Toby climbed out of bed and padded across the bedroom to his bureau.

CJ watched with a smile.

“You’re staring at my butt again,” he mock-grumbled, wiggling his hips.

“Well, if you will taunt me with you nakedness.”

“There’s something I want to read to you,” he said, climbing back into bed. His face was inscrutable, serious yet his eyes held warmth.

“You wanna read me a bedtime story rather than make out with me right now?” she purred, running her fingers up his arm.

His face went blank, his eyes soulful. “Yeah.”

CJ glanced down at his hands and her face scrunched up in consternation. “Is that your manuscript?”

He nodded, refusing to look at her.

“The Unparalleled Moment of Possibility.”

He nodded again.

“It’s bound, Toby.”

“It’s for you,” he offered quietly, opening the cover and flicking to the page he had memorized. “You’ll get a signed copy when it’s published and I guess the editors have pulled it apart, but for now I want you to have my copy, my original.” He ran his finger over her name.

“Thank you.”

“I’m a better writer than I am speaker,” Toby warned.

CJ leaned in and lowered her head onto his shoulder. “Read Pokey.”

Clearing his throat, Toby began to read, stumbling from time to time..

“Toby?” she asked when he had finished, a little in awe of him. “Toby!”

“You wanna make out with me, right now, don’t you?”

“When you write like that, when don’t I?” she teased softly.

“It’s how I feel.”

He amazed her sometimes, not just with his writing but with the depth to which he felt things. “I don’t know what to say.”

“We could try other forms of communication,” he suggested, carefully placing his lifetime achievement on the floor and moving towards her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re watching me again,” CJ mumbled, rolling onto her front.

Toby smiled beneath his beard. He’d been awake for hours, just curled up in bed watching her. He could barely contain himself, the urge to touch her, to run his fingertips down her back so strong. When she was in California he’d sleep in, write long into the night and exist on a diet of coffee and junk food. When CJ was in town he’d wake early, wait for her to awake and they’d sit in bed eating bagels and drinking coffee.

CJ stirred again. “I don’t smell coffee.”

“Didn’t see the point in making it when it’s gonna go cold.”

“It’s gonna get cold?” she asked, opening one eye.

“Yeah.”

“All talk, Toby.”

He leaned down and started to lightly rain kisses over her back.

CJ mumbled, turning her face to look at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You really want to do this?” he asked, sceptically.

CJ took a sip a coffee. “Do you think I should do this?”

“I think we should get married, but you’re still on the fence.”

“How is ‘no’ on the fence?”

He shrugged, not in the least bit put off by her refusal. “If you want to do this, and there’s no question, you’d be awesome at it, I’ll support you one hundred percent.”

“Way to avoid answering the question, Pokey.”

Toby covered her hand with his own. “I think you should, because you want to, because you have an instinct about policy, because you can argue like no-one else I know.” he paused at her pointed expression. “I love you and I’ll help but I won’t be your public date.”

“Embarrassed to be seen out with me.”

“No, but pardon or not, I’m not going to do your campaign any good.”

CJ placed her cup back on the bedside table and leaned up to kiss him. “So sweet.” she lazily wrapped a leg around his. “Of course it’s two years to the midterms. You may feel differently by then.”

“Maybe.” his attention was wavering, drifting to her bare leg, his mind focussing on what he wanted to do to her.

“Losing interest?”

“Yeah.”

CJ smiled to herself, knowing that the morning was about to disappear in the nicest way possible. “Table the discussion?” she asked, practically purring as she pulled her tank top over her head and tossed it across the room.

“Yeah.”

“So articulate. Hard to believe you write for a living,” she teased, moving to straddle him.

His hand made it’s way into her hair and he was kissing her before she had chance to say another word.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CJ moved around the bedroom, pulling Toby’s robe around her. He lay asleep, the morning’s activity sending him into gentle snoring. Silently, she picked up his manuscript and walked down the corridor into the living room.

“Hey, Baby.“

“Morning, Mom.“

She ruffled her son’s hair and leaned in to kiss him. “You’re dressed?“

“Uncle Josh is coming to take me ice skating,“ Tom announced, grinning inanely.

“Oh?“

“I figured you guys were busy. Besides Toby’s apartment is boring.“

“We can do something together if you’d like,“ CJ offered, worried that she was neglecting her son for her lover.

Tom shook his head firmly. “This will be fun and we get to spend time together all the time.“ He hopped off the stool at the sound of a horn. “See ya.“

CJ moved to the window and watched Josh help her son climb into the back of his SUV before climbing on the couch. Tucking her legs under her, she began to read, a smile forming as she read his dedication to her, her love for Toby deepening with every page she read.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So what do you feel like doing?” Toby asked as his head disappeared beneath his thick wool sweater.

“Whatever.”

“Was that a ‘I’m pissed at you’ whatever?” he tried to clarify as his head reappeared. “Or a ‘just don’t mind’ one?’”

“Er?” CJ continued to apply the lightest of blusher over her cheeks, her expression changing to one of confusion.

Toby rubbed his forehead trying to work out the headache he was getting. “I’m not very good at the language or the signs.”

CJ nodded in understanding. “How about we take Tom to see the lights and grab some dinner?”

“Then an early night?”

“Yes, Toby. You can have your Christmas present early.” Leaning up, she kissed him.

“Yuk. Give it up,” Tom groaned, walking into the room and catching sight of Toby‘s hands disappearing where they shouldn‘t.

Toby jumped back as though he had been burnt. “We thought we might go to Georgetown, see the decorations, eat, then . . .”

“You weren’t seriously going to suggest we visit Santa?”

Toby exchanged a bewildered look with CJ.

She shrugged. “He caught Danny in his shorts laying presents under the tree. Tom was four.”

“In that case,” Toby grinned. “How about we go poke fun at all the gullible parents paying twenty dollars a go for their offspring to sit on Santa’s knee.”

Tom grinned back. “Sounds ok.”

“Go grab your coat,” CJ said, rising to her feet and shooing her son along. Alone again, she slipped her arms around Toby’s neck and kissed him firmly on the lips.

“What was that for?” he asked, his hands slipping to gently stroke her hip through her sweater.

“Because okay is about as close as you can get to Tom’s endorsement. Because for every sign you miss, for everything you fear, you’re actually a great boyfriend and you’d make a good step father.”

“And?” he asked, hopefully, still a little unsure of himself.

“I love you.”

Before he could reply, Tom bounded into the room in his new duffle coat, his bright red bobble hat swinging from side to side. “Mom, Uncle Toby. Jeez, will you get a room.”

If only they could, Toby mused as he ushered them out of the apartment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Eve had been the quiet occasion they all needed. The taxi had dropped them off at the far end of Georgetown and they had walked the streets, staring at the lights and getting lost in the crowd of revellers. Even Toby had refrained from complaining about the cold and the crowds and being outside, instead opting for enjoying holding CJ‘s hand as they walked. An early dinner and a brief stop at Dean and Delucca for last minute treats had been enough for Toby and they had headed home. Tom had been wavering on the point of over exhaustion when they finally got home and CJ put him to bed.

