Being confined to the Observatory was driving CJ insane.

Every since she left work three weeks ago John had left strict instructions that she was to rest. Not that she could go very far, looking and feeling like a beached whale.

The heat was only adding to her stress. For weeks it had been sweltering and in the middle of the night she often woke and ended up in a cold bath, much to John’s amusement.

She also missed sex. John had obliged her until she was six months pregnant, when she ballooned and they no longer found a comfortable position. Then he had bought her toys to keep her happy. Now she didn’t think she would ever again be able to enjoy sex.

The last thing she was, was lonely. Leo, Sam and Toby came around at least once a week for lunch, and if they couldn’t make it, one of the assistants appeared bearing gifts. Abbey was a daily visitor, talking babies and filling her in on the gossip. Today however, she was alone and sat day dreaming on the veranda.

The nursery was like something out of a fairytale. Baby Hoynes certainly wasn’t going to want for anything. Baby Hoynes, was the way everyone referred to the bump.

At twenty weeks John had been by her side when she went for her ultrasound. The blob had been noticeable on the screen but after much discussion, well these days John ‘discussed’ rather than ‘argued,’ they had decided to wait until the birth to know the sex.

CJ glanced up to see one of the housemaids standing over her, smiling.

Sighing she smiled back.

“Ma’am, the Vice President is on the phone.”

CJ took the receiver. “Hello Sweetheart.”

“How are you?”

“The same as I was the last time you phoned,” she grumbled, rubbing her lower back.

“No sign of contractions?”

“No.” He was slowly driving her crazy with his constant fussing. “And there’s no need to panic. First babies generally take twelve to fourteen hours.”

“Right. Claudia, you’d tell me right?”

CJ groaned and pulled herself to stand upright. “Don’t worry, the minute I know, you will too.”

John listened to her breathing for a few more seconds before he hung up the phone.

He was excited, beyond excited.

Everything on his schedule had been carefully structured to ensure he didn’t miss the birth. Janine had ordered brochures from every Internet site she could find and he had carefully selected numerous items for the nursery. But to actually be there for the birth was going to be something else.

John looked up as his staff shuffled in and took their places on the couch. He grinned and moved to the leather armchair.

“So, what’s new?” he asked, not in the least bit interested.

Lesley shuffled her papers. “Time wants to interview you for their Christmas issue. Seems their readers are intrigued by your policy initiatives. And a few of the celebrity magazines would like to do a feature on CJ and the baby.”

“No,” Tim grumbled beside her.

Laura raised her head, and glared across at him. “And why the hell not? The country is going to love it! It addresses the Family Values issue, and gives us the positive images we need for the campaign.”

“Because we are not going to exploit the baby.”

“Tim’s right,” John threw in. “They can interview me on being a father and Claudia might agree to an interview in a few months, but the baby stays out.”

“What about the daily press? They’ll be camped out at the hospital when she’s admitted,” Lesley asked.

“We can do one official shot,” Tim replied, glancing at the Vice President and noting his disinterest. “Sir, is everything alright?”

John shook his head and roused himself from his thoughts. “Yeah. I don’t think it will be long. How are we doing on the fundraising?”

“Corporate sponsorship is up on this stage in the campaign last time. And the women’s organizations are willing to support you,” Tim supplied.

“Can you not band about phrases like women’s organizations and Pro-choice?” John asked softly. “It does nothing but cause the Women’s Coalition to accuse me of exploiting my wife. On that note, I would like you to work with Amy Gardener and put together something for the media.”

***********************************

CJ made her way back into the house, a hand firmly at the base of her spine while the other rubbed across her stomach. It didn’t seem likely that Hoynes junior was going to make an appearance anytime soon. Everyone told her to expect searing pains and killer backache. If anything the ache she was trying to dislodge was probably the effects of not sleeping well.

The kitchen was empty when she waddled in and opened the refrigerator door. Someone had left the jug of iced water on the top shelf and, after locating a glass, she poured herself a small glass. Leaning back against the counter, she guzzled it down in one long swallow.

Glancing down, she took in the floral print dress and once more wondered how the hell she was ever going to fit into the designer gowns that filled one of the walk in closets upstairs.

Holding the fabric against her, she stared at the puddle that suddenly appeared at her feet.

“Emily,” she called and waited for the housemaid to appear.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Did someone spill something?”

“Uh, no,” Emily replied coming closer. “Ma’am, that’s you,” she stammered, glancing back at CJ’s face. “Have you been having contractions?”

“No,” CJ said, shaking her head, just as a searing stab of pain cut through her. “Shit.”

“I’m going to get some help,” Emily muttered, running from the room, leaving CJ clutching the counter as the pain washed over her.

The agent who appeared looked decidedly pale as he took in CJ’s appearance and worried about the prospect of the kid being born on his watch.

“Do we need to code blue this?” he asked, staring at CJ’s belly.

“How the hell should I know?” CJ groaned. “I’m guessing someone should let my doctor know I’m in the first stages.”

“Right. Then what?”

CJ groaned and rubbed her back, “Well I’m thinking somebody should phone my husband and tell him to get his fucking ass to the hospital,” she screamed as another contraction shot through her. “Oh, and tell him if this lasts fourteen hours, he’s dead meat.”

Emily rolled her eyes and headed to find another agent to make calls.

*******************

“I think you should spend more time in Texas, “ Laura suggested. “You need to be seen as a Texan.”

“I am a Texan.”

There was a knock at the door and two agents appeared. “Mr. Vice President, we need to get you to George Washington Memorial.”

“Claudia?” he asked, standing rapidly.

“We’ve been informed she’s in labor,” the other replied, glancing around the room.

“Is she okay?” John asked desperately.

“The staff has had a crash course in expletives.“

John grinned and shook his head. “That sounds like my wife. Tim, inform the President will you. And tell him that there’s no need for them to all come to the hospital.”

