It seemed they argued more now than ever. The latest fight, well, heated discussion had started with the arrival of the invitation. Former U.S. President Josiah Bartlet was turning 70, an age no one had expected him to reach, and Abbey had tracked down his former staff and organized a party.

CJ had jumped at the prospect of a weekend in New Hampshire with her spin boys, but Toby had been defiant in his refusal to attend. It had taken a week to convince him otherwise and the promise of a trip to the Yankees next away game. CJ had given in to him on where to stay, the small hotel they had used for the campaign, tucked away in a side street in Manchester, rather than at the Farm.

The final straw had been when Toby had demanded they drive up on the Saturday morning and drive back on Sunday night. She had finally lost her cool, flung her arms to the heavens and booked herself on a plane.

Two months later on the Friday afternoon, Toby walked her to the gate and waved her off, promising to arrive before lunch the next day.

As she got out of the taxi at the hotel, the place brought back all sorts of memories. The last time they had stayed there had been the autumn after the MS announcement, when they were all angry and disillusioned. The word “relieved” still conjured up nightmares even now, but in those dark days Toby had been her savior. He was always the first one to come to her, never walking away from her tirades, taking care of her when she indulged in one too many beers and never once telling her he was disappointed in her. That was probably why they ended up in bed the first time and probably the reason they fell in love.

Sure she was angry with him, his place was at her side but yet he seemed to be growing more distant. It had been two years since they had seen the others, of course with modern communications they all knew what the other was up to, but it wasn't the same as looking in Josh's eyes and knowing when he said he was okay, he really was.

CJ walked up the stone steps to the reception desk to check in. The receptionist handed over the requisite forms, scanned the credit card, and handed her a key. CJ turned when she heard her name being called, there was no mistaking the voice or the man that stood watching her.

The unkept brown curls were greyer, and he was definitely a few pounds heavier, but he was still as hyper as ever. He moved towards her and engulfed her in a hug.

“Claudia Jean, it's been a while,” he whispered.

“You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Josh held her away; “You've missed me then?”

CJ shook her head at him.

“Where's Toby?”

CJ chose to look away, “He'll be here tomorrow, he's driving up.”

Josh took one look at the circles under her eyes and the fidgeting hands and didn't need to ask anything else. Kissing her lightly on the cheek, he picked up her bag and followed her to the elevator. “You're on the second floor with everyone else. Clean up and we can have dinner. The kids are desperate to see you.” He continued to chatter at her as they got in the lift.

CJ put a comb through her hair and touched up her make up before dialling the apartment. The continuous ringing told her he was home, but screening calls. Or, more likely, he was drunk. It wouldn't be the first time. CJ took her key and headed to the lift.

The others were gathered in the foyer when she arrived.

Donna was the first to spot her and crossed the marble entrance to hug her.

CJ let herself be embraced before greeting the others in turn. She hadn't really expected to find herself honorary godmother to the four children that now stood around her barraging her with questions. The two little girls looked just like their mother, long blonde locks and big blue eyes. Luckily, the only trait they acquired from their father was their resourcefulness. The boys were truly miniature versions of Sam, full of wide-eyed innocence and sure to be heartbreakers in later life.

“No Leo?” she asked pulling out of Sam's embrace to greet Sam's wife.

Josh grinned, “He's staying at home, Margaret wasn’t feeling well. He left a message to say he would see us at the garden party tomorrow.”

Donna was hustling the group towards the dining room and CJ let herself be led. Once seated and the food ordered, the conversation turned to familiar matters, the present government, campaign stories and happy memories. The endless silences that normally covered her dinner table with Toby at home were replaced with constant banter and friendly chatter. It was late when they finished up, and CJ went to bed relaxed for the first time in a long while.

******

Toby drove back from the airport, parked up outside their apartment and walked the block to the liquor store. Picking up a few bottles of malt whiskey and Chinese from the takeaway next door, he headed back to the apartment. With CJ away, he could enjoy a few drinks and not get concerned about how she would react. She always claimed the drink was making him morose, but as far as he was concerned, he had little to be happy about. Well, he had CJ of course.

Their relationship had developed over the twenty-five years they had known each other and now they lived together. While she taught at the college, he wrote books. His inspiration had deserted him of late and he was already two weeks over on his latest deadline. The one plus side to his life was that the Yankees had won the World Series the year before, and he had been there to see it. It wasn't that his life was really bad, it just didn't make him happy. Not that the drink did, but as he poured himself another glass, it made him forget how much he hated his life.

Toby awoke to sunshine glaring through the windows and a stiff back. Sitting up, he surveyed the scene around him - empty bottles and half-eaten take out. He rubbed his hands across his face and naked scalp, trying to wake himself up. As he stood under the shower a few minutes later he wondered, not for the first time, if he was becoming an alcoholic. He chuckled sadly, that was the least of his problems. Twenty minutes and a strong coffee later, he took his overnight bag and climbed into his newly restored Dodge Dart. Switching to a 60s radio station, Toby headed out of New York.

Two hours later he pulled up outside the hotel and the receptionist sent him in the direction of CJ's room.

She opened the door on the first knock and they stood on the threshold looking each other up and down.

“You made it then,” she stated.

Toby growled back, “Damn it, I said I would,” as he threw his bag on the bed and went to the window.

CJ walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. “I missed you last night.”

Toby held himself stiffly in her embrace, “Yeah. So what time do the fun and games begin? We wouldn't want to be late, would we?”

CJ let go and sighed. This had been going on for months. He had never been the easiest person to live with, part of the reason they had never married. Both wanting to be sure if it came down to it, they could walk away. Yet they were still together. She still loved him, even if she didn't like him at times. There was something nagging at her in the back of her mind, something, she had noticed but not registered. It was the reason he was being so obnoxious.

CJ picked up her wrap, “If we leave now we will get there in plenty of time.”

Toby turned and avoided her eyes, “Go on downstairs. I'll be down in a minute.”

CJ left with a backward glance, wondering if he was preparing to tell her it was all over.

Toby sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. He was being unnecessarily mean to her, and he knew he was pushing her away. She had stuck by him over the years as he became disillusioned by life. It would be easier if she left now, except she was as stubborn as he was in sticking with something to the bitter end. Taking a series of deep breaths, he calmed down, readying himself to face the others, and promising to try harder with her.

She was standing on the steps outside, when he found her watching the others drive off. Tenderly, he slipped his hand into hers and led her to the car.

“We can stay home,” Leo offered softly. “I can phone Jed and tell him you’re not very well.”

Margaret shook her head. “I’ll be fine.” She stared at herself in the mirror and applied a little more foundation to her pale complexion. “It’s not everyday the President turns seventy.”

Leo grinned. He was looking forward to the party. For the first time in years they were all going to be there. And he was looking forward to seeing Jed’s face when he opened the present. And to seeing the kids again.

Hoynes’ nomination and subsequent election had given Josh a promotion to Chief of Staff. They were now nearing the end of their second term and Leo knew for sure Josh was going to be hungry for a new adventure. Sam had turned down the job of Hoynes’ Communications Director to work for the Southern Poverty Law Center. He had wanted to do something good. And he had. More importantly, he had married Mallory and provided him with two wonderful grandsons. Josh and Sam were like the two sons he’d never had. The two men he would one day entrust to take care of Margaret if anything happened to him.

Leo, for his part, had shunned numerous job offers to retire. Now he and Margaret lived in New Hampshire, close enough to Jed and Abbey that they were often invited over for the dinner. The couple had finally forgiven him for eloping to marry his former assistant, but it had taken a good few months.