Toby had been waiting when she returned to the living room, two glasses of wine set out on the table, CNN playing in the background. By the time they finally went to bed having watched Midnight Mass at CJ’s insistence, both were slightly drunk, CJ’s hips swaying slightly more than normal as she tugged Toby to bed with promises of his best present ever.

Christmas Day had been eventful from the minute they awoke. Toby had rustled up coffee as Tom tore round the apartment, his excitement at each new present reverberating off the walls. Each toy had to be played with and the gift unwrapping seemed to go on forever before CJ finally managed to get everyone dressed and out of the apartment. On his way to breakfast with his children, Toby had dropped them off at Donna’s and they had entered the twilight zone.

Watching Donna prepare dinner, CJ soon realized why they always ate out when she was in town and why the kids had loved Toby staying so much. In fear of burnt offerings and some strange stuffing combinations, CJ had taken over, peeling vegetables until there were enough to feed an army. Finally, she had handed over the actually cooking reins to Toby and Ainsley, grinning as she left the two of them alone in the kitchen, arguing the same topics they had for over a decade.

Dinner itself had been a noisy, family affair, reminiscent of their staff gatherings while in office. Too many people in too small a brownstone had resulted in the adults dining together in the dining room while he children gathered in the kitchen. Everyone seemed to be embracing the festivities, indulging in a little too much food and remembering far too many stories that everyone had tried hard to forget.

The children, well fed, and over excitable had headed out into the yard to play with their new toys and Uncle Sam, the big kid that he was, while the adults relaxed in front of the television.

CJ had offered to clear up, arguing that she needed to keep busy or would fall asleep, and Toby had followed her into the room, assuring Donna he would make sure everything went back in it’s place, his expression revealing little about his real motives.

“You wanna make out with me, right now, don’t you?” CJ taunted, slipping by Toby on her way to the refrigerator, a dish of cold vegetables in her hand..

“When don’t I?” he replied as he always did, debating whether making out of the kitchen table was as crazy an idea as he imagined. As she tried to slip past again he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him, his hands soon sliding up bare skin as his lips searched for and found the sensitive spot below her ear.

“You know, I . . .” Donna stopped at the sight before her, backtracking. “Oops. I’ll just go entertain the guests. Carry on.” She slipped back out of the door, wondering if Josh would ever want her like that again.

“Toby!” CJ whispered seductively.

“Sorry I was distracted for a moment.”

“She said carry on.”

“Yes, she did.” He leaned in and gently cupped her cheek, bringing her lips to his as he kissed her. The softness of his lips was always a surprise to her and she felt herself responding, wanting more.

As his free hand pulled her firmly against his chest her hands slipped around his neck to tangle in what remained of his curls.

“CJ,” he whispered, breaking for air, common sense regaining control. “We need to stop. Now.”

“Why?” she moved in towards his neck.

“Because otherwise I’m going to go back in there frustrated.” He gazed at her, his eyes dark. “And we can’t do what you have in mind in Josh’s kitchen.”

“Donna’s kitchen. Josh doesn’t know what to do in here other than warm bagels.”

“CJ,” he growled, frustration growing.

CJ slipped her hands from his neck. “Ok, so we go back in there.”

“Yeah!”

“And make delightful conversation before feigning an excuse to go home . . .”

“And continue what we started last night.” He kissed her gently on the cheek. “And maybe Tom will let me play with his car.” If someone had asked Toby a year ago what he’d be doing twelve months down the line he would never have thought this.

Christmas, they all knew would be difficult, and it had been Donna who had suggested that they all celebrate with her. Danny had reluctantly abided by the custody agreement and let CJ take Tom. The only person who had declined the invitation had been Abbey, who still in mourning and not wishing to be anywhere near her memories had chosen to take a road trip across Europe with Millie. The two women were having a blast if the emails were anything to go by.

It had been the right thing for everyone, a chance to celebrate, to mourn and to mark a year of turbulence. For Toby it marked the start of happier holidays to come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Josh,” Donna bellowed, oblivious to the roll reversal that seemed to be part and parcel of their marriage.

“Yes, sweet wife of mine.”

“Any chance of you getting your backside off the chair and giving me a hand?”

“It’s New Years Eve, Donna,” he whined, glancing back at the Television and his ice cold beer.

Sometimes she wanted to hit him. They had three boys under five and another baby on the way, she was seven months pregnant and the three of them ran rings around her. All Josh wanted to do was get drunk.

“Fine.”

Josh turned slowly around and looked at her. “That’s a ‘far from fine’ fine, isn’t it?”

“You’d better believe it.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“I’ll put the boys to bed,” he offered, taking one last sip of his drink, realising he was going to lose this one.

“I’ll clear up the mass destruction.” She gave him a small smile. “Then you can get as drunk as you like.”

“Really?”

Her smile turned mischievous. “It might be the last time for a while.“ If past experience was anything to go by, baby number four would come early and she would end up spending a few days resting. Josh on the other hand would spend the next seven weeks on tender hooks and one long week running around after the boys. It was nearly enough retribution for getting her pregnant again. The least she could do is allow him a couple of drinks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CJ opened the door and her eyes went wide at the sight before her. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey, how are you? Nice to see you too.” Toby rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. “I thought it might be nice to see in the New Year together.”

“You old romantic.”

“I’m fast rethinking the idea.”

CJ stepped forward and kissed his cheek. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s only been five days.” And three hours and fifty seven minutes, although the time difference was playing havoc with his calculations.

“You’re the one flying clear across country.”

“Can I come in?” he asked, peering around her into her house, ignoring her comment and how desperately he wanted to make love to her there on the doorstep..

“Sure. Spare room is at the end of the hall.” She waited, her face devoid of expression..

Toby took three steps and stopped. “CJ?”

“I was kidding, ok.” She closed the door with her foot. “My room’s up the stairs on the right. Take your clothes off and I’ll be right there.”

“Really?” he asked, finally succumbing to his needs.

She smiled mischievously.

“I will if you will,” he shot back, not sure if she was teasing of serious. His eyes danced as she pulled her top over her head and tossed it to the ground.

“Seconds thoughts. We have the house to ourselves, why waste it.”

This New Years Eve was definitely going to be one to remember her concluded as her pants joined her top and she motioned for him to hurry up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The noise in the Georgetown bar was drowning out everything else as the crowd counted down to midnight.

Sam looked at Ainsley, bouncing up and down, lost in the excitement, the vast intake of wine bringing colour to her cheeks, her dress leaving little to the imagination. It wasn’t a sudden revelation, nor could he deny it any longer. He loved her, probably had far longer than he realized, or was willing to admit. There was something about her that he hadn‘t found in his previous relationships, and he had nothing to prove to her. The more he considered what she gave him, the more he knew he never wanted to be without her.

