He left the apartment and wandered up the street. He knocked on Josh’s door and waited. He knocked again more loudly and she came to the door.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming,” She frowned as she saw who it was. “Oh it’s you, I was tidying his living room.”

Leo followed her in, “Doesn’t he have Donna for that?”

“You mean Amy? His girlfriend?”

Leo picked up a red dress, “No, I meant Donna. This is definitely hers.”

“And this?” she asked pulling red suspenders off the lamp.

Leo blushed, “That I wouldn’t know, but she’s got great aim.”

“And god awful taste in men,” CJ commented dryly. “So, you come to apologize?”

“I’m not sure.”

CJ scrunched up her eyes and let the tears flow, pregnancy had it’s advantages.

"Aw, jeez..." Leo sighed, putting his arms around her. "Okay, okay -- I came to apologize, Muffin, I did..." he assured her. "I'm sorry I was such a jerk..."

"You're kinda forgiven," CJ sighed, burying her head in his shoulder.

"Why did you lie to me about your mom?" he asked softly.

"I've been lying about her since I was eight. It's ingrained habit," she confessed. "But I'm sorry, too... I shouldn't have lied to you about it."

“Anything else you want to tell me?” he asked.

She looked up from his shoulder, “No, that’s it, I think. Except…” she said giving him her most sincere face, “Josh has a waterbed in his spare room.”

“Too much information!!”

“Leo, it’s in the spare room because Amy didn’t like it. Josh won’t be home for hours,” CJ purred. When he still wasn’t catching on she ran her fingers down his body, “I was thinking we could go upstairs and have make up sex.”

"I thought you said you'd gone off sex," he muttered.

"I was KIDDING, genius," she said, rolling her eyes in exasperation as she unbuttoned her blouse slowly. "Or, y'know, I'm just wound up enough I could work it on my own..." she purred.

“Which way’s the spare room?” he asked, kicking off his shoes.

CJ grinned and extended her hand, “Top of the stairs on the right.”

"You're sure it's the spare room?" Leo teased.

"Oh yeah..." she giggled as she led him up the steps. "C'mon, I'm dying here!" she rasped as he worked at her clothes.

“Well, if you’d stop wriggling,” he muttered, pulling at her buttons and sending one flying. Neither thought to pick it up.

“When a woman needs satisfaction, she needs it now,” she groaned pushing herself against his hips.

“Will you stop that, I’m not having a quickie in Josh’s hallway?” He slid his hands around her back. “Shit, where’s the damn clasp?”

"It's a sports bra, genius -- there is no clasp! Just pull it up and over..." she moaned, reaching between them to fumble with his pants.

"I can't when you're..."

"Sorry," she giggled, aiding him in removing the bra.

Leo ran a finger across her breast and when she didn’t yelp he squeezed her nipple, “not so tender?”

“Still sore, just be careful,” she warned yanking his fly and pushing his pants down. CJ slid a hand into his shorts and clasped his shaft.

“Yeah, just remember it’s not a toy,” he grumbled as she applied pressure to the base.

“Relax, you’re gonna enjoy this,” she whispered feeling behind her for a door and pushing it open.

Falling backwards she landed on the floor, pulling him down with her, oblivious to which room it was.

"Wow, you aren't fooling arouND!" Leo yelped as she played with his erection.

"No kidding," she purred. "You like that?" she asked, rubbing her thumb quickly up and down his shaft, creating so much heat and friction that her thumb felt like it was on fire.

“Oh baby, light my fire,” he groaned.

CJ pulled away, “Excuse me? You’re singing The Doors to me now?”

Leo shrugged and sucked on her nipple, “You make heaven a place on earth.”

“Belinda…ooh…Carlisle. Did you hit your head?” CJ exclaimed as his hand slid into her the waistband of her pants.

"No, I did not hit my head... either one."

She giggled and moaned as his hand caressed her belly, then moved lower. "Oh, yeah, that's more like it," she groaned, arching her back.

“Can we move to the bed?” he groaned, “I don’t want to hurt Junior.”

“Sure,” she agreed, pulling herself out from under him. “Just make it quick.” Crossing the room she fumbled with her fly and dropped her pants to the floor, kicking them across the room. Leo was discarding his clothes as he rushed to join her. He reached her as his panties went flying past her face.

He watched them land on top of the wardrobe before turning back to her. He groaned when he saw her pleasuring herself and groaning.

“Is this a private party or can anyone join in?” he grumbled.

"If you're gonna join in, you'd better hurry..." CJ purred, grabbing his hand and putting it where her fingers had been.

His free hand went up to thread his fingers through her hair, bringing her closer to him for a passionate kiss that left her tingling in all the right places -- or maybe that was his fingers.

CJ’s hand went back to teasing his erection with her thumb, up and over the tip and back down to squeeze the base. He moaned as she brought him to the point of release and then starved the blood flow. He was rock hard and more than ready, but he knew how much she needed release.

He pulled her back down to him, and said, "Whatever you wanna do, muffin, is fine with me..."

"Is that a promise?" she asked, her eyes glowing with amusement.

"Scout's honor."

"You're not a Scout!" she giggled, pushing him into the bed and kissing him.

“Well, that would make me eight, and this pretty illegal,” he grinned back. “So what do you want?”

CJ looked around the room and her eyes settled on the curtain tiebacks. “Are you up for anything?”

"I said whatever you want..." he invited with a grin.

She nodded and got up to go over to the curtains. She pulled the tiebacks off and dangled them alluringly from her fingertips. "Anything?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Leo wriggled on the bed, “Oh. God. CJ. Yes.”

CJ climbed back on the bed and took his wrist in her hand, removing his watch strap she kissed his wrist and weaved the cord around his arm. Tugging his hand she pulled him towards the headboard and tied a knot.

“Not too tight?” she asked, as his free hand grabbed her arse.

He shook his head, “It’s okay.”

CJ took his other hand and tied it to the other side. Re-arranging the pillows under his head she sat back on her heels., licking her lips.