And now they would all be together. Leo was looking forward to seeing CJ. From the infrequent conversations they had, he gathered all was not well with her and Toby. But he knew she was strong enough to make her own decisions, and he had never ventured an opinion. Which was that CJ should dump the man who obviously didn’t appreciate her and find someone who did. Actually, he wasn’t sure what was going on with Toby, or the reason for the frosty relationship he had with his friends. He was going to take the opportunity over the weekend to pull him aside and find out what the hell was going on.

“Leo, are you thinking about the kids again?” Margaret asked, watching his reflection in the mirror.

“Yeah.” He shook his head. “You know she’s going to be there,” he mumbled, watching his wife grip her hand across her chest.

They both knew who Leo meant. Donnatella Moss. Josh’s former assistant and wife. Their wedding had been a fairytale, and their marriage had borne two beautiful children. She had stayed on as his assistant until a few months into Hoynes’ first term, but their constant rows had led Hoynes and Sam to take them aside and tell them to ‘sort themselves out’.

Seizing the initiative, Donna resigned and shocked everyone by filing for divorce.

Bereft, Josh took several months to get over the shock of losing her. But he made no attempt to win her back after she left. They remained cordial for the sake of the children. In the beginning, advice had been either ‘forget her’ or ‘go get her back’. Josh found he could do neither. And, Leo knew that Josh hadn’t been truly happy since. Leo knew, because Josh had told him.

Without a father figure, and with a different relationship with Hoynes than he’d had with Bartlet, Josh found himself turning to Leo for personal and professional advice.

Initially uncomfortable, Leo had grown into the role slowly. He had almost become used to Josh turning up at odd times to ask him what do to about something or other.

“Wouldn’t it be good if Donna and Josh could try again?” he mused. That was something else he was going to try and fix over the weekend.

Margaret rolled her eyes. “Leo, they’re grown ups now. More than capable of making their own decisions.” She took a deep breath and shook off the pain in her chest. “Go and get the present and I’ll be down shortly.”

She waited until he was out of sight before popping two white pills from the bottle in her purse and swallowing them dry. Taking a series of short breaths, she rose unsteadily and headed towards the door. Half way there, she needed to stop for breath before continuing.

“Margaret, where did you leave it?” he called up the stairs.

Margaret sighed and gripped the banister. “Kitchen table.”

Leo disappeared from view and appeared a few minutes later clutching the large rectangular gift wrapped in brightly colored wrapping paper. “Found it.”

“Can we go now? I don’t want to be late.”

“Are you sure? You still look pale.”

She wasn’t sure when in recent months the role reversal had taken place, but he now fussed almost constantly over her. Of course, if he knew the truth, he would have fussed even more. She wasn’t prepared to put him through that. Leo was the love of her life, her sun and moon, and she would love him forever. Even if forever wasn’t going to be long enough.

“Margaret?” he asked, his voice concerned.

“Sorry, I was miles away,” she said, shaking her head. “Let’s go.” As she took the last step, she reached for him as if by instinct and grabbed his hand tightly. “I love you.”

His eyes searched hers for some indication of what she was silently telling him, but he found nothing. “I love you too.” His grin reached his eyes as he gazed back at her.

Once he had helped her into the car, Leo climbed into the driver’s seat and started the thirty five minute drive to the farm. As he drove, he stole glances at Margaret. There was something bothering her and he didn’t have a clue what, only that she wasn’t ready to tell him.

“Do I have lipstick on my teeth?” Margaret asked, smiling at him.

“Nah, why?”

“You’re staring,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Leo reached between them and entwined his fingers with hers. “I was thinking how much I wanted to jump you right now.” He gave her a lopsided grin and returned his attention to the road.

Tears pricked at Margaret’s eyes as she pondered the fact she probably would never get the opportunity again to feel him inside her, to have him hold her and touch her in that way that sent her into shivers. She bit her lip and gazed out of the window. She was running out of time.

Toby pulled up at the imposing structure that was the Bartlet farm, surrounded as it was by trees and open fields.

The driveway was packed with cars, most of them the rentals that had previously been at the hotel and the house was copiously decorated with balloons and streamers.

Toby reversed the car back down the drive with a groan, and into a space.

CJ was climbing out as a figure appeared at the front of the house and began walking towards them.

Abbey had not changed much in the six years since leaving office, the once shoulder length brown hair was now grey and worn in a chignon, but she still held herself as she had during her term as First lady.

CJ dumped the gift in Toby’s arms and greeted her friend with a hug. They saw each other regularly, meeting up at conferences for Women’s issues, and for lunch when they were in the same city, but she was always pleased to see her.

Abbey greeted Toby by way of a chaste kiss on his cheek and linked arms with them both, walking around the house to the garden.

“The others said you were on your way. How’s the book coming Toby, I promised it to Jed for Christmas?”

Toby mumbled in response as they rounded the corner.

“I decided to give him two parties, the garden party this afternoon, everyone of the two hundred I invited agreed to come, except Hoynes. And then there will be sixteen of us for dinner tonight. Just family,” Abbey explained to them; the First Family had long considered the senior staffers as family, and were often thankful for the way they supported their own daughters.

“You managed to get Donna here.“ CJ commented. “It was almost like old times at the hotel last night.”

Abbey smiled, “That was Jed’s doing, he claims with age comes wisdom and he’s certainly

spreading it around. His latest crusade is to get Ellie to settle down, sexual preferences aside, so if marriage should come up tonight keep your heads down.” Abbey glanced at Toby, who was gazing off into the distance.

Abbey had done herself proud. Gathered across the lawn were a hundred of the Bartlet’s closest family and friends. In a corner of the expanse Donna and Annie were watching over the giant inflatable castle and the grandchildren, some biological and some honorary of the Bartlets.

Abbey motioned to Jed and pulled the newest guests towards him.

Jed rested on his cane as they approached him, his stance revealing his increasing frailty. He pushed it to one side as CJ came nearer. He extended his arms and she wrapped hers around him, gently so not as to hurt him, but he pulled her close with all the strength he had.

“Claudia Jean, we’ve missed you,” he whispered into her hair.

“I’ve missed you too.”

She stepped out of his embrace to let Toby step forward.

Toby stuck out his hand, and Jed grasped it in both of his.

“Good to see you, Toby. Don’t leave it so long next time. Liked the biography although

there were a couple of points . . .“

“Sir, I thought there might be,“ Toby grumbled, staring down at his feet.

“Will you ever call me Jed?“

“No. Sir.”

“Okay, it’s better than Mr. President. Toby, the bar is over there, help yourself. CJ, I’m

sure there are one or two people you’d like to see,” he said waving his arm at the gathering.

Jed leaned on his wife’s arm as she took him off in search of his daughters.

Toby headed off to the bar and fixed himself a scotch, heavy on the scotch, light on ice. Picking up his glass, he made his way further down the veranda to a bench. Sitting down, he scanned the gathering.

The former assistants, as ever, were gathered together, joined by their respective partners, while the Bartlet girls surrounded their father. Elsewhere on the lawn, former cabinet officers mixed with old family friends.

His eyes were drawn to the castle, as CJ joined her friends and the bouncing children.

Over the years there seemed to be an ever-increasing number of children brought into the Bartlet fold. The oldest was Theo, Josh’s oldest at eight and the most recent addition was Ginger’s youngest at 12 months. Of course at any one time there always seemed to be someone pregnant in the Bartlet clan. And this time was no exception, as Zoey waddled across the lawn.

Toby’s eyes were fixed on the six foot woman he shared his life with, so he didn’t hear Leo’s approach.