The agents herded him out of the OEOB and into a waiting car. Within minutes they were speeding to the hospital.

As John waited in the car for the agents to survey the building, he began to get nervous. He worried that CJ was early and that she wasn’t going to have an easy birth. He hated the idea something would happen to her.

Two agents appeared at the door and he followed them to the elevator and up to Maternity.

CJ’s voice carried down the hall. It wasn’t hard to mistake her, as she demanded John’s presence. Her language was more refined than he had expected, but the agents at the door were smiling.

Pushing open the door, John stepped inside leaving the agents outside.

CJ looked across from where she was struggling into her gown. “Hey.”

“Hi, so it’s going to happen?” he asked calmly.

“Yeah, but I’m in the early stages so be prepared to wait,” she replied, climbing up onto the bed. “The agents wanted to wait in here but I said no.”

“Ah.”

“You are going to be at the birth?” CJ asked, hesitantly.

“Yeah, do you want anything?”

She shook her head and gripped the sheet as a contraction racked through her body.

John grimaced and moved to hold her. Changing his mind, he opened the door and shouted at his detail to get CJ’s doctor.

Crossing the room, he pulled her into his arms, keeping a constant vigil on the door as he waited for someone to come and help.

The longer he was alone with her and the more she screamed, the more panicky he became.

******************************************

Toby walked the length of the corridor and back again, pausing briefly by CJ’s door each time he heard her cry out. He chuckled to himself as the latest contraction subsided and she berated John once more for putting her in that position. It had been almost noon when the call came through that she had been admitted. Nine hours later she was still not fully dilated.

John appeared in the doorway and stepped out. He ran his hands through his hair and exhaled.

“Is she okay?” Toby asked, sticking his hands in his pockets and rocking on the balls of his feet.

John looked up and noticed him for the first time. “Toby.” Briefly he glanced around. “Just you?”

“Yeah.”

“We’re getting there. Claudia wants ice chips, so . . ., “ he let his voice trail off.

“Yeah,” Toby muttered, rubbing his forehead with a hand.

“I’ll be back.” John wandered off with two agents in tow.

When John returned, there were two more nurses in the room and CJ was screaming at her Ob-gyn.

He hovered by the door as they crowded at her feet.

“Ten centimeters dilated. Baby’s crowning. CJ, it’s time.”

CJ caught sight of John out of the corner of her eye and looked longingly at him.

The birth was fairly quick after that with CJ giving birth less than an half an hour later.

The doctor wiped down the small pink baby and carried the blanketed newborn over.

CJ let go of John’s hand and extended her arms to take her daughter. Pulling back the blanket she gazed down at the tiny face and smiled. “Hello little one,” she whispered. Then glancing back up at her husband, “You’re forgiven.”

John smiled as a tiny hand wrapped around his finger. Kissing CJ on the forehead, he said, “She’s perfect.”

CJ nodded and continued to murmur softly to the baby.

“Toby’s outside,” John muttered, as his eyes glazed over.

“He’s still here?” CJ asked looking up. “

At his subtle nod, she grinned. “Take Rachel to show him while they finish with me.”

John looked momentarily horrified, as a nurse appeared to lift the bundle and hand her to him.

With Rachel tucked in the crack of his elbow, he carefully walked towards the door. The nurse opened it and he stepped outside.

Toby looked up from the plastic chair and stood quickly. Nervously, he approached John and peered down.

“It’s a girl,” John announced quietly, concentrating on holding her securely. “I think we’re calling her Rachel.”

Toby moved to touch the newborn but pulled back at the last moment. “Okay.“

The baby opened her eyes and seemed to stare right at the bearded man.

Both men shared the same thought, that she appeared to be smiling at Toby.

Hiding his own smile, Toby growled, “Congratulations John.”

“Excuse me,” a nurse said quietly approaching them. “Mrs. Hoynes asked me to give you this. She said you wouldn’t remember the details.”

Toby glanced down and grabbed the piece of paper, mumbling, “I’ll phone the President.”

John placed Rachel in the crib and followed as the nurse pushed her to the nursery.

When he returned ten minutes later, having ensured his daughter was sleeping and an agent was posted on the nursery door, CJ had been transferred to a private room.

He nodded to the agents on the door and entered.

CJ was curled up asleep on her side.

Quietly John crossed the room and took her hand, kissing her knuckles gently. Whispering he loved her John kissed CJ on the forehead before heading home for the night. He paused briefly by the door to glance lovingly at his sleeping wife before the agents escorted him home.

CJ handed Rachel to the nanny and picked up her jacket. Glancing back over her shoulder she made her way out to the car. As the car sped out of the gate CJ dug her nails into her palms as she fought the tears at the prospect of leaving her baby for the first time.

Carol was already waiting in her office when CJ strode through the lobby and to her office. Removing her jacket CJ tossed her briefcase on the couch and sighed.

“Morning Boss,” Carol greeted, grinning. “Welcome back.”

“Yeah, it’s good to be back,” she muttered, not really sure if it was. “Staff?”

“Ten minutes. Toby asked me to remind you, you promised to have lunch with him. And I’ve pencilled in a meeting with the deputies so you can get back up to speed.” Carol paused. “CJ? Are you listening?”

CJ looked up from the framed picture in her hand and gazed at Carol. “Sorry?”

Carol shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Messages first.”

“Sure.” She waited a beat. “I need to make a phone call first.”

Carol grinned and returned to the outer office. She returned five minutes later to find CJ wiping her eyes.

“Want me to pick up some waterproof mascara when I go to the drugstore?” Carol asked.

“I miss her,” CJ cried, grabbing another tissue from the box on her desk.

“I know, but hey there are three big kids waiting for you down the hall,” Carol joked.

“How are the spin boys?”

