Non Sum Qualis Eram part 16
By Ecri
See Part One for Disclaimer and Spoilers.
Sam Seaborn Campaign Offices
Toby's Office
February 1
Toby stared at the second revision of Sam's next speech. He wanted to make notes in the margin to help him turn it into the third revision, but he couldn't concentrate. He glanced at the clock, did a quick calculation and picked up the phone. It was still early enough.
He counted the rings and got to four before he heard Andi's voice. "Hello?"
"Andi, it's me. I wanted to know how the thing went."
Andi smirked, but kept it out of her voice. "The Thing?"
"The thing. You know. The test."
"It went just fine, Toby. Your family is intact."
Toby sat in silence, slightly stunned by what she'd said. "That'sthe first time you've said that."
"I know."
"AndiI'm sorry I'm not there."
"You'll be here when it matters."
"I will."
"I know."
"Have you given any more thought to myquestion."
"Toby, I don't know if it's a good idea to marry someone I've already divorced."
"Maybe not." Toby smiled as he remembered what Sam had said about this. "But maybe it's a good idea to marry someone who loves you, and who you loved enough to make babies with."
"Do you really think we can live together again?"
"Do you really think it's not worth a try?"
Andi smiled, and though she thought about dismissing his question out of hand, she found herself uttering words of quite a different kind. "We'll talk about it when you get home, Toby."
**
The White House
February 1
Josh Lyman was not an idiot, though Toby Zeigler was fond of telling him he resembled one from time to time. It was in that spirit of idiocy, he realized, that he had set up this meeting. Checking his watch for the eighteenth time in two minutes, he grabbed his coat, and his backpack and told Donna he would be out, but was taking his cell and his beeper, and walked hurriedly out of the West Wing.
The cold February air brought tears to his eyes, and his hands sought his coat pockets as he hunched his shoulders and huddled deep within his coat. He called for a taxi and gratefully soaked up the relative warmth. "Lincoln Memorial." His gaze drifted out the window as he again contemplated how asinine he was being, but he had to do this.
By the time he finally reached his destination, he wasn't questioning the meeting so much as the location he had picked, but it was far to late for a change of venue.
He paid the cab driver and walked towards the memorial. He didn't look around or glance at his watch. His contact would have to find him.
It didn't take long before he heard a cocky voice call his name. He turned in the direction of the call. "Kevin Khan." He stepped forward.
"What's with the clandestine act, Lyman?" Kevin's forced bravado didn't cover his trepidation.
"I wanted you to know I have evidence."
"Of what?"
"Of your conspiracy. You back off and leave Sam Seaborn alone. You tell Tom and Sarah Jordan and Scott Holcombe to leave Sam alone. You lost. You don't get a do over."
Kevin looked away then back again. Irritation and hatred at the mention of Sam replaced his uneasiness. "Assuming I have even the vaguest idea what you're talking about, what if Iwhat if we don't?"
Josh kept his hands at his sides, careful to make no threatening gestures, but he took a step forward invading Kevin's personal space. "If you so much as send him a birthday card, pass him in a restaurant, or watch him on television, I will send my evidence to the Washington Post. I have friends there."
"What evidence?" Kevin tried to sound disdainful, but could barely manage irritation.
"Evidence of conspiracy. Evidence of the pay offs. Evidence of your attempt to sabotage Sam's campaign for Congress."
"You have no evidence." Kevin sneered.
Josh reached into his backpack and removed a large envelope. He handed it to Kevin. "These are just copies."
Reluctantly, Kevin opened the envelope and found memos, transcripts of taped conversations, and photographs. One pictured himself seated at a table in a bar in Orange County with Tom and Sarah Jordan and Scott Holcombe. Fury blazed in his eyes as he tore the photo and threw the pieces and the envelope at Josh.
Josh laughed. "Don't play with the big kids until you're sure you know what game they're playing. Remember those are copies. I have several sets sitting with several lawyers around the world. Stay away from Sam." Josh turned on his heel and walked away.
**
Election Night
Vice President's Home
Vice President John Hoynes stared hard at the TV. His wife entered the room and handed him a ginger ale. She laughed at his level of concentration. "I haven't seen you so engrossed by an election that didn't directly involve you since college!"
John nodded. "I know. What can I say? I like this kid."
"He's not a kid."
"He looks like a kid. Besides he's only 35."
"Almost 36."
"That's a kid, honey."
"John, why are you interested? It's a congressional race. Your next election will be for the Presidency."