“She’s still one classy lady,” an all too familiar, gravely voice boomed.

Toby glanced up and struggled to his feet, “Leo.“ His first, immediate, thought was that Leo looked tired. But he dismissed the idea and grasped the older man in a firm handshake. “How are you? I heard that Margaret was sick?”

“Well, that’s good. She wouldn’t want to miss this.”

Leo nodded, “Come walk with me.“

Toby stood and followed at Leo’s use of the old codeword for I’m about to say something you won’t like. They found themselves in the old barn, which had been their strategy headquarters and sanctuary during the MS crisis.

Leo settled himself on the cart, while Toby stood, leaning against a post.

“I’ve watched you make an ass of yourself many times over the years, but you are excelling yourself this time.”

“I beg your pardon,” Toby replied, his voice vibrating in the empty room.

Leo frowned, “For reasons beyond understanding she loves you, and you treat her like she’s worthless.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Really?” he asked, incredulous. “You made it my business when you started phoning me at all hours, out of your tree.”

“Leo, you know nothing about the situation,“ Toby growled as he began to pace.

“So why don’t you tell me?”

Toby stopped to stare at him before resuming his pacing. He wasn’t entirely sure how much he could share with Leo, or whether it would help if he did.

Leo and Margaret had arrived at the farm shortly after Toby. After greeting the Bartlets, they had wandered out onto the lawn.

As soon as he caught sight of Josh and Sam by the barbecue, Leo had dashed off, leaving Margaret to fend for herself.

While Leo, was busy Leo chatting with his boys, Margaret slipped upstairs to one of the spare rooms. There were so many people downstairs and she didn’t think anyone would notice if she was missing for a while. She needed to compose herself.

Margaret sat on the bed, sniffling, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. The tears had been threatening since Leo had squeezed her hand in the car and now she couldn’t seem to stop them.

Abbey opened the door a crack and saw the woman sitting, head bowed. “Margaret, what on earth is the matter?”

“Nothing…it's nothing, really. I'm sorry.“

“It's enough to get you away from the party, honey. Come on.”

Margaret pondered whether to tell her the truth or offer something benign. “I don't usually think about it, but it's the President's birthday, and he's…”

“Seventy?“ Abbey prompted, deciding to ignore the formal way Margaret had spoken of her husband.

“And so is Leo. Well, soon.“ Margaret dissolved into a spasm of sobs.

Abbey sat on the edge of the bed, her arms around the other woman’s trembling shoulders.
“Margaret, is Leo unwell?”

Margaret looked up, concerned she'd said the wrong thing. “Oh, no. He's just…old.” The fact was she was sick, dying was closer to the mark and she wasn’t entirely sure Leo would cope without her.

She began to cry again, and Abbey held her until her sobs subsided enough for Abbey to hold her by the shoulders and push her upright. “Margaret, listen to me.” Her voice was sharp and she waited until their eyes met. “You married an older man. So what? And seventy is no age these days. Medical science is moving on. Every day, new things are discovered. Leo loves you. You only have to look at him when he's looking at you to see that. They say love keeps you young.”

Margaret nodded and glanced up into Abbey’s concerned eyes. “Thank you.”

“Margaret, is there something else?” Abbey asked, softly, catching something troubling in the younger woman’s eyes.

They sat in silence for a few seconds while Margaret choked back her sobs and shook her head. Today wasn’t the time to tell Abbey, or tell any of them, but she would have to soon.

“You wanna stay here or you wanna come back down? If you wanna stay here, I'll tell everyone you have a headache,“ Abbey offered momentarily, not believing what Margaret had said in the least.

Margaret sniffed, then took a deep breath. “I'm sorry. You should be with the President.”

This time Abbey allowed herself a smile. Gently she said, “Margaret, you could try calling him Jed.”

Abbey's hand on her arm stopped Margaret in mid-sentence. “Leo is our best friend. You are Leo's wife. I think that qualifies you to use our names.”

“I will try. I promise. I'm sorry.”

“Come on.“ Getting up, Abbey reached out a hand.

Margaret took it and allowed herself to be lead back downstairs.

Margaret and Abbey were walking through the hallway when they met CJ coming out of the downstairs bathroom.

“Stevie was trying to eat ice cream and bounce at the same time, I caught the ice cream,“ she grinned, motioning to the dark wet patch on her skirt. “Hey, Margaret.“ CJ noticed the over use of make up and the obvious dark circles, but smiled sweetly.

Margaret stepped forward to hug her, “You’ve lost weight CJ.”

CJ smiled weakly. “It’s a new diet, it’s called worrying about Toby. I’ve lost ten pounds.“

“What aren’t you saying?“ Abbey enquired. Looking between the two women and making a note to speak to Leo and Toby later.

Margaret moved to leave and CJ stopped her, “Don’t go. It’s going to be public knowledge soon enough. I think we’re splitting up.“ She said it so calmly it took a few seconds for it to register.

“Oh CJ,” Margaret started. “No wonder Leo’s been so down on him. And the meetings with Josh and Sam, the late night phone calls….”

CJ went wide eyed, “Margaret, what are you talking about?”

Margaret looked everywhere but at CJ and bit her lip, “Oops, Leo always said I’d put my foot in it one of these days.“ She took a deep breath, “You should talk to Leo, better still Toby.”

CJ pulled herself up to her full height and pushed her hair off her face, “Don’t worry I intend to. Why is it, even now, after everything we’ve been through, they still shut me out?“

Abbey touched her arm and tried unsuccessfully to get eye contact.

CJ was already moving, her eyes and hands preparing for battle.

Abbey spoke firmly, “Not here and not now.”

CJ stopped and turned to face her.

Abbey’s eyes were warm and gentle, but her body was stiff and her mouth set in a firm line, “It’s Jed’s Birthday, he doesn’t need stress. Come with us, Danny’s about and I know he’d love to see you.”

CJ shook her head, “God Abbey, I’m sorry, I never meant to…. Danny’s here?”

Abbey nodded and led the two women back out to the party.

******

CJ spotted Danny across the lawn and strode towards him.

He was deep in conversation with Carol and didn’t see her approach until he heard her voice.

“Hey Fishboy.“

“CJ?“ he called, almost spilling his beer. “Hey.“

Carol looked between them and excused herself. She didn’t like the look in Danny’s eyes or the way CJ was toying with her skirt.

“How are things, Danny? CJ asked, looking around the property.

He followed her gaze and shrugged. “You still with HIM?“

“Yeah.“

“Does he know?”

“There’s nothing for him to know. It’s not like anything happened,” CJ said, her voice rising.

“Keep telling yourself that,” Danny clucked. “Wanna find a barn and test the theory?”

CJ shook her head and walked away. She needed to find Toby or be alone and calm down.

******

“Josh. Have you seen Leo or Toby?” Margaret asked pulling him to one side. She had told Abbey she needed to use the washroom, and having not found her husband, decided to settle on the next best thing.

Josh grinned, “Not since we arrived, can’t keep your hands off him?”

Margaret blushed in spite of herself, “Oh let me see. Broom cupboard. Marriott Hotel. Charleston. May 1998.“

It was Josh’s turn to blush; It had been Mandy’s moaning that had summoned the others and the sight of Josh with his pants around his ankles that had been the source of much amusement since. “You want me to go find them?”

Margaret nodded, “CJ’s on the warpath.”

Josh rolled his eyes and went off to find his two mentors.

******

“Toby, talk to me,” Leo pleaded. “The chances are I might be able to help.”