“Josh wants a baby and Sam’s in love with a friend of Zoey’s,” Carol giggled. “And Toby’s, well, he’s been smiling, and I know he’s booked somewhere nice for lunch.”

CJ shook her head, “Okay, let’s do this.”

The staff meeting as it turned out wasn’t anywhere near as bad as she predicted.

Sam and Leo greeted her with a hug.

Toby hung back, nodding at her and stifling his grin behind his beard.

Josh was the only one who seemed not to care.

Nothing seemed to have changed much in the two and a half months she had been away. Congress was still being obstinate, even when not in session, and the Press was kicking up a fuss about some inane comment Toby had made.

At her first briefing back she was rewarded with a round of applause and something resembling respect. A few of the regulars collared her in the corridor afterwards and welcomed her back. Life, she hoped, would regain some normality.

********************************

After the first few days she fell into a routine. Every morning she would leave the house at seven thirty, get to work and check in with the nanny. John would phone after the first briefing and then call CJ to update her. Providing there was no national emergency CJ would have lunch with Toby, or Abbey and sometimes Josh. Mid afternoon the nanny would check in and around eight pm CJ would either head home or as so often the case to one of the many social engagements Laura arranged.

Fridays were always the worst day, CJ discovered. Staff was always at eight, which meant she had to leave the house on time. And that wasn’t always possible. Rachel got cranky and cried which meant CJ couldn’t and wouldn’t leave her. The more CJ got stressed the more Rachel wailed.

By the time she eventually left the house, she was late for staff. Leo was sympathetic, but she couldn’t really expect him to put running the country on hold for her. The whole staff meeting she played catch up and found herself, more often than not, on the outside looking in. She was out of the loop.

Toby tried his best to keep her up to speed, walking her back to her office and keeping her appraised. Unfortunately that meant she went to her first briefing without having the opportunity to read her messages.

Friday was trash day, or at least the last briefing of the day was. It seemed that Friday mornings were becoming free for alls with the Press Corps. They seemed to get great delight at throwing obscure questions at the flustered Press Secretary. She fudged her answers most of the time. But by the looks the reporters shared, they all knew she had no clue. Not exactly the image the Administration wanted their Press Secretary to convey. ‘Clueless wearing baby spitup,‘ she moaned after viewing a briefing tape and discovering a large spot on the shoulder of her Armani pantsuit.

More than once since returning to work she had categorically denied something only to return to her office and find a message to phone someone. Leo yelled at Toby about her mistakes and Toby quietly took her to one side.

Rachel, for the most part, was a contented baby. The nanny adored her and was only too happy to report back to CJ on her development.

It just seemed that John spent more time with their child than she did. He wasn’t tied to a rigid timetable of briefings and staff meetings. He pretty much dictated his schedule and could often be found at home of an afternoon, bathing his daughter and feeding her.

CJ was in fact jealous of the bond the two of them seemed to be developing. She was also tired. It was bad enough working twelve hour days before but with a baby that needed feeding three times a night and dinners which went on to the early hours her body didn’t seem able to cope. The idea of working on the campaign on top of everything else was just overwhelming.

****************************************

Things came to a head in late August when CJ was called into Leo’s office ten minutes before she was due to give a briefing.

She hovered in the doorway as he wound up a phone call.

“There’s been an incident in San Francisco. No one’s claiming responsibility yet but some group bombed an abortion clinic,” Leo stated, grimly.

“What’s the injury count?” CJ asked, scribbling in her notebook.

“The doctor’s dead, the nurse is critical and there are at least three patients injured. We don’t have names.”

“Okay. How much can I give them?”

“Just that, and that police are looking into it.” he waited. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“You think I can’t handle it?” she snapped.

Leo shook his head and inwardly groaned. “Okay.”

CJ walked down the hallway and into the briefing room. She indicated they should all be quiet as she started her briefing.

“Firstly, this has just come in. There was a bombing in San Francisco of an abortion clinic. Details are still coming in but I can tell you, that, we have one confirmed dead and several in the hospital. Police are looking into it,” she added softly.

“CJ. Is it linked to the others?”

“Arthur, I can’t confirm that right now.”

“Will this affect the President’s upcoming visit?”

CJ gave the reporter a strange look and wondered, not for the first time, where these people got off. “No, but that’s hardly the most important thing right now.”

“The President has never stated his opinion either way on abortion,” Katie said. “Will he come out publicly and condemn these actions?”

“I think everyone should condemn this.”

“Abortion or the bombing?” a newbie asked.

CJ hesitated for a second as she remembered Rachel in the womb and her daughter that she had left that morning.

“I’m not going there on abortion. The bombing is a terrorist act,” CJ announced. As the words left her mouth she realized she had gone too far.

Carol appeared in the doorway and handed her a yellow scrap of paper.

CJ glanced at it briefly and shook her head. “I can now confirm a second death. A sixteen year old girl at the clinic with her parents.”

Hands flew up around her but CJ was finding it hard to breath. Grabbing her book she fled for the door leaving Carol alone on the podium.

Outside the room CJ leaned against the wall and took deep breaths. All she could think of was her baby girl not the reporters hammering for a story.

She looked up to see Josh hovering, his face disapproving.

“What?” she snapped.

“You shouldn’t have called it a terrorist act. And you should have clarified the distinction between the bombing and the abortion much more clearly,” he announced, running his hand through his hair. “They’re all going to be asking about the President’s stance on abortion.”

“Well thanks for the lowdown. I did actually realize that.”

“You froze in there,” he continued, oblivious to her fractured emotional state.

“Jeez Josh, can’t think why.”

“Maybe, you shouldn’t go back in there,” he suggested.

