Realization set in as soon as the trio stepped off the plane and made their way through the gate. The men in dark suits were trying to blend in but, for two people who had spent eight years of their lives shadowed, they stood out a mile.

CJ glanced at Leo and he shrugged, unsurprised by the personal escort. Anna shifted in his arms but kept her eyes firmly shut, pretending to be asleep. It was a little trick she had when she didn’t want to be put down.

CJ headed towards the baggage carousel with Leo in tow and the agents closed in behind them.

“You made it then?” Abbey asked, creeping up behind them.

“Where is he?” Leo snorted, casting a glance around the terminal.

Abbey grinned and paused long enough to reply, before she pulled CJ into a hug. “He’s holding audience in the lounge with a group of kids.”

CJ wrapped her arms around Abbey and allowed herself to be squeezed tight, grimacing at Leo over her shoulders.

Finally letting CJ go Abbey turned back to Leo and peered down at the sandy haired lump in his arms, before kissing him lightly on the cheek.

“So this is Anna,” Abbey whispered. “She’s beautiful.” She glared at CJ.

“Hey, leave it alone,” Leo warned, “I’m the only one who has the right to be pissed.”

Both women stared at him, surprised.

A hive of activity caught Leo’s eye and he groaned, “Here comes the circus.”

Jed Bartlet strided towards them, his detail glancing around the building for danger. As he reached them he grinned and shook his head.

“Well this is a sight I thought I’d never see. Claudia Jean, wow, you’re looking good. Doesn’t she look good Leo?” Jed continued to babble oblivious to the sighs of everyone else. “Hasn’t aged a bit. And Leo, well, well, now that little cutie can’t possibly be related to our dear curmudgeon.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind the child’s ear and nodded to Leo.

“Maybe we should get her back to the farm,” Abbey suggested, “We don’t want her catching a cold.”

“Of course, you and CJ take care of the luggage while I help Leo.”

CJ and Abbey exchanged glances. “Mr President?” CJ said softly.

Jed spun around and shook his head, “I haven’t been called that in a while. It’s Jed.”

CJ screwed up her face in consternation, “Jed, we may need a hand with the bags.”

“Abbey, if you take Anna, I’ll help CJ,” Leo suggested lifting his daughter from his chest and passing her over.

Placing his hand at the small of CJ’s back he eased her towards the group of travellers reclaiming luggage. As they waited patiently in silence both kept up a routine of glancing over their shoulders to check Anna was okay.

They needn’t have worried as Abbey held Anna in her arms, pointing out to her where her parents were, and Jed had her giggling with funny faces.

It was a few more minutes before their bags appeared on the belt and Leo gratefully grabbed them and returned to his friends.

The drive to the farm was silent as Abbey concentrated on the road and Leo held Anna to his chest.

Jed was fixated on the threesome in the backseat, turning to stare at them and smiling in delight. He had, in truth, never suspected that there was anything between them but watching them now he realised it was probably obvious even back then.

When they reached the farm they all trouped inside to the lobby.

“We’ve put Anna in the old nursery,” Abbey announced, watching as Leo shifted the child on to his other hip. “CJ can have the room opposite and we thought you could stay in your usual room, unless?” Abbey left the unspoken question in the air.

Leo inwardly groaned and shook his head, “It all sounds fine, Abbey. Thanks.”

“Do you mind if I put her down for a while?” CJ asked, reaching across and lifting Anna from Leo’s arms. “She missed her nap.”

“Da, Da.”

“Yeah, sweetie. Daddy will come get you later.”

Abbey and Jed exchanged glances.

“Abbey, honey, why don’t you take CJ up. Leo and I have some catching up to do,” Jed suggested.

This time Leo and CJ exchanged knowing glances.

Leo watched as Abbey placed a hand at the small of CJ’s back and guided her up stairs and towards the west wing of the house. He sighed as Jed cleared his throat and motioned for them to enter the study. It was going to be one of those weekends, of that Leo was sure.

Taking the visitor’s chair, Leo settled himself and waited for the questions to start.

“So there’s life in the old dog yet?” Jed sniggered.

“Jed,” Leo warned.

“I was just saying. Not many men become a father at 63.”

“And not many don’t find out for another two years,” Leo snorted.

