Badlands
by Deenalynn
Part 6/6: Don't Let the Door Hit You. . .
"Well that was unpleasant," Angela whined as they entered Sam's apartment.
"Wasn't it though," Kate agreed dryly.
Angela missed the point entirely. "I can't believe she was so rude as to throw us out. And it wasn't even her home." She removed her coat and draped it over a chair. "I can't imagine that boss of hers will be too pleased with this turn of events." She looked around Sam's apartment with a critical eye. Obviously finding everything to her liking, she continued her tirade, unaware of the storm brewing in Sam's eyes. "I can tell you, if *I* had raised her. . ."
"Well since you didn't bother to stick around and do so I don't think you have much room to complain," Sam ground out.
Angela's hand flew to her mouth in shock. "How could you say. . ." She turned to his father. "David? Are you going to let him speak to me that way?" She moved closer to David's side.
David wrapped his arm around her waist and addressed Sam. "There's really no need for anymore unpleasantness." When Sam started to speak he continued. "I think Angie and I should go back to our hotel. Once everyone has had some time to relax and think about it, I'm sure none of it will seem so bad." He smiled stiffly at an openmouthed Sam, gathered his and Angela's things, and left the apartment.
Once they were gone a flabbergasted Sam looked at his mother and asked, "When did my father become a lapdog to that bitch?"
**********
"You ready to talk about it?" Josh inquired softly. He and Donna were seated in his living room each with a cup of hot chocolate in their hand.
Donna sniffed and turned somewhat timid eyes on him. "I'm sorry."
Josh shrugged helplessly. "Donna, I'm not even sure you need to apologise. Why don't you tell me what happened and we'll see if it bears an apology."
"I kicked them all out." She stared down into her cocoa. "And it isn't even my house." She peeked up at him through her eyelashes.
"You know that doesn't bother me; you toss people out of my office all the time," he teased gently.
"It's not the same thing," she moaned. "This weren't some strange Hill flunky out to push me around. This was our families." She buried her face in her hands. "Poor Sam!"
"Sam will live. He's the one who wanted his family together. He got it." He reached over and pried her hands from her face. "Now tell me what they said that was so bad you gave them the boot."
She replayed the conversation over dinner for him. "I just couldn't listen to it anymore. I think I'm angriest at my mom and dad for letting Angela bait them like that."
Josh shook his head. "Don't be. They couldn't help it. You're their daughter. That's what parents do when someone attacks their baby. That's why my mom flew off the handle. You'll be the same way some day."
Donna leaned back against the couch tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "I just wish. . ." she trailed off.
"I know. For the record, I'm not mad and you don't need to apologise. I think it's safe to say you were more pleasant asking them to leave than I would have been throwing them out." He grinned. "Then again you're nicer than me."
Donna laughed. "This is true." She opened her eyes and looked directly at him for the first time since he got home. "You're not mad?"
"Why would I be? They were acting like children. You treated them accordingly and sent them to their rooms." He glance around the apartment. "I do have one question though, Donna."
When she arched and inquiring brow he leaned closer and whispered. "What did you do with my mom?" They both started laughing.
**********
"Oh, god I hope Donna's willing to forgive us after that mess," Lynnie groaned. She, Nick and Dev were seated in a coffee shop near Donna's apartment. "I cannot *believe* I let that woman get to me like that."
Dev squeezed her hand. "I know what you mean. I feel like a fool. But I just couldn't sit there and let her make those insinuations about my son."
"Angela has the basic decency of an alley cat though. I shouldn't have. . ." Lynnie sighed. "It was so important to Donna that today be perfect. And we ruined it."
Nick grinned at both women. "I've never been prouder of her in my life." They both gaped at him incredulously. "What? She stood up for herself, told us all off, then chucked us all out on the street." He puffed his chest out slightly. "My little girl's got balls."
Dev snorted her coffee and Lynnie gasped horrified. "Nicholas!"
"What? She does! The little girl who left Madison five years ago would never have been able to do what she did today. Hell, she let Doctor Jackass run her life for her. That *woman* today would eat him for breakfast." By this time both women were laughing helplessly at him. "What? She doesn't need anyone to look after her. She learned that here, and I for one am very proud of her."
**********
"I can just imagine the looks on their faces when you gave them the boot," Josh snickered as he handed Donna a plate.
Donna placed the turkey sandwich she had just made on it and added some potato chips. She chuckled. "It was quite a sight." They sat at the table to enjoy their snack. "Our moms were all wide-eyed and shocked, Angela threw a snit, David was mute as usual, Sam looked like he wanted to die, CJ--well you can imagine CJ-- and my dad, well, he looked almost proud." She glanced over at him and saw a strange expression on his face. "What?"
