Chapter 18
Christmastime in Washington DC is a busy time of the year especially for the White House Staff. There's the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Christmas in Washington concert, and the Kennedy
Center Honors. Along with these events, there's the staff Christmas party, the unveiling of the Christmas decorations in the White House and various other parties and events.
In the midst of all these festivities, C.J. and Donna were helping Anne plan a surprise party for Kelsey's birthday. Anne knew that this would probably be the last party she would be able to
throw so she wanted to make it memorable for all.
Two weeks before Christmas, Kelsey was in the office on a Saturday. It was actually a fairly quiet day and she was able to get some work done. That was when she wasn't thinking about
Toby and their relationship. They had gone out to dinner a couple of times since they had shared that kiss in her office. And somehow he always managed to get the last dance with her at the
past two Christmas parties. Most nights he would come over to the house after work and they would sit and talk with Anne until she grew tired. Then Toby and Kelsey would make out on
the sofa like a couple of teenagers. For the first time, in a very long time, Kelsey was smiling and happy when she came to work. When they were together, she could forget, for a moment,
how sick her mother was.
Toby walked into the White House after temple and headed straight for Kelsey's office. He'd already bought Kelsey's gift for the party that night, but he had a very special gift to give her. He
was grateful that most of the Senior Staff had stayed home that day.
"Hey, Toby," Kelsey called out as he walked past her office.
"How's mom doing today?"
"Fine. Actually, she seems a little better today."
"Glad to hear that. Do you have a minute?"
"Sure."
He walked in and they sat down next to each other on the sofa. Leaning over, Toby kissed her lightly on the lips.
"Happy Birthday!"
Kelsey smiled. "Thank you."
"So, do you have any plans tonight?"
"Well, I was hoping that this guy I've been seeing lately might take me out for a nice dinner," she hinted.
"I'd love to, but I already have plans."
"Oh."
"That's why I wanted to give you this," he explained.
Toby pulled a small box out of his coat pocket. It was wrapped in silver paper with a purple bow on top. He handed the gift to her.
"You know, this is my first present today."
"Really?!"
Kelsey excitedly tore the paper off and opened the small black velvet box up. She gasped at the sight of a white gold locket and chain.
"Oh, Toby! It's beautiful!" she gushed.
"Do you like it?"
"Like it?! I love it!"
Toby reached over and opened up the locket revealing a photo of him and Kelsey inside.
"You can always change the photo," he remarked.
"It's perfect!"
"There's an inscription on the back."
Eagerly, she turned the locket over and read the inscription out loud.
"To Kelsey, Happy 35th Birthday! I love you! Toby."
"I love you, Kelsey Saufl!" declared Toby.
"I love you, too, Toby Ziegler!"
Toby kissed her passionately, forgetting where they were and that the door to Kelsey's office was open.
"Am I interrupting anything?" a woman's voice asked.
Kelsey looked up to see the First Lady standing in the doorway.
"Mrs. Bartlet! I didn't know you were in the West Wing today," remarked Kelsey, trying to hide the embarrassment she was feeling.
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me, Kelsey," smiled Abbey. "Hello, Toby."
"Hello, Mrs. Bartlet."
"Toby, I believe my husband is looking for you."
"Yes ma'am. I was just on my way to see him."
"Well, you might want to try the Oval Office next time," Abbey teased.
Toby stood up and started to leave Kelsey's office.
"Oh and Toby, you might want to wipe Kelsey's lipstick off your face before you head in there."
Kelsey managed to stifle the laugh that started to escape as Toby took out his handkerchief and wiped his face. He left the room, feeling very embarrassed.
Abbey turned her attention towards the young woman sitting on the sofa.
"Do you mind if I join you?"
"Please."
Abbey sat down next to Kelsey and noticed the locket she was holding.
"My birthday present from Toby," Kelsey explained.
"Would you like me to help you put it on?"
"That would be great."
Kelsey turned around and Abbey clasped the necklace around her neck.
"How's it look?"
"Beautiful!" remarked Abbey. "So, how did you manage to snag Toby Ziegler?"
"I don't really know. All I know is that I am incredibly lucky to have him in my life right now. He's understanding, loving and caring. I'm sorry I probably sound like a love-sick
schoolgirl."
"No, you sound like a woman in love."
"Because I am. Mrs. Bartlet, I know you didn't come in here to talk to me about my love life."
"Not exactly, no. I need a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"Well, you know how difficult it is to keep a secret from my husband."
Kelsey nodded her head in agreement. "I seem to recall."
"Would you be willing to hide his Christmas present at your house. At least until we leave on vacation."
"Sounds like fun!"
"Thank you. If I had it here, he'd search this place top to bottom trying to find it."
"I understand."
"I'm afraid you're going to have to pick it up for me too."
"That's not a problem. I just have a couple of briefs to finish reading and then I'll pick up the gift."
"Thank you, so much. You have no idea how many headaches you have saved me from."
"I can only imagine."
"Here's the name of the store. Just ask for Meaghan," replied Abbey as she handed a card to Kelsey.
"I'll call you when I've completed the mission," Kelsey joked.