He watched as Toby continued to pace, his hands moving wildly through the air as he formed sentences in his head.

“Toby, you need to actually say it for me to help.” Leo rubbed his temples, wondering if Toby had the courage to ask for the help he really needed.

“I'm an alcoholic. I have been for a while,” Toby finally said in a rush of breath.

Leo sighed. “Tell me something I don't know.” He sighed again as he realized how harsh that sounded. “Phoning me at three in the morning pretty much convinced me of that. So what are you going to do about it?”

Toby shrugged and paced away from Leo.

“What else?” Leo asked, dropping his hands into his lap.

“CJ wants to split up.” His voice was so matter-of-fact and quiet that Leo had to lean forward to catch it.

“CJ wants to split up, or she’s left you or you’ve pushed her away?”

“Her stuff’s still in the apartment. It, we haven’t been getting on all that well lately.” He threw his hands up in the air and shook his head.

Leo let a glimmer of a smile cross his face as he watched Toby flustered and trying to keep his emotions in check. He tucked it away and asked, “Do you want it to be over?”

“NO!” Toby’s voice was determined and clear. He loved CJ, always had, even when she was enjoying flirtations with other guys, even when he was still married.

Leo nodded. “Toby, you both have to want to make this work. It’s no good burying your head in the sand and hoping it gets better. She’s probably just as confused as you are.“

Leo let it sink in. “And you have to get help with the other problem. Take it from someone who knows. You can‘t do it alone.”

Toby rubbed his beard, a sure sign he was stressed. “Help me.” He swallowed hard and avoided Leo’s eyes. He couldn’t bear for anyone to see him that vulnerable.

Leo nodded. “Look, this is something I know about. Let me make a coupla calls. We'll get this done.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m guessing there’s more,” Leo said, wryly. “CJ, alcohol. How’s work?”

“I can’t write anymore. I’m bored. CJ comes home every night, full of stories and I’m still staring at a blank page,” he groaned.

“So stop writing, try teaching, the lecture circuit, taking a break,” Leo suggested, waiting for Toby to admit what was really on his mind.

“I want to go back, Leo. We watched a good man get elected, twice, against the odds. I want to do it all again.” Toby turned to look him in the eye, “I miss the 18 hour days, actually being part of something worthwhile, I hate being on the sidelines. I’ve watched Hoynes screw up social security, befriend big business, CJ hates how he betrays the sisterhood.” As Toby was talking, his hands were waving frantically in the air, emphasizing his dismay.

Leo watched him with a grin forming, “So get off your backside and do something about it. What was it you said, about not suiting up for battles?“

“How?“ Toby wasn’t sure how to do anything anymore. Apart from screw up that was.

“Find a candidate and do it.” Leo was confident. He’d put his faith in these people before and he would do it all over again. Of course Josh would want a part of it. But Leo couldn’t leave Margaret and he was too old to suit up again. No, he could advise from the sidelines.

“Sam.”

“Sam?” Leo let the name roll around in his head, the ideas flying thick and fast.

“The all American guy, good looks, brains, he’s well liked on the Hill, his work at the center has given him a public image. His wife is successful, Stevie and little Leo are good kids, those that cry out for family values will love him. He’s not that naïve anymore, Leo. He’s got one incident in his past and with the right Press Officer we can get over that.” The arm waving was increasing as Toby circled around him.

Leo rose to his feet and touched Toby’s arm to still him, “You’ve given this some thought.”

“Can we do it?”

“We?”

“Yeah, we.”

“Toby, I’m too old to campaign,” Leo said sadly. A few years earlier and he would have jumped at the chance. And Margaret would have put him under house arrest.

“I’m fifty-six, I’m hardly a spring chicken,” Toby sighed. “But you’d back us, if we did this?”

“Well, yeah.”

“And you think we can do this? I mean, we’re still in the game?” Toby asked.

Leo nodded and they slipped into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. “Toby?”

Toby snapped his attention back to Leo. “Yeah?”

“Go find CJ.”

Toby nodded slightly then was gone, leaving Leo alone in the dusty outbuilding.

Moving to the doorway, he looked out across the land which surrounded the farm. He envied Toby for the future, but maybe not right then.

As Leo walked through the rose garden looking for his daughter he failed to notice the figure sat on the love seat under the arbor.

CJ waited until he was a few feet away and called, “Leopold.”

He spun around, “God CJ, you scared me to death. What are you doing here all on your own?”

CJ slid across the seat and motioned for him to sit down. “Just thinking. What about you?”

“Looking for Mal.”

“In the Summerhouse with her husband. Sam and her have been married what, five years and they’re still acting like newlyweds. What gives?” she grimaced.

Leo frowned, “How do you think I feel. They finally split up and she starts dating. Then Abbey decides to meddle. Next thing he’s on my doorstep asking permission. Not that he’s a bad son-in-law. But she wants a girl so they keep trying.“

CJ laughed.

“So what are you thinking about?“ Not that he didn’t know.

CJ stopped laughing and looked away.

“You can talk to me. Maybe I can help.“

“I’m past help,“ CJ sighed.

“I don’t believe that. Look at me. A recovering alcoholic and drug taking divorcee and now I have Margaret.“ He grinned. “Is it about Toby?”

CJ sighed, “It’s not all his fault. This is just the latest in a long line of things. We should have called it a day after the miscarriage.“

“That wasn’t your fault. Quit blaming yourself.“

CJ raised an eyebrow.

“Toby told me.” He gazed into the distance. “Margaret had a miscarriage before we were married.”

“I didn’t know.”

“We didn’t want anyone to know. Toby stayed with me that night, bringing coffee and listening while I babbled away. It was no one’s fault.”

“If we hadn’t waited so long. I was 45, drinking, I didn’t even know I was pregnant. You didn’t see his face when they said there wouldn’t be another chance.“

Leo took her hand, “He stayed because he loved you. You two really need to talk.“

CJ leaned forward, her hair falling in her face. “We quit talking months ago.”

“Then maybe it’s time, you tried again,” Leo prompted.

“And maybe it’s too late,” CJ surmised. “It’s too late for a lot of things.”

“CJ?” he asked, reaching for her hand.

“Don’t worry about it.” She lowered her face briefly. “Is he sick?“ Her deep brown eyes gazed at him, brimming with tears.

“Jesus, CJ, where did that come from?“

“Late night phone calls, secret meetings. You knew he was sick and wanted him to tell me.” It was all making sense to her now.

“Margaret,” Leo groaned. “CJ, if he’s sick, he hasn’t told me. He phones me when he’s drunk, when he wants to yell at someone, and he doesn’t want it to be you. Half the time I can’t understand him.”

“What are the meetings about?” she asked quietly.

“Sam and Josh are worried about him too. They come to me and I tell them what’s going on. They both want to brain him. And I’m pissed at him because he’s making you unhappy. You don’t deserve that. Okay?“

“So why does he want to split up?“ Her voice still held a touch of uncertainty as she stared at him, trying to read his thoughts.

“Has he actually said that? No. So stop imagining the worst and talk to him.”

Leo rubbed her knuckles with his thumb. He wasn’t sure when he became the resident marriage guidance counselor, it just seemed to be a role they’d developed especially for him.

“What if he doesn’t want to listen?”

“Then try harder. Do whatever it was you did before to get him to listen to you. If you love him, you need to work at it.”

She nodded reluctantly as he stood and pulled her up with him, “We’d better rejoin the others or Margaret will start worrying.”

“Yeah, she still worries if the sun’ll come up.” Leo shook his head.

“Is everything okay?” CJ asked as they headed towards the house. “Margaret was crying earlier.”