"Why wouldn't he be proud?"
"Josh! I was rude! It was awful," Donna wailed.
"Yeah, but it may have laid to rest the worries he had to have had about whether you can stand up for yourself."
"I guess." She took a bite of her sandwich and grinned slyly. "I wonder if Sean would still want me back."
Josh snorted. "I don't think the good doctor would have the same appreciation of the changes you've made as we do."
"We?" she asked demurely.
Josh's smile's softened. "Yeah, we." He took a deep breath. "I said something earlier that may have been a bit out of line."
She shook her head adamantly. "It wasn't."
"I just don't want you to feel there's any pressure from me. That I expect you to. . .. Well, I really have no idea how you. . .." He ran his hand through his hair. "God, I suck at this."
Donna laughed delightedly. "Yeah. You do." She reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "And Josh? No pressure. Me too."
His grin grew wider still, "You think we can do this?" His smile fell a bit. "I really don't want to screw us up, Donna. This means too much to me. *You* mean to much. I *am* terrible at relationships and if I lost you because I'm an idiot. . .."
"Neither one of us has the greatest track record when it comes to relationships, Josh." She shrugged, then smiled. "But that's okay, 'cause we already know that about each other. And to be honest, it's one of the things I kind of like about you. Makes you human like the rest of us," she teased.
Josh stood pulling her up with him. "Well, I have to say it's one of the many things I love about you." He dropped a rather chaste kiss on her lips. "Then again, there are many." Another soft kiss, this one a little less chaste. Both hands came up to cup her face. "Many, many things I love about you, Donnatella."
At first the kiss was light and coaxing. Gentle. Then his hands shifted, moving from her face, down her back to draw her close. Lost in the kiss, she moved her hands from his chest, to his shoulders then up around his neck, her fingers tangling in the curls she found there.
He drew her further into his arms, deepening their contact. Donna moaned her approval, pressing herself closer still. "Donna," he breathed running his hand up her spine.
Sighing Donna returned his caresses, losing herself in the sensations he was creating. "God, Josh," she moaned softly, tilting her head to give him access to her throat.
As Josh explored the contours of her back and waist, he brought one hand up to tangle in her hair, rejoicing in the experience of holding this woman in his arms. "Donna," he whispered again, his mouth hot and pliant as he pressed fiery kisses along her throat and jaw line. "God, I love you."
**********
"Well, Dad, I wish I could say it had been fun. But you'd know I was lying." Sam stated honestly. He and David were standing just outside airport security, waiting for Angela to return from the ladies room.
"I know, son, and I am sorry things were so uncomfortable for you." David apologised. "I just wish we'd maybe done just family. Then things wouldn't have gotten so out of hand with that young woman."
Sam choked. "Donna?" he sputtered. "You think this is Donna's fault?"
"She did seem unable to get past her previous relationship with Angie, Sam. She couldn't just let bygones be bygones."
"Dad, that. . . She. . . *Angela* attacked Donna, didn't have a civil thing to say to her." Sam was utterly incredulous.
"I think that's a slight exaggeration," David protested. "Angie was just showing an interest in making sure Joshua doesn't hurt her daughter." David smiled indulgently. "You have to understand, Angie, Sam, she's fragile. She feels things very deeply. The things Moss and his wife said to her, wounded her."
Sam just gaped at his father, clearly amazed at the nonsense pouring from him. "Oh, Dad, please tell me you don't. . ."
He was interrupted by Angela's arrival. "I'm all ready to go, David." She wrapped her hand through his arm. "It was lovely to meet you, Sam. I hope we'll see more of you when you're out in California."
"My son, the Congressman" David said proudly. "I like the sound of that."
"Yes, dear, but don't get your hopes up. It's not likely he'll win." With that she smiled brightly at Sam, and turned toward security. "We should be going David. First class should be boarding soon." She waved cheerily at Sam and walked away.
David hugged his son. "We'll see you soon." He joined Angela at the check.
Sam just stood there watching them walk away, a dumbfounded look on his face.
**********
"You're in a better mood than I expected." CJ observed from the door to Josh's office.
He looked up from his desk with a smile. "Pardon?"
I heard you humming, Joshua." She peered at him carefully. "You don't hum. And in Staff this morning you were," she seemed to choke on the word, "perky."
Josh frowned. "Well, I wouldn't say 'perky'." He thought for a moment. "Cheerful maybe?"
"I think you scared Margaret, and maybe even Debbie." She flopped into his visitors chair. "What's up Mi Amor?"
"Nothing?"
"Spill it, Sparky."