“If we’d known CJ was pregnant we would have told you,” Jed assured him. “Of course you kept me in the dark about you two all together. Why was that?”

Leo shifted forward in his seat and folded his hands in his lap. “I didn’t want your disapproval,” he said candidly. “I knew how you felt about her, I didn’t want a lecture about how inappropriate it was.”

“Leo. I wouldn’t. God, you’re my best friend, do you really think I’d begrudge you some happiness?”

“So you weren’t happy when I announced Jenny and I were going to try again?” Leo asked, fixing Jed with a stare.

“Well yeah,” Jed admitted. “But I would have been supportive if you’d told me about CJ.”

“I chose not to.”

“Yeah.”

“CJ says she didn’t know until two months ago about Jenny and I. Says a lot about how distant we’ve all been,” Leo grumbled.

“This is the first time we’ve seen her,” Jed said quietly. “She always said how busy she was. Now we know why. As for Jenny, I guess we all thought she knew or that it wasn’t important.”

They lapsed into silence as they thought back to the days when there were no secrets.

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

Abbey pushed back the door and stepped inside. CJ grinned at the sight before her. As predicted Jed had obviously been out and bought up a toy store.

“We’re only here for the weekend,” CJ mused.

“Jed’s hoping that you’ll keep coming back now,” Abbey said softly. “He’s missed you, and Leo.”

“Down,” Anna squealed, setting her sights on the miniature stove.

CJ lowered her gently to the ground and watched with interest as she toddled over and began to randomly pick toys up.

“My daughter is less than tidy,” CJ groaned. “I apologize for the mess that will follow.”

Abbey waved her off. “She’s beautiful. And there’s more than a little resemblance to her father.”

“Abbey, you promised,” CJ warned.

“I promised not to interfere, I said nothing about pointing out the obvious.”

“Which is?”

“That there’s something between you.”

“Abbey.”

“Why did you decide to tell him, after all this time?” Abbey asked casually, watching CJ’s face intently.

CJ closed her eyes and shook her head. “He would have known sooner if someone had mentioned Jenny.”

“You never told me why or how you broke up. I assumed you didn’t want to know.”

“He left me for Jenny, Abbey, how did you think I was going to react?” CJ snapped then lowered her voice. “But that’s the past. He’s going to have as much time as he wants to get to know Anna.”

“So, you’re moving back to DC?” Abbey asked, hopefully, watching CJ’s face for signs.

CJ kept her face as neutral as possible and concentrated on her daughter. “There aren’t any plans.”

“So Leo’s moving to Indianapolis?”

CJ shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“You’re being obtuse,” Abbey groaned, “Deliberately.”

“No, I’m being honest. We haven’t discussed the future. Right now Leo and Anna have some catching up to do, then we’ll see,” CJ stressed.

“So there’s a chance?” Abbey prompted.

“I didn’t say that either,” CJ groaned, walking over and picking up her daughter. “You need to take a nap. Mommy will be across the hall.”

“No,” Anna cried, stubbornly.

CJ rolled her eyes and tugged at Anna’s arm. “Honey, just for a little while. Then daddy will come get you and we can have ice cream.”

“Da.”

“Yeah, daddy.”

Anna’s two arms rose in the air and CJ lifted her off the ground. Carrying her to the bed she slipped off Anna’s shoes and pulled the comforter up around her. “Now be a good girl,” CJ whispered, kissing her on her forehead.

Abbey waited by the door as CJ drew the curtains and turned on the side lamp. Together they walked out onto the landing, leaving the door slightly ajar.

“How’s it working out with Leo and her?”

CJ shrugged and opened another door. “Okay. They adore each other and he’s quite willing to indulge her.”

“He’s spoiling her.”

“Yeah. It’s bad enough Toby visiting and bringing half the toy shop without Leo providing the other half,” CJ grumbled.

“You have to let him. He’s making up for the time he missed. You owe him that much,” Abbey said, hovering in the doorway.

“You don’t have to tell me that,” CJ snapped. “Anyway, do you mind if I wash up and change? I feel a little grubby.”

Abbey nodded and pulled the door to as she headed back downstairs to find her husband.

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

Abbey entered the study without knocking and crossed to perch on the arm of her husband’s chair. Jed smiled up at her and squeezed her hand.

“Where’s CJ?”