“You look pensive. Is there something wrong?” she asked, her eyes flicking between him and the clock.

He shook his head as the ball fell in Time Square on the television across the room and everyone starting singing.

“Happy New Year, Sam,” she whispered, flinging her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek, oblivious to everyone else in the room.

“Happy New Year.” Holding her slightly away from him, he gazed into her eyes. “Ainsley, Sweetheart, I love you. Will you marry me?” He’d been engaged twice before, he figured third time was the charm, that and not telling Josh.

“Sam?” she squealed, almost jumping into her arms.

“I asked you to marry me,” he repeated in a stage whisper. “If you want to.”

“Yes.”

If it wouldn’t have spoiled the moment he might have commented on the fact she only gave a one word answer instead of her usual monologue. Instead he enjoyed the way her body was pressed against his as she bounced up and down in excitement.

Ainsley thought they were passed this, that all she would ever be to him was a casual fling, or a long term lover holding out for a better thing. But he had announced them to his friends and now he was marrying her, not because he thought he should but because he loved her. The year couldn’t have ended any better.

CJ placed her wine glass on the table and positioned herself so her head was resting against Toby’s chest. They had spent a less than traditional New Year’s Eve, making love as much as they could, in every room possible, before retreating to the sofa in their pyjamas.

“Comfortable?” he asked with a hint of a smile in his voice.

“Mmm.”

“Articulate there, CJ.” He wrapped and arm around her body so that his fingers could lightly stroke her hip. “You really don’t mind missing the party?”

“No. I told you I’d rather curl up with you.” They’d watched the ball drop in Time Square and taken Josh’s drunken call. All that remained was to watch it turn midnight in their own time zone. “Unless of course you’ve got a silly notion in your head like proposing.”

“You’re right, we’d end hating each other in a week,” he mumbled, wondering if there would ever be a time when she wouldn‘t hate the idea.

“You’d never hate me, I’m delightful.”

He fell silent, lightly stroking her hand.

“Toby?” she asked softly, ducking her head to look at him.

“I was just thinking how much I hated Christmas, how New Year always seemed like the start of yet another bad year. How, not even as a child, did I ever get what you wanted.”

“And?”

“I got what I wanted this year.” He kissed the top of her head. “I also want to give you what you’ve always wanted.”

“Yeah?”

He nodded. “It might take a little practice.”

“You don’t want to see in the New Year?”

“Not in front of the television.” Toby was exhausted, but squashed into a couch, unable to hold her quite the way he wanted wasn’t his idea of how to end the year. “I thought we could stretch out in bed, open the window and watch the fireworks and share the champagne.”

“Ok.“ There was nothing really to say. He surprised her and loved her more than she could have imagined.

“CJ,” he whispered, pulling her up out of the chair. “I love you.”

She allowed herself to fall into his arms. “I love you too."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CJ stood at the window, staring out at the falling snow. She should have been in California, padding around her deck in her swimsuit but instead she was stranded in Washington. As much as she loved her friends and the man snoring across the room, she did wonder what brought her back to the city that seemed marred by tragedy.

This visit had been to meet one last time with President Santos and to lobby the new Administration for greater humanitarian intervention in Africa. A two day trip had become three when Annabeth announced they were going to celebrate Hannah’s six month clear. The extra day had given her an extra night with Toby which had brought a smile to both their faces. She hadn’t planned on spending a week or for what transpired. Drama and tragedy continued to be part of the retrospective of their lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her first meeting was at ten but instead of enjoying a long lay in and a hot soak in the tub, CJ decided to make breakfast, or at least she would try when Toby returned with food.

The sound of someone else in the apartment had her heading for the kitchen, pulling Toby‘s robe around her. Toby was nowhere in sight instead Ginger was staring at the coffee pot.

“Is everything alright?” CJ asked, padding into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator. She stuck her head in the fridge and selected the only healthy thing she could find.

“Is Toby here?”

“He went out for milk.”

“Ok.” Ginger continued to stare at the appliance. “So you’re here? For a few days.”

“Ginger?” CJ asked warily, her senses heightened by the tentativeness in her friend‘s voice.

“I think I’m being followed,“ Ginger said softly, finally turning to look at her.

CJ turned quickly, her voice apprehensive, “Hence why you want Toby out the way.”

Ginger nodded. “I didn’t want to worry Margaret and the others. And if I tell Donna she’ll go to Josh. If I tell Toby he’ll pulverise the guy.” She sighed deeply, not really sure if she was over reacting.

“Ok.” CJ leaned against the counter, arms folded across her chest. “So what makes you think you‘re being followed?”

“He was there when I left here yesterday and I’m pretty sure he was outside the office when I left last night.”

“Do you know who he is?” CJ asked, debating who, after all this time she could call for help and whether she should just drag her friend to the police precinct.

She shook her head. “But I’ve been getting hang ups too.”

“Ginger!”

“I was hoping it would stop,” Ginger offered calmly, knowing by sticking her head in the sand she had probably made things worse.

“How’s that working out for you?”

She shrugged. “Not so great.”

CJ rolled her eyes. “Any gifts? Any strange letters? Any overly interested men in the bars?”

“No. No. And I haven‘t been to a bar in forever.” She shook her head wearily. “And no it’s not some jilted guy. Sex and I haven’t been acquainted for quite some time.”

“Yeah? Ok. You realize we have to tell Josh or Toby.” CJ smiled weakly, “Or Sam.”

“Sam doesn’t over react,” Ginger conceded. “He’ll get quietly mad.”

“You want me to call him?”

Ginger nodded. “Will you come see him with me?”

It wasn’t an easy request. If CJ went with Ginger she would have to lie to Toby about where she was, not exactly the best way to start a relationship. If she didn‘t go, Ginger would either chicken out or tell Sam half the story. “Ok. But we do it over lunch or coffee or something.”

The sound of keys in the lock echoed through the apartment and Ginger turned back to the coffee pot, effectively ending the conversation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Music filled the apartment as CJ leaned against the counter and read the news paper. Her body swayed gently as she hummed and tapped her fingers on the counter. It had been a good day and Hannah had looked well and healthy as they all gathered for afternoon tea. She also had dinner with her man to look forward to.

The ringing of the phone interrupted her moment of happiness. Grabbing the phone, she held it to her ear. “CJ Cregg.”

“It’s Margaret.” The tone of her voice left CJ under no allusion that something was wrong and Margaret was taking control.

“Hey.”

Never one to sugar coat it, Margaret cleared her throat. “Ginger’s in the hospital.”

“Oh my God. How bad?” CJ began to pace the room. Two days a go she had stood in the same room and told Ginger they would get help, now in all likelihood it was too late.

“They won’t know until she wakes up.” She fell silent. “You didn’t ask what happened.”

“Sorry?”

“You didn’t ask what happened? What do you know?” It was the tone that had driven fear into grown men, and Josh, it didn’t have the same effect on CJ.

