Once we are secure in a holding room, I gather the family.

"Remember to stay together after the ceremony. My detail will lead us back here to meet back up with Donna. If you get separated come back to this building and explain who you are. Do not follow the crowd out to Copley Lawn. We'll never find you there!"

As I'm finishing the explanation, the door opens again and Jed, Abbey, Charlie and Zoey sweep into the room.

"Joshua." Abbey gives me a hug, then turns towards Mom and hugs her too. Zoey and Charlie gravitate to Helen, who along with Peter and Miranda are chatting with Conor and Carly.

Once he's greeted Helen, Jed tries to make small talk with Donna's parents. It's kind of amusing to watch.

"Hi! You must be Mr. and Mrs. Moss. I'm Jed Bartlet. We talked on the phone once."

Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen Donna's Mom speechless, but there it is. She's sort of gaping like a fish out of water. But Jed persists.

"I believe you met Abbey at the baby shower, correct?"

Lottie nods mutely. Finally, Jim finds his tongue and reaches out his hand.

"It's an honor, sir. You certainly didn't need to come."

"Pssssh." Jed scoffs at him. "Two of my children graduating in the same weekend? Where else would I be?"

Lottie finally comes to. "Oh? You have another daughter graduating besides Zoey?" She asks Abbey.

"He means Donna, of course." Abbey offers just a touch snidely. "I hope you don't mind too much, but we've adopted her as our own. She's such a lovely girl. Brilliant. Kind. Selfless. You must be so incredibly proud."

Abbey stares Lottie right in the eye, challenging her to disagree. Abbey knows that Donna and Lottie have had a rocky relationship and that Donna thinks that her parents are mostly disappointed in her. So Abbey is using this moment to let Lottie know that if she doesn't step up there are other women who will. I could kiss her!

Lottie's face turns a little red. "Of course we're proud of her. She took a long road but she got here. She's married and has a beautiful daughter."

Abbey's eyes narrow just a little.

That's when Helen takes over. "And she's getting a degree while running the First Lady's office like a swiss watch. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without her."

First Ladies. They get the job done.

"Excuse me," Phil interrupts the conversation and I find myself a little disappointed. I was enjoying watching Lottie get a bit of a comeuppance. "We're ready for you to take your seats. The processional will begin as soon as you're seated."

Our details get us arranged and we follow them dutifully. When we get to our seats I'm happy to see that the Seaborns are already ensconced there. They don't need a detail, but I insisted that they be placed with us in the VIP section.

Sure enough once we are seated the music begins. I'm on the edge of my seat as the processional begins filing in, scanning the group.

It takes a couple minutes before she comes into view. For a moment, I doubted myself, wondering if I'd be able to spot her in the sea of black gowns. But the minute I see her, my heart leaps inside my chest. My angel, in the midst of mere mortals.

"Mama!" Lulu calls out, also apparently having no difficulty finding her mother. Donna turns towards us with a beaming smile and gives a small wave. She's radiant.

With Lulu squirming in her lap, Lottie shifts like she's going to leave. We decided if Lulu was disruptive that someone would take her out, but she hasn't been naughty. Several people have called out to loved ones or whispered loudly amongst themselves.

Even though Lulu won't remember this, I want her here. I know Donna wants her here. And even though she won't admit it, Donna really wants her parents to see her graduate.

After a few years of marriage, I'm finally starting to understand the dynamic between Donna and her family. Donna craves their approval, but she also marches to the beat of her own drum. So while she'll probably never cut them out of her life, no matter how many times they hurt her, she also won't compromise who she is for them.

I guess my job is to help her navigate that space in between. To stand up for her when she needs it, to listen to her vent when she needs that, and to try to play nice with her parents as much as I'm capable. For this moment, that means letting Lottie hold Lulu, but not letting her leave the ceremony unless I think it's absolutely necessary.

"She's okay, Lottie." I whisper fiercely. "I can take her if you need me to."

Lulu stretches towards me and Lottie give me a little glare. But she helps Lulu stand in front of the seat so she can make her way down the row. Lulu takes a few steps towards me but decides Grandpa Jed is a better choice when he shows her a butterscotch candy. She climbs happily into his lap, leans her head back on his shoulder and concentrates on unwrapping her treasure.

Jed gives me a sly grin. Such a grandpa move. I can't compete with the candy. I just hope he watches her carefully with it.

After they take their seats, Donna leans over to a young man and whispers something to him. That must be in the infamous Jordan. He does look like a young Sam.