Leo looked at her blankly for a second. “She’s been emotional a lot lately.”

“Menopause maybe,” CJ muttered. “I’m going to try the bar, chances are that’s where he will be.”

Leo nodded and went into the house to find Margaret. A slow churning started in his stomach as he thought about what CJ had said. Something told him it was a little more serious than the menopause.

******

Toby found himself in the library staring at the pictures of the Bartlet family, wondering what if anything they would make of this Jewish New Yorker in their Catholic, New Hampshire home.

Outside the guests were starting to leave while caterers cleaned the remnants of the afternoon.

Sam watched him from the doorway, retorts swimming through his mind. In the end he settled for a quote. “Thinking: the talking of the soul itself.“

“Plato.“

“How have you been Toby?” Sam asked taking a step closer to his former boss. He knew how he’d been. Leo had made sure of it.

“If I say good you know I’m lying, if I say bad you’ll want to help,“ Toby replied turning to look at him. Sam was the same as ever, looking like something out of a Hilfiger ad with his knitted sweater and dark pants.

“We all want to help,“ Sam offered, touching his arm.

Toby moved back away from him and changed the subject, “I read about the case, you managed to bypass the first amendment.“

“They were children, black and Jewish children on their way to school, and the men were cowards, you don’t hurl bottles and racial slurs at children, free speech or no free speech.“

“You should have been there to see it, he blew them out of the water, he is still so da man,“ Josh yelled entering the room.

“Please tell me the White House Chief of Staff wasn’t sitting in the courtroom with the national press. Josh, you can’t do that anymore,“ Toby stated, massaging his temples with his fingertips.

Josh stopped bouncing; “I was supporting a friend, and justice was done.”

Leo stood behind Josh grinning, “This takes me back, Sam on the side of right, Josh over-enthusiastic and Toby putting the pessimist spin on it. All we need is CJ slapping you around. Have you told them yet, Toby?“

Toby growled and continued to walk along the pictures.

“Toby.”

“You want me to just spring it on them. How do you want me to phrase it? Hey, Sam, wanna be President?“ Toby shouted in the corridor like room.

Sam looked visibly shaken, “President, me?“

Josh was looking at each of his former colleagues, “Hey, why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because I’m the brains of the operation, Sam’s the looks and you’re, well, we let you tag along,” Toby replied, his beard revealing the hint of a smirk. “Sam, Leo and I were talking, we need a candidate who actually cares, someone the people like. We can get a team together and get you elected. Do you want to be President?”

“Yes, who wouldn’t be, but I can’t just make a decision like that. There’s Mal, and the kids. And the Democratic party, the Vice President.“

“You convince Mal and leave the rest to us,” Leo said.

“Planning to return to politics there, Beaker?“ CJ asked from the doorway.

“Beaker?“ Josh mouthed to Sam.

“The geek assistant from the Muppets,“ Sam whispered.

“Oh God. CJ, we’re floating the possibility of Sam running…“ Toby started but trailed off.

CJ let out a deep breath and gave him that look that said, “Are you stupid.” “Moving to Washington, giving up writing, twenty hour days, and walking out on me, you didn’t think of floating the POSSIBILITY with me?”

Leo motioned with his head to the two younger men and they tried unsuccessfully to leave. He had just assumed Toby had found CJ and talked.

“Stay, I’m the one leaving,“ with that she turned on her heels and headed back to the party.

Toby hesitated, his head in his hands as the three of them looked at him, then in chorus, “Go after her.”

Toby glanced up, saw the look of disbelief on their faces, and shuffled off in pursuit.

Toby found her in the den, her back to the door as she stared out of the window.

Her hands were in fists at her side, nails digging into the palms as she fought to hold off the tears; the last thing she wanted was Abbey to see her like this. There would be too many questions and she wasn’t sure she knew the answers anymore.

Toby watched, running through his speech in his head. “CJ,“ he started softly.

She didn’t turn as she spoke, “Come to tell me I’m over reacting?”

“No. Can we talk?“

CJ shrugged.

“What you heard. We weren’t shutting you out. I didn’t know whether you’d want to be part of it, hell I don’t know if Sam does yet. I mentioned it to Leo, and it came out.“

CJ turned to stare at him, “You mentioned it to Leo. You should have mentioned it to me.”

“We haven’t exactly been talking lately.“ He paused as anger flashed in her eyes, “And yeah I realize that’s mainly my fault. CJ, there’s so much I should have told you. But, you are moving on with your life, I’m standing still.”

“For a communications expert you suck at communicating,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“I’m an alcoholic.”

“Yeah, tell me something I don’t know.”

“It’s affecting other things.”

“Are you sick?“ she asked falling into the leather recliner.

“Oh my god, CJ, no. Is that what you’ve been thinking? The doctor says if I don’t stop my liver will be shot to pieces but for now I’m fine.“ Toby moved across the room and knelt beside her, “I’m going to get help, Leo knows people.“

“Good. What about Sam’s campaign? Is that what you want?“ Her voice was almost inaudible.

“If Sam wants to go for it, I want to run the campaign. The writing is okay but it doesn’t make me happy. Life has been pretty terrible lately.”

“Geez, Toby, thanks a lot,“ she said flatly.

“That’s not what I meant. I kept thinking you were going to walk out the door. Part of me thought it would be better, you deserve more than this.“

She laughed coldly, “The thought crossed my mind, but experience dictates you always come back for me.”

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” He quoted.

“Very eloquent. Do you want to end it?“ she croaked, unable to look in his eyes.

“No,“ he said firmly.

“So why the separate beds?“

Toby blushed and looked at the carpet, “Because I wasn’t entirely sure I could manage it, that is to say I may have….”

“I get the picture. Things like that you should be able to tell me. If you can’t, then we shouldn’t be together. What else?”

Toby looked up at her and found her face staring down at him, her fingers playing with the hem of her skirt. He couldn’t read her expression except her eyes were watery. “What more should there be?“ He asked placing his hand over hers.

“I’m an alcoholic, I’m impotent, my life sucks, anything else you can’t talk about?”

“Lots.“

“But you can pick up the phone to Leo?” she asked incredulous. “We’ve known each other forever, but each crisis, you go to him.”

“CJ, I couldn’t . . .” He groaned when he realized she wasn’t going to listen to his excuses anyhow.

“Yeah, you couldn’t.”

“And you, there are things you haven’t told me?” he accused.

CJ flinched. He was right. But how could he know?

CJ pulled herself out of the chair and moved away from him, turning her back towards him, “You mean Danny.” She rubbed her eyes. “The lecture I gave in Baltimore. Danny was in the audience, we had dinner, we… hell, I kissed him. It didn’t go any further because I was staying with Carol.“

“Did you want to sleep with him?“ Toby asked, rising shakily to his feet and crossing the room until he was right behind her. “If you’d been in a hotel, would you have?“

Silence filled the room as neither said anything.

“That’s my answer I guess. I deserve it,” he growled, walking away.

CJ continued to stare at the painting on the wall, wondering why it was exactly she hadn’t told him the truth.

Sam couldn’t believe his luck. Not only had he married a beautiful woman, but she was supportive and loving too. He hadn’t expected her to say yes to his crazy idea about running for President, but she had.

His hands roamed her body as he deepened the kiss.

The sound of someone clearing their throat shattered the moment.

The couple broke apart and turned to find Margaret sheepishly standing near by.

“Abbey sent me to round everyone up for cocktails.”

