknesses, and she's not going to use them to her advantage. She's
going to be my strength, as I will be hers.
<><><><><><><><><>
Donna POV
I watch Josh as he takes in the scene before him. The election is
about to be called, and things look good for the Governor. But the
emotion on his face is not one of political victory.
The facial expression he wears is a sign of contentment. He is
content to be with these people, in this moment. I am proud to be by
his side, as his co-worker, his friend and most importantly, his
wife.
When I left Freeride for the last time, I never would have imagined
the course my life has taken. Smiling to myself, I see CJ and Toby
laughing about something. I get teary-eyed when I take in Sam's
apologetic gaze. He watches me, and I know he's wishing he could take
back what he didn't do. Leo is pacing and the Governor is sharing a
quiet moment with his family.
In a few minutes, everything we've worked for will either come to
fruition or go down in a blaze of glory. Whichever way this ends up,
I move forward from this experience with my husband by my side and my
new life awaiting me with open arms.
<><><><><><><><>
CJ POV
I'm jealous.
I admit it.
I'm woman enough to admit it.
What Josh and Donna have found, I am completely jealous of. They are
the perfect example of the cliché, "love at first sight." They knew
from the beginning. They knew even working through a primary
election, a convention, and now a Presidential election that they
were meant to be together.
I want what they have.
Completely.
Totally.
Desperately.
Toby came to California and took me on this huge adventure with him.
He fished me out of my pool, and while I'm sure I can come up with a
million metaphors for the symbolism, the upshot is that he saved me
from drowning in the sea of Hollywood bullshit.
I am grateful to Toby. I look forward to what the future brings, and
know I'm forever changed for this experience.
I am also jealous of Josh and Donna.
<><><><><><><><><>
Toby POV
Mazel Tov, Joshua.
I hope you know what you have in Donna. Cherish her. Love her; don't
let a day go by without letting her know how vital she is to your
existence. I don't want to see you end up like Andi and me,
struggling to make the marriage work and praying a baby you are
desperately trying to conceive will do that for you.
You gave me an incredible gift, not that I'll ever tell you out loud.
Your ego doesn't need any feeding at this present time. One day, to
be certain, I'll tell you. In my thoughts, I can tell you now.
You have presented me with a political and professional experience
like no other. Personally, you have become a brother to me.
And you introduced me, Batman, to my Robin, Sam.
He is brilliant and idealistic, and in him, I see some of myself from
when I first started out. He stood by you when your father died, and
he stood by this campaign. Taking every ounce of crap I threw at him,
getting better with each speech, letting his luminous cadence shine
through.
Shalom Aleichem, Joshua.
And thank you.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
Noah, you did good. Actually, you and Elise did fantastically. Your
son is about to get the real thing elected President.
I wish you could be here to see this. I wish you could be here to
kick my ass for falling off the wagon and pat your son on the back
for helping me back up.
I wish you could see how happy he is with Donna. Most importantly, I
wish you could share this night with us, with Josh. You are his hero
and tonight is his crowning moment, and he should have you here to
share it with.
I watch Josh watch the room, taking it all in and focusing on the big
picture. Jed would call it, "seeing the whole board."
Yet, he in no way loses sight of Donna. He may not be looking
directly at her; nevertheless, he knows where she is and what she is
doing at each moment. I told him she was his Achilles heel, but now,
I see the error of my statement.
She may make him more vulnerable when we get to DC – and mark my
words we're going to DC – but she will also protect him the way no
one else can or will.
Donna will not be the typical political wife. She will not acquiesce
to the whims of her husband or the political machine. She will stand
next to Josh and fight the fight, dodge the bullets, and help change
the world.
If anyone can change the world, it is Josh and Donna. In a few short
months, they've completely changed their lives and their world. I
can't wait to see what happens when we hand them the reins to run the
country.
<><><><><><><><><>
Mandy POV
I see all these people in this room and wonder how they can be so
ridiculously close. A merry band of brothers and sisters they all
are.
It's a shame, really. Josh and I could have done things together,
gone places together. He just didn't play by my rules. A few more
hours and my tour of duty with these people is up.
I see Sam, Toby and Josh, and it's like they are all going to see the
Wizard of Oz by following their own versions of Dorothy in Donna and
CJ.
Me? I feel like someone dropped a house on me. How could my life have
gotten this far off track?
<><><><><><><><><>
Sam POV
I am not the same man I was when Josh came to find me at Gage Whitney
that rainy day. I am a better man for certain, and I see that I am
also quite flawed.
I didn't defend Donna, nor did I go to Josh and tell him, first
thing, what was happening. They have found a way to forgive me, and I
must forgive myself.
