Chapter Five

The first thing CJ did when she woke up was to phone Toby and invite him over. He had been reluctant to come, citing a mountain of work but as she had explained it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss at work. By the time he arrived she had made coffee and dressed. He knocked once and she let him in, directing him to sit on the couch. CJ poured the coffee and waited for him to ask. It took exactly two minutes.

‘CJ, what is that?’ He asked in the quiet voice she recognised only too well.

‘A ring.’

‘It’s an engagement ring.’

‘So, it is, very observant there Pokey,’ she teased. ‘It’s a token, a man buys a woman a ring when they become betrothed.’

Toby groaned, ‘Yeah, you were there for my miserable foray into matrimony. Who gave it to you?’

‘Leo,’ she whispered, waiting for the explosion that was Toby and not being disappointed.

‘LEO. He asked you to marry him?’ He yelled, ‘God CJ. I didn’t think anyone was going to take me seriously. Leo, of all people, and you went along with it. Have you lost your mind, is this a delayed reaction?’

CJ watched him, the sides of her mouth turned upwards as he ranted onwards.

‘If I was serious I would have asked you myself. Have you thought this through?’

‘Yes,’ the simple word stopped him. ‘I went to him and suggested it. I considered all the options. Leo was the best man for the job. We discussed it all, planned it and the wedding’s in July. I know what I’m doing Toby, it’s good for the campaign, it’s good for the President and it’s good for me.’

Toby groaned and began rubbing his hands across his face, ‘How do you figure that?’

‘I’m 40 Toby, I work all hours, I don’t date. By the time this is all over I will be 46 and it will be too late. This way I marry a man I respect and love as a friend. There’s someone for each of us to come home to, to share things with and neither of us expects too much.’

‘Why not me?’

She looked at him, ‘Toby, I love you, really I do, but being married to you would drive me crazy. And we would end up hating each other, I was there through Andi remember, it wasn’t pleasant. I know what I’m doing. I’m telling you because I wanted you to know first, ‘ CJ whispered squeezing his arm.

‘And you don’t think anyone is going to guess?’

‘Nah, the only others in the room were the Hardy Boys and perception isn’t their forte. The press will believe what I tell them and no one else knows us that well.’

‘You’re really sure you want to do this?’ he asked watching her face for a flicker of doubt.

‘Yes, and to prove it you can help me pick the dress.’

‘CJ,’ he growled.

She grinned in response, ‘Matching ensemble for you.’

He looked at her and rolled his eyes.

‘Can you give me a lift? We’re meeting with the President.’

‘You really are a freak.’

They rose together and headed to work.

Across town Leo was having breakfast with his ex wife and daughter at his daughter’s apartment. The conversation was lacking in effervesce as Mal tried to bridge the gap between them. Leo glanced at his watch and noted time was dragging if he was going to make it to The White House in time. He waited for Mallory to stop talking and jumped in.

‘The reason I suggested this is that I’ve got something to tell you.’ He watched as he gained their full attention. ‘I’ve been seeing someone since September, in fact I’ve known them a lot longer but not romantically. Things have become rather serious and I decided to do things properly. Last night I proposed and she accepted. CJ and I are getting married.’

Jenny sat frozen trying to take it all in. Mallory spoke without thinking, ‘Is she pregnant?’

So much for not believing me Leo thought, ‘No.’

‘You and CJ are just getting married. CJ Cregg.’

‘Yes Mal, and I’d like you to be happy for me.’

Mallory got up, ‘When hell freezes over maybe. Mom?’

Jenny stood, ‘It’s okay. Your father is free to marry whomever he wants. He doesn’t need my blessing. Leo, I hope you will be happy.’ Even as she said it he could see the hurt in her eyes, the feeling that he was moving on. She had disappeared into the bedroom before he could respond.

‘Now look what you have done. Telling her like that. I didn’t even know you two were together.’

‘Mal, your mother was the one to end it and I’m just doing what you told me to, moving on. Please accept I don’t want to hurt you but the wedding is going to happen,’ he added quietly.

He loved his daughter and a part of him would always love Jenny but they had both rebuilt their lives and told him to move on, they couldn’t turn round now and tell him it was wrong. Whatever the reasons for the marriage he was sure it was the right thing for him to do, at this point in his life.

‘Can you go now? I need time and mom needs me,’ she asked rising to go to her mother.

Leo sighed, ‘I love you Mal.’

‘I love you too.’

Leo left the apartment and headed to work for the next confrontation.

Leo collected CJ from her office and compared stories on the way to the Residence. When they arrived the agent on duty announced their arrival and showed them into the drawing Room. The President was sat in his chair; the morning’s newspapers scattered around him. Abbey was curled up on the couch, Kennedy’s biography in hand, reading quietly. Leo coughed quietly and they both turned. Abbey raised an eyebrow at the sight of CJ hovering in the background but said nothing.