CJ balled her hands into fists. “You know, you’re right.” She thrust her briefing book into his hands and walked off. “I’m going home to my husband and daughter. Because I‘m a mother, a catholic mother and strangely enough I abhor abortion. But you know what Josh? One day my daughter will be sixteen and that may be her having to make that decision.”

Josh stared at her long after she had disappeared, not sure what he had done that was so different from any other day.

CJ picked up the phone and dialled the Observatory. She waited to be connected and spoke to the nanny for a few minutes. Not assured, she asked to hear her daughter’s breathing. CJ relaxed at the tiny sound and replaced the receiver.

Grabbing her purse she walked out of her office and to her car as the detail slipped in behind her.

It was all too much. The following day everyone was going to asking about abortion and the reporters were going to make it personal. They had asked her her opinions before but this was different. And she wasn’t too impressed with the White House Press Corps’ track record on giving a fair and unbiased report of her briefings. On this story, she’d bet good money that only a twisted sound bite would headline their news articles: Press Secretary compares ‘Right to Life’ Group to Terrorists.

She didn’t even register the staff at the Observatory as she headed to the nursery and spent the evening watching her daughter sleep.

CJ finished the briefing and closed her briefing book. Glancing around the room she appraised the reporters as they left to file stories.

She spotted Toby making his way to the front of the room and smiled at him.

He rubbed the back of his head as he came to a halt. “Good job,” he muttered, glancing at his shoes.

“Pokey?” she asked grinning.

“Your office,” he instructed, indicating with his head. Once they were inside and the door shut, he began shuffling.

CJ tidied her desk while she waited for him to speak. “Toby?” she tried again, glancing up.

Toby rubbed his hands against his sides. “Leo says you’re unhappy.”

CJ grinned, “He sent you to talk to me? Again?”

“No. Are you planning on leaving?” he asked, his voice barely audible.

At the bluntness of his question she blanched. “What makes you think that?”

“You. I’ve known you long enough,” he grumbled, staring at his feet.” John’s got his campaign to prepare for, you have Rachel now. There was always going to be a time.” He stopped and looked pointedly at her.

CJ sank into her chair and waved her arms about. “If I do leave, it won’t be because of John.”

“Yeah,” he growled, sinking into the couch.

“I miss my daughter. Between being here and our social obligations, I don‘t get to see . . ..” She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I haven’t discussed it with John.”

And she hadn’t. John knew, of course, that something was bothering her, but he hadn’t asked her what, yet. Not that they had exactly had much opportunity, with the pre-session parties they had been obliged to attend.

CJ also wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. She loved her job and, for the most part, the people she worked with, but she did miss her daughter. Recently she only held Rachel when she was asleep and for the middle of the night feeds. And she wanted more.

Leo had been sympathetic when she had burst into tears in his office over some trivial matter. He had missed so much of Mallory’s childhood that it was him who instigated the idea of resignation in her mind, or at least of cutting back her hours. Somehow that didn’t seem fair to anyone.

“He’ll tell you to resign.”

“You think?”

Toby nodded. “Don’t take this as a sign I care or that I like him, but he’d be right. And I’ll miss you when you go.”

CJ allowed the edges of her mouth to twitch up. “Yeah.”

He mumbled and she laughed.

***********************************

It was nearly midnight when John walked into the bedroom and slung his jacket over the chair. He sighed as he set about removing the rest of his clothes.

“How was the card game?” CJ asked quietly, rolling over to face him.

“You know it’s not really a card game, right?” he replied, unbuckling his belt.

“I’ve always wondered if you play cards afterwards. Leo’s a mean poker player,” CJ stated, propping herself up on her elbow.

John looked at her through hooded lids. “Leo?”

“I know he goes to meetings and I’m guessing, by the fact the vultures haven’t quizzed me in the Room, that he must go to your meetings,” CJ said, flatly.

“Okay. I thought you’d be asleep.”

“I want to talk to you,” CJ announced. “Rachel will be awake in an hour, anyhow.”

John folded his pants over the chair and uncuffed his shirt. “Fire away.” His shirt scrunched up on the floor he crossed to the bed and pulled back the sheet.

“It’s work related.”

He looked surprised, they rarely talked about the West Wing, and if they did, it was never in the bedroom.

Climbing under the sheet he mirrored her position. Leaning across, he kissed her gently on the mouth. “An hour, you say?” he smirked.

CJ shook her head and tried for a serious face.

It worked and he lightly covered her free hand with his own. “What did the spin boys do now?”

“It wasn’t them, surprisingly enough,” she laughed. “Well they haven’t been anymore annoying than normal.” She waited a beat as she prepared what she was going to say.

“I love being Press Secretary. It’s the job I’ve probably been coveting my whole life. Some days it’s hard work and the hours are long. I actually like the people I work with.”

John raised his eyebrows and rubbed her hipbone.

“Most of the time,” she grinned. “Having Rachel. . . She’s changing all the time. Her hair is starting to darken and those blue eyes won’t be blue much longer. I miss seeing all the changes. I’m missing things that I don’t even know I’m missing.”

“Claudia,” he whispered, as her eyes teared up.

“And then we have all these functions to attend, and there’s the campaign.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m not doing enough to help you.”

“You want me to speak to Laura and ask her to cancel some engagements?” he offered.

“That would help, but you need these people. I’m thinking of resigning as Press Secretary,” she said, her voice barely audible.

John gripped her hipbone securely to stop her moving away. “You’re sure about this?”

A nod was his reply.

“Claudia, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure if you asked Leo, he’d let you cut your hours, go part time for a while. I can go solo on some of the appointments and you’d get to spend more time with Rachel,” he conceded.

“So, you wouldn’t be happy about me staying at home, playing the Second Lady full time?“ she teased, knowingly.

John had the good grace to look bashful. He already knew from Laura that they had discussed resignation before the wedding. He would never have pushed the issue then, accepting that his wife was a strong career woman. After the complications conceiving Rachel, most of his advisors had suggested CJ become a full time mom. But hearing CJ suggest it was strange.