“Yeah, Mom,” Sam replied. Although he wouldn’t dare call Leo, Dad or Jenny, Mom he liked to tease Margaret despite their closeness in age. And, on a more serious note, she had been there for him after his mother’s death and helped Leo come to terms with the idea of him as a son-in-law.

“Do you fancy being mother to the President?“ Mallory teased.

Margaret went wide-eyed, “You’re going to run?”

Sam grinned, “It’s under discussion.”

“Okay.“ She bobbed her head. “Leo’s going to be in heaven. He’s bored at home and driving me crazy. This is just what he needs.”

“Well, we are only talking about it,” Sam said, sheepishly. “No guarantees.”

Margaret reached for Mallory as her head spun and she couldn’t focus.

“Sam.”

Sam moved quickly, grabbing her by the waist and holding her firmly. “Are you okay?”

Margaret closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Yeah, I must have moved too quickly.”

Mallory and Sam exchanged worried glances.

“I’m going to get Ellie,” Mallory said firmly.

“NO!”

Mallory turned sharply around. “Why not?”

“Because I’m dizzy, that’s it. Once I eat something and sit down, I’ll be fine.” She smiled weakly and squeezed Sam’s hand. “Let’s go and join the others.”

“You sure?”

Margaret nodded and gripped his elbow, allowing him to lead her back inside.

*****

Abbey was leading her husband towards the Drawing Room when Leo caught them up. He took Jed’s other arm and walked with them. Between them they helped Jed into a chair and made him comfortable.

Abbey left to check on the caterers leaving the two old friends alone.

“So are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Leo watched him blankly, “I don’t know what you mean, Jed.”

Jed shook his head, “I know Abbey can be quite forceful when she wants, but they’re family, Leo. If there’s a problem I want to help.”

They had been friends for 55 years and there was little Leo would keep from his friend. “Toby’s finally admitted he’s an alcoholic, he’ll get help by the end of the week. He and CJ are talking, at last. I have faith she’ll make the right decision. Josh loves Donna but he won’t fight for her, and I think she still loves him. And Sam might be running for President.“

“And you and Margaret?”

“Margaret’s worried about me getting old, I’m worried about what happens when I’m gone.” He wasn’t about to tell Jed the truth.

“Dinner should be interesting tonight, then.”

“Jed, don’t try intervening.”

“Me?” he asked innocently, grinning as the guests began to join them.

The dining room had been set for sixteen, Abbey having gone to the trouble of laying place cards at each setting. She wanted to make sure everyone sat exactly where she wanted them.

At the sound of the small dinner bell, the guests shuffled into the room and undertook the process of finding out who they were seated next to. The kids were in the den, being carefully watched over by one of the McNally girls, leaving the adults to indulge.

Things were going well as they sat down to the appetizers. Conversation was settling on happy moments and children.

Jed looked around the table and smiled. “I’d like to propose a toast.”

The men collectively groaned.

Jed continued as if nothing had happened. “On this, the occasion of my seventieth birthday, there is nowhere, and no one I would rather be celebrating with. My grandchildren are down the hall, watching old family movies, and my children are all in the same room together. That makes me happy.” He sipped from his wine glass. “My best friend is looking better than ever and my wife, is as always by my side. You have all given me a great gift. And that is why I would like to propose a toast. To Family.”

The gathering rose to their feet and chinked glasses before sitting back down.

Jed cleared his throat. “So am I going to attend another wedding before I go or not?”

Ellie whimpered and lowered her head, her hair dragging across the table.

Toby rubbed his scalp and glanced across the table at CJ. She looked away, sadly.

“Jed,” Abbey warned.

“Don’t Jed, me. You want it as much as me.” He waved his hand at her. “Flowers, dresses, cakes, you love every minute of the planning.”

“We’re here to celebrate your birthday,” Abbey chided, noting CJ glancing nervously at the door.

“My Birthday. And I’d like to see my two remaining girls walking up the aisle,” he continued. “Though I guess with Toby being Jewish, a church wedding is out of the question.”

CJ blinked back tears as she stumbled to her feet. “Excuse me, I need some air.” She didn’t look back as she dropped her napkin on the table and disappeared.

Donna looked at Josh and took a deep breath.

He nodded back at her. Someone needed to change the subject.

“Guess what? Josh and I are taking the kids to Disney World this summer.”

Josh nodded. “I get to meet my childhood hero.”

“Do they have ballerinas at Epcot?” Sam asked, poking his tongue out.

The tension dropped by degrees as Toby continued to stare at his plate and Abbey glared at Jed.

Margaret rose shakily to her feet. “I’ll go talk to her.” She waved her hand in Toby’s direction. “You’ll only make it worse.”

“She has a point,” Jed said a loud.

Toby growled.

******

Margaret headed outside onto the porch. She caught sight of CJ on the swing and went to join her.

“Can I join you?” she asked quietly.

CJ shrugged and continued to pick at her hem.

“Tell me to mind my own business, I won’t be offended. But what is it with Toby and you?”

“There is no Toby and I,” CJ said flatly. “At least after today, anyway.”

Margaret settled back and started to rock the chair gently. “You know he loves you, right? Worships the ground you walk on. Has done since, well since forever. I remember the night he told Leo he wanted to bring you on board. That was the first time I’d seen him smile.” She winced as a stabbing pain shot through her.

“Margaret?” CJ asked, turning to look at her.

She waved her off. “Just indigestion.”

“You didn’t eat anything,” CJ said, matter-of-factly.

“From earlier.” Margaret took a deep breath and counted to ten as the pain subsided. “He had you on this pedestal. I thought he was exaggerating, but then we met you, and he wasn’t wrong.”

CJ shook her head. “Screwed up little me.”

“No, someone we all aspired to be,” Margaret admitted. “You were so strong, capable, and everyone loved you.”

“All show. I’m just as messed up as the rest of the world. I have this great job. But it’s not what I want.” She shook her head sadly. “All I really want is to be at home, with my husband and family. I couldn’t even have a baby.”

“Apparently neither could I, and I’m not a failure, so you definitely aren’t,” Margaret appeased.

“I’m sorry,” CJ offered. “I didn’t know until today. Leo mentioned it. You would have been a good mother.”

Margaret gave her a small smile. “Well considering the fact you and I have been mothering Leo and Toby for years, we haven’t done too bad a job.” She waited until CJ smiled back. “So, you want to get married? To Toby?”

“Of course.”

“You could have asked him.”

CJ scoffed, “He isn’t interested in commitment. You should have seen his face when I first suggested I move in with him.”

“No worse than Leo’s when I told him we were getting married or I was leaving,” Margaret laughed then tensed up. She looked at CJ then stared off into the distance. “I’m not sure he could cope without me.”

The wistful note in Margaret’s voice had CJ reaching for her hand. “Let’s hope he never has to find out.” She paused then grabbed Margaret’s other hand. “Okay, that’s it. You either tell me what’s wrong or I’m asking Leo.”

“Won’t do you any good, he doesn’t know,” Margaret said out loud, then groaned. “That wasn’t supposed to leave my head.”

“Well it did,” CJ pointed out. “Please, maybe I can help.”

Margaret gripped her hand tighter and turned to face her. “I have an aneurysm. It’s the size of a lemon and growing fast.” It felt good to tell someone, to actually acknowledge it out loud.

“Oh Margaret.”

“Yeah, sucks, doesn’t it?” Margaret commented dryly.

“And you haven’t told him? He’s going to pop a blood vessel when he finds out,” CJ dead panned.

“It’ll be too late.”

CJ looked at her blankly.

“The growth is attached to one of my arteries, it’ll eventually cut off the blood supply and I’ll die.” She swallowed and shook her head. “I’m not having surgery.