‘Morning Leo, CJ. You have something you would like to discuss?’ He asked.

‘Morning Mr President, Abbey. It won’t take long.’

‘Sit down then.’ He motioned for the vacant couch and Leo pushed CJ towards it.

That was when Abbey caught sight of the ring on CJ’s finger and sat up.

‘Yes Leo, quit stalling and get on with it,’ she ordered.

Leo gulped and mentally prepared his statement.

‘If this is about one of you resigning forget it. If we lose it’s because we didn’t fight a good campaign not because of something somebody did.’

‘Jed, shut up.’ He turned to find his wife grinning and followed his wife’s gaze. He spotted it too but it didn’t register for a few seconds.

‘Oh my god. CJ.’

She smiled warily and nudged Leo, ‘Busted.’

Abbey giggled at her husband’s face; it held the same expression as when he found out the White House served Alaskan and not New Hampshire crab.

‘Sir. If I may?’ The President waved him on. ‘Last night I asked CJ to marry me and she accepted.’

‘I didn’t even know you two were….’ He really didn’t want to finish that sentence.

‘Courting Jed,’ Abbey offered. ‘Let me see the ring.’

CJ crossed the room and perched on the couch.

‘Very nice Leo. Have you set a date?’

‘July.’ CJ confirmed. ‘It’s all been rather sudden but it feels right.’ It wasn’t exactly a lie.

The President still hadn’t spoken.

Leo sighed and tried to speak, ‘Jed.’

‘I’m still on the fact you have been…. Whatever, with CJ. Now you’re getting married. CJ you’re not…’

‘No sir.’

‘Give them a break Jed. They just announced a wedding. We could deal with a little happiness around here. A rose garden wedding. You’re let me help plan it won’t you?’

CJ nodded, glancing at Leo and the President entering a staring competition.

‘Oh for gods sake. Leo, is there anything else?’ Abbey snapped.

Leo broke the contact and turned to Abbey before focusing again on Jed, ‘I was wondering if you would be my best man. Of course if you’d rather not…’ He let the words trail off.

Jed blinked once, ‘Of course I want to be best man. You had better not screw this up.’

Leo sighed, there were days he wished he’d never met the man or at least never became his friend, and today was definitely one of them. Just for once he wished Jed would be supportive without venturing an opinion or dragging up something from the past, all thirty odd years of it.

‘Sir, I have every intention of treating her like a queen.’ He glanced at CJ and smiled, ‘but for now I have to treat her like a boss and send her back to work.’

Jed waved them off. They headed to the elevator together and let out a breath neither realised the other was holding.

‘Thank god that’s over.’

‘Second that.’

They parted as they entered the West Wing and for the rest of the day they were CJ, Press Secretary, and Leo, Chief of Staff.

Chapter Six

Telling the staff was the easy part.

Leo called the senior staff and their assistants into the Roosevelt room on Monday morning for a meeting. After going through the necessary business he asked for quiet and made the small announcement.

Toby sat back in his chair and watched Josh and Sam’s faces. They looked surprised but nothing else registered. Donna was up and hugging CJ before she could say a word and the other assistants followed suit. Much of the commotion centred on the ring and wedding plans.

When the women finished Josh rose from his seat, shook Leo’s hand and hugged CJ. He didn’t ask any questions and he didn’t pass any comments, that CJ knew would come later.

Sam congratulated them both, not really sure where he had been when two of the people he cared about most were falling in love. All in all it was received with joy.

CJ waited for Leo to signal the end of the meeting and headed off to her briefing, As she turned the corner she noticed Margaret coming out of the washroom, eyes puffy and face pale. CJ mentally kicked herself for not pushing Leo to tell her sooner and of course it hadn’t occurred to Leo that Margaret would be a little affected by the news. She made a note to talk to Leo about that later.

Carol was calling the room to order as CJ stood outside taking a deep breath.

‘Good morning everyone, hope we all had a good weekend. Let’s go. Today’s topics are scheduling, the President’s trip to Canada and new FTA guidelines. Firstly though, it is White House Policy not to talk about staff’s private lives. I’m going to make an exception and make a short statement, and take questions.’ She mentally kicked herself again, for forgetting Danny would be there and for not accepting Leo’s offer to be there. She looked up and saw them. Toby stood against the right wall trying to blend in; Leo hovered at the back behind the partition. She smiled and began.

‘In New Hampshire in 1997 I met Leo McGarry. We became friends over the course of the next four years. Events over the last year brought us closer together and we began a romantic relationship in the fall. This past Saturday Leo asked me to marry him and I accepted. There are no reasons for the sudden decision except it feels right. We have no set plans for the wedding except to say July this year.’

She barely paused before the questions came.

‘CJ.CJ’

‘Arthur.’

