“Listen, you’ve been home two days now. You’ll be fine. Just go out there,
make your statement, mention your plans and we’ll all be fine. Hell, if they ask why
you left you can say that you haven’t even told the President that and it won’t be a
lie.” CJ retorted as she flipped through her notes.

“You know, I don’t see why I have to do this. I mean, technically, I’m a
member of the press so I shouldn’t be going out there.” KD said absentmindedly.

CJ laughed.

“I can’t believe you have stage fright.” She muttered.

“You’re not helping, CJ.” KD retorted.

“Listen, Leo thinks that this would go a lot smoother if you announced
your return yourself and you know they love you, so stop worrying.” CJ tried to be
comforting.

“And when it comes time to talk about Saturday?” KD asked.

“It’s happy news, isn’t it? Let the world you’re not only back, you’re back
with a bang.” CJ offered.

“Yeah, so when are you and Danny gonna bang?” KD asked innocently.

“Okay, I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer. Instead, I’m going
to go out there and put you in the spotlight.” CJ retorted and headed for the
podium. KD whined a little and then felt Toby’s arms around her waist.

“You nervous?” He whispered softly as he kissed her neck. She closed her
eyes.

“God, yes.” She murmured. “I’d rather be sitting with you and Sam talking
about gays in the military.” She admitted.

“We’re taking a break so I thought I’d come down and give you some
encouragement.” He said softly as he kissed her ear and began to probe her lobe.
She moaned softly and shook her head.

“You’re gonna send me out there looking as red as a beet.” She murmured.

“I don’t think I should be doing this. I should be sitting at my desk arguing with
caterers.” Toby chuckled.

“Plenty of time for that later.” He told her as he watched CJ talk.

“Everyone’s been so great about this. I mean we missed the first date and
now everyone’s being really nice about putting this together so fast.” She
murmured as she watched the same sight.

“Well, we’re paying the people we have to pay, so they’re happy to get
money and our friends and family are just so ecstatic to see us together again,
they don’t care that they have to rush through the plans.” Toby told her. “You’re
up.” He added as CJ looked at them. KD nodded and stepped out into the flashing
cameras. She smiled weakly and replaced CJ at the podium.

“Good afternoon, everybody. I know you all missed me so much, but I’m
gonna have to get straight to the point.” She said playfully. The reporters
chuckled and waited. Toby watched with a smile. No matter how nervous she got,
she was still a natural with these people who were her friends in the past and still
her friends now. “Approximately three months ago, around May 24th if you want to
be exact, I was forced to take a leave of absence from the White House due to
personal reasons that I will not disclose. For those three months, I traveled
around the country, doing some random polls, talking to the people of this
country and learning about the problems that plague our country still. I took
advantage of the LOA to get in touch with this country and I believe that I’ve
learned a lot of helpful things that will benefit this administration and the people
of this country.

“But the reason I’m standing here today is to tell you wonderful people that
I’m back, and I’m here to stay. In fact, this Saturday, at a nicely undisclosed
location, I will be getting married to Mr. Tobias Ziegler after nearly a year. I know
you’ve all been following that scenario closely. Now maybe you’ll leave us alone,
nai?” She asked with a grin. The reporters chuckled. “Now that I’m done, I
suppose it’s only right that I take a few questions. Stan?”

“Yes, what prompted you to come back home?” The familiar reporter
asked. KD nodded at the question.

“I’m sure you all are aware of the press conference in Dallas that I crashed,
so to speak. After that conference, I got a chance to speak to my colleagues and I
realized that I never need the leave of absence in the first place.” She replied and
nodded to another reporter. “Jan.”

“Are you back to work on the Medical Research bill?” A young woman
asked. KD nodded.

“Yes, the bill goes to the floor tomorrow and we’ll be watching the vote
very carefully. So far the votes are very optimistic, so I’m not expecting any
problems with it. Katie.” KD called with a smirk.

“Am I right in assuming that your wedding will not be open to the press?”
The young woman who shared KD’s name asked with a smile. KD chuckled and
shook her head.

“Sorry, no. Things are kind of hectic so there will be no press.” She replied.

“Does that include Danny?” Jack shouted out. The reporters chuckled as
Danny blushed and KD pretended to think about it.

“Mr. Concannon and I are still negotiating.” She replied playfully. Danny
mocked sneered at her as his normal color returned to his face and he raised his
hand. KD smirked at him. “You got a question, Danny?” She asked playfully. The
reporters chuckled some more.

“Will the President be attending the ceremony and where the reception be
taking place?” He asked seriously.

“The President is doing what he can to be there, yes, as well as his family
and the reception is going to be in the rose garden with food inside in the official
dining room.” KD replied evenly. “Anybody else?”

“Yeah, is that Toby Ziegler hiding in the shadows?” Steve called. The
reporters laughed as Toby turned slightly red. KD looked back at him and then at
the reporters with a smirk.

“I don’t know, Steve, but if it’s not, it’s a very good likeness.” She replied.
“I have you miscreants back to CJ.” She added playfully and walked away. The
cameras flashed as CJ retook her position and KD and Toby disappeared down
the hallway.

“You were great.” Toby whispered to her as he rested his hand in the small
of her back. She smiled and leaned into him.

“Thank you.” She murmured as they walked to her office. “You have to go
back to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell?” She asked as he closed the door behind them. He
shrugged and kissed her passionately.

“I think Sam will be fine.” He murmured as he pulled her on to the couch.
She smiled and let him press her down against the cushions.