"I still need to appoint a staff, a cabinet"
Her clear, sweet laughter echoed through the room drawing his attention solely to her. "He wouldn't be interested. If he's elected, he'd be too inexperienced. If he's not, he won't have any at all."
"It's not experience he can offer the ticket. It's charisma, idealism, youth, charm"
"The ticket? You're shopping for a Vice President."
John sat back in his seat, raising the ginger ale in mock salute to his wife's deduction. "I had to start sometime."
"Why him?"
John shrugged as he considered the question. "He's intelligent."
"So are you."
"He's experienced."
"So are you."
"He's passionate."
"So are you."
"He's idealistic."
"Sooh."
John smiled. "Sam Seaborn has only recently realized that he has the potential to be so much more than he is. If I can channel that into my next campaign" He pointed to the screen, which showed Sam shaking hands as he cast his own vote that morning. "then he and I are the next two Chiefs this country will be hailing."
**
Sam Seaborn Campaign Offices
Orange County
"Will someone please tell me what the hell we're doing?" Toby's voice echoed through the room causing people to cringe, hide, roll their eyes, or, in the case of Sam Seaborn, laugh.
"Why are you laughing?" Toby took a few uncertain steps towards the younger man for whom he'd have walked through a desert if it would have gotten him just one more vote. Sam had never outright laughed at one of Toby's outbursts before.
"Will you relax? There's not much we can do now! Besides, there is absolutely nothing you can ask of my staff that they won't do."
"They won't alphabetize my phone messages."
They both turned at the sound of Theresa snorting.
"What was that?" Toby demanded.
"What?"
"That snort!"
Theresa shrugged. "It wasn't a snort."
"What was it then?"
"An allergic reaction."
"What are you allergic to?"
"Stupidity."
Sam laughed outright.
Toby watched Sam laugh and didn't mind so much that it was at his expense. He glanced at Theresa and made an imaginary line in the air chalking one up for her. She smiled, and nodded her head in acknowledgement.
Sam finally got himself under control, and listened as Toby insisted they should have more people out doing exit polls. "Toby, the exit polls won't help. We'll know when we know."
"Why am I excited about this, and you'renot. I imagined this the other way around."
"So did I."
"So what happened?"
"We fought the good fight. I'm satisfied."
"You don't care if you win?"
"I didn't say that."
**
Election Night
The White House
The Oval Office
President Bartlet skimmed the memo and waited for Admiral Fitzwallace to continue.
"It's really just a matter of vigilance, sir."
"Vigilance?"
"We're as secure as we can be, sir, and there's no real indication that there's any immediate danger."
"Would there be?"
"Sir?"
"They're not going to broadcast their intentions, are they?"
"There's always chatter, sir."
"Reliable chatter?"
"Depends on the source, sir."
"Right. Well, that's all right then." He stood bringing Fitzwallace to his feet. "Thanks, Fitz." He walked towards the door with Fitzwallace. "Charlie?"
"Yes, sir?"
"How's Sam doing?"
"The returns are just beginning to come in. He's down by 15%."
Bartlet's face fell. "That much?"
"Yes, sir."
"Keep me posted. What's next?"
**
Election Night
The White House
Communications Bullpen
"What did I miss?" Josh Lyman skidded to a stop in front of Ginger's desk, eyes riveted to the TV.
"He's falling behind. Last tally was 16%, but that's only with 30% of the votes in."
Donna came running up before Josh could reply. "Josh, Leo was looking for you."
"Okay." Josh mumbled not paying attention to her.
"Josh, you're not listening."
"That's not surprising. He's not good at it." Leo's voice rose to penetrate the natural cacophony of the bullpen.
"Leo. Can we meet later about thething? I want to see how Sam's doing."
"Josh, the polls aren't even closed yet. We have a little time. Now let's go."
Reluctantly, Josh followed Leo while watching the TV screen over his shoulder.
**
Seaborn for Congress Campaign Offices
"Okay, people, the polls are officially closed. This is where things pick up." Toby knew they all knew that, but the energy in the room had plummeted with the last returns. Sam Seaborn was trailing.
Sam tried not to appear despondent, but that was how he felt. He knew all along he wouldn't win, but he didn't think he'd be humiliated. He stared at the TV listening to the talking heads babble about the numbers and the long shot Sam Seaborn was.
Toby sat next to him. "What happened to we fought the good fight'?"
"We did. It's justToby was I that bad?"
"What?"
"Look at those numbers! Does no one in Orange County share my views?"