“She was attacked wasn’t she.” CJ said, knowing deep down that her worst fears were coming true. Sam had been more than a little concerned when they met for lunch, immediately phoning his friend at the FBI and asking for help. The problem hadn’t been that Mike Casper wasn’t interested, he more than anyone knew what the world was like, the problem was they didn’t know anything and it would take time. Time hadn’t been on their side.

“She was mugged, or rather that’s what they said. I’m guessing it was a little bit more.”

“I don’t know.”

“But it’s to do with the calls.”

Typical of Margaret, CJ concluded to know something without actually knowing anything. She had a sense, an intuition that was eerie. “Maybe, I don’t know Margaret, possibly just a random DC mugging. She didn‘t want you to worry.”

“You need to tell Toby. She‘s at Georgetown.” Margaret hung up the phone leaving CJ staring at the receiver.

CJ finding herself standing in the middle of the living room, collapsed onto the couch and covered her face with her hands. She didn’t even realize she was crying until she noticed the tell tale wet mark on her trousers.

“Have you decided where you want to eat?” Toby asked, appearing beside her. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He gently lay his hand on her arm.

Lifting her head, CJ gazed into his eyes. “That was Margaret. Ginger’s in the hospital.”

He sank down beside her, taking her hand in his own. “What happened? How bad?”

“Margaret wasn’t very specific but I think she might have be assaulted. They’re waiting for her to regain consciousness.”

“Which hospital?”

CJ leaned in and rested her forehead against his. “Georgetown.”

“It’s gonna be ok.” An empty promise, he knew, but he couldn’t bare to see that look on her face. “ I’ll get the coats.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Toby hovered in the doorway behind CJ, not really sure if she’d want him there, his anger barely hovering below the surface. The hospital had been bustling when they had arrived and the nurse had directed them to the waiting area. An hour later there had still been no news and Margaret had once again gone in search of coffee, her coping nature kicking in.

It was now three am and Ginger had woken up. She lay propped up on pillows, her red hair strangely alive in comparison to the starkness of her pallor.

“CJ,” Ginger smiled weakly, waving her closer.

“How you doing?” CJ leaned in, hesitantly moving towards the younger woman until she could lightly kiss her forehead.

“Pissed.” She glanced over CJ’s shoulder, her smile wavering. “Would he rather not be here?”

“He’s been muttering something about a dark alley and a baseball bat.” CJ shot him a warning look.

“Very gallant, Toby. Not so sensible.”

He continued to edge further into the room, not yet committed to making it as far as the bed.

Ginger rolled her eyes. “Would you get over here, already.”

He stopped at the edge of the bed and lightly ran his fingers over the back of her hand.

“I have to stay overnight but I should be back at work in a day or two.”

“Is that not a little soon? Take some time,” Toby whispered. “You don’t look so good.”

Ginger didn‘t know whether to laugh or cry. “You have a great way with women, Toby. Anyway, I thought you’d be missing me.”

He smiled naturally. ”Always.”

“Mike is dropping by later to update me,” his former assistant offered when they both lapsed into silence. The FBI guy was cute, and single if Donna’s grapevine was still working properly, and she wouldn’t mind seeing him socially. He could, she mused, be the one to help her over the dry spell.

“Have they caught the guy?” Toby asked, his knuckles whitening.

“Yeah. Finger prints were taken off my purse. Although there are some schools of thought that think FBI intervention was overkill.”

“No-one we know.”

Ginger managed a smile, her eyelids suddenly heavy again.

“Is there anything you need?” CJ asked, aware that the younger woman needed more rest. “Clothes? Chocolate?”

“Margaret’s on her way back.” She looked between the two of them. “I’m really ok. Nothing a little therapy can’t help.”

“Therapy?”

“I was feeling left out. Seriously, you two, they got the guy. We just need to make sure he stays away, preferably maximum security for a long time.” The last thing she needed was Josh or Toby or Sam playing the hero, or worse still calling in some of Charlie‘s friends from the neighbourhood.. The scars would last a lifetime, the anger not even yet reaching the surface, but dealing with it and putting the guy away were her immediate priorities, that and getting the nurse to increase her medication. “And you should take this woman out and buy her dinner.”

“It‘s the middle of the night.”

“Breakfast then.”

“Ginger,” Toby growled.

“And you should get over here and kiss me, you big Lug.”

He looked at her surprised.

Ginger nodded, never afraid of him. “I need a hug but I don’t think there are that many areas not bruised.”

Gently, he stroked her cheek and kissed her forehead. “We’ll be back in a few hours but if you need anything get Margaret to call.”

“Ok. Now shoo.” She allowed CJ to kiss her before she closed her eyes. “Go.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Toby came to an abrupt halt outside the hospital. His breathing became shallow as he gripped the wall and bent over.

“Toby?” CJ asked scared, turning him to face her. “Toby, what’s going on? Do I need to get someone?”

He shook his head, avoiding her eyes at all costs.

“Talk to me,” she pleaded, lifting his chin until she was gazing into his eyes. What she saw there scared her more than anything in her life.

“I . . . Ginger . . . Josh. . .”

“Focus on my face, Darling, that’s it. Look at me.”

His breathing slowly returned to normal as he saw for the first time the complete panic on her face. “Sorry.”

“Just tell me what’s wrong.”

“I failed everyone. I failed Ginger, because despite all the crime legislation we passed we couldn’t prevent her getting attacked. We didn’t do enough in crime prevention. Everyone talks about personal freedom but what about public safety, what about the right to walk the streets without some guy trying to pull you into a car, assault you. Josh was a victim of hate crime because we didn’t do enough to pass a law to prevent it. Because there were other more important things on the agenda.”

As strange as it was in that moment she realised how deeply, how completely she loved him. Everything she had ever fought for, believed in, was down to the quiet passion of the man standing before her.

“It wasn’t about more important things, there was just too much to do. We did everything we could.”

“Not enough. We lost the battle, CJ.”

“No, Toby, we didn’t. We did what we could, each administration does what they can, and over the course of a lifetime it gets better but the bad guys get worse.”

“She’s lying in a hospital bed.”

“Getting treatment in the best medical facilities in the world. The guy has been caught, the judicial system will prosecute. . .”

“It’s not enough.”

“It will never be enough, Toby but as long as we keep trying, as long as we believe we are doing right, then we make a difference.”

Toby allowed himself a small weak smile for her benefit. Everything she said made sense but it didn’t change the situation, it couldn’t make him feel better.

“Now how about we go home, sleep a little and then come back.” Nothing, she knew, could take away his pain but she wouldn’t let him blame himself.

Silently, he took her hand, squeezing it gently as he led her back to the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CJ stood in the doorway, watching Toby talk on the phone to his daughter. He’d been quiet since his outburst outside the hospital to the point that she was starting to worry. The last time he had been so lost to her had been after Rosslyn and he had reached the point of quitting then. This time he had her but in moments of desperation he had a tendency to push her away. She couldn’t let him do that this time.