“I don’t know what to say,” CJ bit on her bottom lip. “How. . .?”

Margaret shrugged, “How long is anyone’s guess. When it happens it’ll be quick. I won’t feel a thing.”

CJ stood up and dropped to her knees in front of her friend. “You have to tell him.”

“I can’t,” Margaret said in a whisper. “I don’t want to argue with him about what happens next and I don’t want to put him through any more pain.”

“If you die and haven’t told him, how much do you think that’ll hurt him?” CJ asked, softly.

“CJ, I don’t know what to do. I feel so alone.”

“Well you’re not alone anymore. You have me. Here’s me dumping all my problems on you and you have this.”

Margaret shook her head and squeezed CJ’s hand. “I don’t mind. There’s nothing I can do about my problems. You, on the other hand, can.”

“Yeah.”

“We’d better go back inside before someone else comes looking,” Margaret acknowledged, getting to her feet. “I’ll tell him, I promise.”

CJ followed her back indoors to the dinner.

Once CJ and Margaret had retaken their seats and everyone had appraised them carefully, the conversation naturally returned to why they were all there. Jed’s birthday.

He grinned around the table at the faces as they pretended to argue about who should give the toast.

Finally, Ellie stood and said a few words, followed by Abbey.

Then Toby shuffled to his feet. He looked nervously about and down at the table cloth before he rubbed his beard. He hated speaking in public, which was why he was a speechwriter and not a lecturer. He glanced up and locked eyes with CJ.

She smiled weakly at him.

He looked at her helplessly.

“You want me to read it?” CJ asked, holding out her hand for the index cards.

He nodded and sat back down again.

CJ cleared her throat and glanced down at the first card. “As I look out upon this gathering, it amazes me that fifteen years ago we had never met. But we came together to get a good man elected, and to fight the good fight.”

Sam smirked and shook his head at Toby.

“What, can’t I use cliches?” Toby growled.

CJ glared at both of them. “And it is because of that one man we are here today. President Josiah Bartlet is turning seventy and CJ and I are honored to be here, to share this special day. And we sincerely hope there will be many more special days.”

The men nodded.

“It is my privilege to propose a toast. To Jed,” CJ finished, raising her glass.

Jed waved his hands in the air. “Wait.”

“Is something wrong?” Abbey asked concerned.

“Annie’s toasting with water. It’s bad luck,” Jed decreed.

Annie blushed and looked at her mother. “Grandpa, I can’t drink.” She waited a beat. “You see, I’m having a baby.”

Jed’s jaw gaped open and he shook his head. “But you’re just a baby.”

“Jed, she’s twenty-five,” Abbey corrected moving to embrace her granddaughter. “We’re going to be great grandparents.”

The others added their congratulations until eventually they remembered the birthday boy and finished the toast.

Jed reveled in the attention, grinning at everyone. His eyes rested on Annie and he shook his head, his baby was going to be a mommy. The last of his little girls had finally grown up.

As everyone retook their seats, the giant cake was wheeled in. Whereas six years ago they had chosen a cake in the shape of the White House, this year the girls had organized a cake of the farm.

Jed shook his head in disbelief, immediately calling for the grandchildren.

They came and gathered around him as he blew out the candles, all seventy of them.

Finally he collapsed back into the chair and glanced at Abbey.

He was exhausted and in need of bed.

Abbey cleared her throat and addressed the group. “I’m going to put Jed to bed, while the rest of you enjoy coffee and cake. We’ll do the presents tomorrow. Nobody leave,” she ordered, helping Jed to stand and taking him upstairs.

******

Margaret gently squeezed Leo’s arm and gazed up into his eyes. “Can we go outside?”

“Sure.”

He slipped his hand into hers and led her out onto the porch.

“Can we walk a while?” Margaret asked nervously.

He shrugged and they headed down the steps and towards the gazebo.

Margaret swallowed and scanned the horizon. She was on the verge of chickening out when she saw the look of contentment in his eyes.

Leo noticed something worrying in hers and tugged them to a halt. “Margaret, please tell me what’s wrong. And don’t say nothing.”

She nibbled on the inside of her cheek as she entwined her free hand with his and turned her body to face him.

******

The feel of his hands on her waist and the bristle of his beard against her cheek was unexpected, but CJ wasn’t about to fight it.

“Hey,” she whispered, covering his hands with her own.

“Hey yourself.” He sighed and stared off into the distance. “Leo loves her very much.”

CJ nodded, pulling him closer to her, wanting to feel secure and loved and safe.

“CJ,” he growled, then his voice softened. “Do you love me?”

Her breath caught in her throat as she caught the tenderness in his voice. Gently she turned her body to face him, his hands still at her waist. “Oh, Toby!”

“I know I’ve been an idiot.”

CJ grinned and raised an eyebrow.

“It takes two,” he grumbled, a hint of a smile tugging at his mouth.

“Why do we keep doing this to each other?” CJ slid her hands up to wrap around his neck. “I mean why couldn’t we fall in love in our twenties, get married and be happy?”

Toby chortled and shook his head. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“Yeah,” she breathed. “You really think I don’t love you?”

*******

“Leo, there’s something I need to tell you,” Margaret started, her hands squeezing his tighter as his eyes clouded over.

“Okay.”

“I’m not sure I can do this. I’m going to fumble and say it wrong.”

“Margaret, what’s wrong?” Leo asked, his voice increasing in concern.

“I have an aneurysm,” she stated calmly. At the look of complete shock on his face she panicked. “It’s growing around an artery, cutting off the blood supply to my heart. I’m on pills and the specialist is monitoring it. . .,” she trailed off. “Leo?”

He stared back at her, his forehead creased and his eyes lacking their usual lustrous. “How long have you known?” His voice was disbelieving, his mind flooded with questions.

“Three weeks,” she mumbled weakly, her hands fidgeting in his with the need to wrap her hands around her body.

“And you’re only just telling me?” His voice faltered as he yelled.

“I couldn’t.“ Margaret glanced passed him into the distance.

“That’s crap. I’m your husband.” He flinched at the bitterness in his voice towards the woman he loved. Somewhere in there was fear but right then he had to fight.

Margaret bit back the tears. “I’m sorry, Leo.”

He dropped her hand and rubbed his forehead. “When do you start treatment?”

******

Toby moved a hand to stroke her cheek. “I love you.”

“I know. I love you too.” CJ rested her forehead against his and sighed. “Things haven’t been easy of late, have they?”

“Story of our lives,” he mumbled, wanting to kiss her but knowing they needed to talk things through.

“I wouldn’t have slept with Danny,” CJ said softly. “And I’m not about to leave you.” She smiled weakly. “But I can’t face another campaign. Not with the press everywhere. It took me a long time to get my privacy back.”

“It may not come off. Sam may not run.”

“Then you’ll find someone else,” she stated confidently. “I can’t stop you following your dreams.”

“What about your needs and your dreams?” Toby pulled back and looked into her eyes. “What do you want?”

CJ swallowed, unsure whether he would really want to hear it. She took a chance. “I want a commitment.”

“You wanna get married?” he asked, surprised. He looked over her shoulder and muttered something inaudible.

“Toby?”

“I think Leo and Margaret have had a fight.”

CJ spun around in his arms and started to move across the lawn towards Margaret. “Toby, go after Leo,” she shouted over her shoulder. With one eye on Margaret and the other on Toby, she repeated, “Go after Leo.”

Toby shrugged, wondering what the hell had just happened and headed off towards the barn.