"It doesn't look like it."
Sam scowled.
"What should I say?" Toby hated seeing Sam like this. "It's early to be giving up, Sam. The polls just closed. They barely have 40% of the vote counted."
"I'd have to have done really well in order to win."
"It's not over until"
"The fat lady sings?"
"'Til it's over. Sam, don't."
"Don't what?"
Before Toby could reply, they heard a shout. "Hey! Did you see that?"
Sam and Toby looked up to see Angela pointing to the screen, but the noise from the rest of the staff prevented Sam and Toby from hearing what was going on.
Toby stared at the screen, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You're not gonna believe this. You're closing the gap!"
Incredulous, Sam looked to the TV for confirmation. Sure enough, the incumbent's lead was shrinking.
**
The White House
Communications Bullpen
Donna stared up at the TV. The numbers were coming in slower than usual, she was sure of it. Bonnie, standing beside her, shared her thoughts. "Should it take this long when there's only one race in one county?"
Ginger nodded in agreement. "You would think that, wouldn't you?"
Donna's eyes hadn't left the screen. "How many have they counted?"
"They said 45%, but the race is too close to call."
"What are you all doing standing around like that?" Josh's demand might have been less irritating if he hadn't actually known what they were doing.
"I thought you were with Leo." Donna's kept her eyes on the screen.
"I was, but that was 20 minutes ago. Have you been here all this time?" He got no response. "Okay, fine. Be that way."
"Be what way?" CJ came up behind Josh. She looked up at the screen. "Can't they count quicker?"
**
Sam Seaborn's Campaign Offices
"Toby?" Sam's voice was quiet and there was a note of both trepidation and anticipation in it.
"Yeah?"
"It's picking up."
Toby nodded. "It looks like it is."
"How can that be?"
"You ran a good campaign."
"Does that matter?"
"What?"
"Never mind." Sam stared at the screen for a few more seconds, while Toby waited for him to pick up on that thought. "Onlyyeah, see, everyone said I couldn't win."
"You haven't won, yet. You're just gaining on the incumbent."
"Right. You're right. There's still time."
"You're confusing me, Sam."
"That's not hard."
Toby ignored the remark knowing Sam was probably not even aware that he'd said it. He was running on automatic. "Sam, you sound as if you expect to lose."
"Do I?"
"Yeah."
"Oh. I want to win. I just didn't expect"
A roar from around the room interrupted him, snapping his attention back to the television. He'd just gained another four points. It was a tie.
He turned troubled, scared eyes on his campaign manager, and as Toby watched, the dismay slowly melted away. Sam grinned.
Toby grinned back.
**
The White House
The Residence
1:30 AM EST
Abbey Bartlet knew the entire West Wing would be watching the election results, but she was glad her husband had opted to watch them with her in the Residence. She sat next to him her head resting on his shoulder as he shouted at the television critiquing the commentators.
"What a pompousdid you hear what he said?"
"Yes, I did."
"How can he say Sam should concede? They're tied for crying out loud!"
"He thinks Sam is going to lose."
"Well the numbers don't bear him out!"
"Jed, if you don't calm down," Abbey spoke in her doctor voice, "I won't let you watch the rest."
"Oh, but you'll have to, my dear. My anxiety will just increase exponentially until I know if he won."
"You have a point."
"Here we are! Finally more numbers!" Jed watching election returns was like most men watching football. He waited a moment, anticipation getting the best of him, then, when the numbers were posted, he shot to his feet as if he'd just witnessed the game-winning goal in the Superbowl. "Do you see that? He's ahead! He's actually in the lead!"
"He is." Abbey agreed, enjoying the spectacle of her husband in his element.
**
The White House
Communications Bullpen
1:45 AM
A deafening roar reverberated through the White House as the gathered crowd read the numbers on the screen. Hearing the commentary would be absolutely impossible.
CJ found herself standing next to Leo. "He's doing it!"
"He should be damn proud of himself." Leo hoped the kid was at least that no matter how this election ended.
Josh came dancing by, and CJ's arm snaked out to smack him.
"Hey!"
"I told you once before, Joshua, not to do that dance in front of me!" CJ was still grinning. "You should call Sam!"
"Not until it's final."
Donna called to him from a few feet away. "It's about to be. They're gonna declare a winner."
A hush fell across the room as they waited.
**
Seaborn for Congress Campaign Offices
Orange County, CA
Angela stood on a chair hushing everyone in the room. "They're going to declare a winner. Shut up! I don't want to miss this."