Walking purposefully into the kitchen she removed the bottle of scotch from the cupboard over the sink and grabbed two glasses.

Toby turned as he heard her approaching and rose one eyebrow. “Have a good day at school, baby. I love you.”

CJ placed the glasses on the table and half filled the tumblers. “Drink?”

“It’s like seven am.”

“Think of it as a nightcap.”

He accepted the glass willingly, bringing it to his lips. “Trying to get me drunk?”

“No. I just thought it might help you sleep.“

“CJ,” he growled.

“Please come to bed and hold me,” she asked, as close to tears as she would let him see.

He was about to refuse when he caught sight of the first tear trickling down her cheek. “CJ!”

She allowed him to hold her, to guide her down the hallway, all thoughts of being his rock pushed to the back of her mind as she gave in to her own need.

“Ssh,” he whispered, pulling back the sheets and shedding his clothes. “Come here.” Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her hair, willing her to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He wouldn’t remember the stillness of the room or the way his breathing suddenly became shallower or how he got the bruise on his arm as he hit the side of the couch. All he would hear was Margaret’s voice and the news.

Toby lowered the phone to it’s cradle and for once in his life he allowed himself to surrender to his emotions. When Leo had passed away, he’d barely shed a tear, too much anger, too much guilt and far too much remorse to allow himself to cry. Instead he’d sat Shiva in his apartment, growled a little more than usual and trashed every mirror he had.

Jed’s death had come as hard but save a few tears as he had read his letter, he had managed to control his feelings, not fully grieving. This time he couldn’t control them, this time she was too young, her life still to live, her death at the hands of another. Now he could and would mourn for all of them.

“Toby?” CJ called, walking through the apartment and placing her bags by the door.

He turned, her image blurred before his eyes as the tears began to fall, his body shaking as he surrendered to the sobs.

In a split second she was beside him, cupping his face in her hands as she saw the man she loved broken before her. “Toby?”

“She, she died on the operating table.”

“Ginger?” CJ asked, already knowing the answer.

He nodded. “There was a blood clot.”

Her tears mingled with his as her forehead met his. All thoughts of the flight home were discarded in the knowledge that he needed her, that there would be another funeral in the family, that they once more lost one of their own.

The phone rang and Toby reached for it, CJ’s hand covering his to stop him. “Leave it, Toby.“

She knew it would Josh or Sam or Donna and they would be confused and upset and need reassurance, and later she would give them that, searching deep inside her for something she didn’t feel, but for just a while longer she wanted the two of them to comfort each other.

He didn’t argue. Instead his arms slipped around her as they held each other tightly in their grief, the tears flowing freely.

The funeral had taken place in New Jersey, not far from the home Ginger had grown up in. They had all travelled up for it, gathering together on the wind swept hill with her brothers and saying goodbye. And everyone had travelled back together, solemn and quiet on the plane, their usual caustic banter lacking, the connection they had shared on and off through the years that little bit more cemented.

DC had seemed colder then, winter unmistakably visible, the snow lined streets a little more depressing, time racing as another era drew to a close.

CJ had flown out the next morning, taking Toby with her, persuading him that a week in the sun, a week living with CJ would do him good. In truth she had been frightened what would happen if she left him alone.

The others had returned to work for their final few days in office. While the assistants ran around packing up files, Josh had taken to hanging out in his office, searching through the prospective job offers Donna had dumped on his desk. Less than twenty-four hours until they had to move out and he was still technically unemployed. A prospect Donna found quite daunting.

“How about Director for the Wilson Corporation?”

“There’s a proviso in the prospectus that I can’t actively engage in politics,” Josh said flatly.

“Well why don’t you speak to Barry about something with the D-triple-C?” She paused, concern setting in. “You’re not planning to campaign are you?”

“No, of course not, I mean . . .”

Donna gave him a stony glare.

“I’m off, “ Sam announced sticking his head around the doorframe. Once again he was leaving before they were done, this time he hoped not on a fools errand. ”See you in a fortnight.”

“Have fun,” Donna said, rising to her feet and waddling towards him.

“You’re not gonna cry?”

“I. . . Hiccup . . . Am.”

Sam squeezed her tightly. “I’m only going on vacation. And when I get back you’ll probably see more of me than ever.”

“Can’t persuade you to stick around for the party?” Josh asked, tossing aside another prospectus.

“Maybe he doesn’t want to watch you get drunk and fall flat on your face. Again.” Donna swiped her eyes and rested her heavy frame on the edge of a chair. “Or carry you home.”

“I actually have to be somewhere.” He smiled to himself in the acknowledgement that Donna would yell at him when she found out the truth.

“What’s going on?” Donna asked suspiciously.

“Nothing. I promised someone I’d meet them.”

“Bad poker face, Sam,” Josh teased. “You could have invited her. She was invited.”

“What she has in mind for me. . . “ he trailed off, his smile widening at Josh’s look of distress.

“Too much information.” His best friend rolled his eyes. “Call me when you two get back.”

Sam smiled to himself. Josh would leave it alone and he would be able to slip away to meet Ainsley. By the time the new Republican President was sworn in the following day, he would be a happily married man.

“Sure. Call me, if little Lyman arrives early.” He held out his hand to shake Josh’s. “Thank you for this, for everything.”

Josh nodded, not really sure what to say.

Sam headed back down to his office and tossed the last of his belongings into a box.

“It’s time to go,” Ainsley announced. “We need to go home, and pack, and then catch our flight.”

“I know.”

“Are you finding it hard to say goodbye this time?”

He shook his head. “I was thinking what a waste. I’ve had this office and we’ve never . . .”

She slid up beside him and pressed her body against his. “Why use a hard cold desk when we have two perfectly good beds at home, although I do concede that we will shortly have only one but nevertheless . . .”

Sam turned and clasped her by the back of the head, pulling her in for a deep kiss. He had decided long ago that it was the only effective way to silence her.

Taken by surprise, she surrendered to his kiss.

“Sam . . .” His assistant came to a halt in the doorway, debating whether to make a quick exit or deliver the message she had. When he failed to acknowledge her, she gave up and closed the door.

“About the desk,” Ainsley panted, when they finally came up for air.

Sam smiled. “My thoughts exactly.” With a sweep of his arm he knocked the boxes onto the carpet and lifted his fiancée up onto the desk.

Abbey found herself standing on the veranda of her house wondering where a year had gone. Twelve months ago to the day she had buried her husband, the man she had loved for over forty years, the man who had convinced her to buy the farm in the first place, and now she found herself all alone a house that was too big for one with more memories than her heart at times could handle. She had almost decided to put it on the market and move someone smaller, but her daughters had begged her not to. Instead she intended to fill it with grandchildren and friends and maybe travel a little and make new memories.