“Now that’s a sight women would kill for,” she purred. “The sexiest man in politics, naked and tied to the bed.” CJ ran her fingers up his thigh, circling his shaft and across his stomach. “Maybe I should make a few phone calls,” she teased reaching for the phone.

“CJ!” he growled lifting his hips off the bed.

“Or maybe,” she started, sliding her fingers between her thighs.

"God dammit!" he roared, and she raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you said anything," she purred, teasing herself. Her breath caught in her throat and she began to move her fingers faster, her hips rocking as she increased the pressure.

Leo thought he was going to die, just watching her. He was so hard, it hurt.

He lowered his voice so she had to strain to catch his words, “I want to be the one to do it.”

“I need this,” she groaned , panting as the throbbing started deep inside her and her thighs shuddered. “That’s so good.”

Leo bucked on the bed, trying to rub himself against her leg. “Jesus CJ, take me inside you,” he yelled.

She ignored him and as her eyes unfocused and a low groan escaped her lips, Leo yanked on his bonds, cutting off the circulation to his hands. Her groan became a quavering scream as she finally came, and Leo bucked his hips again. "Dammit, CJ...." he growled.

She looked at him for a long time, then straddled his thighs.

“Patience is a virtue,” she said as she lowered herself over his shaft and took him in an inch.

Leo bucked up, his need evident in the way his face contorted.

CJ lifted off him and slammed herself back down onto him.

Leo cried out, “Be careful, will ya.”

CJ slid her hand down behind her and cupped his balls, rotating them in her hands. “Is that better baby?”

He groaned inaudibly.

“Tell me what you want,” she whispered, leaning down and biting his nipple.

“CJ,” he yelped. “I’m not sure…”

CJ increased the pressure on his balls and rolled her pelvis over the head of his penis.

“Fuck me, hard and fast,” he groaned, his face flushing with embarrassment.

"Your wish is my command," she purred, slowly lowering herself onto the head of his cock, then moaning as she dropped down the rest of the way in one slick stroke that had her tailbone hitting his balls hard enough to make him stifle a cry of pain.

But his pain lessened as she rocked her hips, moaning as she found just the right pressure to delight herself as well as him.

CJ reached out on pressed her forefinger to his lips. Leo sucked it in and sighed.

Neither heard the key turn in the lock or the sound of voices, “How should I know where you left it?”

“Duh, Josh, you were the one who took it between your teeth and threw it across the room.”

CJ began to rock more furiously, releasing Leo’s balls and stroking her own clit in time to the thrusts.

“Oh, God, yes,” she moaned.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Leo groaned, lifting his hips to meet her thrusts. “Go on Muffin, give it to me.”

Moving her free hand to his chest she tweaked his nipple and lifted her hips with every forward stroke, “That’s it, Ohwe…I…’ she screamed, as she control of the pace and her eyelids fluttered shut. “Yes, Yes, YES!!!!”

“There’s someone in the house,” Josh muttered glancing from side to side. “Go and have a look.”

Donna rolled her eyes, “It’s your house, you go look.”

“Fucking hell,” came the scream from upstairs.

“Josh, that sounded like Leo.”

Josh's eyes widened. "Okay, so that's what I get for giving them an emergency key..." he groaned, smacking his forehead. "I'm just gonna sneak upstairs and find it, okay?"

Donna nodded. "You want me to..."

"No, you just stay down here," Josh ordered, running quietly up the stairs. He snorted in disgust as he saw the trail of clothes littering his hallway, and pushed open the door to his bedroom. "HOLY SHIT!"

CJ glanced over her shoulder and threw back her head, “Hey Josh.”

Leo tugged at his ties and tried to hide his face in embarrassment.

Josh meanwhile turned around and covered his eyes, “Can you like, cover up or something?”

“Sure,” CJ agreed. Pulling one of the black satin sheets around her, “This okay?”

Josh peeked around, “Oh, yeah, I LIKE people shagging in my bed.”

“CJ,” came a little voice, “I thought you said it was his spare room.”

CJ's eyes widened in panic. "Oh God, I got the wrong room..." she breathed, staring down at Leo with her patented 'deer in the headlights' look.

"Okay, guys, what the hell?" Josh asked, picking up the thong bikini panties Donna had left the night before.

"Make up sex," Leo muttered, uncovering his head from the black sheet that CJ had dangling in his face.

"What the hell did you do this time, Leo?" Josh asked with a sigh.

"Okay, we don't need relationship counselling right now," CJ hissed, glaring at Josh. "Obviously."

"Yeah, well, I don't wanna have to clean up after you guys..." Josh muttered in disgust.

"We'll change the sheets," Leo promised.

“And open the windows or something? Will ya?” Josh whined, turning and walking into Donna.

“Hey CJ,” she glanced further into the room, “Leo. Wow!!! Josh, why won’t you let me do that to you?” she whined. “Actually right now I wouldn’t mind being where CJ is.”

Josh looked between CJ and Donna and panicked, “Out, now.”

“I can feel a headache coming,” Leo mumbled.

CJ smirked and climbed out from under the covers, completely oblivious to Josh's groan as she strolled around the room, naked, in search of her clothes. "Hey, Donna?" she asked. "You see my garter belt anywhere?"

"I think I saw it in the hall," Donna giggled.

Leo's eyes just widened as she headed out into the hall, pausing long enough in front of Josh to tweak one of her nipples and smile with self-satisfaction as she looked down and saw his pants twitch.

“Josh?” Donna said, then when he ignored her, “JOSH!”

“What?” he said leaning around her to follow CJ down the landing.

“You’re staring at CJ!”

“Yeah.”

“Fine, I’m going to untie Leo,” Donna snapped walking in the bedroom and slamming the door.

Josh’s head snapped around, “DONNA!!!!”

"You wanna turn some heads?" Donna asked as she loosened Leo's hands. "Since, obviously, Josh is too busy staring at CJ, and CJ's having too much fun playing with his little mind..." She tugged at one of the knots. "Wow, she really tied this tight..."