"I thought that was Sam." He lit up slightly. "Did he tell you what his father said when he took them to the airport this morning?"
CJ snorted. "Yeah, fragile my ass." She smirked at him. "Nice try, but we were talking about you. Now, perky boy, explain."
"CJ,- " he started, then stopped when Donna entered the office.
"Hey, I got the thing for the Harris meeting. Larry needs five minutes later today. Mike called--wants to know if you want to grab a beer tonight, and Allison Lewis says thank you." She handed him a pile of folders. "Hey CJ." she smiled brightly.
"Thanks. Tell Larry as long as it's before five, we're okay. I'll call Mike and let him know I can't make it." He looked through the things she'd handed him. "Did Ms. Lewis say when she thought her article would be done?" He handed her back two of the folders.
"No, she didn't. Why can't we meet Mike for a drink after dinner?" She flipped through one of the folders pulled something out and handed it to him.
"I thought you'd want to be with your parents."
"They won't be done with the concert until about eleven so it's no big deal."
"You wouldn't mind?"
She shook her head. "No, Mike's a good guy." She headed for the door. "I'll call him and let him know. What time are our reservations?"
"Early. Six-thirty. Tell him we'll meet him at Jake's at about nine. That way we can just walk home."
"Okay. Bye, CJ."
CJ watched her leave the room then turned a rather menacing glare on Josh. "Joshua?"
He beamed innocently. "Yes, Claudia?"
"Finally?"
"Yes, Claudia," he twinkled at her.
"I'm happy for you," she declared merrily. "Both of you."
"Thanks, CJ. We're happy too." He looked back down at his desk. "Now, since my personal life has your stamp of approval, can we get back to work?" He grinned mischievously.
"Fine, I'll go talk to Donna then." She rose and started fort he door.
"She has work to do too," Josh protested weakly.
"Bah, she's clever, she can gossip about you and do her work at the same time." She waved cheerfully and left.
**********
"Yes, Mom." Donna was on the phone when CJ arrived at her desk. "No, Mom." She glanced up at CJ and rolled her eyes. "But I want to." She tapped her pencil impatiently on her desk. "Mom, Josh and I can have dinner anytime. You and Daddy are only here until tomorrow." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Yes, but when we made those plans you and Daddy were supposed to be going to the concert. Now you're not, so we can. . ." Another sigh and eye roll. This time CJ grinned sympathetically. "Fine, Mom." She hung up the phone. "How is it no matter how old you get your mom is still, you know, your mom?"
CJ laughed. "It's a thing." She perched on the edge of Donna's desk. "So what's up?"
"She and Daddy were supposed to be going to the Kennedy Center tonight. I got them tickets ages ago." She began working at her computer. "Today we found out there's some sort of problem with the fire system at the Center so the concert was cancelled." She stopped talking as she flipped through a folder, finding what she was looking for she continued talking and typing. "So now, they have no plans for this evening and are adamant that Josh and I not change ours." She looked up to find CJ grinning. "What?"
CJ laughed. "I love how you just assumed he told me."
Donna shook her head confused. "What?"
"You just assumed Josh told me. It didn't even dawn on you that I wouldn't know about your date tonight."
Donna smiled. "We talked about our date with you in the room, CJ. I doubt you would let him get away without explaining."
"True." CJ slid down off the desk into a chair beside it. "So, spill, 'the love stylings of Joshua Lyman'," she demanded with a conspiratorial grin.
**********
"I will call as soon as I get there, Mom." Sam promised as he, his mother and Michael made their way through the airport the next day. "I'm supposed to be there next Thursday but I'll let you know for sure."
"Good, it'll be nice to have more time with you." She hesitated. "Sam, I'm sorry -"
He shook his head. "Mom, it wasn't your fault."
"I guess I thought I should have warned you about her." Kate's smiled ruefully. "Though I would imagine anything I said would have come across as sour grapes."
"I just can't believe Dad doesn't say anything. It's not like him."
"I've come to discover I don't know your father as well as I thought I did," Kate stated sadly. "Obviously there's something there we can't see."
"She definitely does a bang up job of hiding any redeeming qualities she may have." Sam glanced over to where Michael was checking the luggage. "Dad may have been luckier the first time around, but I think you got him beat the second."
Kate's eyes filled. "Oh, Sammy." She hugged him tight.
"I love you, Mom," he whispered into her hair.
"I love you too, baby." She sniffled and straightened as Michael approached. "All set?" she asked him.
"You bet." Michael smiled and held his hand out to Sam. "It was great meeting you, Sam. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you when you move out to California."
"Well, I'm not sure I'm going to be making a permanent move," Sam reminded him, humbly.