“Washing up,” Abbey replied.

“I probably should too,” Leo grumbled, beginning to rise to make his getaway.

Abbey shook her head, “Not yet, you don’t. What’s going on with you and CJ?”

Leo inwardly groaned. If anything his best friends were predictable.

“Nothing. She’s the mother of my child,” Leo lied.

Abbey’s eyebrows raised to her hairline and Leo knew he wasn’t going to get away that easily.

“I’m going to spend a little time in Indianapolis with them, getting to know my little girl, and then with CJ’s permission I’m taking Anna to Washington with me,” Leo informed them. “The long and the short of it is we have a daughter.”

Jed quirked his mouth into a smile, settling back into his chair and allowing his wife to continue the questioning.

“You’re being evasive,” Abbey commented.

Leo grinned back at her.

“You were together once, until you made a stupid ass decision and walked away.”

“She said that?” Leo asked, surprised.

Abbey waved her arms in the air and glared back at him. “I was the one who found her in tears in her office, jackass.”

“You knew they were together?” Jed asked, incredulous. “You didn’t tell me,” he whined.

“They had broken up. I didn’t see the point in adding your commentary to the situation,” Abbey growled back. “Get over it.”

Jed pouted and sat back in his chair.

Leo tried to stand again but stopped as Abbey’s eyes bore into him. “Have you forgiven her?”

“That’s between us.”

“Are you going to move them to DC?” Abbey pushed.

“Oh hell, Abbey. You promised you wouldn’t interfere,” Leo groaned, standing and taking his first step. “You have to let us do this.”

As he stalked off towards the door Abbey grinned down at her husband.

“I have a fifty that says they’ll be back together in no time.”

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

Leo took one look at CJ’s closed door and entered the nursery instead. Tiptoeing across the floor he glanced down at the tiny figure fast asleep in the bed. She was, he had to admit, the most beautiful child he had ever seen, especially when she was asleep. The covers, that her mother had no doubt tucked up around her, had been kicked down the bed, and her trousers were rolled up around her knees. Gently Leo rearranged the bedding and kissed her tiny mop of hair.

As he backed up from the bed he felt a long pair of arms encircle his waist.

“I hope to god that’s not Jed,” he chuckled, tugging her round and pulling her against him.

“Please tell me they’re downstairs,” CJ groaned. “I can’t take much more right now.”

“Abbey tried it on you too?”

“Uh-huh. Dinner is going to be insufferable,” CJ whined.

“We could just tell them the truth,” Leo suggested, leaning up to kiss her.

CJ shook her head vehemently. “No, that would only make matters worse.”

“So, we’ll have to ask all the questions.”

“Okay,” CJ agreed. “I need to get changed before I wake Anna.”

“CJ,” he called softly as she disappeared through the door, “It will be alright.”

She gave him a small smile and went out of view.

Leo sat on the rocker and watched his daughter sleep, avoiding the temptation to help CJ undress and avoiding going back downstairs.

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

Dinner was served in the family dining room with it’s well worn furniture. As children the Bartlet girls had been allowed to play indoors on wet days and the dining table served as a den. Tonight it had been laid for four with the old highchair positioned between Leo and CJ.

The conversation had been a little strained as they all gathered for drinks in the sitting room before hand. The upside was that Anna had deflected Abbey from her interrogation of Leo.

It was obvious to everyone that Anna was going to have Jed pretty much wrapped around her little finger from the word go. His wine went undrunk as he bounced the toddler on his knee and told her inane trivia. Anna gurgled happily.

“I didn’t know what Anna would like,” Abbey announced as they entered the dining room. “I ordered scrambled egg on toast.”

Leo groaned as he lowered Anna into the chair.

“She doesn’t like that?” Abbey asked, concerned.

CJ shot Leo a look. “She likes it just fine. It’s just where dough products are concerned my daughter has rather messy eating habits.”

“Any food,” Leo grumbled.

Anna giggled and pulled at Leo’s arm.

“You want some juice?” At the shaking of her head he followed her tiny chubby finger. “A breadstick?” Anna stuck one end in her mouth and crunched as the adults talked.

They were just settling down to eat their entrees when Leo felt something hit the side of his head. Glancing down he saw the crumbled up breadstick.

“Anna, honey, don’t do that,” he said softly. His reward was a much larger piece on the nose.