Leo had always asked how they could live in a state that was always so damn cold and today she had to wonder to. She pulled her jacket tightly around her and moved to the East wing of the house. The wind was whipping up around her, the temperature close to freezing, the thunder clouds drifting in overhead. Before too long it would rain again, or snow or hail or something else that would have them running for cover.

The younger generation didn’t seem to be bothered by it. They had gone as a family to visit Jed’s grave, walking the graveyard as Abbey had a moment alone with her husband. Now they were playing ball.

Abbey held up her hand and waved at CJ pitching ball with Tom. The ball sailed passed the youngster’s head and CJ shrugged. Toby growled something inaudibly and rolled his eyes, trotting after the ball and tossing it back before heading towards the veranda.

They had all planned to come but circumstances had prevented that, and she knew deep down that they would never would all be together again. Donna was on bed rest in DC, too close to delivery for Josh’s comfort. Sam and Ainsley were on honeymoon, or at least no one had seen them since they’d eloped. That had left CJ and Toby and Annabeth to make the trip to New Hampshire to consol Abbey, although she wasn’t sure that she needed consoling.

“Pie, Toby?” Abbey asked, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Toby watch CJ. “Toby?”

He finally turned to look up at her. “Huh?”

“Pie?”

“Sure, thanks.”

“I take it it’s going well between you.”

“Abbey!” he growled, his eyes darting back to CJ.

She shrugged nonchalantly. “You don’t share anymore, Toby.”

“I never did.”

“Well you should. It might bring me some happiness.”

Toby gave her a strange look. “Seriously my love life . . .”

Abbey leaned in, waiting for him to share some secret..

“Is no-ones business but my own.”

“Spoil sport.” She glared at him, slapping him playful on the arm as he smirked back.

“Hey,” CJ said, appearing beside them. “What’s up?” She took a step, oblivious to the loose floor boards. Her foot caught on a nail and she tripped, flying at Toby. He caught her, half standing, in his arms, holding her against his chest.

Toby stared down at her, concern and a little amusement in his eyes.

“I’m ok.”

His expression changed to one that really shouldn’t be used in front of a child. “Sure?”

She nodded, not slipping from his hold.

Abbey wrapped her arms around herself, smiling as she watched the two of them together. “On any given day there’s an absolute right and an absolute wrong. You two are, and always have been, an absolute right together, the absolute wrong is that Jed and Leo aren’t here to see it.” Abbey stepped away. “Of course, it would be even better if you’d marry the girl and live in the same state.”

CJ shook her head firmly, regaining her balance. “That just isn’t us, ma’am. “

“Not for the want of asking,” Toby mumbled.

“Really?” Abbey asked hopefully, seeing some hope on the horizon.

Toby glanced at CJ and knew from her look that he had said too much. “If she wins, we’ll be sharing an apartment in DC,” Toby stated, not really sure when they had started to make plans that far into the future.

“If, Toby! Don’t you mean when?” Abbey scolded.

“Tempting the wrath and all that.”

“He’s a little sore that I took Annabeth’s advice on strategy rather than his. And that I’m hiring my own campaign team.”

“And she polled, she polled to see how the map would look if we went public,” Toby grumbled. He still couldn’t believe that CJ had put a poll in the field without telling him, and put him in the equation. She wasn’t willing yet to marry him but she definitely saw a future for them, which actually made him feel a little warm and fuzzy, something he was going to keep to himself.

“What do you think Leo would have done, or you had it been anyone but CJ?” Abbey pressed.

He shrugged, knowing that she was right.

“And how did the map look?” she asked, turning to CJ.

“Seems we’ve evolved, people don’t care one way or the other.”

“That’ll change once we announce you’re running. Just spoke to Amy and Lou. We’re meeting in DC later in the week to discuss how we’re gonna do this,” Annabeth announced out of breath.

“You’re the Campaign Manager?”

“No, Ma’am. I’m hiring staff. We couldn’t trust Toby not to draw up a shortlist of duds,” Annabeth grinned.

“Or to actually, you know, hire a man or two.”

“I’m gonna hire a man or two. I just haven’t found someone qualified enough,“ CJ objected, grinning. In truth she had found the perfect man for her campaign, she just wasn’t sure if Charlie would be willing to quit his law practice.

The women laughed.

“You realize that if you two get married, Toby gets to benefit from the perks,” Annabeth teased.

“Tempting fate, tempting the wrath of. . .”

The ringing of CJ’s cell drew her attention. “CJ Cregg.” Her eyes lit up as she heard the voice on the other end of the phone and her smile widened. “Ah. That’s wonderful. Give them a cuddle from me and I’ll come see them soon.“ CJ closed her cell and grinned. “That was Josh. Donna gave birth a little while a go. Joanne Abigail Lyman-Moss weighed in at 6lb 3 oz. She’s beautiful. Although I’m not sure whether he’s referring to Donna or the baby.”

“Abigail?” Abbey asked, a look of delight on her face, a rare bright smile engulfing her face, for the first time in months.

“It was Josh’s idea. They’ve waited six years to be able to do that. He’s always wanted to name his daughter after you, seems you had quite an impact on him. I thought we’d call tomorrow when he’s more coherent.”

“Wow, Josh has a daughter,” Toby said, amazed and amused by it.

“Yeah. Do you think he has any idea what’s ahead of him? Abbey asked, grinning. “Or that he’s about to give away the house because she asks him to?”

“He doesn’t suspect a thing,” Toby acknowledged. “And knowing Josh it’ll take him a while to realize what’s up.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.” Abbey turned to walk back into the house. “This calls for a celebration.” She paused briefly and turned, a broad smile on her face. “So I have pie.”

“Awesome, “Tom declared, running passed her into the house.

“Hey,” Toby called, rising quicker than CJ had seen him move in years. “Save some for me.”

The three women chuckled as they trailed behind, not really sure if Toby had any idea what he had ahead of him either

CJ hovered like a mother hen as Toby settled himself on the sofa and the make up girl touched up his make up. He looked horrified, his frown impeding the girl’s work, and CJ knew what it had taken him to do the interview in the first place.

“I’m a grown man.”

“Who should have taken better care of his skin,” the young girl commented. “A little more sun and a good moisturiser could have made a world of difference.”

Toby growled something indecipherable and the girl stepped back slightly afraid.

“Toby!” CJ warned, leaning in close to his ear. “Play nicely or you won’t get your treat.”

He almost smiled.

“CJ, are you joining us?” the over cheerful and very young host asked, his hand made suit clearly defining the body that women all over America were lusting after. “You’re more than welcome.” Her presence, he knew would be a coup.

“No.”

“Then get off my stage,” he smiled, waving his hand in the direction of the green room.

Blowing Toby a kiss, she backtracked down the stairs and positioned herself in the wings, crossing her fingers and saying a silent prayer.

The Floor Manager began to count down as the show’s music played quietly in the background, and Toby shifted awkwardly in his seat.

“Good morning and welcome to today‘s show. Today I’m joined by former Presidential speechwriter and author, Toby Ziegler.”