“Happy isn’t the right word,” he acknowledged. “It would certainly help my campaign. Laura could increase your exposure and I’m sure Rachel would love having you here.”

He shook his head. “But I married you. Not some carbon copy of Catherine. If you feel you want to work then I’m behind you a hundred percent.”

“I’ll only be doing it for a short time. Until Rachel is older, or you’re out of office, “ CJ stated. “Then I’ll return to work.”

“You’ve made up your mind,” he grinned, lightly stroking her thigh through the cotton.

“Yeah, but is it okay with you?”

“Yeah.”

It was definitely alright with him. In fact the sooner the better. He started to run his hand up her side just as a wail emanated from the nursery.

John groaned as CJ kissed his forehead and climbed out of bed. So much for an hour.

Leo glanced around the Oval Office and noted the one absentee. He locked eyes with Toby and noted the quiet resignation and acknowledged what they both already suspected.

CJ arrived a few minutes later, her briefing book clutched in her hand.

“Sorry, I’m late,” she said falling into one of the chairs. “I was on a call.”

“It’s fine,” the President said, peering over his glasses, “You haven’t missed much.”

“Anything else?” Leo asked, his eyes moving around the room and falling on CJ.

She nodded and removed the white envelope from her folder. “Yes.”

Four other pairs of eyes focused on her.

Smiling CJ stood and crossed the room to hand the envelope to the President.

He glanced down at it and back up at her. “Is this what I think it is?”

“My resignation, “ she stated turning to Leo. “It has been my privilege to serve as Press Secretary but I no longer feel I can give the job the commitment it deserves or you, my full and undivided attention.”

“You’re leaving?” Josh and Sam whined together.

“Just the job, not the country,” Toby growled.

“You knew?” Josh pouted.

Toby shook his head. “She’s married to the Vice President, she has a new baby and when the campaign kicks off she’ll be all over the country. What did you expect her to do?”

“Are you sure you want to do this now?” Jed asked softly, standing to take her hand.

CJ nodded, “It’s too much to handle and I miss Rachel.”

“I can understand that. Don’t be a stranger,” he warned. “You can leave as soon as Simon’s ready.”

*********************************

CJ had to admit packing up her desk was the most depressing thing she had ever had to do. White House Press Secretary was the first job she’d really loved, but more than that, it had brought her to her husband. Now she was leaving it all behind to work full time as the Vice President’s wife.

Laura had already been in with the revised schedule, which, CJ hoped, she would manage to find later in this mess.

Carol appeared with another empty box and placed it down on the desk.

CJ smiled at her across the desk. “I really thought they’d be carrying me out of here kicking and screaming,” she said sadly.

Carol nodded, not really knowing what to say. They had become more than boss and assistant in the last six years and now she was going to miss her.

CJ waited outside the Press Room door as Simon finished up the briefing.

Carol opened the door and CJ walked out onto the podium.

Simon grinned across at her and made a big gesture of handing her the room.

The reporters shuffled in their seats as they anticipated a newsflash.

“I’ll make this quick,” she began. “This is my last Press conference.”

The room went silent.

“I have resigned as Press Secretary to support my husband and spend more time with my little girl. I have enjoyed my tenure with the Bartlet Administration. It has been a privilege and an experience I will never forget. I leave you in the capable hands of Simon, who I know you will treat well. I would like to thank you all.”

She stepped off the podium and headed for the door as her name was cried out from all directions.

CJ was surprised to find her husband standing against the corridor wall, his agents guarding the corridor.

“I thought you might want some company,” he grinned, holding out his arms as the tears began to fall.

CJ nestled into his shoulder, her arms securely around his waist.

The first CJ knew they were not alone was when a tiny hand pulled at her hair. Removing her face from John’s jacket she looked up into her daughter’s tiny face.

“Hello you,” she whispered, holding her hands out to take her daughter. She pulled Rachel, dressed in a Tigger costume, close to her chest, kissing the tiny down of hair. “I’ve missed you.”

“I had Jenny bring her over, I thought you’d like that,” John said softly, wrapping an arm around both of them. “And I cancelled dinner tonight.”

CJ mouthed, ‘Thank you,’ as she clung to her husband and child. “Can we go home now?”

John nodded and guided them towards the lobby.

The President’s summons to the White House was as much a surprise to CJ as it was to John. The call had come late afternoon, from the residence, and without any of the usual protocol.

Twenty minutes later, the couple’s limo pulled up at the main entrance to the Residence and they were guided inside and upstairs before anyone could notice them.

An agent at the door knocked and pushed the doors open wide.

CJ’s eyes scanned the room and she was surprised to find the President and Abbey standing stiffly by the fireplace.

The four exchanged greetings and the President indicated they should take a seat.

CJ sat back on the couch, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap.

John took the nearest armchair, leaning forward and placing his feet squarely on the floor.

Abbey sat opposite CJ, grinning and lounging across the chintz.

The room was silent as the President paced around the room, his fingers twisting around each other.

The seconds turned to minutes and John gave CJ a look.

“Jed,” Abbey said softly. “You’re scaring them.”

Jed’s eyes went unfocused as he looked between them. “How’s Rachel?” he asked casually.

“She’s fine. I had the nanny stay late and watch her.” CJ glanced at Abbey and back at the President, “Are you alright Mr. President?”

“Jed,” he replied, halting and leaning on the back of Abbey’s chair. “I think it would be better if we go by first names tonight.”

Now CJ really was scared. Whatever was coming was going to be big. Unconsciously she reached for John’s hand and gripped it tightly.

“Jed, why did you ask us here?” John asked, suddenly wondering if he was about to hear bad news.

Abbey’s face brightened as she leaned back and covered her husband’s hand. “Jed, tell them.”