“ANNA,” CJ yelled, “STOP IT NOW.“

Her tiny face crinkled up and she started to make small sobbing noises.

Leo picked her up from the chair and sat on her on his knee. “It’s okay,” he tried soothingly. “You aren’t going to do it again are you?”

Anna shook her head as CJ rolled her eyes.

“He’s a pushover.”

“He’s her father, CJ,” Jed said seriously. “Daddy’s little girl can do no wrong.”

“I’ll remind you, you said that next time you’re ranting about Ellie,” Abbey teased.

Jed muttered and the conversation turned to fathers and daughters as they enjoyed dinner.

It was only as dessert arrived that Abbey turned the conversation back to Leo and CJ.

“So what are you doing when you leave here?” she asked, looking pointed at Leo.

It didn’t go unnoticed that she was a little flushed and her words were more than a little slurred.

Leo glanced at CJ and back to Abbey. “Like I said earlier, back home with Anna then she’s coming to DC.”

“Is CJ coming too?” Abbey asked innocently.

“No, I’ll be tied up with work, unfortunately. “She had no intention of mentioning the trip tonight; that particular lecture could wait another day.

“The rest of Anna’s visits we’ll play by ear,” Leo finished, knowing what the next question was going to be.

Abbey smiled and nodded. “The others are going to want to meet her.”

CJ’s sigh was loud in the comparative silence of the room.

“CJ?” Jed asked softly, shooting a warning glance at his wife.

“I’m not even sure I’m ready for Josh and Sam yet,” she groaned.

“There’s no hurry,” Leo said, reaching for her hand.

Abbey watched the exchange with her eyes lighting up. It was a sign for sure of what was going on. Jed on the other hand watched with concern, not wanting to see either of them get hurt again.

“Leo, how about a game of chess after dinner?” Jed asked trying to defuse the atmosphere. “I might let you win.”

Leo groaned, “What makes you think I’d let you win? No trivia!”

Jed waved his hands in surrender, “I promise.”

“Okay then.”

CJ glanced at Anna, dropping off to sleep in her chair. “I’m going to put her to bed, and then I might call it a night myself.”

“You want me to carry her up?” Leo offered, stroking his daughter’s hair.

“No, you stay and have fun,” she said, stifling a grin. “I’ll manage and you can check in on her before you go to sleep.”

Very gently CJ picked Anna up and rested her against her hip. “Say goodnight.”

Anna lifted her head and waved her hand. “Bye.”

As CJ walked round the table the three remaining occupants stood and kissed Anna, wishing her sweet dreams.

It took twenty minutes for CJ to change Anna into her Mickey Mouse pyjamas and read her to sleep. Finally assured she was asleep CJ went to her own room and got ready for bed. She briefly pondered rescuing Leo but thought better of it. Instead she climbed under the covers and tried to sleep, which was when she realized she missed Leo’s warm body next to hers.

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

CJ was awoken the next morning by something heavy landing on the bottom of the bed. Tentatively she opened one eye and caught sight of Anna crawling up the comforter towards her.

“Hey baby.”

“Hey sweetheart,” Leo said, from his place at the foot of the bed.

“I meant Anna,” she groaned, “But hey yourself.”

Gently she pulled Anna up into her arms and kissed her on the forehead. Opening a second eye CJ reached down for Anna’s tummy and began tickling to the sound of shrieking.

“What about me?” Leo grumbled.

“Come here.”

Walking around to CJ’s vacant side Leo sat down on the bed. Her arms came up and she kissed him firmly on the mouth, pulling away only to look in his eyes.

“That’s better,” he grinned, running his fingers down her cheek.

“Ick.”

“Are you saying you don’t like mommy kissing daddy?” Leo chuckled, reaching across CJ and tickling his daughter until she was hiccupping.

“Leo,” CJ grumbled, hitting him on the arm. “Leave the poor child alone.”

“She’s enjoying it.”

As if to prove the point Anna stood up and asked him to pick her up.

“See, she likes me. We’re going to get some breakfast. Take your time,” he instructed.

As they reached the door CJ called after them. “Leo, you’re doing great with her. I couldn’t be leaving Anna in better hands.”

He gave her one of his heart-stopping grins and headed downstairs.