A few years ago, I'd have been turning green to see her conspiring with someone like that. If I'm honest with myself, I still feel a twinge of jealousy. But now it fades quickly. I know that I have her heart. I'm secure in her love.

Once all the graduates are settled, the President is introduced and a fanfare plays while he and the Dean make their way onto the stage.

Everyone stands and applauds. Matt looks out over the crowd and makes a little motion with his hands. Everyone sits down and a quiet falls over the lawn. Miranda and Peter both sit up a little taller in their chairs. Truthfully, they don't get many opportunities to see their father at work. Especially doing something that they can relate to. I'm glad they are here.

"In the Spring, everything is new." Matt's voice rings out and I feel my grin grow even wider. That line always strikes something in me.

"New direction, new course, new opportunities, new challenges. You are standing at the edge of this new-ness. And to be honest, some of you might be nervous about the challenges you face. That's okay. Some of you might be weary. Perhaps it took almost everything you had to get to this point. That's okay too." Matt pauses and looks around.

"Some of you are triumphant. You have conquered this stage and you are confident in the face of the challenges to come." Someone in the back hoots. Matt grins at them. "We celebrate with you!"

"Whatever place you are currently in, I ask you to look around, to acknowledge that your friends, family and colleagues might be in different phases. I ask you to consider how you can help them, and I ask you to consider how they can help you. Because all of this, this whole great big world, is just a little easier to navigate if we help each other along the way."

As Matt continues with his speech, I find myself contemplating the people sitting in this section with me. Carly and Conor down at the end next to Peter and Miranda, all four of them absorbing every word. Eyes shining, contemplating their own futures. I hope they know I would do absolutely anything for them. I want to give them a world worthy of their potential.

Helen and Mom and Abbey. Three women that I respect beyond measure. They've all poured themselves into Donna and helped her grow into an amazing woman and a political force to be reckoned with. Not only have they been examples and mentors, they've loved her, filling in the holes, and giving her confidence and reassurance. I couldn't begin to thank them for all they've done.

Lottie and Jim. I might have my disagreements with them, but they are the reason Donna exists. I can't help but at least appreciate that.

Charlie and Zoey. The closest thing we have to younger siblings. They've become a doting aunt and uncle to Lulu. I can't wait to stand next to them when they tie the knot in a few months.

Jed and Lulu. My mentor and my purpose. They both guide me in so many ways.

Sam and Ainsley. Our best friends. Matt is right. This world is easier if you're surrounded by people you love to help navigate through it.

And finally, Bartlet, sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms. The biggest reminder that everything is new.

This is my tribe. These are my people. Together we'll navigate this time. This camelot for the 21st century. We'll raise our children and we'll make the world a better place for them.

After another round of applause, I realize Matt's wrapping up. I missed most of his speech. Not that it matters, I've already read it. And as always, he was spot on in the delivery.

Once he's finished, Matt takes his seat and the Dean comes forward to begin to hand out diplomas.

I know this part will be slow and painful. I remember anxiously waiting my turn both times I graduated. I wonder if Donna feels that too. I'm glad she's near the front. I just hope the kids make it through.

As her row gets up to join the line to cross the stage my heart begins to pound. I feel my chest begin to swell as I watch her inch closer and closer to the announcer.

And then the moment arrives.

"Donnatella Moss Lyman, Summa Cum Laude." The announcer calls out in a loud voice.

I hear Donna's Mom's camera clicking away. And I think Jim, Sam and Conor all let out whoops.

But I'm breathless. I feel tears pricking the backs of my eyes and I blink furiously. I don't want to cry.

I'm just so damn proud of her. I knew she would do this someday. That bold, yet insecure young woman sitting across from me asking why a political campaign couldn't be her opportunity to start over. In that moment, I just knew that if I gave her a chance she'd do something great. And she has.

She's helped me elect Presidents. She's helped me pass legislation. She's given me the greatest miracle.

She's stood up to me. And pushed me. And loved me. Through the best and worst times of my life, she's been my beacon of hope. Because I knew that one day she'd do something even bigger. And I want to be there to see it.

As I watch her accept her diploma and shake the President's hand, it occurs to me, I could be watching two Presidents right now.

My hands ache and I look down, realizing I've been clapping frantically this whole time. I let out a loud whistle before she leaves the stage and she turns and looks right at me, cheeks a little flushed, eyes bright.

That's my wife. She's going to save the world.

. . . . . .