“Would you like a drink?”

“No thank you,” John replied for both of them.

“What do you think of this room?”

“It’s very nice,” CJ mumbled. “It’s your favorite room, isn’t it, Sir?”

Jed smiled and for the first time felt the tension drain away. “Yes, yes it is.” He waited a beat before adding. “I’m going to miss it.”

“I can’t believe this is the only thing you will miss,” Abbey groaned, glancing up.

“Of course it isn’t, I’ll miss the staff,” he snapped back at her.

CJ and John shared a concerned look before turning their attention back to the President.

“He’s not sick,” Abbey announced, as the corners of her mouth twitched up. “Jed, I think you had better tell them.”

Jed settled on the arm of the chair and rested an arm on the back of Abbey’s shoulders. “Abbey and I have been talking. And while it’s true I’m not sick, my condition is on the move.”

CJ’s grip on her husband’s hand tightened.

“A little less stress would definitely be a good thing right now,” he grinned, fully focusing on their faces. “So, there’s no easy way of saying this, but I’m resigning.”

He laughed at the two faces before him.

John looked surprised, his face going from mild interest to shock. He was immediately out of his chair and standing with nowhere to go.

CJ looked distraught. That his condition was on the move brought forth all manner of emotions she had carefully concealed since the announcement. The idea that both of the men, who she considered fathers, were going to deteriorate before her eyes broke her heart. She lowered her gaze and fought back the tears.

“Did you just say resigning?” John asked, looking at Abbey but addressing the President.

A long silence followed and John turned to look at the President. “Jed?”

At Jed’s subtle nod, John shook his head. “Shit.” He immediately looked embarrassed.

Jed waved him off. “Don’t worry, I said much the same thing when I won.” He waited a beat. “I understand this is a bit of a surprise to both of you and there are probably questions you want to ask.”

Abbey raised her eyebrows at him and inwardly groaned.

“I’ll answer them, but right now I need to go tell Leo. If you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, the five of us can then discuss this together.”

Jed waited for some acknowledgment from John. When none was forthcoming he glanced at Abbey and motioned with his head that he was going to go.

At the sound of the door closing CJ returned her attention to the room, standing and moving to sit next to Abbey. “Abbey, what’s going on?” she asked, emotionally.

“You heard him. He wants to resign.”

“Jed would never quit,” John said quietly. “He wanted this too much. He keeps telling me how much more he wants to achieve.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. They flew open a second later. “Hang on, Leo doesn’t know?” he asked, incredulous at the realization.

John briefly grinned as he imagined Leo’s reaction. Everyone knew how close the two men were and how much Jed valued Leo’s counsel. The fact John had been told before Leo, and that Abbey was in on the decision, was bound to leave Leo feeling a little betrayed.

Abbey smiled and nodded. “Jed wanted to tell you first. He thought you should have the opportunity to be able to make some plans.”

“I don’t understand,” CJ acknowledged, her brain flooding with questions.

Abbey covered her hand. “CJ, when Jed announces his resignation, you two are going to have very little time to adjust. He’s giving you some time now.”

“What time frame are we talking?” John asked, suddenly aware that it was going to be quick.

“He wants to announce in ten days. The swearing in could be as little as four weeks after that, “ Abbey suggested, watching CJ’s face for signs that she was on the same page.

Recognition came quickly. “Swearing in? Holy Crap. John will be the President.”

“And you his First Lady,” Abbey smirked, looking up as the door opened.

CJ shook her head and rubbed her temples as she waited for the inevitable headache to form.

“Mr. Vice President,” Leo called, entering the room and shaking his hand.

“I think we’re on first name terms this evening,” John offered, taking a seat.

“CJ,” Leo said, hugging his friend to him and kissing her on the cheek. Releasing her, reluctantly, he turned and looked at the faces. “Well this is nice.”

Abbey looked at her husband and inwardly groaned when he shook his head. “Leo, honey, come sit between CJ and I.”

“Okay.”

Once everyone was seated and all eyes were fixed on Leo, Jed began to pace again. “Any idea what the score is?” Jed asked, casually, looking up from his shoes for the first time.

“No,” Leo snapped, frowning at the obvious currents flowing through the atmosphere in the room.

“Maybe I should get someone to go find out. It could be handy to know Notre Dame is hammering the Celtics.”

“Chicken,” Abbey muttered.

“I’m mentally preparing what I’m going to say,” Jed balked.

“Maybe a whiskey would help,” John suggested, shrugging.

“Do you want me to do it?” Abbey offered, patting Leo’s leg, unconsciously.

“This is getting weirder by the minute,” Leo mumbled, carefully removing Abbey‘s hand.

“You haven’t heard the best bit yet,” CJ coughed.

“Jed!” Abbey cried, then threw her hands in the air.

“Leo, honey,” she started, turning to look at him. “We asked you up here because we need to tell you something.”

“Okay,” he said, nervously, looking between Abbey and Jed.

“I’m resigning as President,” Jed said softly, avoiding his best friend’s eyes and resuming his pacing.

“You’re what?” Leo balked, then glanced at Abbey. “Did he just say he’s resigning?”

At her subtle nod he shook his head. “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.”

Leo’s craggy face scrunched up in consternation as he ran through the possible scenarios in his head. He didn’t think Jed was seriously ill, that much he thought he would have picked up on. And as far as he knew, there were no new scandals to thwart the Administration.

Leo shook his head again as words escaped him.

John smirked, watching Leo trying to come to terms with the news.

“None of us did,” CJ mumbled beside him.

“Why now?” John asked, glancing at Leo’s worried face and Abbey’s suddenly rejuvenated one.

“That’s actually an easy one,” Jed joked. “Before, and it would have looked as though re-election was just to prove a point, you know--an up yours to everyone who thought we were out of the game. But, if we delay any longer it won’t give you time to settle in.”