Sam glanced around the room at the staff and volunteers who had dedicated a large chunk of their lives to him. It amazed him. He cleared his throat, and spoke loud enough for all to hear him. "However this turns out, I owe you all a big thank you."
The spontaneous applause ended almost as quickly as it started when everyone realized the commentators were again talking numbers.
Olivia and Norman Seaborn approached their son, who was surprised to see them voluntarily standing so close to each other. He hadn't seen them do that since he got out of the hospital.
"I'm so proud of you, Sam." His mother hugged him.
"Me, too, son. You've accomplished a lot."
"Thank you. Both of you."
He didn't have to say more.
Toby cleared his throat to get Sam's attention. When he had it, he gestured to the screen.
Sam grinned, a twinkle in his eye.
**
Josh hit the speed dial, shouting for quiet as he waited for the call to go through. When that didn't work he turned pleading eyes on Donna. Donna sighed, took a deep breath, and shouted. The noise level dropped immediately and all attention was on Josh. After a moment, he heard someone pick up the phone.
"Congressman Seaborn's Office!" Screamed the exuberant voice of Toby Zeigler.
"Toby! Put Sam on!"
"No problem. I just wanted to be the first to say that."
"Yeah, I guess so. Three campaigns in a row! That's a Political Hat Trick!"
"It is. I think I've gotten used to this. Hang on, here's Sam."
Josh heard some muffled words, and some party noises, including the popping open of champagne bottles. Then Sam was there. "Josh! Were you watching? Did you hear it?"
"Was I watching? We're having a party here! The entire office is Sam! Congratulations! You're a Congressman!"
Sam's laughter was contagious and Josh found himself joining in. "Do you know what?"
"No, what, Sam?"
"I never though this far ahead. I need an office. I need two! One here and one there! I need staff! I needyou knowstationery!"
It was so like Sam to turn to the practical so quickly. "Don't you worry about that, Sam. We'll help you get set up! Enjoy the night! Celebrate! Don't get too drunk. You're a Congressman now!"
"I promise" Josh heard Sam talk to someone else. Then, Sam, still flushed with excitement, came back. "Josh, I gotta go! Webb's on the other line."
"You go and take that call, buddy. I hope it's the first of many concessions!"
**
"That was easier than I thought. He was down right gracious."
"That's because the press is there." Toby's whisper carried to Sam alone, as he motioned to the press who crowded the room interviewing the staff and giving reports to their TV audiences.
In a moment, Theresa ran over to the pair. "Sam, it's the President on line one." She sounded a bit incredulous that she'd spoken to him herself.
"Thanks." He turned to Toby. "Come with me. I have to give you back now."
**
February 10
The White House
Toby Zeigler stood outside the White House never having felt more proud, and yet more reluctant, to enter. They'd done a good job. He'd done what he set out to do. Sam Seaborn was a Congressman. He'd won his election by a narrow margin, but he had won. Toby should be elated. Josh had called it a political hat trick, and it was almost unthinkable to him that he'd somehow been a part of so successful a campaign. He should be returning a hero, yet, all he could think of was that once he walked through that door, Sam wouldn't work for him anymore.
He remembered the first time they'd met. Josh had brought some kid with him to New Hampshire, and Leo had made him a speechwriter. Toby had been incensed. He didn't have time to teach the kid how to write speeches for a Presidential candidate. At first, they hadn't gotten along well, but it hadn't taken long for Toby to realize he actually liked Sam Seaborn. Sam, for his part, had seemed determined to do his job well. He did it well enough to help Josiah Bartlet become President.
He remembered Sam smiling and laughing when Josh said or did something particularly stupid. He recalled how adamant Sam had become about some of his pet issues being included front and center in some of their speeches. He remembered the first time he'd seen Sam angry. He'd slammed some poor schmuck up against a wall, fire in his eyes, when a volunteer had started a rumor about Donna. Toby was never clear what exactly the rumor was, and he'd been afraid to ask after he saw Sam's reaction.
He remembered Sam's response to the President's disease, hard on the heels of his own father's confession, and of course, the GDC speech drop in. He remembered his own fear when he'd learned of the Kevin Khan tape debacle. He'd watched Sam carefully for weeks wondering if his Deputy would recover.
He remembered with a pang of regret, the look of pleased surprise on Sam's face when he received a compliment. He knew he'd been a little slow to offer praise, but was he so stingy with kind words that hearing them was a source of astonishment?