"Uh, no, she tied it loose," Leo said, turning bright red.

"Oh," Donna stammered, flushing pink. She finally got the knots untied and watched him sit up and wind the sheet around him. "Um, you want me to..."

Leo bent over and picked up his boxers, and the sheet gapped open at the top, giving Donna a hell of a view.

“I should, uh, go,” Donna stammered.

“That would be best,” Leo mumbled grabbing the sheet and pulling it tight around him.

She pondered a moment too long and her mind was made up. Leaning down she pressed her lips to his, sucking hard on his bottom lip.

“EXCUSE me?” CJ yelled, entering the room, fully dressed, Josh trailing in her wake.

Josh was bug eyed behind her.

“I. Uh. She. Uh,” Leo stuttered.

Donna shrugged, “Had to know why you’re looking so happy/”

“Good isn’t he? Just the right mix of tenderness and ruggedness,” CJ said, knowingly.

“And his skin is so much smoother than I expected.”

"Oh, I bought him some goat's milk lotion to use after he shaves," CJ said with a grin, wiggling her hips for Josh's benefit, then flipping him the bird. "When he uses it, he smells practically edible..."

"That's because it smells like apples," Leo grumbled. "Josh, if you don't stop staring at the mother of my child, I will castrate you now and let you beg forgiveness later."

“Your pregnant?” Donna squealed switching her attention to CJ. “Josh, why didn’t you tell me? Oh this is great. When are you due? Are you going to be married before it pops out?…”

CJ looked at Leo and Josh who was standing open mouthed staring at her stomach, which thankfully was now covered up.

“Donna, do you want to be one of my bridesmaids?” CJ asked hoping to shut her up.

It worked. “Bridesmaid?”

"Yeah, bridesmaid," CJ said. "I mean, I'm going to ask Abbey and my sister-in-law to be my matrons of honor, and my cousin Agatha, Carol, Margaret, Bonnie, Ginger, and you to be bridesmaids." CJ smiled.

"Oh, I'd love to!" Donna shrieked. "Can I wear pink?"

"I would personally gouge my eyes out before pink will be used in my wedding," CJ growled.

"Oh," Donna stuttered. "Sorry..."

Josh was still staring at her stomach. "You're..." he started, but never finished.

Leo sat up in bed, the sheet dropping to his waist, “As much I would love to make wedding plans right now, can we take this downstairs?”

Donna blushed at the sight of Leo’s chest and the slight fluttering she was having in her groin area.

“Yeah, Josh, move.”

“Stop swooning over my boss,” Josh implored, glancing back at CJ. “You’re really having a baby? Wow.”

They carried on downstairs, “So you guys have set a date?”

“Yeah, six weeks. Daddy’s organising it,” CJ informed him, grinning inanely.

“Is that wise, I mean you don’t want Jello and ice cream?” Josh teased.

Donna hit him across the head.

“Ow. Hey does this mean Leo wants someone to stand up with him?” he asked smirking.

"I don't know," CJ said. "We haven't really talked about it yet." She shrugged. "He'll probably use the President as Best Man..."

"And the rest of the morons as ushers?" Donna chimed in.

"Something like -- oh, hell!" CJ yelped, smacking her forehead. "Mallory... oh God, we've got to tell Mallory."

"You haven't told Mal?" Josh asked, aghast. "Wow, you guys sure suck."

"Bite me," CJ muttered, sinking onto the couch. "Oh my God, she's gonna shit a brick."

“Who’s gonna shit a brick?” Leo asked pulling his jacket on.

CJ looked up and grimaced, “Mal.”

“Holy hell. I gotta go,” Leo cursed. “Muffin, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“MUFFIN???” Josh laughed.

CJ hauled off and knocked him on the back of the head with a flat-handed blow that sent him flying off the couch onto the floor, face-first.

"Shit, CJ, that was my NOSE!" Josh shouted.

"Serves you right," Donna muttered. "I think it's sweet -- what do you call him, CJ?"

"Chicken," Leo muttered on his way out the door.

"CHICKEN?" Josh snickered. CJ kicked him. "Hey, didn't you ever learn not to kick someone when they're down?"

"Nope. But I did learn that if you're going to hit someone, you don't hit to connect -- you hit to go through."

Josh flinched and rolled out of range.

“So what do you call him?” CJ asked Donna, grinning.

“Nothing in particular,” she shrugged. “Jackass, wimp, Mop head.”

“Hey,” Josh groaned.

“As much fun as this is I gotta go,” CJ announced. “Can’t leave Dad alone too long. We’re discuss the wedding at the weekend.”

"Can I come sit in?" Donna asked, practically bouncing.

"Uh... yeah, sure," CJ said with a forced smile. She handed Josh the spare key and said, "Since, y'know, we're kind of forbidden to come back... You can give it to Donna."

Donna snatched it out of Josh's hand and cooed. "Thanks, CJ!" she squealed.

"Yeah, CJ, THANKS," Josh said pointedly.

CJ shrugged and walked out of the house and down the row to her home. She opened the door and flinched. "Okay, guys, get a room, PLEASE..."

“Where’s Leo?” Thomas asked, his eyes guarded.

“Gone to explain to his daughter that he’s getting married in six weeks, expecting a baby in February and the fact he’s dating me,” she explained. “And when she’s finished throwing things at him, screaming and yelling he will be back.”

“Sounds like something I’d like to watch,” Thomas giggled.

“I’m going to be soaking in the bath, if you need me. If you’re gonna do IT, please, I can’t stress this enough, do it in your room, okay,” she pleaded climbing up the stairs. “Leo can only afford so much therapy.”

Anita laughed. "CJ, we actually weren't doing anything."

"You were playing tonsil hockey -- that's enough," CJ muttered, running up the stairs. She leaned down and snapped, "By the way, Dad, you'd better marry her now that you've defiled her..."

"CLAUDIA!" Thomas roared.

"What, that standard doesn't hold up for you, too?" she asked tauntingly.

"Oh hush."