Abbey’s face paled and she took Leo’s hand. “If he stayed on for the remainder of the term there’s no guarantee he would be well enough. John stepping in under those circumstances would only leave Jed’s term even more tainted. This way we can enjoy some quality time together and he can oversee the library construction -- bother somebody else for a while.”

“Jed, are you dying?” Leo asked, sharply, causing everyone to focus on the President.

Normally he would wait until they were alone, and phrase the question much more politely, but tonight things seemed pretty relaxed.

“My condition has worsened over the last six months, yes. But truthfully Abbey and I discussed this during the campaign, and decided it would be an option.”

“But you didn’t discuss it with me,” Leo said, gloomily.

Leo had to admit his emotions were torn. He was concerned about his best friend’s health, and the fact that he could lose him. But he also felt more than a little angry. Angry that, once again, he had been left in the dark about Jed’s plans. Leo felt betrayed. He had given up so much to get Jed elected, his marriage, his own career aspirations and more than once his demons had been spilled for all to see. Now Jed was resigning without even consulting him.

Leo fixed his eyes on Jed and waited for him to offer some sort of explanation.

“No,” Jed replied, locking eyes with Leo for the briefest time and returning to his pacing. “We have only discussed it seriously again in the last few days.”

“Plus I married Claudia,” John offered, smiling at his wife. “That’s what tipped the scales, am I right?”

Jed nodded and grinned. “I’ve always liked you but marrying Claudia Jean has changed you. And it’s like we have one of the family taking over.”

CJ pulled herself out of the couch and walked across the room.

“Excuse me,” she mumbled, pouring herself a double scotch and taking a lengthy sip.

Turning back to the room she gave them a wry smile. “Is it just me, or is this surreal?”

Leo shook his head and rubbed his forehead. “When are you planning on announcing?”

“Soon,” Jed acknowledged, joining CJ in a scotch. “I want to tell Toby and the others tomorrow, the end of the week at the latest. Then they can assist John’s staff in the handover.” He waited a beat to take a large sip from his glass. “I’m resigning to spend more time with my family, blah, blah.”

John had to admit this was happening fast. He had always believed he would be President one day, just not this way. The election would follow his swearing in and as incumbent President he had more chance of winning. Strangely he didn’t know what the hell to do next. This was his dream, not CJ’s, and she was looking awestruck, and a little glazed as the alcohol hit her system. Ignoring the others in the room he crossed to where she was standing and touched her arm.

CJ looked into her husband’s eyes and saw her fears reflected back. Politics had never been her dream job, when she came to Washington she had expected to stay four years and leave. In the space of one evening her world was about to change.

“Can you believe this?” she asked softly, placing the glass on the sideboard and reaching for his hand.

“I kinda like the idea of making love to the First Lady,” he joked and she rolled her eyes. “Are you okay with it?” he asked, flashing her a smile, and moving his fingers up her arm to brush her cheek.

“I feel as though I’m about to become part of the them rather than us,” she commented dryly.

“Is there a conversation we need to be having?” he asked, in a whisper, subconsciously holding his breath.

CJ turned her gaze to the glass on the counter before looking back at him. “We’ve gone past the point of that,” she said softly. “This is what you’ve wanted since politics 101.”

He continued to hold his breath, “What do you want?”

CJ smiled and leaned forward to brush his lips with her own.

Pulling away she turned to the other people in the room. “So what’s next?”

Jed laughed at her use of his pet phrase. “Yes, indeed,” he boomed. “What’s next?”

The Drawing Room of the Observatory looked very much like an all night card game. Empty glasses had been moved to the side table as used plates were piled up on the coffee table. Most of the small dining table was covered with sheaves of paper as the gathered group tried to come up with a strategy.

John had had two days to digest the fact he was going to be President, that Bartlet was standing down. Sleep had remained elusive as he contemplated all the things they needed to organize. CJ was scared about the future and Rachel was picking up on the stressed vibes, screaming half the night and whining whenever her parents were out of range.

Tim was still in a state of shock. He had been coveting the role of Chief of Staff almost as long as John wanted to be President. The next step for him of course would be the excitement then the panic. John, himself, was long past the panic stage.

Laura and Lesley were scribbling endless lists and dividing up tasks.

The only other person in the room was Leo. Tim was less than enthusiastic about his presence but in John’s mind he was the perfect person to make suggestions. As much as he and Leo sparred, he also trusted Leo implicitly, as did his wife.

“I can think of someone else to add to the list,” Leo announced.

“Really, that’s a surprise,” Tim muttered. “And why isn’t Bill here?”

John shook his head slightly from side to side, motioning that it was something they could discuss later. “Who did you have in mind, Leo?”

Leo settled back in the chair. “The National Security Advisor.”

“Whoa,” Tim said, holding his hands up in a stop gesture. “Dr. Nancy McNally?”

Leo nodded and continued to stare at John.

John leaned forward in his seat. “I want to hear arguments.”

“She’s African American, she’s a woman,” Tim started, causing both women to stop what they were doing and stare at him. “She’s NSA, what does she know about economics, education, campaigning? Hell, she’s not even political.”

Leo grinned and nodded. “You’ll have high turnout in the African American and female population when it comes to the election. Nancy is an expert on International Relations and Foreign policy. You’ll have a year to educate her on Domestic politics and I’m sure you have someone who can teach her.” He paused to rub his chin. “And she’s a democrat.”

“What about the Minority Leader?” Tim suggested.

“Too old.”

“Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Interior, or even Chairman of the Joint Chiefs?” Tim pleaded.

“They are all great as Cabinet members but none of them are charismatic enough to be Vice President,” Leo growled.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Leo,” John smirked, turning around as the door opened. “Claudia.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt but I thought you might like to see Rachel,” she said softly, crossing over to join him.