"Of course you'll be here a lot still, but you'll have to come visit your constituents," Kate said confidently.
"Mom, I haven't won yet," Sam chuckled. "The odds are against me."
"I plan to vote for you," Michael grinned. "We elected a dead Democrat; we must be looking for a change, don't you think?"
Sam thanked him and hugged his mother once again. "I'll see you next week."
**********
"Hello there," CJ greeted Toby as he entered her office. "Since you're still amongst the living I assume it went well with the Wyatts."
"Define well," Toby grumped as he dropped onto CJ's couch. "They didn't have me murdered if that's what you mean."
CJ moved from behind her desk to join him on the sofa. "That good, huh?"
"They basically forbade her to remarry me."
CJ bristled slightly, "They *forbade* it?" she sputtered. "I can just imagine how she reacted to that one."
Toby grimaced. "She said yes."
"She what?" CJ squawked.
"She said yes," Toby repeated.
CJ calmed down and reached for her friend's hand. "I'm sorry, Toby, I know how much you wanted this." She squeezed his hand. "She may still. . ." She drifted off. CJ squeezed Toby's hand again, then lifted it up to inspect it. "Toby?"
"Yes, CJ?"
"You're wearing your wedding band."
"Yes, I am."
"Don't you think this might cause just a bit of a problem? Not to mention it might bother Andi."
Toby smiled innocently. "Why would it bother Andi, she's got one too."
"Yes, but she isn't wearing hers."
"Yes, she is."
"Since when?"
Toby grinned smugly. "Since we got married. Yesterday."
"What?" CJ squeaked. She stared at him blankly for a moment then took a swing.
Toby ducked. "Hey!"
"You told me she agreed with her family!" CJ yelled as she smacked him on the arm.
"I did not. I said she said yes." He smirked at her, eyes twinkling. "It's not my fault you misunderstood what she was agreeing to."
Much to his chagrin, CJ hugged him. "I'm so happy for you. This is wonderful." She paused for a moment. "What about the good fight?"
"They're still going to come after her for non-disclosure. We weren't married when she was running so. . ."
"That and it's sure to piss her family off." CJ grinned knowingly.
"And that." Toby glanced around her office. "So how was dinner at the OK Corral?"
"Ooh, have I got news for you."
Down the hall, two young interns were startled when they heard someone yell, "It's about damn time!" from the direction of the Press Secretary's office.
**********
"I love my parents but I can honestly say I'm glad they're gone," Donna sighed as she settled into the passenger's seat of Josh's car. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"I'm right there with you." Josh stated as he pulled out into traffic. "My mom is terrific and I enjoyed having her here, but next time Sam can have his own family gathering."
"It's not just that." Donna turned slightly in her seat to face him. "I never realised how over-protective they are."
Josh shrugged. "Probably because before, you needed it." When she didn't reply he continued, "Think about it. Every time you've seen them since you started working here, it's been in their home, on their terms. You were going home to Mom and Dad. Everyone wants a little babying then." He glanced over to see she appeared to be considering his words. "This time it was on your turf. They've never seen you in your element."
"I guess. I mean, dinner last night was nice. We all had fun right?" She waited for him to agree before continuing. "I think I'm just looking forward to not having them in my back pocket."
"Well, our first date and our parents were there," Josh teased. "Not *quite* how I imagined it."
Donna groaned. "My mom told me she would tell my dad I had to go into work if I wanted to stay at your place."
Josh burst out laughing. "Oh, like that was going to happen with my mother in my guest room."
"Pretty much what I told her, when I could finally speak again." She shook her head. "It was mortifying. My mom was trying to arrange a booty call for me!"
Josh choked. "There's a mental image I could live without." They both laughed.
They talked quietly as Josh drove through DC. As they drove through the gate to the White House, Donna commented, "Dad said I did good this time." She grinned at him.
Josh pulled into his parking spot. "Huh?"
"He meant you. He always loathed Sean. He thinks you're an improvement." She unbuckled and leaned over to kiss him. "I'd say I have to agree with him."
Josh returned the kiss enthusiastically. "Good to know you like me better than Dr. Freeride."
Donna swatted him. "I asked you not to call him that.
Josh just shrugged. "I call 'em as I see 'em."
They got out of the car and headed for the West Wing. As they were walking Donna asked, "So, what do you want to do for Christmas?"
THE END
Author's note: As this is the last chapter I would like to thank three people who made posting this story possible. My betas: Joy and Sharon who took the time to help a total stranger to make her story better thank you for both your time and your input. Kathy, my friend and XF beta, who despite never having seen a single episode of the show took it in hand and helped me edit this thing. Thank-you ladies.
by Deenalynn
Part 6/6: Don't Let the Door Hit You. . .