CJ sank into the bubble bath and relaxed. It had been a long day in one way or another, and now she was alone with time to consider how quickly her life had changed. She sprayed her fingers over the slight swell of her stomach and talked to her baby.

Leo paused outside the door to Mallory's apartment, then finally got the nerve to actually knock on the door.

"Yeah, hold on a sec!" Eventually, the door opened. "Dad, what are you doing here?" Mallory squealed.

"What are YOU doing home?" he asked.

"Sick day -- I've got one of those stomach flus... what are you doing out of work before 3 PM?" she asked, leading him into the living room.

"Well... we need to talk," Leo said.

"What did you do now -- oh, God, please don't tell me you fell of the wagon!"

Mallory said anxiously, sitting down and taking his hands in hers. "Daddy?"

He cleared his throat, “Mally, I need you to let me do this and listen, before you say anything, okay?”

He at least wanted to get a few words out.

“You’re sick aren’t you? Oh god, daddy?” She said, biting her lip.

“Shush, I’m not sick.” He waited, staring at their hands. “I’ve been seeing someone.”

“Well that’s good, I mean that you aren’t sick,” she babbled. “And you’ve met someone, moving on at last. Does this mean you’re gonna move out of the hotel and get your own place?”

“Uh, I moved out a month ago, Sweetie.” He sighed, any minute she was gonna yell.

She hesitated. "Oh." Then she inhaled deeply. "Is she treating you well?"

"Yeah, she is."

"What's her name?"

Leo bit his lip. "Claudia."

"Okay..." She paused. "Is she a bitch? Is that why you didn't tell me sooner?"

"No, Mally, she's... she's incredible. Really. We're... uh... getting married." Leo waited for the fireworks.

"That's nice, Dad -- do I get to meet her?" Mallory said mildly.

"Yeah... she wants you to come out for dinner with us tonight -- Chez Paris," Leo said.

"You buying?" Mallory asked with a grin.

"Yeah."

"I'm there, then -- what time?"

"Eight okay?"

"Sure -- Dad?"

"Hmm?"

"You know you could've told me this before."

“Yeah.” He drove home, wondering if maybe his new pet name wasn’t so far off the mark.

The house was quiet when he got home, he stuck his head in the living room and groaned at the sight of the mess. Heading upstairs he put his ear to Thomas’ door and smiled when he heard snoring, at least he wasn’t going to get into any trouble. He heard the sound of her voice and smelt the lavender before he found her. He grinned as he watched her from the door frame, telling the baby all about their plans and rubbing her stomach.

“That is really quite sweet,” he teased.

“I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Evidently. We’re meeting Mal at 8 for dinner,” he informed her, shedding his clothes.

“It went that well?” she asked, adding more hot water to the bath.

"Um... yeah."

CJ looked up at him. "Leo?"

"Yeah?"

"How did it go -- really?"

"Okay, I guess. She's happy I've found someone."

"You didn't tell her it's me. Did you?" CJ sighed, shaking her head.

"No, I didn't -- God, CJ... I..."

"Daddy and Anita are coming with us," CJ said firmly.

"It's formal..."

"I know -- you can take Daddy to Neiman Marcus and get him a tux, and I'll take Anita somewhere and get her a gown..."

"God, it sounds like a wedding."

“If she yells and upsets me, it will be your funeral,” CJ snapped climbing out of the bath. “Now look what you’ve done, ruined my whole mood.”

“I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I was going to share the water with you.”

“Well I’m going shopping,” she muttered stalking passed him and into the bedroom. “You couldn’t do it, could you? Chicken.”

“Mal, will be fine, you’ll see,” he said soothingly.

“What, like the way you handled her and Sam?” CJ asked, standing naked, hand on hip in front of him.

"You're kind of dripping..." Leo pointed out.

"Don't change the subject."

"Okay, look -- I'm not gonna be pushed around by my daughter in this, okay? We're getting married and having a baby whether she likes it or not. I'd prefer that she like it, but that's neither here nor there. It's happening." He reached for a towel. "And you're dripping."

"Yeah, I know," CJ muttered as he gently wiped her skin with the towel. "I'm also horny as hell."

“I’m not sure if I’m up to another eight months of this,” he whined.

“That’s a real shame,” she purred, lifting her leg and placing her foot on the bed. “Because right now I’m feeling very generous.” CJ reached between her thighs and began to stroke herself, lightly.

"I thought you were going shopping," he croaked, eyes widening as he licked his lips.

"It can keep a while," she purred, inhaling sharply.

“Well. If you’re sure,” he whispered, lowering his naked body to the floor at her feet, and resting his hands on her thighs. “I’ll do my duty.” His fingers walked up her thighs and stroked at her outer folds.

CJ sighed, “I’m gonna have to lie down.” She sat down and shuffled her bum back across the bed, spreading her legs open wide. “Okay, I’m good to go.”

Leo lifted her legs over his shoulders and began to stroke at her thighs, concentrating on areas that he knew sent her crazy.

She sighed and trembled beneath his gentle touch. "Oh, God -- Leo, that feels so good," she moaned, her back arching as one hand wandered higher and the other lower, to caress the back of her knee.

He smiled and added feathery kisses to his arsenal, and she groaned as he trailed them over the top of her thighs.

She lowered herself back to the bed and allowed her eyelids to fluttered closed. Fighting the urge to clutch at his shoulders and pull him closer, she grasped the sheets instead.

“Leo, I can’t take much more,“ she moaned, arching her back.

His response was too increase the pressure of his ministrations. He glanced down at Little Leo and sighed, he definately wasn’t going to play tonight.

She groaned and panted as he brought her over the edge, her lips forming a silent cry of his name as she plummetted back to earth.

"You okay?" Leo asked softly.

She nodded and chuckled. "I guess Mini-Me didn't want to play?"

"Nah -- he's taking a nap. He's very tired."

"You're just reacting to dinner with Mal," she said sagely, rolling onto her belly and then shimmying off the bed. "I'm gonna get ready and go shopping for Dad and Anita, okay?"

