Chapter 17
Two days later, Toby walked into his office and discovered a brightly wrapped package waiting for him on his desk. It hadn’t been there the night before as he was the last one to leave. Now,
he was the first one in. He opened the card that said,
“Day One – Keep your eyes open, surprises are all around.”
Carefully, he unwrapped the package and was delighted to find a dreidl and a bag of gelt. He unwrapped one of the gelt and savored the chocolate.
The next day, Bonnie discovered a package on the fireplace mantel in the Mural Room. Toby’s name was on it, so she dutifully brought it to her boss. Inside was a box of Mrs.
Landingham’s cookies. He smiled realizing that he now knew who was responsible for his presents, but when he thanked Mrs. Landingham, she had no idea what he was talking about.
Word gets around fast in the West Wing and by the third day, the staff was really getting into it. Friendly wagers began taking place as to where the next package would be found and who
would find it.
A pair of black leather gloves was the gift on the third day. The President, in one of his desk drawers, found this one. Ginger found the package the next day in the bullpen. This one
contained a wool scarf. On Saturday morning, Sam found a box on his seat with Toby’s name on it. Excitedly he handed it to his boss and watched with delight as Toby unwrapped a CD of
classical music.
During Monday morning’s staff meeting, Margaret walked in carrying a dark purple gift bag. She handed it to Toby who reached inside and pulled out a bottle of his favorite wine.
The next afternoon, Josh became the lucky person to find the gift. It was in his backpack. He rushed to give it to Toby, finding him in Sam’s office.
“Toby!” called Josh.
Both men looked up from the computer screen as Josh walked in holding the latest gift.
“Looks like your mystery person has struck again,” remarked Sam.
“How observant of you, Sam. I’ll take that.”
Josh handed the package to Toby who placed it on Sam’s desk.
“Aren’t you going to open it?” Josh asked, excitedly.
“Later, we have a speech to write,” he replied.
“That’s all right, Toby. I can wait,” offered Sam.
Toby looked at the two younger men who were looking quizzically at the gift.
“I’m not going to get any work done until I open this, am I?”
“Not likely,” replied Sam.
“Oh, all right.”
Not wanting to appear over-anxious, he slowly opened the card and read it and then handed it to Josh.
“What’s it say?” Sam asked.
“Day 7 – only one package to go. Can you guess who I am?”
Opening the box, Toby discovered a baseball cap, but not just any cap, a New York Yankees World Series cap.
“Cool!” remarked Sam as Toby tried it on.
“Now can we please get back to work?”
The next day, the staff was in a tizzy wondering where the final package would be found and who the mystery person was. Even the President was intrigued by the goings on. Staffers came
back from lunch and were disappointed to find out that no package had been found yet.
As C.J. was leaving the Press Room, after the afternoon briefing, she found the last package behind the podium. She carried it back to Toby not letting on what she had in her hands. She
found Toby sitting in his office looking out the window.
“Toby,” she called out, knocking softly on the door.
He turned around and noticed the package in C.J.’s hands.
“It’s for you.”
“Does everyone know?” he asked
“No. I figured you wouldn’t want a lot of attention. I’ll tell everyone about it later.”
“Thanks. Where did you find it?”
“Behind the podium in the Press Room.”
Toby took the box from C.J. and stared at it. C.J. turned to leave.
“You can stay.”
C.J. sat down on the sofa and watched as Toby opened the card. It read.
“You’ll know who I am when you open this gift.”
Slowly, he opened the gift relishing every moment. A slow smile formed as he realized what it was.
“What is it?” asked C.J., dying to know.
“A first edition copy of ‘Sonnets of the Portuguese’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, leather-bound,” answered Toby.
“Any idea who’s behind all this?”
He shook his head slightly and then noticed two bookmarks sticking up out of the book. Turning to the first page, it was the sonnet he had read to Anne two weeks ago. Now he had inkling
but just to be certain, he flipped to the next sonnet. Toby knew the moment he read it who was behind it all.
“Well…”
“Not a clue.”
“You know, you’re just not saying. Be that way,” teased C.J. showing Toby her best pout.
He winked at her as she left the room.
Later that night, Toby stood outside Kelsey’s office holding the book. He watched as Kelsey worked, the light illuminating her face just so. She was so incredibly beautiful and he felt his
heart swell as he stood there. Softly, he knocked.
She looked up from her computer and smiled at the sight of Toby.
“I see you got your gift.”
“The final one.”
Kelsey took a deep breath and decided to knock Toby’s socks off.
“First time he kissed me, he but only kissed the fingers of this hand wherewith I write,” she recited holding Toby’s gaze across the room.
“And, ever since, it grew more clean and white. Slow to world-greetings…quick with its, ‘Oh, list,” added Toby, moving across the room towards her.
As she recited the next part, Kelsey rose from her seat and walked towards Toby.
“When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst I could not wear here, plainer to my sight, than that first kiss.”
“The second passed in height the first, and sought the forehead and half missed, half falling on the hair. Oh beyond meed!”
Together they finished the sonnet speaking in hushed tones.
“That was the chrism of love, which love’s own crown, with sanctifying sweetness, did precede. The third upon my lips was folded down in perfect purple state; since when indeed, I have
been proud and said, my love, my own.”
They stood just inches apart. He placed his hand on her soft cheek and she turned into his touch. Slowly, he lowered his head towards her, never breaking his gaze. Their lips met in one
perfect kiss.