"Well that was unpleasant," Angela whined as they entered Sam's apartment.
"Wasn't it though," Kate agreed dryly.
Angela missed the point entirely. "I can't believe she was so rude as to throw us out. And it wasn't even her home." She removed her coat and draped it over a chair. "I can't imagine that boss of hers will be too pleased with this turn of events." She looked around Sam's apartment with a critical eye. Obviously finding everything to her liking, she continued her tirade, unaware of the storm brewing in Sam's eyes. "I can tell you, if *I* had raised her. . ."
"Well since you didn't bother to stick around and do so I don't think you have much room to complain," Sam ground out.
Angela's hand flew to her mouth in shock. "How could you say. . ." She turned to his father. "David? Are you going to let him speak to me that way?" She moved closer to David's side.
David wrapped his arm around her waist and addressed Sam. "There's really no need for anymore unpleasantness." When Sam started to speak he continued. "I think Angie and I should go back to our hotel. Once everyone has had some time to relax and think about it, I'm sure none of it will seem so bad." He smiled stiffly at an openmouthed Sam, gathered his and Angela's things, and left the apartment.
Once they were gone a flabbergasted Sam looked at his mother and asked, "When did my father become a lapdog to that bitch?"
**********
"You ready to talk about it?" Josh inquired softly. He and Donna were seated in his living room each with a cup of hot chocolate in their hand.
Donna sniffed and turned somewhat timid eyes on him. "I'm sorry."
Josh shrugged helplessly. "Donna, I'm not even sure you need to apologise. Why don't you tell me what happened and we'll see if it bears an apology."
"I kicked them all out." She stared down into her cocoa. "And it isn't even my house." She peeked up at him through her eyelashes.
"You know that doesn't bother me; you toss people out of my office all the time," he teased gently.
"It's not the same thing," she moaned. "This weren't some strange Hill flunky out to push me around. This was our families." She buried her face in her hands. "Poor Sam!"
"Sam will live. He's the one who wanted his family together. He got it." He reached over and pried her hands from her face. "Now tell me what they said that was so bad you gave them the boot."
She replayed the conversation over dinner for him. "I just couldn't listen to it anymore. I think I'm angriest at my mom and dad for letting Angela bait them like that."
Josh shook his head. "Don't be. They couldn't help it. You're their daughter. That's what parents do when someone attacks their baby. That's why my mom flew off the handle. You'll be the same way some day."
Donna leaned back against the couch tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "I just wish. . ." she trailed off.
"I know. For the record, I'm not mad and you don't need to apologise. I think it's safe to say you were more pleasant asking them to leave than I would have been throwing them out." He grinned. "Then again you're nicer than me."
Donna laughed. "This is true." She opened her eyes and looked directly at him for the first time since he got home. "You're not mad?"
"Why would I be? They were acting like children. You treated them accordingly and sent them to their rooms." He glance around the apartment. "I do have one question though, Donna."
When she arched and inquiring brow he leaned closer and whispered. "What did you do with my mom?" They both started laughing.
**********
"Oh, god I hope Donna's willing to forgive us after that mess," Lynnie groaned. She, Nick and Dev were seated in a coffee shop near Donna's apartment. "I cannot *believe* I let that woman get to me like that."
Dev squeezed her hand. "I know what you mean. I feel like a fool. But I just couldn't sit there and let her make those insinuations about my son."
"Angela has the basic decency of an alley cat though. I shouldn't have. . ." Lynnie sighed. "It was so important to Donna that today be perfect. And we ruined it."
Nick grinned at both women. "I've never been prouder of her in my life." They both gaped at him incredulously. "What? She stood up for herself, told us all off, then chucked us all out on the street." He puffed his chest out slightly. "My little girl's got balls."
Dev snorted her coffee and Lynnie gasped horrified. "Nicholas!"
"What? She does! The little girl who left Madison five years ago would never have been able to do what she did today. Hell, she let Doctor Jackass run her life for her. That *woman* today would eat him for breakfast." By this time both women were laughing helplessly at him. "What? She doesn't need anyone to look after her. She learned that here, and I for one am very proud of her."
**********
"I can just imagine the looks on their faces when you gave them the boot," Josh snickered as he handed Donna a plate.
Donna placed the turkey sandwich she had just made on it and added some potato chips. She chuckled. "It was quite a sight." They sat at the table to enjoy their snack. "Our moms were all wide-eyed and shocked, Angela threw a snit, David was mute as usual, Sam looked like he wanted to die, CJ--well you can imagine CJ-- and my dad, well, he looked almost proud." She glanced over at him and saw a strange expression on his face. "What?"