"Why do you want them to come so much?" he asked.

"Well, for one thing, I ought to beat you for that terrible pun... and for another, it's purely damage control. Dad might manage to charm Mal if she tries to kill you. Either that, or he'll smack her into next week." CJ grinned at him as she went to the dresser to get some fresh underthings.

“Either that or they’re gang up on me,” he growled. “I need to finish up some work, why don’t I meet you at the restaurant?”

CJ appraised him with her eyes, “And you won’t chicken out?”

He gave her one of his heart stopping grins, “Me, chicken out, never.”

CJ made clucking noises as she went to fetch her father.

"Come on, guys, we're going shopping," CJ said, smiling a little at Thomas and Anita, who were sitting on the couch, holding hands.

"Why?" Thomas whined.

"Because we're having dinner with Leo's daughter, and you two need formal wear," CJ said.

"But I wanna watch Powerpuff Girls!" Thomas protested.

"It's the same ones you always see," CJ pointed out.

"C'mon," Anita prompted, poking Thomas in the side. "She's buying."

"Actually, Leo is," CJ laughed.

“In that case, lead on,” Thomas said, jumping up. “I need something for the wedding.”

“Daddy,” CJ started, grabbing his shoulders. “Tonight, don’t say anything about the baby.”

“He didn’t tell her?” he asked incredulous. “What is he a man or a mouse?”

"He's really scared," CJ placated. "Mallory can be... quite explosive."

"She's a spoiled brat, in other words," Thomas groaned.

"Something like that, yeah..." CJ sighed.

"And you're taking us along as protection," Anita supplied.

"Something like that. There are going to be fireworks, I guarantee it."

"Good dinner theatre," Thomas finally conceded, getting up and going to get his coat. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

Eight o'clock rolled around, and Leo joined them at the front door to the restaurant. Apparently, Mallory was already there, which wasn't exactly the best omen in the world.

Leo took firm hold of CJ’s hand and led her through the tables to his daughter.

“Daddy!” she cried, getting up to kiss him. “And CJ? What’s this moral support?” she teased.

Leo swallowed and forced a grin, “Mal, sweetie. Claudia Jean’s my fiancee.”

Mallory’s face flushed and she lowered her eyes, when she looked up her eyes were dark and foreboding.

“I know it’s come as a surprise Mal, but it’s what we both want.” She squeezed Leo’s hand, and when all she got in response was silence she pulled her father forward. “This is my father, and his friend, Anita.”

Mallory pasted on a forced smile and shook Thomas's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," she said, trying to keep her voice even. "I'm glad you're buying dinner, Dad, otherwise, I would be out of here in a second flat," Mallory hissed into Leo's ear.

Leo jabbed Mallory in her shoulder and pushed her into her chair. "I don't care if it kills you, you will behave yourself tonight," Leo snapped.

"I guess I can't say the same for you," Mallory retorted. "So, how did you two even get together? Fuck

around in Dad's office?"

“Who the hell do you think you are, young lady?” Thomas snapped, Anita tugging on his arm. “That’s no way to speak to your father. Apologize at once,” he snapped.

Leo stepped in between them , “It’s okay, we’re gonna sit down and talk about this like adults. Cause Mal, you are an adult, or so you keep telling me.”

“Huh,” Mallory growled, slumping into her chair.

“Take a seat CJ, Thomas, Anita. Now why don’t we order some drinks,” Leo whispered, patting CJ’s arm.

"Just some raspberry-flavored airated mineral water," CJ said quietly.

"Oh really?" Mallory said. "You usually go for a grasshopper."

"I'm not in the mood," CJ said, waving her hand. "Daddy?"

"I'd have a beer, except Leo would hit me. A glass of merlot, please."

"I'd like a chardonnay," Anita said.

"I'd like a vodka martini, no olives, with ice and a lemon twist -- make it a double," Mallory said with a sweet smile.

"I'll have the lemon mineral water, stilled," Leo said.

“Well this is nice,” Anita commented, “You and I should come here, Thom,” she said.

“It’s a hundred dollars a plate,” Mallory informed them, “A little out of your league.”

“She really is a spoilt brat,” Thomas said looking at CJ and back at Leo.

Mallory smiled and CJ covered her face with her hand.

“Well, I’m not the one fucking my way up the political ladder. First Toby, now Daddy. What’s wrong, Uncle Jed turn you down on principle?”

CJ smiled sweetly and hissed, "You'd better be glad you're on the other side of the table, or else this fork would be in your leg."

"Oh, I'm so scared," Mallory snapped.

"And, for your information, I never slept with Toby. EVER," CJ growled. "Honey, I'm going to go to the powder room for a minute."

"I'll come with you," Anita said, getting up and following CJ.

“How dare you?” Leo snapped. “She’s never done anything to hurt you. Christ she didn’t have the ivy league education you did.” He slammed his hand on the table and Thomas jumped. “I love her, I’m going to marry her and we’….”

“Leo!” Anita called, her face deathly white. “Call an ambulance.”

"Oh God," Leo whispered, his face paling as he stumbled out of the chair. He kind of tossed his phone at Thomas, and ran to where CJ was on the floor, unconscious. "Oh GOD!"

Mallory followed, standing in the background as she watched Leo attend to CJ, placing his jacket under her head and holding her hand.

“CJ, honey, open your eyes,” he whispered. “What happened?” he asked, looking up at Anita.

“She was right behind me, then I heard her cry and she hit her head on the door frame,” Anita said, her voice fraught with worry. “Is it…?” She asked, her eyes darting to Mallory.

“I don’t know. Where’s the damn ambulance?” he snapped, turning back to CJ. “Muffin, if you don’t wake up soon I’m gonna get cross.”

Mallory watched everything with an air of detachment before asking quietly, “Do you want me to get Abbey to meet you at the hospital?”

Leo glanced up at her, “Yeah. Tell her I’m not sure if it’s linked to her family history or it’s the baby. And call Josh or Toby.” He didn’t register the look of shock on her face as he turned back to CJ.