The camera settled on Toby and CJ rolled her eyes as he forced a smile.

“So Toby, your book, which hits stores tomorrow, is a biography of Josiah Bartlet.”

“Yes, President Bartlet,” he corrected, emphasizing the title.

“You chose to cover his inaugural campaign and his two term administration.”

CJ wondered fleetingly if Toby would actually stay on stage for the length of the interview or walk off three patronizing questions down the line.

“That just happens to be the period I’m most knowledgeable about.” Another forced smile accompanied the comment.

The interviewer nodded. “I’m intrigued by the dedication.”

CJ inwardly groaned. It was looking more like two questions down the line.

“It’s well known that you’re the boyfriend of former White House Press Secretary and Chief of Staff, CJ Cregg.”

“Technically she’s my girlfriend.” He smiled and CJ knew then just how much she was going to have to make it up to Toby for the interview.

“And it’s to her the book is dedicated.”

Toby fleetingly wondered if his pardon could retrospectively free him from the charge of murder. “The book is really dedicated to President Bartlet, his family and my former colleagues.” He had no intention of discussing his relationship with CJ, or the deeply personal dedication with anyone, especially not on national television.

“We need to take a break but when we come back Toby and I will be looking back on some fond moments from the Bartlet Administration.”

Toby let out a deep sigh as CJ came running over, lightly squeezing his arm as she reached him.

“You’re doing fine.”

“Yeah.”

“Well you haven’t punched him yet,” she teased, playing with his tie and leaning in. “And that’s progress.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Any time.” She blew him a kiss as the make-up girl approached. The young girl took one look at Toby’s face and retreated rapidly.

Gently CJ ran her fingers up his arm, whispering a few words of encouragement before leaving him once again to the inquisition.

The host retook his seat. “We’re going to go through some of the photos in the book, talk about your memories then plug the book.”

Toby shifted position and prepared himself for the next round.

“Welcome back. I’m here with Toby Ziegler, author of “The Unparalleled Moment of Possibility.” He smiled at the camera. “You were a integral member of President Bartlet’s inaugural campaign staff.”

“Yes, he was a dark horse candidate, who originally got into because he didn’t feel we were talking about the real issues. His desire to make a difference won over the public, and us, and he went on to win with 48% of the vote. It was all so new to him but even then you could tell he was a once in a generation mind, an orator that was going to make people sit up and take notice. I can safely say every single one of us who worked on that campaign were proud to have won for him.”

“In the book you talk about the first year and how difficult it was and of course the shooting at Rosslyn.”

“That changed all of us,” Toby admitted. “My friend almost died, the President was rushed away and no one knew what was going on. And there’s a country to run. It was hard to relive and write about, but of course it was something that couldn’t be left out of the book. Politics shouldn‘t be about personal perceptions or agendas, but of course it is and any President or Administration that says it doesn‘t base decisions on personal experience is lying. President Bartlet was just one of the few who didn‘t make it about personal gain.”

“And then there was the MS announcement.” A photo of the President climbing up the Air Force One steps alone, returning to New Hampshire appeared on stage. “Obviously that led to a media frenzy. A political nightmare for a Communications Director.”

“It wasn’t the best time for President either.”

“How did you all get through it?”

CJ held her breath.

“I’m not really sure you do get through something like that. It wasn’t ours to get through. That is to say the President took the brunt of it. He was intensely private in so many respects, few people knew the real Jed Bartlet so to go in front of the country and announce his condition and take the scrutiny was incredibly difficult.”

“He was the President.”

“Yes, he was, but even he was entitled to some privacy,“ Toby stated, leaving the audience in no doubt that he would discus it no further.

The host leaned further forward in his seat. “In May 2003 Zoey, the President’s youngest daughter was kidnapped. You were in the Oval Office when the President invoked the 25^th Amendment. In the book you say that you realized how historic the moment was.”

“It was like watching a movie. A little surreal. My children were a few hours old and my boss’ daughter was missing. And I was there witnessing a President handing over power to a Republican. I’ve read numerous articles over the years talking about how responsible an act it was. To those of us present, it will always be one of those “I was there when” moments, and the true mark of the man.”

“It is well documented that you left the Bartlet Administration before it’s end.”

Toby stiffened, glancing around the studio, seeking out CJ. She smiled back at him re-assuringly. “Yes, under less than happy circumstances. But the book isn‘t about me.”

For a second there was silence as the man calculated his question, whether to raise something painful or to let it lie. “Well, thank you, Toby. The book is a fascinating read. You’ve managed to touch not only on what we the public know about the politics but it’s obviously a love story of the Bartlets. And there are many personal memories and photos in the book.” A series of photos ran behind them as the interviewer talked. “What would be your own personal memory of President Bartlet?”

Toby scratched his head, knowing that the question was inevitable but unsure what he was willing to share. “Playing chess to all hours, sometimes poker while we tried to put the world right. And the constant quizzes and spot tests. You always walked away feeling like you’d gone ten rounds in the ring. We were . . .” he hesitated. “ We were supposed to have one more game when the Administration ended. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. ”

“Thank you for joining us today, Toby. The Unparalleled Moment of Possibility goes on sale in book shops tomorrow.”

Toby removed his mike and walked over to CJ. “Well.”

“You did good, Boyfriend.”

He growled something inaudible.

“You definitely deserve your treat,” she grinned.

His frown turned into a smile.

Lightly she ran her fingers down his lapels. “I just wanted to say that the book is wonderful, Toby. You captured the Administration, what it meant to me, to all of us. You’re a wise and brilliant man, Toby. For all that you’ve taught me, for the times you saved me. . .”

Silently, he leaned in and kissed her.

“I haven’t finished, Toby. I might not be a writer, but that, that book, is why I love you.”

“Just the book?”

She shot him a look.

“I can never make it up to you for what I did, I can never apologise to those that are gone but I can write and I can try to share with the world these extraordinary people I worked with.”

Shaking her head, CJ tugged her back towards him, kissing him passionately on the lips, oblivious to where they were or who might be watching. Pulling back finally, breathless, her fingers tightly entwined with his, she gave him one of her special smiles. “Keep talking like that and we might need to forget about brunch.”

“I love you too, CJ. You make me a better man. . .” His words trailed off as she kissed him again. Mentally he calculated how long it would take them to get back to the apartment and whether they would make it out of the parking lot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They were gathered in Donna’s living room on a Sunday afternoon, after sitting through Toby’s torture and lunch cooked by Ainsley, Baseball was playing in the background as Josh tried and failed to keep his sons occupied.

“No.”

“Josh?” Sam urged.

He glanced at his wife as she breastfed their daughter. “She says no.”

“He’s going to take the Chairmanship,” she acknowledged. “No more campaigning, no more nights, days, weeks away. He can’t afford to lose any more hair.”

“But . . .” Sam leant forward in his seat.