Josh took me from the depths of corporate legal battles and put me
front and center in the fight for the White House. I have dealt with
Toby and his overbearing ways and learned from him.
Though, I could do without the Robin nickname.
Josh is my brother. Maybe not in blood, but in all the ways that
truly matter. We step forward from this moment in time, changed men
who have shared such experiences no one, unless they lived them,
would believe us.
Sheepishly, I look at Donna and for a moment, she watches me. Then,
she smiles with her eyes, and I know, in this instant, things will be
all right.
I am blessed to be surrounded by these people.
I am honored to have worked side by side with them.
I am privileged to have had the opportunity to help put the real
thing in the White House.
<><><><><><><><>
Governor Bartlet POV
"Everyone, may I have your attention, please."
I wait a moment for everyone to turn their eyes to me, and then, I
begin again,
"This has been an incredible journey. When Leo came to me and with
his cocktail napkin presented to me the idea of `Bartlet for
America,' I don't think I believed we'd ever be standing here, in the
position that we're in."
"I know I had trouble with most of your names for a long while, and
you probably wondered if I was the best person to have run. I thank
you for sticking with me, with Leo's crazy idea, and most of all, I
thank you for believing in me before I was ready to believe in myself
and in Leo's idea."
I turn my gaze to Leo before I address him,
"Thank you, Leo. It's been a hell of a ride. You've been my best
friend for more years than we probably want to count. Without your
idea, this never would have happened."
I turn now to the assembled group and begin to single out my campaign
staff,
"Sam and Toby, your words are a joy to speak. Thank you for not
giving in to me when I acted like a petulant child about the speeches
you wrote. You inspire me, with the words you choose for me to say,
to be all you write me to be."
"CJ, you have been the face of this campaign through mudslinging, as
well as easy media cycles that were too few and far between. You have
given one hundred percent of yourself, whether it was the rare easy
day, or a day where the fight was so dirty we all needed a shower at
the end of it. Thank you for your poise and charm."
"Donna, you have helped the campaign staff and my family with grace
and compassion. You have also tamed the beast that is my Political
Director. Congratulations on your marriage and this new chapter of
your life. We are honored you hired yourself to us."
I now look to Donna's side and see Josh. I gather my thoughts before
speaking,
"Josh, you are, without a doubt, the most frustrating and annoying
individual. You are also the reason we stand here tonight. You helped
Leo put this team together. You did what needed to be done to help
win the nomination, and you've done all you can with the general
election. No matter what happens, you've done the best job anyone
could have asked of you."
I pause for a moment, wondering how much I should say and decide if
not tonight, then when?
"You suffered great loss on this campaign and came back to us from
your father's funeral stronger than I could have ever imagined anyone
being. You have also been blessed with finding the woman who will
walk with you along the journey of life. Cherish her, honor her,
relish your quiet times together and show the world how much you
admire her. Above all else, respect her, as she is the best part of
who you are as a person."
I watch as everyone nods and whispers their thanks. I don't include
Mandy in my thanks because for as brilliant as Mandy is, she is not
part of this inner circle we have created.
Leo silently gets everyone to bundle up to head over to the ballroom.
When we're sufficiently dressed for the New Hampshire weather and the
secret service tells us the cars are out front, I hear Leo say,
<><><><><><><><>
Leo POV
"Governor, we're ready, Sir."
Jed's impromptu speech was definitely what the group needed after
this campaign. Now, though, is the time to go give the speech. After
the call in the car that is.
I watch Jed, his hands in his pockets; his slight glance away from
the crowd and the small smile grace his face. We all are silent
waiting for him to walk out so we can follow. It is then that we
hear,
"Leo?"
I nod as Jed continues,
"I'm ready."
<><><><><><><><>
Josh POV
I stand at the side of the ballroom behind Donna with my arms wrapped
around her waist and Sam at my side. We are listening to the
Governor's speech, and I am in awe of the words Sam and Toby came up
with. It is perfect, conciliatory, and not too pompous. The tone is
just right, and Jed Bartlet reminds me, once again, he is an
incredible orator.
I look around and realize while this is the end of the campaign, it
is just the beginning for all of us. There is palpable electricity in
the air. I am broken from my thoughts by Sam shaking my arm. Donna
and I listen as he announces in a whisper,
"This is the part! This is it!"
I turn my attention towards the podium once more. With a final glance
at the pure, innocent awe on my wife's face, I pull her closer, rest
my chin on her shoulder, wrap her tighter in my arms, and we watch as
the `real thing' finishes his speech with a rousing, soul stirring
proclamation,
"My name is Josiah Barlet, and I am honored to be your next
President."
The End.