"Why wouldn't he be proud?"
"Josh! I was rude! It was awful," Donna wailed.
"Yeah, but it may have laid to rest the worries he had to have had about whether you can stand up for yourself."
"I guess." She took a bite of her sandwich and grinned slyly. "I wonder if Sean would still want me back."
Josh snorted. "I don't think the good doctor would have the same appreciation of the changes you've made as we do."
"We?" she asked demurely.
Josh's smile's softened. "Yeah, we." He took a deep breath. "I said something earlier that may have been a bit out of line."
She shook her head adamantly. "It wasn't."
"I just don't want you to feel there's any pressure from me. That I expect you to. . .. Well, I really have no idea how you. . .." He ran his hand through his hair. "God, I suck at this."
Donna laughed delightedly. "Yeah. You do." She reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "And Josh? No pressure. Me too."
His grin grew wider still, "You think we can do this?" His smile fell a bit. "I really don't want to screw us up, Donna. This means too much to me. *You* mean to much. I *am* terrible at relationships and if I lost you because I'm an idiot. . .."
"Neither one of us has the greatest track record when it comes to relationships, Josh." She shrugged, then smiled. "But that's okay, 'cause we already know that about each other. And to be honest, it's one of the things I kind of like about you. Makes you human like the rest of us," she teased.
Josh stood pulling her up with him. "Well, I have to say it's one of the many things I love about you." He dropped a rather chaste kiss on her lips. "Then again, there are many." Another soft kiss, this one a little less chaste. Both hands came up to cup her face. "Many, many things I love about you, Donnatella."
At first the kiss was light and coaxing. Gentle. Then his hands shifted, moving from her face, down her back to draw her close. Lost in the kiss, she moved her hands from his chest, to his shoulders then up around his neck, her fingers tangling in the curls she found there.
He drew her further into his arms, deepening their contact. Donna moaned her approval, pressing herself closer still. "Donna," he breathed running his hand up her spine.
Sighing Donna returned his caresses, losing herself in the sensations he was creating. "God, Josh," she moaned softly, tilting her head to give him access to her throat.
As Josh explored the contours of her back and waist, he brought one hand up to tangle in her hair, rejoicing in the experience of holding this woman in his arms. "Donna," he whispered again, his mouth hot and pliant as he pressed fiery kisses along her throat and jaw line. "God, I love you."
**********
"Well, Dad, I wish I could say it had been fun. But you'd know I was lying." Sam stated honestly. He and David were standing just outside airport security, waiting for Angela to return from the ladies room.
"I know, son, and I am sorry things were so uncomfortable for you." David apologised. "I just wish we'd maybe done just family. Then things wouldn't have gotten so out of hand with that young woman."
Sam choked. "Donna?" he sputtered. "You think this is Donna's fault?"
"She did seem unable to get past her previous relationship with Angie, Sam. She couldn't just let bygones be bygones."
"Dad, that. . . She. . . *Angela* attacked Donna, didn't have a civil thing to say to her." Sam was utterly incredulous.
"I think that's a slight exaggeration," David protested. "Angie was just showing an interest in making sure Joshua doesn't hurt her daughter." David smiled indulgently. "You have to understand, Angie, Sam, she's fragile. She feels things very deeply. The things Moss and his wife said to her, wounded her."
Sam just gaped at his father, clearly amazed at the nonsense pouring from him. "Oh, Dad, please tell me you don't. . ."
He was interrupted by Angela's arrival. "I'm all ready to go, David." She wrapped her hand through his arm. "It was lovely to meet you, Sam. I hope we'll see more of you when you're out in California."
"My son, the Congressman" David said proudly. "I like the sound of that."
"Yes, dear, but don't get your hopes up. It's not likely he'll win." With that she smiled brightly at Sam, and turned toward security. "We should be going David. First class should be boarding soon." She waved cheerily at Sam and walked away.
David hugged his son. "We'll see you soon." He joined Angela at the check.
Sam just stood there watching them walk away, a dumbfounded look on his face.
**********
"You're in a better mood than I expected." CJ observed from the door to Josh's office.
He looked up from his desk with a smile. "Pardon?"
I heard you humming, Joshua." She peered at him carefully. "You don't hum. And in Staff this morning you were," she seemed to choke on the word, "perky."
Josh frowned. "Well, I wouldn't say 'perky'." He thought for a moment. "Cheerful maybe?"
"I think you scared Margaret, and maybe even Debbie." She flopped into his visitors chair. "What's up Mi Amor?"
"Nothing?"
"Spill it, Sparky."