Her eyelids moved a little before fluttering open slowly. "Wha... Leo... what's going on?" she croaked, trying to sit up, but wincing and falling back to the floor with a moan of pain.

"We're not sure, honey -- how do you feel?"

"Like someone hit me in the stomach with a dull knife..." CJ whispered.

Leo didn’t know what to say, and continued to squeeze her hand, “Abbey’s on her way and the paramedics. You’re going to be fine.”

“Daddy?”

“Anita is with him. You need to keep still.” He glanced around, wishing the ambulance would hurry up.

“Toby.”

Leo looked down, “I’m sorry?”

“It’s the baby, I want Toby,” she said more firmly, reaching up to pull his head down. “Andi lost their baby,” she whispered, “please find him.”

He felt like he’d been kicked in the stomach with her final words, when she should want him she wanted Toby.

“You’re not going to lose our baby,” he said assuredly. “But we’ll find Toby, I promise.”

CJ clung to Leo's hand and moaned, "I just don't want Toby to freak..." She squeezed tighter and bit back a scream. "I... I love you..." she whispered, nearing tears.

"Shh..." Leo whispered, kissing her forehead and holding her hand as tightly as he could. "You're gonna be okay, you hear me?"

The paramedics arrived and pushed Leo to one side, by this time it seemed half of Washington was there, gawking, and Mallory just stood there.

Leo watched as the woman he loved was lifted onto a stretcher and carried out. She reached out and grabbed his hand, hanging on for dear life.

“Mal, take Thomas and Anita home,” he yelled as he passed, “and stay with them will ya?” He was about to add until Donna arrives but CJ screamed and he lost all feeling in his left hand.

The ride to the hospital seemed longer than the night of the shooting, and adverse to blood and needles at the best of times Leo was pretty green by the time they pulled up at GW. He released CJ’s hand as the ambulance came to a stop and Abbey emerged from the building flanked by agents.

“How is she?” Abbey asked.

“Scared,” he said following the stream of medical personnel. “It’s my fault for making her come to this thing with Mal.”

Abbey squeezed his arm, “It’s no one’s fault. Toby’s in the waiting room,” she added. He looked to the direction the trolley had gone and back to the room. “I’ll go with CJ, can’t have you passing out can we?” she teased.

Leo nodded slowly, and turned to go into the waiting room. Once there, he sat down and put his head in his hands.

A while later, Abbey came back out. "Leo, we need to get Thomas here."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because you can't make legal decisions about her health and welfare," Abbey sighed. "It's going to come down to whether CJ lives or the baby lives."

"Oh God," Leo mumbled, tears he'd been holding back beginning to trickle down his cheeks. "She comes first," he said firmly.

“Leo,” she said softly. “Thomas is her next of kin. Until you get married, you have no authority.”

Toby coughed, “I’ll go and get him.”

“No,” Abbey said firmly, “I want you to stay with Leo. I’ll phone Thomas and send a car.”

Leo stood and wandered out of the room leaving Abbey and Toby alone.

“She’s worried about you. How you’re react.”

“I’m fine.”

“But Leo’s not,” Abbey stated, “I need you to watch him for me.”

Toby nodded and sighed. "Damn it."

"Just take care of him, okay? I've got to get back in there." Abbey patted Toby on the arm and disappeared back into the ER.

Toby sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Hey, Leo -- you wanna play cards or something?"

“Jesus Toby, she’s in there and she might die and you wanna play cards!!!” Leo snapped.

Toby rubbed his head, “And you don’t think I know that. You don’t think the idea of her dying doesn’t scare me, don’t you think if I could I’d swap places with her in a second?” He sighed and slammed his hand against the wall.

“I’m sorry,” Leo said, his voice quiet. “I didn’t realise.”

Toby shrugged, “And she never will.”

“Hey guys,” Josh called, entering the room.

"What are you doing here?" Leo groaned.

"Emotional support -- Abbey called earlier. Sam's on his way, and so are the others."

"What others?"

"Nancy McNally, the assistants... Hoynes' people. Everyone's worried -- the President and Hoynes will be along later, even."

“I need to get outta here,” Leo said, standing and marching off.

Toby glanced at Josh, “You go.”

Josh found Leo on the roof, leaning on the doorframe.

“She’s a strong woman, Leo. If anyone can beat this she can.”

“It’s my fault, I should have refused her sex when I found out she was pregnant. It was my job to take care of her. I promised her father,” he said solemnly.

“It’s no one’s fault. Sometimes these things just happen,” Josh said.

Leo raised his eyebrows.

“I’m not a complete jerk.” Josh rolled his eyes. “Margaret wanted to know how you were holding up,”

“You can say it, you know.”

“She was concerned you might have a drink,” Josh said quietly.

Leo laughed bitterly, “I have a worse vice now. And right now she’s laying bleeding on a trolley.”

"She's not bleeding," Josh sighed.

"What?"

"Not yet, anyway."

"What's going on, then?!"

"One of the nerves along her spine has too much pressure on it, and it's stretching in a bad way." Josh sighed. "Abbey says if it breaks, it's going to paralyse her, then kill her."

“I need to be alone,” Leo said. “When her father gets here, after he’s done what’s necessary come get me.”

“You sure?” Josh asked.

Leo closed his eyes, “For once in your life, Josh do what I tell you.”

As Josh opened the door and made his way down the stairs, Leo called after him, “If her condition changes come get me.”

Thomas, Anita and Mallory ran into the waiting room, and Thomas was taken into the ER. When he came back out, his face was dark and ashen at the same time. "It's over," he said. "It's all over."

Anita hugged him, and Josh moved in to add to the hug. "Leo wants you when you get a chance," he hissed in Thomas's ear. "He's on the roof."

Thomas took the stairs slowly, his body weak from shock. He stepped out onto the concrete roof and looked about. Leo was leaning over the edge watching cars come and go.

“Leo,” he called but there was no movement. “LEO.”

He finally turned and tears welled in his eyes.

“Leo, it’s over.”