John held out his arms and took his gurgling five month old daughter from her mother. “Hello sweetie,” he cooed, holding her against his chest.

Rachel smiled and wriggled in his arms.

“We’re discussing the Vice President,” John announced. “Leo has a suggestion.”

Tim rubbed his eyes, realizing that he was in a losing battle. Since his marriage John listened to his wife more than his Chief of Staff, well not more exactly but he certainly valued her opinion.

“Who?” CJ asked, grinning and taking the vacant chair next to Leo.

John motioned for Leo to speak.

“Nancy McNally.”

“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that.” She grinned. “A woman Vice President. I like the idea. People are more likely to vote for a woman Vice President if she’s already proved herself in the job.“ CJ turned her attention to her husband. “Who else is on the short list?”

Lesley groaned from the couch.

“What did I say?” CJ asked, hesitantly.

“There isn’t a short list. We can’t seem to agree on anyone, “ Laura threw in. “Of course no one’s suggested Leo. He’s already a political heavyweight.“

“The party would certainly like him. He’s single which would bring in woman voters,“ Lesley muttered. “And his face is well known.“

She wasn’t sure how she was going to sell him, but hey the pissed look on the John’s Chief of Staff’s face was enough for now.

“Too old, too set in my ways and a recovering alcoholic.” Leo grinned, “I don’t think we’d handle the role reversal all that well either.”

And he really didn’t want the job. He knew exactly how they’d used John over the years and he didn’t want to be in that position.

John glanced at his watch and groaned. “Guys, it’s after midnight. Let’s call it a night. I’ll think it through and we can meet tomorrow night and discuss staff and Cabinet.” He bounced Rachel as he got out of the chair. “That all right with you Leo?”

Leo shrugged. He was surprised to be there at all. He suspected it was only at CJ’s request but he secretly liked the idea of shaping the next administration in some small way. He pulled on his overcoat and kissed CJ goodnight as he followed the others out.

****************************

For the second night in a row the Vice President, his three trusted advisors and Leo sat around the small dining table. CJ was across the room rocking Rachel to sleep in the rocking chair, singing softly, much to the amazement of the others.

John poured himself another glass of mineral water and looked at the sea of expectant faces. “Claudia and I have discussed the Vice President at length. In fact we argued a few additional candidates,” he added, shaking his head at her suggestions. “But I’ve decided to approach Nancy.” He paused to wait for Tim’s descent.

“You’ll need to explain to the Minority Leader why he wasn’t consulted,” was all Tim offered.

“Fine,” John said, waving him off. “The President is telling his staff and the Cabinet tomorrow. So you and I can meet Nancy the day after and offer her the job.”

“Right, the rest of the Cabinet?”

“I think we leave as is, and promote the assistant NSA, until the election. If there are conflicts we can deal with those later. Nancy will no doubt bring an assistant, but she’ll need additional staff and an advisor.” John waited a beat, ignoring the questionable look in his Chief of Staff’s eyes. “Leo?”

Leo looked back from watching CJ and rubbed his eyes. “Sorry, an advisor. Josh maybe.”

“No,” John said firmly. “He wouldn’t come and I can’t work with him. He was right to leave my campaign back then and I don’t think hiring him now is going to make amends.“

Leo raised his eyebrows and glanced back at CJ, who shrugged.

As much as she loved Josh, and at times that wasn’t easy, she could see why his appointment would lead to friction. It would also make it harder for John if Josh refused him and then mounted his own campaign. Better therefore to leave Josh to find his own path.

“I do want Sam in Communications,” John announced.

At the sea of surprised faces he added, “He worked with me on the Education Bill. The stuff he gave me on the campaign was good. I like his fresh approach to things and he seems pretty amenable to my ideas. Bill can move to Nancy’s office.”

John sipped his water, watching Leo over the glass. “Do you think he’d accept?”

Leo shrugged, non-committally. “I don’t know. I think he’s always expected to run Josh’s campaigns. He may be reluctant to jump ship.”

“He wouldn’t be jumping ship,” CJ called, cradling Rachel against her chest. “Leo, he’d be Communications Director. Toby’s successor. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and what he‘s always wanted. We don‘t even know what Josh has planned.”

“Can I just ask?” Tim grumbled, twiddling his pen. “Are we planning on incorporating all the Bartlet staff?”

CJ rolled her eyes and frowned in Leo’s direction.

John ran a hand through his graying hair and sighed. “Look you’ll be Chief of Staff. Lesley will still be my Press Secretary with Laura as Media Consultant. I want Sam.”

He looked pointedly at Tim, waiting for another challenge. When none came he continued, “I need a Communications Deputy, but Sam may have some suggestions there and we also need someone in Government Liaison I trust.”

He fingered the glass. “I want your input but I’m not having crap. Sam is the right person to approach. Obviously Josh is a no no. Claudia has her heart set on Toby as her COS. They are just as committed as we are and it seems stupid to ignore them for the sake of old squabbles.”

He cast a glance around the room and focused on Leo. “And I’m hoping Leo will come on board to aid Nancy short term.”

Leo broke eye contact with CJ to turn back to John. “Me. As Nancy’s advisor?”

“I can’t think of anyone better, can you?” John said, rising from his seat and crossing to stand behind his wife. “You have a history with Nancy. You know what she needs to learn and you’re a good teacher.”

“I’m not sure,” Leo acknowledged, thinking about Jed Bartlet.

“It’s short term, Leo,” CJ said, softly. “Six months at most. Then you can retire and grow vegetables.” She smiled warmly at him.

John squeezed his wife’s shoulder as he watched Leo. “Think about it, that’s all I ask.” He turned back to the others in the room. “And I suggest we all get an early night. We’re going to be pretty busy from now on.”

Continue to Part Twenty-One

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