He glanced to his right and found Sam was staring at him. "You ready, Toby?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"Maybe. This is going to be weird."
"My thoughts exactly."
"I don't work for you anymore."
"That had occurred to me."
Sam had thought he'd be sad to have to leave the White House no matter what the circumstances. He'd assumed he'd be overwhelmed with thoughts of endings. Instead, he was happier than he'd been in a long time. He was a congressman. He had spent the last week drawing up an agenda, making phone calls and contacts, setting up an office on each coast, and writing thank-you cards.
In all that time, he'd half-dreaded this moment. Awkward wouldn't begin to describe it. He was going to walk into the White House as a guest. He didn't have an office there anymore. Toby wasn't his boss. Josh and CJ weren't his coworkers.
Donnahe stopped himself whenever he thought of Donna. He'd told his mother over Christmas that he'd been thinking of Lisa. When he'd been dating Mallory, he'd often pictured himself with a blonde, and he'd assumed it was Ainsley. It wasn't until weeks had passed and the daydreams had become more detailed that he'd realized the blonde in his thoughts wasn't Lisa or Ainsley. It was Donna.
How and when he'd developed feelings for her, he couldn't say. He only knew that it had taken all his resolve not to ask Josh about her every time they spoke. He only knew that when she'd given him a small kiss on the cheek when she was leaving California, that moment had stayed with him.
Sam took a deep breath shaking off thoughts of Donna. He'd have to deal with that later. "Come on, Toby. If we don't go in now, we'll be late."
**
February 10
The White House
President Josiah Bartlet went through the day with a happy, yet impatient, anticipation. After each meeting, he would look expectantly at Charlie, who would simply shake his head and tell him which appointment was next. Bartlet had begun to glare at Charlie.
Now, he could tell it was time. His meeting over, he glanced at Charlie. This time, he smiled and nodded, holding open the door to the Oval Office. When Abbey, Leo, CJ, Josh, Donna, Margaret, Bonnie, and Ginger walked in, Bartlet wasn't at all surprised. "Somehow, I knew I'd have a full house on this one." He gestured around the room. "Just give the photographer and Sam a place to stand, and you can all stay."
A moment later, the Vice President arrived. "Mr. President, I hope you don't mind if I join you."
"Not at all, John. I'd be disappointed if you didn't."
They stood expectantly for a moment, then Bartlet looked at Charlie. "Well?"
"I was told he was here, sir. I'll check."
Charlie returned to his desk and picked up the phone, but before he could dial, Sam and Toby stood by his desk. Charlie grinned and held out his hand. "Welcome back and congratulations!"
"Thanks, Charlie."
"I meant Toby." Charlie laughed and shook Sam's hand. "Really, congratulations." He gestured to the Oval Office. "They're waiting for you. Toby, go on in. Sam, he asked me to announce you."
Sam nodded, assuming this was part of the ceremony.
Charlie entered the Oval. "Mr. President, Sam Seaborn is here."
"Show him in."
Charlie gestured for Sam to enter. As he did, the room erupted with applause. Sam stared at his friends, and, as the applause continued well past the point of politeness, he blushed and began begging them to stop.
Bartlet stepped forward still applauding, and, when he reached Sam, he embraced the young man. The applause died down as the President spoke. "Congratulations, Sam. You made us proud. So very proud."
"Thank you, Mr. President." Sam was amazed he'd gotten that much past the lump in his throat.
Abbey stepped forward then, kissing him on the cheek, and as if it had been a cue, everyone else came forward offering congratulations, back slaps, hugs, and kisses. Sam was overwhelmed with the attention.
"Okay, let the man breathe!" Bartlet demanded. They stepped back, leaving the President and Sam alone in the center of the room. "The California 47th! Good job, Sam."
Sam nodded. "Thank you, sir, but I couldn't have done it without all of you, especially Toby." He turned to Toby, who cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"This is your moment, Sam." The Communications Director was enjoying this without the need to be the center of attention.
Bartlet nodded. "Yeah, there's a thing we gotta do." He gestured for the photographer to take her place. "Go on, Mary." He winked. "Take a good one!"
"Yes, sir!"
They took the formal portrait, and then Bartlet surprised Sam by not letting him leave. "Hang on a second. There are a lot of people here who want a photo." In moments, everyone in the room had positioned themselves around the two men, and the photographer continued snapping. When she'd finished and the President dismissed her, he ordered the woman to develop them immediately.
Bartlet turned to Sam. "I'd love to chat, but I have some work to do, so I'll just say again how very proud you made me. Don't be a stranger, and good luck, Sam."