Donna shot Sam a glare. “He’s going to offer CJ advice when she asks, but he is not taking on some obscure campaign that keeps him up every night.”

Sam sank back in his seat defeated. He had been pinning his hopes on Josh’s inherent desire to win, to campaign, and Donna’s usual unconditional acceptance. The birth of their daughter seemed to have turned the world on it’s axis. “What about Team Toby?”

Donna rolled her eyes. “CJ will kill you, after she’s dismembered you.”

“He wants to marry her,” Josh added resolutely, turning briefly from the television. “He wants to be one of the men.”

Ainsley rolled her eyes. “I sincerely doubt and would hope that that is not his only reason. I suspect it has much more to do with love and commitment and wanting to protect her.”

“And she’s not ready to get married again.” Donna readjusted her blouse. “After Danny who’s to say she ever will be.”

“I have, several times in fact, urged him to keep out of this. Have even suggested that it would be in his best interests to concentrate on more pressing matters, possibly his new law practice, the adoption procedure that is as we speak bogged down in bureaucracy, but no he insists that he should stick his nose into it.” Ainsley took a deep breath. “I also pointed out that CJ will in her own sweet way tell him where he can shove it.”

“What about Annabeth?” Josh was beginning to suspect he was channelling Abbey as he tried to fix everything, to make sure everyone was happy.

“Toby doesn’t want to marry her.”

“I meant, we should assist in her pursuit of love and happiness,” Josh sighed.

“That I’m up for.” Donna turned to her husband. “Any single friends that we can fix her up with.”

“Friends, no, unemployed single ex-politicians, yes.”

“Why an earth would she want one of them?” Donna grinned, handing the baby to her godfather. “Why would anybody?”

~~~~~~~~~~

CJ dug in her purse for her cell and held it to her ear, distracted by the polling data before her. “Cregg.”

“Nice way to greet an old friend.”

“Kate, sorry, I was in the middle of reading.” She pushed the papers away. “How’s it going?”

“Um, good. I . . . ,” she took a deep breath. “Will and I got married last night.”

“Kate!” CJ practically screamed, oblivious to the busy airport around her. “What?”

“We met up at the hospital visiting Donna and the baby, and one thing led to another.”

“And you married him?”

“He asked.”

“A little impetuous, a complete reversal.”

“I love him. We decided to fly to Vegas and do it. Maybe you and Toby . . .” Kate trailed off.

“Or not.”

“You know he loves you.”

“Yes.” CJ let out a deep breath. “It doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t seem necessary.”

Kate rolled her eyes in the lobby of the hotel as she watched Will pay the bill. “Maybe you should stop over analysing it and just do it. I mean no-one can understand. . .”

“Kate”? CJ asked warily.

“I’m not supposed to tell you but there’s this Team Toby.”

“I’m gonna kill him, maim him and . . .”

“They care,” was all Kate could muster. “We care. Let me know when you’re making your next conjugal visit and we’ll throw a post-wedding party. Who knows maybe it could be a joint one.”

CJ rolled her eyes in despair, knowing they were never going to understand her and Toby‘s relationship. “Go kiss your new husband for me, or something.”

“I gave a speech, at a reunion of all places, a few years ago,” CJ continued, wondering if Toby was still timing her and listening for the cadence of her voice. “The topic was ‘The Promise of a Generation.’ It seemed kooky and a little contrite at the time but I have come to realise that every generation has promise and fails. But it shouldn‘t be about failure, it should be about the hope and the ideals that we pass on to our children, the promise that we inspire in them, and if we don‘t at least attempt to live up to our promise, to aim for the stars, then what are we saying to future generations.

Every individual in this country has to stand up, show up, strive for what they want, whether it be good schools, better health coverage, clean water, a good job or crime prevention. I want these things for my family and my friends. Nine months into this administration it’s clear to me they aren’t important to this President, this Administration has no promise, so I‘m here, standing before you, showing up. My name is Claudia Jean Cregg and I’m running for Congress.”

CJ stepped off the stage and let out the breath she had been holding. She was out of practice, she knew, but it was done, she’d declared her attention to run for office. When she had recovered her composure and completed her lengthy self-criticism she noticed him down the corridor, leaning against a door, notebook in hand.

“Well?” she asked, approaching him, hands clenched together.

He nodded, suppressing his grin.

“Toby,” she pleaded in a whine.

“You got game, girl.” His smile practically lit up his face.

“I wanna win, Toby.”

“I want you to win.” As much as he hated the idea of what would come, of how their lives would be opened wide for public scrutiny, he couldn’t think of anyone who he wanted more in the Capitol.

“I didn’t care, it wasn’t the be all and end all until . . .,” she hesitated.

Toby gently took her hand. “Until?”

“Ginger was attacked. And I realised we weren’t finished.”

He wanted to say something profound, something sweet and endearing but gazing at her, flushed and so emotionally charged he knew it wasn’t the time and he wouldn’t find the right words. “That’s good because that would be a really awful way to dump me.”

She slapped his arm. “Idiot.”

“Charming.”

“You’re my idiot,” she leaned in and whispered as the corridor suddenly filled with people.

Toby lightly covered his heart with his hand and nodded. “Always.”

There was something about Toby, beyond the gruff exterior and the temperamental disregard for everyone, that was unexpected. She’d found his tenderness, his passion, his ability to love, his compassion for his friends and the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

“Will you marry me?” CJ asked, holding his gaze, her heart suddenly thumping in her chest.

And then there was the look on his face when she floored him.

“Are you kidding?”

“No, I’m deeply serious.”

Toby dropped his gaze. “You sure? I mean marriage . . .”

“Changed your mind, Toby?” And now she was grinning and teasing him.

“No, I want to marry you more than anything in this world.”

“Book the time and place.”

“CJ,” he began, not sure if he was capable of the real emotion the moment demanded. “I tease, I say really stupid things.”

CJ’s lips quirked up into a smile again.

“But this is no joking moment for me. I love you with all my heart. I don’t want to spoil what we have.”

“Toby.”

“Let me finish.”

She stepped closer, her fingers toying with his lapels. “I love you. I can’t imagine not spending my life with you. So if you ask me, I will say yes.”

“Claudia Jean Cregg, will you marry me?” he asked quickly, not wanting to give her time to change her mind.

“Yes.”

The smile that he finally allowed himself was worth the wait. “I want to announce it to the world.”

She rolled her eyes, overwhelmed momentarily by the love in his eyes, a love you wasn‘t sure she would ever truly get used to. “Don’t you think we should celebrate first?”

“Celebrate?”

“You, me, a good bottle of something strong, CNN and one last fling.”

“Fling?” he asked, confusion etched in his features.

“I thought we’d fly to Vegas on the way back to DC,” she offered casually, not wanting to waste any more time. “. . . and take a leaf out of Kate’s book. Anyway, you’re fixating on the little things.” CJ leaned in and kissed him softly on the mouth. “And there’s only one little thing I want you to be fixating on.”

The End

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