He watched as Leo sank to the ground, crying openly. Not knowing what to do he leant on the wall next to him.

Silence followed.

Thomas finally managed to say, "It can't happen again."

"What do you..."

"She can't have anymore children -- it can't happen again." Thomas rubbed his eyes tiredly. "She's in surgery now."

Leo shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

“She’s alive?” he asked grasping the reality.

Thomas stared at him, “Oh. My. God. Yes, CJ’s alive. The baby’s gone. You thought…? Leo?”

Leo allowed a brief grin to cross his face, “CJ’s gonna be okay?”

Thomas smiled back at him, “In time. They’re doing whatever it is they do to prevent her anymore pain.”

“I need to see her.”

"When she gets out of surgery," Thomas stipulated. "But you've got to come down and see the get-well committee..."

Leo laughed a little. "Trust her to be the one everyone loves."

"She's covered your butts more times than she'll even tell me," Thomas laughed, putting his arm around Leo's shoulders and leading him downstairs. "She's gonna be fine."

"Yeah, but she's not going to give you any grandkids, is she?"

Thomas shrugged. "That's pie in the sky compared to my girl." He waited until they were back on the ground floor before he said, “Of course when you’re wed, Mal becomes my granddaughter. So what are the chances of great grand kids?”

Leo shot him a look, “Dear God, not any time soon I hope.”

“Leo!” Abbey exclaimed, approaching him. “There’s a room full of people in there or I can pull privileges and you can sit in recovery.”

He looked at her smiling, “I want to see her.”

Abbey nodded and chuckled. "And what were the chances of that?"

"9million to one," Leo commented dryly as she took him into the recovery room. He waited for a while till they wheeled her in, and he took her hand as they woke her up from the anaesthetic.

"Leo," she whispered with a smile, "they put me on some happy drugs..."

He laughed. "No pain?"

"Still pain, but not so bad now... Daddy told me what was going to happen." Her face was now sad. "I'm sorry -- it was my fault. I'm sorry..."

Cupping her face he kissed his forehead, “I don’t want to hear anymore of that. Abbey says there’s nothing we could have done to prevent it.”

“No more babies,” she said wistfully.

“Like you haven’t got enough to take care of, with your dad, and me,” he chuckled. “You are more important than a baby, than the White House, than anything.”

“No point buttering me up, we can’t have sex for at least six weeks,” she grinned.

Leo exhaled in relief. "Thank GOD..."

She reached up wearily to smack him. "You think you're a funny man..."

"How long had you been in pain?" he asked softly.

"A couple of weeks," she confessed. "I just thought I'd pulled something."

"And you didn't tell me?" he sighed, smoothing back her hair. "Oh, baby..."

“Leo,” she whispered. “You still wanna marry me, right?”

He looked down at her, the first signs of wetness on her cheeks, “Oh Muffin, I’d marry here and now if we could.” He felt her squeeze his hand. “But you have to tell me when something’s wrong.”

She nodded as tears fell down her cheeks.

Brushing away the first drops with the pads of his thumbs he began to hum to her.

A soft smile graced her lips, even as she cried silently. She knew he would do anything for her, and knew that he had been right -- along with her father.

He kissed her softly on the cheek, then whispered, "I love you, Claudia Jean Cregg."

"I love you," she choked out, squeezing his hand.

"You're gonna be fine, baby..." he assured her softly.

He held her until she fell asleep and they wheeled her into a private room. He waited while they made her comfortable and an agent appeared at the door before he took the long walk to yet another waiting room, and the people waiting for him.

They all looked up expectantly as he entered and he fought off the urge to cry.

“How is she?” Thomas asked, his voice full of fear.

Leo took a deep breath, “She’s a sleep and will be for some time. CJ’s gonna need some counselling, a lot of rest. Josh you need to gear Simon and Henry up. The rest of you need to, please, go home. You can see her tomorrow.” He looked at Thomas, “Why don’t you go and look in on her? Room 306.”

Thomas went to leave the room and Leo turned back to the others, “I want to stay here tonight. I need…”

“Josh and I will stay with him,” Donna shouted across the room and Jed raised his eyebrows and gave his wife a questioning look.

“Thanks.”

Leo shook his head and chuckled. "Donna, why do you guys love Thomas so much?"

"I'm a loveable guy!" Thomas protested.

"He's sweet," Donna said with a smile, moving to hug Thomas. "And he's perfectly harmless, now that he's got Anita to keep him from pinching other gals' butts."

Thomas's response was to tweak Donna's butt with a wink in Anita's direction.

"Honey, I'm going to stay with Leo," Anita said softly, moving to kiss Thomas on the cheek.

“Give me a few minutes with my daughter,” he whispered.

Leo spent the next five minutes dispersing the others, until only Josh and Donna remained.

“Is there anything you need?” Josh asked, his usual bouncy self on hold.

“You to keep the place running,” he sighed. “It’s not the best time for leave, but she needs me and I know you can handle it.” He turned to Donna, “The sisterhood thing?”

“Yeah?” she replied, surprised.

“Toby needs watching,” he muttered.

Donna fixed him with a grin before she hugged him to her, “That’s what we do best.”

Leo chuckled and hugged her back. "Remind me to tell Josh to give you a raise."

"I heard that," Josh muttered.

"Well..." Donna whispered conspiratorially. "I might be getting a title change, soon."

"You're already the Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff," Leo deadpanned. "What more do you want?"

"Mrs. Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff," Donna giggled.

Leo’s eyebrows reached his hairline and his eyes were like saucers. “Josh?”

He shrugged, “It’s your fault. All this talk about weddings. And then maybe in the middle of something else I mighta asked.”

Leo grinned at Donna, “Donna?”

“He was discussing the EPA with Amy. She said he was a male chauvinist and would never get married. Which is when he hit the speaker phone and proposed.” Donna beamed, “And I said yes.”

Josh ran his hand through his hair, “You could always say it was against policy, or something,” he groaned.