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

Things were going really well.

Abbey had laid off on the interrogation most of the day as she sat on the porch and watched Leo, Jed and Anna playing ball in the garden.

CJ curled up next to her reading the daily papers, and watching her daughter with one eye. It was idyllic except for the questioning looks Abbey kept shooting her. In the end she groaned and headed off for a walk to clear her head and put things in perspective.

As far as Anna was concerned everything was going to be fine. She already adored Leo and he was devoted to her. Giving him parental rights wasn’t going to be a problem. Whether he could handle taking care of a small child for six weeks without help was another matter. At some point Leo would have to tell Margaret and Mallory and pray they were willing to help.

The difficulties lie in her own relationship with the man. Her feelings had been well hidden for two years, buried so deep that no one else knew she was hurting. She had built herself a nice life and had money tucked away for Anna. The trip to Qumar was important and she wasn’t about to give that up. On some level she knew Leo would be a part of her life forever, at least until Anna turned twenty one, but whether there would be more to it was something else.

Leo was settled in DC and she wouldn’t ask him to move. It was easy enough to fly Anna backwards and forwards. The other option was to move to DC, giving up her job and her friends. Selfishly she wasn’t ready to do that, at least not on the strength of a few days of him back in her life. As much as Leo was willing to wait for CJ to decide where they were going, CJ knew he’d want answers before she left, which in the scheme of things didn’t leave her long.

With the foundations of a headache and no answers CJ wandered back towards the house.

Leo was waiting on the porch when she arrived back, leaning against the pillar and watching the path.

“I wondered where you were,” he said softly.

“I couldn’t take the atmosphere so I went for a walk,” CJ replied, glancing around. “Where’s Anna?”

Leo grinned and entwined his fingers with hers. “Jed’s feeding her ice cream.”

“Did you warn him?” CJ asked, tearing her fingers away.

“Nope.”

“I should offer to go clean the kitchen.”

“Let Grandpa Jed and Aunt Abbey deal with it,” Leo ordered, grinning.

CJ raised an eyebrow in response.

“Jed’s idea, along with having the nursery permanently set up for her and her education mapped out for the next nineteen years.”

“Please tell me you’re kidding,” CJ groaned, lowering herself to the step. “He won’t be happy until we’re married and she’s living in Washington.”

Leo waited a beat. “Actually Manchester.”

CJ covered her face with her hands. “Leo!”

“I talked to him, for all the good it did, and explained that it was your decision,” Leo offered, rubbing his hand against the side of her leg. “It’s Aunt Abbey because Grandma makes her sound old.”

That brought forth a chuckle from CJ. “How many hours left?”

Leo stole a glance at his watch, “Providing they don’t want to wait at the gate, twenty three.”

“I brought you cider,” Abbey announced creeping up behind them. “I’ll just leave it here. And don’t worry about Anna, she’s redecorating my kitchen.”

CJ gave her a horrified look.

“It’s fine, Jed’s cleaning it up. Your daughter has habits which would make the frat boys proud,” Abbey grinned, walking away.

“She’s planning the wedding as we speak,” Leo joked and CJ glared at him. “Hey,” he said, offering his hands in surrender, “She’s been pretty restrained so far.”

“She doesn’t know about Qumar,” CJ said, grimly.

“Wanna go and check on our little girl?”

CJ nodded and waited as he stood and offered her his hand.

The kitchen was reminiscent of Josh’s apartment, chaos ensued. CJ and Leo exchanged worried looks as Jed scrubbed melted ice cream off the floor and Anna giggled above him. Abbey was standing at the sink washing dishes and laughing.

“Do you want a hand?” CJ asked, stifling a grin.

Jed looked up and rose onto his knees. “Your daughter certainly takes after Leo.”

“She’s stubborn, grumpy and a handful,” CJ laughed.

“Hey,” Leo grumbled.

“I was actually thinking persistent.” Jed rose to his feet and crossed to where they were standing. “Here you go Leo, I want to talk to CJ.”

Leo took the cloth and gave CJ a smile in support.

“Mommy be back shortly,” she waved at Anna. “Aunt Abbey watch Monsters with you.”

“Boo. Ab.”

“Yeah, Abbey watch Boo,” CJ agreed. “The video’s on my bed,” CJ remembered as she followed Jed to his study.