I feel a lump in my throat as I make eye contact with Donna in the mirror. She's glowing with happiness. And I'm struck once again with how incredibly lucky I am.

"Ready?"

"Mmm hmmm. Is Lulu already?"

"Yes, and she looks pretty cute, but she doesn't hold a candle to you."

Donna just grins at me for a second. Then she stands up and turns around. "You're not so bad yourself." She offers even as her hands are reaching up to adjust my tie. When she's done, she looks directly into my eyes.

"Thank you."

"For what?" I haven't even given her a gift yet. I decided to wait until dinner.

"For what? Josh! You've been incredible. You've really stepped up around here. Getting Lulu ready and out the door on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Taking her out on playdates so I can study. Knowing when to order in and when to throw something together for dinner. You're just amazing. I couldn't have accomplished this without you by my side. So thank you. For everything."

"Hey, I didn't do anything special. Just being a parent and a partner. You did this. You juggled all those things and graduated with a 4.0. I'm so proud of you."

Before she can argue with me any more, I lean down and capture her lips in a long kiss. She's totally responsive and by the time Mom knocks on the door we've both lost track of what we were talking about before.

"Darlings?" Mom calls out. "It's about time to go . . . . unless you are making another grandchild for me."

"MOM! We'll be out in a minute." Sometimes I can't believe her. But Donna just giggles. Somehow she doesn't mind when it's my Mom harassing us.

We'll leave the private celebration for later. Now is the time to party. We leave the room hand in hand.

Donna's family is waiting for us in the living room. They applaud when we walk out. God. Do they really think we were making love in there while they waited? I really should have just sent a cab to take them to the restaurant.

At least we got a few hours apart while Lulu napped. I was really relieved when Lottie had declared that they were going back to their hotel after the ceremony. Conor seemed fine with that idea and Carly only pouted until Helen invited her back to the White House to spend the day with Miranda and Peter.

"All set?"

Everyone nods and we head out to the cars. I'm really excited about this. I wanted to have a party and invite everyone we know, but Donna insisted on something a little less extravagant. She was worried about making the news again. Even though I want everyone to know how amazing she is, I can understand where she's coming from. Things have finally died down.

I think I found a compromise. Sort of. Dinner at Old Ebbitt's. For 30 of our closest friends.

When we enter The Cabinet Room, everyone bursts into applause. Donna blushes but she grins at them. I think she's getting use to the accolades.

It's everything I wanted. Their party planner has filled the place with flowers and light. With the tulle and twinkle lights, the room isn't as dark as it usually is and it smells fantastic. White Roses and Blue Delphiniums decorate the tables which have been arranged on one side of the room. The other side includes a dance floor and a DJ. We're going to have fun tonight.

Donna mingles with everyone as the wait staff sets out the buffet. Toby and Andy hug her briefly and Donna leans down to say something to Molly before she and Huck run off to join Miranda and Carly.

Ryan and Nicole are chatting with Amy and Landon and Bram and Karen. Donna makes her way to them and says hello.

Other waiters are handing out the champagne to everyone. They even have pink sparkling juice for the kids. Once everyone has a glass, I tap mine lightly with a spoon. At the tinkling everyone stops and looks at me, but I only have eyes for Donna.

She grins and bobs her head to encourage me to say something now that I have everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. Donna has done a remarkable thing. Sure lots of people graduate college. But not many of them do it while being a perfect wife and mother and having one of the most demanding jobs in the country. And not many of them do it with a 4.0. I'm just so incredibly proud of her. And I think we all know that I'd be nothing without her."

"That's right!" Toby calls out.

"That's right!" I answer. "I thought about buying her a house or a fancy sports car to show her how I feel, but I learned from a friend that you shouldn't make major life purchase without talking to your significant other, no matter how romantic you think the gesture is."

Toby cringes as Andy hits his arm. Donna rolls her eyes at me.

"But after some negotiation, she agreed to let me throw this party."

"You said it would just be dinner!" Donna shouts.

"It is. We're having dinner. Look, food's right there." I point.

"And it's getting cold." Jed grumbles and I see Abbey give his arm a little pinch.

"Okay, okay." This is getting out of hand. Time to wrap it up. "Anyway, I just want to say . . ." I look back at Donna and speak directly to her. "Donna, I love you more than life itself. You are simply amazing."

Then I look around the room at our tribe and lift my glass. " . . . To Donna!"

"To Donna!" They cheer.

I lock eyes with Donna as I take a long drink. Oh yes, it's spring, and everything is new.