“Donna,” Leo said, “Noah, would have been delighted. Now of course you’re want a big wedding, six bridesmaids…”

Josh groaned as Thomas came back in.

"What about bridesmaids?" Thomas asked.

"Oh, nothing..." Josh stammered.

"We're getting married!" Donna crowed.

Thomas looked at them as if they'd gone totally insane. "You're getting married?" he finally said.

Donna nodded.

"Ah, well, then, I guess that means I can't pinch your ass anymore," Thomas muttered. "Can we please go home? I need to lie down."

Anita smiled and touched Leo’s hand, “I’ll walk him out and be right back.”

Leo sunk onto one of the grey plastic chairs and lowered his head in his hands; just when he thought life was coming together everything fell apart.

Anita watched from the doorway, “If she catches you like this she’ll have your guts for garters.”

Leo glanced up, “What did she ever do wrong to deserve this?”

"She did absolutely nothing, Leo..." Anita said softly, joining him, putting her arm around his sagging shoulders. "Except love you, and that's not wrong."

"Yeah, well..."

"Leo, listen to me -- according to Thomas, you're the best man to ever walk into her life. Even better than Toby. You've got her heart in your hands, and she loves you so much it hurts." She rubbed his back gently. "You're both so good for each other -- you'll get through this. Both of you. And, for God's sake, if you want a baby so badly, adopt one!"

“Yeah. I want to go in there right now and discuss dresses and cakes and flowers and seating arrangements,” he announced. “But right now what I want isn’t important. The baby, the wedding, it’s not what matters, is it?”

Anita squeezed him gently, “No, but you’re both grieving and you’re heal together. I say plan the wedding. When she gets out of here, it will give her something to work towards. You realise how much she loves you right?”

“Not as much as I love her.”

"It's not a competition, you know...,” she teased with a soft smile. "You both love each other so very much, and I don't blame either of you for wanting to grieve and heal. You know, though, if you don't pull your bootstraps up soon, I'm gonna kick you in the ass."

"Don't you have a home to go to or something?"

"Ah, well, about that..."

"Yes, you can stay with us, Anita," Leo sighed.

"Good, because Thom and I love each other very much, and I'd've killed you if you'd've thrown me out. Just kidding, okay? 'Cuz I love you two like my own kids."

“Need money for the taxi, Mom?” he teased back.

“Nah,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine, go and take care of your family.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s nothing,” she offered, “I just wanna get a new outfit for the wedding.”

“I’ll buy you two, one for the day, another for the evening,” he called after her, causing her to turn and blow him a kiss.

Taking a deep breath he left the waiting room and walked down the corridor to CJ’s room.

Mallory was sitting at CJ's bedside, and they were deep in conversation. "I just don't understand..." Mallory sighed.

"I know you don't, and I'm sorry," CJ replied, looking up to see Leo in the doorway. "Get in here and explain to your daughter how crazy we really aren't, please. My morphine is making me giggly."

“She really is crazy,” he nodded. “Me, on the other hand, I’m just the sexiest thing since, well, that John Spencer guy off LA Law.”

CJ began a giggling fit, “Oh Chicken.”

Mallory blinked, “Chicken? She calls you chicken?”

Leo shrugged, “So what exactly am I supposed to be explaining?”

"How this all happened... I mean, for cryin' out loud, it's like you never even really looked at each other, and now you're all over each other. I just don't get it," Mallory sighed. "And besides, the whole friend of mine thing is scarin' the hell out of me."

“So, darling daughter, do you want the bit where she sprained her ankle, where I seduced her with my rugged good looks, or made love on her father’s couch?” he asked as CJ broke into another fit of giggles.

“Mary, mother of Jesus, have you been drinking?” Mallory snapped.

Leo pulled over a chair and took CJ’s hand, “What’s a matter, you didn’t think you’re old man had it in him?”

"No, I just don't want to think of my father having sex with one of my close friends!" Mallory muttered in disgust. "And finding out that said friend is going to be my MOTHER!"

CJ cracked up and nudged Leo. "Doesn't she just sound so much like me about Daddy and Anita?" she snickered, clutching her sides as she laughed.

“That’s it, I’m marrying TOBY,” Mallory shrieked.

“Leo looked between his fiancée and his daughter, “Well I’d do it soon because the way things are going everyone’s gonna be wanting vacation time. Josh and Donna are getting hitched.”

"Why don't you just marry Sam?" CJ giggled, and Mallory smacked her soundly on the arm. "OW!" CJ yelped. "Not funny," she moaned, shifting.

"Mallory, apolog... god, what are you -- two?" Leo asked in disgust as he tended to CJ, trying to make her more comfortable. "Better?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, thanks," CJ hissed, inhaling deeply. "Though I'm sure I'm gonna need a pillow to hold soon..."

"Okay, we'll talk to a nurse," Leo said. "Mal, I hate to cut this short, but I think you'd better go now."

“Okay, Dad, try not to get kicked out.” She said, kissing him on the forehead. “CJ, I’ll try to stop by tomorrow, when you’re more reasonable.”

Mallory left and Leo went back to fussing over CJ, propping pillows up and planting kisses on her forehead.

“You should go home, Chicken.”

“Nah, I’m staying here,” he replied, fully prepared to stand his ground.

“Good,” she whispered, shifting her head on the pillow. “Hold me”

"You sure, muffin?" he asked. "I mean, it's not going to hurt you...?"

"Oh, it'll hurt, but I don't care," she whispered, waiting for him to hold her.

"Well, I do..."

"Leo, please, I need you to hold me."

Slowly and tenderly he wrapped one arm around her back and the other he rested lightly across her chest.

“That better?” he asked, rubbing her back.

“Yeah, but you’re gonna have a dead arm when I fall asleep,” she muttered, as her eyelids began to droop.

“That’s okay with me, Sweetheart. You just get some rest.”

"I will...,” she mumbled tiredly.

Abbey came in the next morning and stopped in the doorway with a big smile as she watched them spooned together on the bed.

It was then that she really realized how much they loved each other.

THE END