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

CJ knew what was coming before Jed even motioned to the chair and leaned against his desk. Calmly she slid into the chair and crossed her legs, waiting for him to start.

After a moment’s silence, while his eyes darted around the room, he focused on her and smiled weakly. “I thought we should take this opportunity to talk.”

She didn’t say anything. If her years in the West Wing had taught her anything, it was wait until you knew what you were up against.

“I’m a little upset that you didn’t feel you could come to us when you found out you were pregnant,” he continued softly. “And that you kept Anna a secret for so long.”

CJ folded her hands in her lap and stared at him thoughtfully.

Jed sighed, “We could of helped financially and Anna would have had a family.”

“And you wouldn’t have told Leo?” CJ asked.

“Well, not knowing about you two, yeah I probably would have told him you were pregnant. Doesn’t necessarily mean he would have twigged,” Jed offered. “You know Abbey and I consider you family. We’d hate to think one of our girls was out there alone.”

“I had Toby and Carol. And Anna’s never gone without,” CJ explained by way of explanation. “Toby has spoiled her from birth and I earn good money.”

“I appreciate that. Maybe I’m going soft in my old age but I’ve missed you.”

CJ nodded, “I’ve missed you too.”

“So you’ll come and visit often?” Jed asked, hopefully. “Anna will get to know Grandpa Jed?”

“Of course and Leo will bring her to visit.” As the words left her mouth she realized he had her trapped.

“So you and Leo are getting on okay? I mean there’s no hard feelings.” Jed stumbled. “He has a big heart.”

CJ lowered her eyes and contemplated her response. “Leo loves Anna and I’ll never not let her be a part of his life. As parents we will always try to get along.” It sounded too rehearsed and she knew it.

Jed shook his head and grinned. “I asked about you and Leo. Is there a future? Can you bring your child up together?”

Jed knew he had to get the truth from one of them, and Leo was holding out on him.

CJ looked up at him. “Right now we aren’t thinking about that,” she said truthfully.

“Why not? He’s going to be with you for a month,” Jed grumbled. “That’s long enough to see.”

It was now or never. “At the end of the month I’m going away for six weeks.”

Jed looked stunned. “And Anna?”

CJ smiled wryly, “Leo’s going to be taking care of her in DC.”

His brain was working in overdrive. “You tell Leo he’s a father. Then you expect him to take care of her while you go on vacation. CJ?”

Standing and crossing to stand in front of him, CJ towered over him. “It’s not a vacation. I’m going to do some fieldwork in Qumar. And Leo’s agreed to it,” she added brazenly.

“Qumar? Why does that ring a bell?”

“A military base. The US selling them hardware. Women beaten,” CJ listed. “You approved the deal.”

Jed tapped his chin in frustration and shook his head lightly from side to side. “Of course, I remember. And you’re going out there?”

“My research will hopefully get the West to do something. I can’t just sit behind a desk, watching as a country across the world oppresses women,” she argued passionately. “All they are is human incubators and objects.” She stopped when she realized her voice was rising in volume.

“As I recall western women aren’t exactly safe there.”

“I’ll have a ‘husband’ and chaperones. I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

“I don’t like it. I doubt Toby does either.” He nodded as she smiled. “I’m surprised Leo’s letting you go.”

“He’s not letting me go. He has no say what I do,” CJ answered. “And he knows me well enough to know I know what I’m doing. As should you,” she snapped.

Jed groaned and reached to touch her arm. “I know you can take care of yourself. But it doesn’t mean I have to stop worrying or like the idea of you going.”

CJ covered his hand with her own. “I appreciate that, Sir. But there comes a time when you have to do something because it feels right.”

“Yeah.” He waited a beat before lifting his eyes to gaze up at her. “You and Leo. Whatever happens. Don’t hurt him.”

She nodded in agreement. “I trust he’ll get the same advice?”

Jed smirked. “Oh, he’ll get a lot worse. Like I said fathers and their daughters have a special bond, biological or honory.”

“I should go check on Anna,” CJ said softly, needing to escape, what had been a surprisingly mild conversation.

“Yeah. I’m going to find Leo.”

CJ leaned down and kissed him lightly on the cheek before she turned and left.

