Chapter 15
After posing for pictures and accepting congratulations from their families and friends, the couple finally sat down to eat. During dinner, C.J. stood up and cleared her voice.
"May I have your attention," she paused as the guests looked up from their meals. "Thank you. As best woman it is my honor to offer the first toast. So, here goes… "
"Toby and Kelsey, many of us here today have had the privilege of watching your relationship grow from colleagues to friends and finally husband and wife. Your commitment to each
other is an inspiration to those of us who have yet to find our perfect mate. My wish for you today is this…may your joys be as sweet as the spring flowers that grow. As bright as a fire
when winter winds blow. As countless as leaves that float down in the fall and as serene as the love that keeps watch over all. May you have a long and happy life together. To Toby and
Kelsey!"
"Toby and Kelsey!" the guests shouted.
"I guess it's my turn to offer a toast," Danny remarked as he stood up.
"Toby and Kelsey, today you took a giant step of courage and made a commitment to communicate; love; understand and grow. When two people make a commitment this strong, the force
of that commitment, love and courage reaches out and touches all of us around you. So, that our lives are changed and we share a part of your love. May your love continue to grow and
touch everyone you come in contact with. To Toby and Kelsey, mazel tov!" Danny declared.
"Mazel tov!!"
"I would like to say a few words," Bartlet announced said as he stood up.
"Josiah Bartlet saying a few words, now that's a first," Josh retorted.
Bartlet glared at him then began his toast.
"I should like at this time, to try to speak of some of the things which many of us wish for the both of you. We wish for you a home, not a place of stone and wood, but an island of peace,
a place from which you will receive strength and support that stays and carries with you throughout your daily lives. We hope that your home encompasses the beauty of nature that has
within it the elements of simplicity, beauty, silence, and color, in concordance with your dreams and aspirations. We wish for you a home of books, poetry and music, a home with all the
things, which represent the highest of both men and women. Congratulations!"
Once dinner and the toasts were finished, the Zieglers cut their wedding cake. The band played, "Let Me Into Your Heart" as Toby led Kelsey out onto the dance floor for their first dance.
"Well, Mrs. Zeigler, it appears that we pulled it off," Toby remarked as they danced.
"So it would seem."
"Happy?" he asked as he spun his wife around the dance floor.
"Ecstatic! And you?"
"I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy," he replied.
The song ended and he dipped Kelsey, kissing her passionately as the guests clapped and cheered. The band began to play "The Way You Look Tonight" and their family and friends soon
joined the bridal couple on the dance floor.
After a few more songs, the bandleader announced that Kelsey would be tossing her bouquet. All the single women gathered around. C.J. tried to blend in with the walls, trying
desperately not to be the one to catch it. On the count of three, Kelsey released her bouquet and it sailed right into the waiting arms of Zoey Bartlet.
Then Toby removed Kelsey's garter and waited as all the single men congregated. He tossed it backwards and after a few guys hit it, the garter ended up in Charlie's hand.
"Well, it looks like we're going to have another White House wedding to plan," remarked Abbey.
"Zoey isn't getting married until she's at least thirty," replied the President.
Abbey laughed and then pulled her husband out onto the dance floor to join the others.
Toby pulled Kelsey closer into his embrace as they danced. "I love you, Mrs. Ziegler!"
"Kelsey Ziegler. I like the way that sounds," she replied. "I love you too, Toby!"
"Our friends seem to be having a good time."
Kelsey looked over his shoulder at the members of the staff as they danced. Donna and Josh seemed to be lost in their own world. Zoey and Charlie were swaying in time to the music,
wrapped in each other's arms. Danny and C.J. were trying not to let their true feelings show as they gazed into each other's eyes. Sam and Mallory were arguing over how many times Sam
had stepped on Mallory's toes. The Bartlets danced together with the grace and ease that comes with being married for over 30 years. Leo took turns dancing with Carol, Margaret, Ginger,
Bonnie and Cathy not wanting any of the women to feel left out. From her seat, Mrs. Landingham surveyed the dance floor with the feeling of a mother hen. And just for a moment,
Kelsey thought she saw her mother sitting off to the side watching over her with a smile on her face.
"Toby, there's something I need to tell you."
"And what might that be?"
"I'm pregnant," she whispered into her husband's ear.
The End