‘How does the President feel about two of his staff being involved in a relationship so soon after the MS enquiry?’

‘He has given us his blessing, and warned Leo that the 82^{nd are at his disposal’}

‘CJ, will we get engagement photos?’

‘Chris, Carol is trying to sort something out.’

‘CJ. Can you tell us what the proposal was like?’

‘I won’t go into details. It was romantic and took place at a restaurant. He didn’t go down on one knee but he made a lovely speech.’

‘CJ.’

‘Okay final question. I’m sure as the wedding draws closer we will revisit all of this. Danny.’ She never could resist leaving him to last. The room went silent.

‘Can I just say congratulations to both of you. Will it be a White House wedding?’

She paused; it hadn’t been the question she had anticipated. ‘Yes. For security reasons. Either the Rose garden or the Blue Room. Press passes will be arranged.’

She glanced back at the room and saw the retreating backs of her two friends. ‘Okay, Canada….’

And that was basically that. No major drama, no public denouncements and the press soon tired of the less than scandalous relationship. There was no big engagement party, the couple opting instead for a small informal gathering in the residence. As the months passed it became obvious the wedding was working, the polls jumped everytime they were seen out together, which in turn led to them spending more time together. To everyone it looked as though they were a loving couple enjoying a healthy relationship.

Chapter Seven

‘Will you stand still? Otherwise I’m going to stick a pin in you.’ Rebecca Lyman ordered, pulling the silk fabric up and pinning the hem.

‘I have a briefing to prepare for.’

‘CJ, you are getting married in less than eight weeks, if we don’t make the alterations now they won’t get done. I’ve still got the others to do.’

CJ backed down. It had been Josh’s suggestion that his mother make the dress, it was their gift to her. CJ had picked out the ivory silk and antique lace, sent her measurements to Connecticut and the designs had been returned by the next post. The final design was simple yet elegant and even as she stood in it now Donna was in awe. This had to be the third and final fitting as the primaries were nearing their conclusion and CJ was running out of time.

As was to be expected Leo had asked the President to stand up with him, and he had been overjoyed to accept. After much late night discussion CJ had also persuaded him to ask Toby, it was the only way she could have him in her wedding party and it seemed fitting somehow.

For her part she had asked Mallory to be her bridesmaid and although the ice was melting she had refused, falling back to her original plan CJ had asked Donna and Zoey. Having no female relatives of her own it seemed only right that the two women she thought of as sisters should be part of her big day. Josh’s mother had also been kind enough to make two dresses in pale blue satin; the rest had been left to Abbey.

‘So how many are coming?’ Zoey asked thumbing through bridal magazines.

‘The final acceptances come to 250, apparently that’s a small wedding in Washington. I don’t know half of them.’

‘Are you getting excited yet?’

CJ shrugged and earned herself a smack from the seamstress.

^{‘How did you and Leo get together?’ Zoey asked.}

^{CJ took a breath and repeated what they had rehearsed, ‘It just happened. We were friends, we enjoyed the same things, he was there for me during the hearings and one day we looked at each other and discovered there was more to be explored.’}

^{‘But how did you keep it secret?’}

^{Zoey had always been inquisitive, constantly barraging her with questions during the campaign.}

^{‘We didn’t go out in public, we both worked a lot, had lunch in his office, dinner at the apartment,’ CJ found the lies worked better if there was at least an element of truth.}

^{‘And now?’ Donna asked with the same wistful look she’d had since CJ had asked her to be bridesmaid.}

^{‘We still have lunch in his office, we order room service at the hotel, take out at the apartment. He takes me to the theatre or on Sundays we walk along the river. It’s a normal relationship Donna. Sometimes we even just sit in front of the television.’ And they did, they may not have kissed or spent the night together but they were in fact courting. He made her laugh and she made him re-evaluate life.}

^{‘I wish Charlie and I have what you have.’}

^{CJ looked at her in surprise, ‘What do you mean?’}

^{Zoey sighed and tossed the magazine aside, ‘We love each other and for the most part we do things together. It’s just, Leo makes you complete. And you him. He’s changed, the constant tension’s gone, his humour’s returned. When I was eight we all went on a picnic. Leo brought Mal, we played games, paddled in the stream, he was like that then, relaxed and free. Back then he was a prankster, he knew how to have fun, dad and him had an ongoing competition. The drink and Jenny changed that. You’ve brought him back to us.’}

^{CJ was visibly shocked. She had brought him back to them. She had to admit things had become more relaxed over the months, the meetings were less tense and Leo seemed more tolerant of the spin boys, but she didn’t consider herself the reason.}

^{Leo sat at his desk signing off on the pile of letters Margaret had appeared with. She was hovering as always, watching him carefully as though he might break. Leo stopped signing and looked up.}

^{‘Margaret,’ he snapped.}

^‘Leo?’