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

Jed found Leo where he had expected, sat on the porch, watching as afternoon turned into evening and the first thunder clouds rolled in. Leo didn’t look up as he approached and Jed took the opportunity to watch him carefully. As the first rain fell Jed leaned on the pillar and spoke quietly.

“You should hold onto her this time.”

Leo looked up and sighed. “We have a lot to work through Jed, a hell of a lot.”

“And you will. But if you love them both as I think you do it will sort itself out,” he muttered.

“Please tell me you didn’t upset her,” Leo groaned, standing and leaning against a railing.

Jed grinned. “No, it was okay.” He waited and studied Leo’s face. “And Qumar, are you okay with it?”

Leo’s face ran through a plethora of emotions from sadness to anger to resignment. “I can’t stop her. It’s not my place.”

“Leo?”

Leo’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I spoke to an old friend at State. She’ll be monitored and followed and if they feel she’s in danger she’ll be pulled out.”

“She’s not going to like that,” Jed commented dryly.

Leo cleared his throat and stared at his shoes.

“She’s not going to know, is she?” The silence was his answer. “And when she comes back?”

“You aren’t going to let up, are you?” Leo growled, turning back to watch the lightening.

“Nope,” Jed smirked.

Leo sighed deeply and tapped the railing. “I want to be a part of both their lives. But she has to want it too. And it’s going to take time. I can’t just uproot them and pretend the past didn’t happen.”

“Sure you can.”

“Jed. She’s successful and happy. And doing what she believes in, I’m not going to take that away.”

He pretended to consider things. “Leo, she’s like my daughter. And I’ll say to you what I told Charlie. He didn’t listen, mind you. Don’t hurt her. Not again. Be sure you’re willing to risk everything for her happiness or walk away.” Jed rested a hand on his shoulder. “I can’t imagine what she went through when you went back to Jenny or having a baby on her own, but if it was anyone but you, I’d be warning them off.”

“I can take you Jed,” Leo teased.

“But Abbey could take you, so I’m not worried.”

They laughed and waited until the first spots of rain fell on the driveway before they went back inside.

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

Dinner that evening was a more relaxed affair. Anna fell asleep long before they settled around the table and Leo carried her up to bed, spending the longest time tucking her in and reading. When he returned the others were discussing the past and he slipped easily into the conversation. From her demeanour it was obvious Jed was withholding CJ’s news from Abbey and Leo smirked at the knowledge Jed was going to suffer for that later.

As they sat drinking coffee Abbey tried one more time. “You know it’s a nice night, you two could take a walk,” she suggested, looking pointedly at Leo.

Jed shrugged, “As much as I like Leo, he’s not my type.”

Abbey sighed, exasperated, “I meant CJ and Leo, doofus.”

“Abbey!”

Leo grinned and glanced at CJ, “Come on, if we don’t she’ll just badger us all evening.”

“You got that right.”

“Check in on Anna, will ya, we won’t be gone long?” Leo announced, rising and waiting for CJ.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Jed called after them and they heard Abbey groan in response.

“They’ll have a fun time then won’t they.”

Leo and CJ walked side by side through the farm until they reached an old track. Climbing over the sty Leo reached up and held out his hand to help CJ over. Taking it she swung one leg over then the other. Expecting him to let go while she jumped down CJ was surprised when Leo held out a second hand to catch her.

CJ jumped and landed in his arms. Taking the opportunity Leo moved his hands around her waist and pulled her tightly against him.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all weekend,” he muttered as he leaned up and sought her lips.

Resting her hands on his shoulders and lowering her head CJ met him somewhere in the middle. “The kiss started off soft and gentle but with Leo’s hand finding it’s way into her hair CJ deepened the kiss, her tongue pushing against his lips as she demanded entry. Leo’s lips parted and his tongue darted out to tangle with hers. The kiss became hungry as they fought for control, CJ’s hand roaming his spine as his hand cupped her ass.

Eventually the need for air overwhelmed them and they pulled apart to breath. Leo looked up at her, his eyes full of desire and his face flushed.

Licking her lips CJ glanced down between them and smirked. “You really have missed me.”

“CJ!” he growled, his fingers tracing her spine.

CJ’s hand on his back stroked up to his neck. “If it wasn’t so damp I’d do you right now on the grass.”

Leo let out a deep groan and stepped away.