"I thought that was Sam." He lit up slightly. "Did he tell you what his father said when he took them to the airport this morning?"
CJ snorted. "Yeah, fragile my ass." She smirked at him. "Nice try, but we were talking about you. Now, perky boy, explain."
"CJ,- " he started, then stopped when Donna entered the office.
"Hey, I got the thing for the Harris meeting. Larry needs five minutes later today. Mike called--wants to know if you want to grab a beer tonight, and Allison Lewis says thank you." She handed him a pile of folders. "Hey CJ." she smiled brightly.
"Thanks. Tell Larry as long as it's before five, we're okay. I'll call Mike and let him know I can't make it." He looked through the things she'd handed him. "Did Ms. Lewis say when she thought her article would be done?" He handed her back two of the folders.
"No, she didn't. Why can't we meet Mike for a drink after dinner?" She flipped through one of the folders pulled something out and handed it to him.
"I thought you'd want to be with your parents."
"They won't be done with the concert until about eleven so it's no big deal."
"You wouldn't mind?"
She shook her head. "No, Mike's a good guy." She headed for the door. "I'll call him and let him know. What time are our reservations?"
"Early. Six-thirty. Tell him we'll meet him at Jake's at about nine. That way we can just walk home."
"Okay. Bye, CJ."
CJ watched her leave the room then turned a rather menacing glare on Josh. "Joshua?"
He beamed innocently. "Yes, Claudia?"
"Finally?"
"Yes, Claudia," he twinkled at her.
"I'm happy for you," she declared merrily. "Both of you."
"Thanks, CJ. We're happy too." He looked back down at his desk. "Now, since my personal life has your stamp of approval, can we get back to work?" He grinned mischievously.
"Fine, I'll go talk to Donna then." She rose and started fort he door.
"She has work to do too," Josh protested weakly.
"Bah, she's clever, she can gossip about you and do her work at the same time." She waved cheerfully and left.
**********
"Yes, Mom." Donna was on the phone when CJ arrived at her desk. "No, Mom." She glanced up at CJ and rolled her eyes. "But I want to." She tapped her pencil impatiently on her desk. "Mom, Josh and I can have dinner anytime. You and Daddy are only here until tomorrow." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Yes, but when we made those plans you and Daddy were supposed to be going to the concert. Now you're not, so we can. . ." Another sigh and eye roll. This time CJ grinned sympathetically. "Fine, Mom." She hung up the phone. "How is it no matter how old you get your mom is still, you know, your mom?"
CJ laughed. "It's a thing." She perched on the edge of Donna's desk. "So what's up?"
"She and Daddy were supposed to be going to the Kennedy Center tonight. I got them tickets ages ago." She began working at her computer. "Today we found out there's some sort of problem with the fire system at the Center so the concert was cancelled." She stopped talking as she flipped through a folder, finding what she was looking for she continued talking and typing. "So now, they have no plans for this evening and are adamant that Josh and I not change ours." She looked up to find CJ grinning. "What?"
CJ laughed. "I love how you just assumed he told me."
Donna shook her head confused. "What?"
"You just assumed Josh told me. It didn't even dawn on you that I wouldn't know about your date tonight."
Donna smiled. "We talked about our date with you in the room, CJ. I doubt you would let him get away without explaining."
"True." CJ slid down off the desk into a chair beside it. "So, spill, 'the love stylings of Joshua Lyman'," she demanded with a conspiratorial grin.
**********
"I will call as soon as I get there, Mom." Sam promised as he, his mother and Michael made their way through the airport the next day. "I'm supposed to be there next Thursday but I'll let you know for sure."
"Good, it'll be nice to have more time with you." She hesitated. "Sam, I'm sorry -"
He shook his head. "Mom, it wasn't your fault."
"I guess I thought I should have warned you about her." Kate's smiled ruefully. "Though I would imagine anything I said would have come across as sour grapes."
"I just can't believe Dad doesn't say anything. It's not like him."
"I've come to discover I don't know your father as well as I thought I did," Kate stated sadly. "Obviously there's something there we can't see."
"She definitely does a bang up job of hiding any redeeming qualities she may have." Sam glanced over to where Michael was checking the luggage. "Dad may have been luckier the first time around, but I think you got him beat the second."
Kate's eyes filled. "Oh, Sammy." She hugged him tight.
"I love you, Mom," he whispered into her hair.
"I love you too, baby." She sniffled and straightened as Michael approached. "All set?" she asked him.
"You bet." Michael smiled and held his hand out to Sam. "It was great meeting you, Sam. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you when you move out to California."
"Well, I'm not sure I'm going to be making a permanent move," Sam reminded him, humbly.