"Thank you, Mr. President." Sam shook the President's hand and left the Oval followed by most of the group that had gathered to greet him.
Jed watched him leave, turning to Abbey. "There he goes."
"He did good, Jed." She looked up at him and kissed his cheek. "So did you."
**
February 11
Donna Moss' Apartment
It was late, it was raining, and Donna wondered what else could happen to make this day worse. As she got closer to her apartment, she saw a man lurking there. She drew closer and closer, until she finally halted in her tracks. "Sam? What are you doing here?"
Sam whirled around, startled by what he saw as her sudden appearance. "Donna! Hi!"
"Hi. What are you doing here? Are you waiting for me? Did something happen?"
"I wanted to talk to you. I didn't get a chance at the White House."
"Sam! Where's your umbrella? You're soaking wet!"
"I know. I forgot it. It barely rained in California."
Donna steered Sam towards her door and pulled out her keys. She opened the door, pulled him inside and led him up to her apartment. Once inside, she insisted he borrow a towel and a bathrobe as she hurriedly brewed a pot of coffee.
Sam emerged from her bedroom dressed in her pink terrycloth robe and running a towel through his hair.
She laughed as he held up his arms so she could get a good look. "Pink's your color."
"Very funny."
"Sit down. The coffee will be ready in a minute. Now you can tell me why you were standing in the rain outside my apartment."
Sam considered stalling, but he couldn't. He'd waited long enough, and he was sure the stalling and waiting was what had killed his previous relationships. "Donna, you have no idea how good it is to see you."
Her smile was dazzling. "I missed you too, Sam."
"While I was away, I realized something. I realized how much I'd outgrown my job at the White House. I realized how much I loved being able to talk about the issues that mean so much to me. I realized how much I like finding answers to serious questions and workable solutions to serious problems." He paused and took a chance. He reached across the table and took her hand.
Donna's heart skipped a beat. She looked into his eyes and she knew what he would say.
"Donna, I realized how very much I missed you. I kept thinking about eventslike Christmas, my possible photo op with the President as a new Congressman, my future here in D.C. and in California as a Congressman and wherever that leadsand when I imagined these things, I always imagined you by my side."
Say something intelligent. Say something witty.
Donna's thoughts raced, but she could think of nothing. Almost nothing. "Oh, Sam.""Donna, this isn't the way most relationships start. I should be asking you to lunch, or taking you out to see a movie. Somehow, normal eludes me. I guess I'm just going to tell you that I am interested in seeing you socially. If you feel at all the same way"
"I do! Oh, Sam! I missed you! I meanI'm interested in seeing you, too!"
"Great! How about at the State Dinner on Friday?"
"Theat the White House?"
"Sure. I've been invited, and I can take a guest, though I assumed you'd be going, too."
"I wasI am. Are you sure?"
"Of course I am." He reached into the pocket of her robe. "I didn't imagine I'd be dressed like this when I spoke to you about it, but you know what they say about the best laid plans" He laid a box on the table. "That's for you. I'd love to see you wear this on Friday."
Donna's hand shook slightly as she reached for the box. She recognized the name from a fancy jeweler's in Orange County. Slowly, she drew up the lid gasping at what was revealed. "Sam! It's beautiful!" Her hands fumbled with the clasp, so he reached out and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and secured it.
He admired it for a moment, and then stood and swept her from her seat into an embrace. "Thank you, Donna. You won't regret this." Sam was happier than he had been when he'd won the election.
"I know." Her eyes fell on the world outside her window and she realized it wasn't raining anymore.
**
February 14
The White House
State Dinner
9:30 PM
Abbey Bartlet watched the dance floor. Several couples were taking advantage of the beautiful music the band was playing, but none had caught her eye so completely as Sam Seaborn and Donna Moss. When the pair had entered the room arm in arm, it had apparently created quite a spectacle. CJ had told her the two had turned literally every head in the room.
Abbey didn't doubt it. They were a lovely couple. Their eyes were locked on each other, their hands intertwined, and their steps were almost mesmerizing in their grace. The fact that Sam Seaborn seemed born to wear a tuxedo didn't hurt either. His arm was wrapped lightly around Donna's waist as he led her around the floor. Her pale blue gown gave her an ethereal look that was emphasized by the joy she exuded. Donna and Sam were happier than Abbey could remember ever seeing them.
She glanced at her husband, who stood beside her. "Did you know they were dating?"