“Of course there are also the agents to worry about,” she teased.

“You’re killing me here,” Leo moaned, his bulge twitching in his pants as he thought about her suggestion.

CJ’s grin should have been enough to disarm him but he missed it as he concentrated on his shoes. “Come on,” she whispered, entwining her fingers with his and pulling him across the field.

Leo struggled to keep up with her and as they nearer the cluster of trees he collapsed against one of them, panting.

“A leisurely walk, CJ. A romantic stroll. Not a mad dash,” he muttered, as she tugged him around the tree.

Pressing him against the bark CJ kissed him hard on the mouth. Her fingers toyed with the fastening of his pants as she deepened the kiss.

“What are you doing?” he asked, against her lips.

Her reply was to yank down his zip and push his pants and boxers over his hips.

“CJ?”

CJ released his mouth and dropped to her knees. The damp grass soaked through the fabric at her knees as she lifted his shirt and planted tiny kisses across his stomach.

“Shh and relax,” she said, muffled, her kisses moving lower to cover his shaft.

Leo reached behind him and gripped the bark as her mouth closed over his erection and she slid him inside in one movement. He moaned as her tongue rolled around his tip with each upward stroke. His fingers dug into the tree as she deep throated him.

He gasped as the first heat surged through his body. “CJ.”

CJ pushed away the hand that was trying to still her and clasped her free hand around the base of his penis, squeezing in time to her sucking. Leo shuddered and his hand in her hair held her closer as his release spilled into her mouth and she swallowed.

After the few seconds it took him to still CJ released him and stood. Briefly she glanced down at the green stains at her knees and grinned, hoping Abbey wouldn’t notice, but knowing full well she would.

“CJ, you didn’t have to do that,” he muttered between labored breathes.

“I wanted to,” she replied, kissing him lightly on the mouth. “It’s been a long time since we fooled around like that.” She laughed loudly and snorted as she remembered the last time.

Leo’s eyes glazed over as the same memory crossed his mind. “I’ll return the favor when the opportunity presents itself,” he promised.

“You’d better believe it,” she grinned, an added sparkle in her eyes. “Do you want to head back or walk on?”

Rearranging his attire Leo glanced up at her. “I’m not sure I can walk after that.”

“Back then.”

CJ took his hand on the short walk back, catching his eye and grinning inanely whenever she could.

The house was in darkness except the hall light when they returned and for a short minute they thought they were safe. Abbey appeared in the shadows and propped herself against the doorframe.

“That didn’t take long,” she remarked, startling them both and causing Leo to drop CJ’s hand.

“It was wet,” Leo blushed. “And we have a long day tomorrow. Where’s Jed?”

“He went to bed,” she replied then caught sight of CJ’s knees. The smirk that crossed her face was enough to make both CJ and Leo blush. “My my, it is wet out,” she sighed, “And not just on the grass I’m sure.”

Leo coughed and turned away so she wouldn’t she his blush deepen.

CJ shook her head and took a step towards the stairs. “I’m going to check on Anna and go to bed. Goodnight Abbey.”

“I’ll come with you,” Leo announced, following on her heels. “Night Abbey.”

“Night CJ. Leo,” Abbey called after them, the amusement evident in her voice. “Hope you had a fun weekend.”

Their first stop when they reached the top of the stairs was Anna’s room. Both crept across the room and glanced down at the sleeping child, kissing her on the forehead and closing the door softly behind them.

“You want to come back to mine?” CJ asked softly, the cat no longer in the bag.

Leo shook his head. “Yes, but I’m not going to. Not here. And besides I don’t think I could handle breakfast afterwards,” he groaned, glancing down the landing expecting to see Abbey lurking.

“Yeah,” CJ said softly. “So I’ll see you in the morning.”

Leo reached up and kissed her lightly on the lips, his mouth lingering over hers for a second longer than needed before he squeezed her hand and headed back towards his room.

CJ watched him go before she opened the door to her room and stepped inside. Leaning back against the door she sighed deeply and closed her eyes. The weekend had been as Leo had predicted but CJ felt somewhat relieved that she no longer had to lie to her friends. Somewhere deep inside her a long forgotten thought churned in her stomach. Before she left for Qumar she would have to be honest with Leo, and make things clear once and for all.

The End

Back to The Chief of Staff's office