CJ grabbed Margaret just as she was about to fall to the ground. Holding her tightly, CJ lowered them both to the grass.

The tears wouldn’t stop. Margaret had tried so hard not to let her emotions run unchecked but now she didn’t see the point anymore.

“Hush, it’s going to be alright,” CJ whispered, holding her tightly against her chest.

Margaret shook her head. The very thing she hadn’t wanted to happen had happened. Margaret had told him she wasn’t having treatment or surgery and he’d become angry and confused, demanding she tell him why. And Margaret had tried to explain the risks, but he’d been so worked up about losing her that he hadn’t listened. Instead he wrenched his hand and walked away.

The pain prevented her following and she watched helplessly, his name on her lips.

Margaret sobbed again and wrapped her arms tighter around CJ.

*****

Toby opened the barn door and wandered in. Adjusting to the darkness, his eyes scanned the room for the figure that he knew had to be there.

“Go away,” came a muffled voice, from the corner.

Toby took long strides in that direction. “Can’t do that.”

“TOBY.”

“Leo?” Toby growled, before he realized the voice was muffled with sobs. “My God, Leo, what happened?”

Leo choked back another sob and pressed his fingers to his eyes. “It’ll be fine.”

“Cut the tough guy crap and talk to me,” Toby muttered, moving steadily closer.

“Margaret’s going to die.”

The voice was barely audible and Toby struggled to catch it, but catch it he did and sank onto the hay cart. “Shit.”

*******

“You told him,” CJ stated rather than asked, her hands rubbing Margaret’s back in small circles.

She was rewarded with a hiccup.

“He’s bound to be scared. He just needs time,” CJ soothed. It had become apparent since she’d grabbed Margaret that the woman was fading away before their very eyes. “Toby’ll bring him back.”

Margaret sobbed louder, the tear streams splashing onto CJ’s blouse and soaking into the fabric.

“You’ll get through this together,” she offered, hoping it sounded more convincing than she felt.

******

Silence filled the air in the barn as the two men sat side by side.

Toby didn’t know what to say. He had watched Leo and Margaret since the first day, he’d been there the night of the miscarriage and Leo had been there for him more times than he could remember but now he was powerless.

“She has an aneurysm,” Leo finally said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

Toby rubbed his scalp and didn’t know what to say. Words failed him in the knowledge nothing he could say would help.

“And she won’t get treatment.” Leo’s voice cracked and the tears fell once more.

“I’m sorry,” Toby mumbled, his hand reaching for Leo’s shoulder, squeezing briefly and returning to his own lap.

“What do I do?” Leo asked desperately, turning to stare at Toby in the darkness.

Toby’s thoughts returned to CJ and he imagined if it was her, and his heart cracked. In a split second he realized that he wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. If she was sick, he would do all he could to help her, but he wouldn’t give up.

“You should go find her,” Toby said softly, his gruff exterior melting. “I’ll come with you.”

“But what do I say?”

The shift in roles wasn’t lost on Toby. He had never seen Leo helpless before, not that he felt any better himself. There was no easy way out, no quick fix and that was really his only speciality.

He swallowed. “I guess you’ll know what to say when you see her,” he offered encouragingly.

“I love her, “ Leo stated, glancing towards the door. “I love her red hair, the way she can express everything in one of her stares and I even love the way she fusses over me. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

“I think you know what to tell her, then.” He rose to his feet and took two steps in the direction of the door. “Come on.”

As Leo got up and followed him, he composed himself. “Thank you Toby.”

“CJ and I are here for both of you,” he muttered, part way between a growl and a whisper.

Leo smiled briefly for the first time in twenty minutes at the knowledge Toby and CJ were going to make it. It faded when he realized Margaret might not be around to see it.

They walked back outside and headed towards where the girls were sitting.

At CJ’s whisper, Margaret struggled to her feet and moved towards Leo. He was quicker and pulled her into his embrace, holding onto her as tightly as he could, whispering that he loved her and it was going to be alright.

Toby reached for CJ’s hand and tugged her in the direction of the house, glancing at her and smiling. He was going to give her the commitment she wanted.

The hotel ballroom was packed to the brim. On every available surface large floral displays of lilies and roses stood, cascading onto the floor. Along one wall a screen of tiny candles stretched, illuminating the room in soft light.

Leo sat at the front of the room, his hands folded in his lap as he glanced around the room. When Toby had asked him to be Best Man he had almost said no, not sure if he would want to celebrate but as he looked around at the family and friends gathered, he realized that it was all about new starts.

CJ’s family sat in the front rows on one side with Toby’s brother and sisters on the other.

Jed and Abbey were sat behind Toby’s family, their hands tightly joined together as they gazed adoringly at each other. Only a few of those gathered in the room knew the effort it had taken him to get there.

Across the aisle Josh and Donna were sitting, surrounded by their children. In the intervening months they had finally worked through their problems and were starting a fresh. If Leo wasn’t mistaken, and he was pretty sure he wasn’t, Donna was expecting.

Sam, Mallory and the boys were behind them. Leo wasn’t sure he could have gotten through the last few months without Mallory. She had been there through his darkest moments, and when she couldn’t, she had ensured the others were.

Behind their parents, sat the Bartlet girls, or women as he was now forced to call them. Zoey and Charlie had baby Dee, short for Delores, in the baby carrier between them. Annie held baby Jed on her lap, bouncing him up and down each time he threatened to cry. The last time Leo had seen the baby, he’d been a few weeks old. Annie had brought him to visit Margaret in the hospital, and he’d watched Margaret’s eyes light up as he’d held the baby out for her to see.

It had been later that evening that Margaret had taken a turn for the worse and Leo had had to make heart wrenching decisions.

He looked away from the baby and wiped away a tear. That had been the worse night of his life.

The string quartet started playing and Toby re-appeared at his side, looking slightly apprehensive.

Leo shook himself from his thoughts and rose to his feet. His hand touched Toby’s shoulder briefly and Toby nodded.

Both men turned to look towards the back doors. They opened and Hogan appeared in the red Vera Wang, CJ had so insisted she have. The young woman took slow measured steps down the aisle and both men shook their heads at the sight of the doc martins peaking out below the dress.

Leo’s eyes drifted back towards the door and he smiled. The diamond eternity ring on her finger glistened back at him. She was, and always would be, beautiful to him.

Margaret smiled back at him, fingering the ring he’d slipped on her finger when she’d woken up from the operation. Her initial reaction had been anger that he’d gone against her wishes, but the look of complete devotion on his face had soon pushed that aside. She continued down the aisle, wondering if he had any idea what CJ had planned.

CJ appeared at the back of the room and began her slow descent.

Toby gazed at her thoughtfully. It had taken them a long time to reach this point, but he knew that it was what he wanted more than anything. They locked eyes and the rest of the room might as well have disappeared.

Taking her position beside him, CJ took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

The judge cleared his throat and began the service.

Twenty minutes later, Toby kissed his bride. As they broke apart CJ glanced at Margaret and smiled. Silently her and Toby moved to one side.

“Ladies and gentlemen,“ CJ began. “There is going to be a slight intermission to the proceedings. The last eight months have been difficult for two of our closest friends and one of them has asked if they might renew their vows.“ CJ looked at Leo and grinned at his bewildered expression. “My husband and I were only too happy to agree.”

Hogan took Margaret’s bouquet as she reached for Leo’s hands.

“What do you say?” Margaret asked, her voice hoarse.

Leo entwined his fingers with hers and grinned. “I say we should book a second honeymoon,” he whispered, turning to face the judge and vowing to love this woman for all eternity.