^{‘You have your own office.’}

^‘Yeah.’

^{‘Could you like use it?’ he asked.}

^{Margaret continued to stare at him.}

^{Leo put down the pen and leaned back into the chair, ‘Let’s hear it, you’ve obviously got something to say.’}

^{Margaret fidgeted a moment longer, flicking her hair back and sighing.}

^{‘You’ve changed.’}

^{Leo continued to look at her.}

^{‘That is to say we’ve noticed a change.’}

^{‘You’re not making sense, which isn’t unusual, but even so. We, who’s the we?’}

^{Margaret blushed, ‘We weren’t gossiping. People come to me when they’re worried about you.’}

^{‘Is this about the wedding, because it’s no one else’s business what CJ and I do?’ he snapped.}

^{Margaret stepped back, ‘She makes you happy,’ it was more of a question than a statement, ‘you’ve laughed more in the last three months than in the ten years I’ve worked for you. Sam is in awe, he still can’t believe it happened under his nose. And neither can I.’}

^{Leo watched her closely; it took him a second to realise what she was getting at. ‘Margaret?’}

^{‘I know you, I would have known if you were with someone. You’re doing it for him.’}

^{Of course she would have to be the one to see through him, she was like a daughter to him, and had been there when no one had the strength to be. He hadn’t seen her face after the announcement but CJ had warned him to be easy on her. He didn’t need to, until now she hadn’t even brought the subject up.}

^{‘Leo, I understand. If there’s someone important enough the sacrifice is worth making,’ she smiled at him. ‘Can I just say she’s good for you. If being married to CJ makes you this centred you have my blessing, not that you need it,’ she added walking away.}

^{Leo called out to her and she turned in the doorway.}

^{‘It means a lot,’ he said, ‘Have I been that much better a person?’}

^{She nodded grinning, ‘You didn’t even yell when the Times Crossword spelt your name wrong.’}

^{He had to admit he hadn’t even noticed and waved her out of the room.}

^{Chapter Eight}

^{In Kansas the inevitable happened. For the first half of the campaign Leo stayed in DC, running the White House, only venturing into the states for day trips, then as the primaries were ending he decided to join the staff on a three day visit to Kansas City. Usually the senior staff were granted the privilege of single rooms, in his wisdom and friendship for his best friend the President arranged for a double room.}

^{So it was at nine o clock in the evening when they landed CJ and Leo found themselves assigned to share. It wasn’t until they closed the door and looked around the room that the awkwardness set in.}

^{‘I can sleep in the chair, I probably won’t sleep anyway,’ Leo offered.}

^{‘For three nights, don’t be absurd.’}

^{‘Do you want me to find another room? I can always claim pre wedding…’}

^{‘Abstinence,’ she finished. ‘ Look it’s no problem, we’re be married soon enough and living in the same house. My pyjamas aren’t that revealing.’}

^{Leo looked anywhere but at her, ‘Mine are.’}

^{It took a second before it twigged, and then CJ collapsed in laughter.}

^{‘You can’t cast aspersions on my manhood.’}

^{CJ fell on the bed, ‘Leo….Please….stop….we…have a meeting,’ she panted between the giggles.}

^{He sat down beside her and leaned back onto the comforter. ‘You have an incredible laugh.’}

^{As he spoke his arm grazed the side of her arm. CJ wasn’t quite sure if it was the compliment or the shiver up her spine that stopped her laughing but she stopped and sat up.}

^{‘We should go,’ she was up and at the door before he even heaved himself off the bed.}

^{‘CJ.’ But she was already gone. Leo picked up the key and followed.}

‘Hey guys, anyone fancy a drink?’ CJ asked. Anything not to be alone with him she thought.

They all looked at Leo who nodded a general okay.

‘Sure I could go a night-cap,’ Toby replied.

CJ crossed towards the door, stopping inches from Leo, ‘You going to be okay? I won’t be long and I’ve got a key.’

‘I’ll play cards with the President, catch up on work.’

They smiled and went their separate ways.

It was getting on for two when the gang left the hotel bar and headed back upstairs to their rooms.

Josh and Sam were singing, leaning on Donna for support, as Toby strolled ahead looking unaffected.

CJ reached the room first and let herself in. The lights were off and she sighed in relief. Realising her case was still locked she stumbled into the bathroom and removed her suit and stockings, leaving her panties and camisole to sleep in. Climbing into bed she pulled her pillows close to the edge and lay with her back to Leo. Within minutes she was sleeping softly.

Leo sighed and turned to face her. Her hair was spread across the pillows, her shoulders pale in contrast to the blue comforter. As he moved to get comfortable his knee touched her thigh and it was then he realised she wasn’t wearing the infamous pyjamas and his mind began to wander.

Continue to Part Nine

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