"Of course you'll be here a lot still, but you'll have to come visit your constituents," Kate said confidently.
"Mom, I haven't won yet," Sam chuckled. "The odds are against me."
"I plan to vote for you," Michael grinned. "We elected a dead Democrat; we must be looking for a change, don't you think?"
Sam thanked him and hugged his mother once again. "I'll see you next week."
**********
"Hello there," CJ greeted Toby as he entered her office. "Since you're still amongst the living I assume it went well with the Wyatts."
"Define well," Toby grumped as he dropped onto CJ's couch. "They didn't have me murdered if that's what you mean."
CJ moved from behind her desk to join him on the sofa. "That good, huh?"
"They basically forbade her to remarry me."
CJ bristled slightly, "They *forbade* it?" she sputtered. "I can just imagine how she reacted to that one."
Toby grimaced. "She said yes."
"She what?" CJ squawked.
"She said yes," Toby repeated.
CJ calmed down and reached for her friend's hand. "I'm sorry, Toby, I know how much you wanted this." She squeezed his hand. "She may still. . ." She drifted off. CJ squeezed Toby's hand again, then lifted it up to inspect it. "Toby?"
"Yes, CJ?"
"You're wearing your wedding band."
"Yes, I am."
"Don't you think this might cause just a bit of a problem? Not to mention it might bother Andi."
Toby smiled innocently. "Why would it bother Andi, she's got one too."
"Yes, but she isn't wearing hers."
"Yes, she is."
"Since when?"
Toby grinned smugly. "Since we got married. Yesterday."
"What?" CJ squeaked. She stared at him blankly for a moment then took a swing.
Toby ducked. "Hey!"
"You told me she agreed with her family!" CJ yelled as she smacked him on the arm.
"I did not. I said she said yes." He smirked at her, eyes twinkling. "It's not my fault you misunderstood what she was agreeing to."
Much to his chagrin, CJ hugged him. "I'm so happy for you. This is wonderful." She paused for a moment. "What about the good fight?"
"They're still going to come after her for non-disclosure. We weren't married when she was running so. . ."
"That and it's sure to piss her family off." CJ grinned knowingly.
"And that." Toby glanced around her office. "So how was dinner at the OK Corral?"
"Ooh, have I got news for you."
Down the hall, two young interns were startled when they heard someone yell, "It's about damn time!" from the direction of the Press Secretary's office.
**********
"I love my parents but I can honestly say I'm glad they're gone," Donna sighed as she settled into the passenger's seat of Josh's car. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"I'm right there with you." Josh stated as he pulled out into traffic. "My mom is terrific and I enjoyed having her here, but next time Sam can have his own family gathering."
"It's not just that." Donna turned slightly in her seat to face him. "I never realised how over-protective they are."
Josh shrugged. "Probably because before, you needed it." When she didn't reply he continued, "Think about it. Every time you've seen them since you started working here, it's been in their home, on their terms. You were going home to Mom and Dad. Everyone wants a little babying then." He glanced over to see she appeared to be considering his words. "This time it was on your turf. They've never seen you in your element."
"I guess. I mean, dinner last night was nice. We all had fun right?" She waited for him to agree before continuing. "I think I'm just looking forward to not having them in my back pocket."
"Well, our first date and our parents were there," Josh teased. "Not *quite* how I imagined it."
Donna groaned. "My mom told me she would tell my dad I had to go into work if I wanted to stay at your place."
Josh burst out laughing. "Oh, like that was going to happen with my mother in my guest room."
"Pretty much what I told her, when I could finally speak again." She shook her head. "It was mortifying. My mom was trying to arrange a booty call for me!"
Josh choked. "There's a mental image I could live without." They both laughed.
They talked quietly as Josh drove through DC. As they drove through the gate to the White House, Donna commented, "Dad said I did good this time." She grinned at him.
Josh pulled into his parking spot. "Huh?"
"He meant you. He always loathed Sean. He thinks you're an improvement." She unbuckled and leaned over to kiss him. "I'd say I have to agree with him."
Josh returned the kiss enthusiastically. "Good to know you like me better than Dr. Freeride."
Donna swatted him. "I asked you not to call him that.
Josh just shrugged. "I call 'em as I see 'em."
They got out of the car and headed for the West Wing. As they were walking Donna asked, "So, what do you want to do for Christmas?"
THE END
Author's note: As this is the last chapter I would like to thank three people who made posting this story possible. My betas: Joy and Sharon who took the time to help a total stranger to make her story better thank you for both your time and your input. Kathy, my friend and XF beta, who despite never having seen a single episode of the show took it in hand and helped me edit this thing. Thank-you ladies.