He smiled in a smug way.
"I know that look! What do you know that I don't? And don't give me any lip! Just answer the question!"
Jed patted his wife's hand where it rested on his arm. "According to the scuttlebutt, this is their first date."
"On Valentine's Day?"
"CJ told Margaret, who told Leo"
"Leo gets gossip from Margaret?"
"Whether he wants it or not. Anyway, Leo said that Donna had a thing for Sam, but no one knew how Sam felt."
Abbey turned back to the couple taking in their body language as well as the twinkle in Sam's eye and the bounce to Donna's step. "I don't think we can say that anymore."
**
Once the dance was over, Sam led Donna to the bar. He ordered them each a drink, and, while they waited, he thanked her.
"For what?"
"For agreeing to come here with me tonight."
She shook her head. "That was easy."
"It wasn't so easy to ask."
"It wasn't?"
"No." He took her hand. "I don't know when I realized that I had feelings for you Donna, but I do know that I've never felt quite this way before in my life."
"What does that mean?" Donna was nervous and afraid of misreading the situation. She knew how she felt even if she hadn't answered CJ's question that night in the hotel in California. What she didn't know was what was going on in Sam's mind. What if she assumed too many things? What if she allowed herself to fall hard only to discover that he considered her a friend? Sam hadn't answered, so she repeated her question. "Really, Sam. What does that mean?"
The bartender arrived with their drinks, and Sam waited until he'd gone using the precious moments to piece together what he didn't seem to be getting across to her.
"It means there are things in life worth pursuing and this is one of them. Donna, I've always considered you a friend, and I think that's where I went wrong."
She crinkled her brow trying to work out if she'd just been insulted. "So, we're not friends?"
"We are! We are friends. See, I knew I'd mess this up! When I said that's where I went wrong, I meant that's because I never loved a friend before. I never allowed myself to fall in love with a friend. I always became friends with someone I fell in love with. I've been doing it backwards."
"Then most people do it backwards."
"That's why the divorce rate is so high." Sam realized the conversation was degenerating, and that it was largely due to his rambling without saying what he wanted to say. "Donna, I'd like to pursue this with you. I'd like to build on this. Our friendship means the world to me, butAristotle said that a true friend is one soul in two bodies. Most people say that about love."
Donna smiled. "Friendship is Love without his wings."
Sam's eyes twinkled, a hesitant smile forming as he recognized her words. "Lord Byron."
"Yeah."
"So, what are you saying?"
"Let's try to find those wings."
**
The night wore on, and Sam and Donna couldn't stay side by side all evening no matter how much they would have liked that. Sam was a new Congressman, and there were people he needed to greet. Donna was Josh's assistant, and that role demanded a slew of things.
Sam was soon in a deep conversation with several other Congressmen. His gaze drifted around the room even as his ears continued to track the words of the other men. He lost track momentarily of what was being said when he saw Donna deep in conversation with Margaret, CJ, and The First Lady. From the faint pink color in Donna's cheeks and the way the women kept looking in his direction, Sam guessed what they were talking about. Donna saw him looking at her, so she raised her hand and waved at him, the bracelet he'd given her catching the light and only emphasizing her own beauty in his eyes.
CJ looked over and caught his eye, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She disengaged from the others, and headed in Sam's direction. Sam waited until she was nearly there, and disengaged herself from the politicians with whom he stood.
"CJ, do I even want to know what's going on over there."
"Intelligence gathering."
"Rumor mongering?"
"Try that again, Sunshine."
"Interrogation? Spanish Inquisition?"
"I don't know what you mean!"
"What she telling you?"
CJ's face softened. "I owe you, Spanky, so I'm going to be nice."
"You don't owe me anything."
"Feeble, Sam. You know I do."
"See, here we go with the I Dream of Jeannie, coconut oil and hot towels."
CJ reached over and smacked Sam in the head.
"What was that for?"
"For being an idiot. There's no coconut oil and no hot towels, and if you think for a minute that I'm gonna dress up in a pink harem outfit and a veil"
"Thanks for the visual."
She stared at him for a moment, then smiled. "You know something? You're the sweetest man I've ever known, but you are still sometime completely clueless."
"Didn't you say you were going to be nice?"
"Donna loves you."
"You keep changing topics like that, and I may need a neck brace."
"She does. She's at the very least enamored, but I think she's in love."
Sam didn't know what to say, so he just glanced over at Donna, who was still speaking to Margaret. The First Lady stood a few feet away on her husband's arm.
"I spoke to Josh." CJ added. When Sam gave her only a blank stare, she explained. "He told me what you said. That Non Sum Qualis Eram' thing."
"He did?"
"Yeah. I know why you said it, and I can see that there have been some changes. You're certainly more confident then you used to be, but Sam," she paused and lightly touched his arm. "In all the ways that matter, you're the same man you always were. You got a little sidetracked now and then. You lost your focus on occasion, but in the end, you, Sam Seaborn, are, and always will be, a gentleman. That makes you a rare breed, Spanky." She gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Congratulations, Sam."
"Thanks, CJ." Sam let CJ wander back across the room. He checked again to see where Donna was, and saw her hovering near Josh who occasionally whispered instructions to her. Somehow, Donna was committing them to memory, since she wasn't writing anything down. The President and Dr. Bartlet were deep in conversation with Leo, the three of them laughing like only old friends could. Toby stood with Andi by the bar and the two of them seemed to be discussing something important.
These were the most important people in his day to day life, and he hadn't seen most of them in three months. He realized his day to day life was about to change yet again.
He'd come a long way in the time he'd known them. Josh especially. The years since they'd first taken The White House had been so busy it was no wonder their friendship had suffered. Josh was trying to make amends, and truthfully, so was Sam. He and Josh had been best friends for so long, it had given Sam the first notion of what it would be like to have a brother. He realized that when he and Josh had grown apart, he'd transferred a lot of those brotherly feelings to Toby. Truthfully, he couldn't imagine what he would have done without Toby. He'd been a mentor, a teacher, and, where Sam's campaign was concerned, he had been a savior.
He still couldn't believe he had just been elected to Congress. No matter how many times he thought it, or how many people addressed him as Congressman, it seemed like a dream. It was, of course. A dream he'd never admitted he'd dreamed had just come true.
Donna came up next to him then, and he turned to look at her, hoping that at least one more dream he'd never dreamed would come true.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked. She'd smiled more tonight than at any of the other White House events they'd attended.
"I am, Congressman, thanks for asking."
"You can stop calling me that."
"Not until you'reyou knowsomething else."
He gave her a puzzled look, so she explained. "You knowSenator, GovernorPresident."
"Not you, too!"
"I don't know what you mean."
"I saw you talking to Dr. Bartlet. Did she tell you the President thinks I'll run for President one day?"
"No. Sam, I've known that since we met."
He laughed then, and when she joined in, he put his arms around her waist, lifted her, and swung her around in a tight circle.
"Sam!" She laughed as she spoke, making it hard to breathe. "Put me down!"
Reluctantly, he did as she asked. The idea of scooping her up and carrying her away crossed his mind, but a glance around the room at all the people still in attendance and the reporters snapping pictures of the two of them–undoubtedly pictures in mid-twirl–made him think better of it. "Where's Toby?"
Surprised by the change in topic, she gestured towards the back of the room, where Toby and Andi were chatting with Leo and CJ.
Sam nodded, grabbed her hand, and headed towards the group. Leo saw them coming. "Well, Congressman Seaborn, it's a pleasure to have a friendly face representing the California 47th."
"Thank you, Leo! It's a pleasure to beexactly where I am."
"That I believe!" Andi whispered to Toby, her eyes focusing on his hand, which still clasped Donna's.
"Me, too!" Toby whispered, taking Andi's hand in his own. The action caused Sam to notice a sparkle from that direction. She looked at the ring on Andi's finger, then from Andi to Toby and back again, unsure if he should say anything.
Andi laughed. "Yes, Sam. I finally said yes, and it's all your fault!"
"My fault?"
"She missed me, Sam! While I was away helping you win a seat in Congress, Andi missed me! When I got back, I asked her again, and" He raised Andi's hand, a smile of pure joy escaping. "She said yes!" He started to laugh and everyone joined in.
"Congratulations! When's the big day?"
"That's still up for debate, but she'll get her way." Toby's admission seemed to surprise Andi.
After several moments, Sam, still holding Donna's hand, headed back in the direction of Toby's office. Donna's pass, and Sam's position as Congressman allowed them through security. Once in Toby's office, he shut the door and the blinds and turned his full attention on Donna. He embraced her, and, as she opened her mouth to ask what was going on, he kissed her. After a moment, she returned the kiss.
When they pulled away desperate for air, she looked up into his eyes. "Wow." Her voice was a whisper, but her heart raced.
He smiled and she saw real joy in his eyes, knowing he saw the same in hers.