By Lacy

We follow Sam through the West Wing until we reach the Oval Office. In the corridor outside the President's office, the remainder of the senior staff gathers, with the exception of CJ Cregg who, I'm told, is prepping the President on his statement. Bonnie, Ginger and Cathy have apparently received permission from Sam and Toby to attend the press conference -- I mean, reception -- because they've gathered with Leo, Toby, and Charlie Young. Margaret is also present and is standing, like a towering redwood, behind her boss.

We are told that CJ wrapped up the briefing early and the Press Corps was mustered, by Carol, into the Mural Room. The President emerges with CJ from the Oval Office, at which point he immediately locks his sights on to me.

"Donna," he says, excitedly. He's carrying a rolled up document in one hand, which I can only assume is the prepared statement Sam and Toby wrote for him.

"Good morning, Mr. President," I respond. Then he does the most surprising thing. President Josiah Bartlet, Leader of the Free World, kisses me on the cheek. I have to lean down a bit because President Bartlet is well...vertically challenged, and my three inch heels don't help much. "Thank you, sir," I say.

"I was so sorry to hear that you were ill, Donna. Are you feeling better?"

"I'm a hundred percent, sir."

"That's good to hear. Are you nervous?"

"A little bit, Mr. President."

"Well, take it from an old pro who's done this kind of thing a hundred thousand times before. It's a piece of cake."

"I'll try to remember that, sir."

"Oh, and congratulations, Donna. We were all pulling for you." President Bartlet's eyes twinkle with animation and I can't help but be infected by his enthusiasm

"Thank you, Mr. President. Your support means the world to me."

"Well, you're very welcome, Donna. Don't let this guy push you around." The President smacks Josh on the arm with the rolled up paper.

"I haven't yet, sir."

"That's the spirit. CJ, are we ready?"

"Yes, sir," CJ responds. She nods to Charlie who advances upon the Mural Room doors. With a measured glance back at the President, he throws the doors open wide and steps aside to allow Bartlet to pass. The cadre of reporters turn to face the entering President. CJ follows him into the room and straight through the crowd.

Leo and Toby look over at me and Josh, and crook their heads in the direction of the Mural Room. Oh, we're supposed to follow CJ. Nobody filled me in on the protocol of announcing personal relationships. Josh reaches down and takes my hand, squeezing it securely in his, and the next thing I know he's dragging me along behind him as he throws himself into the fray.

A line from a Shakespeare play I read in high school pops unexpectedly into my head and I can clearly hear King Henry V shouting, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!"

And at this moment, with my shield in front of me and loyal compatriots behind, all I can do...is follow where King Henry leads me.

****

The moment Josh and I enter the room we are assaulted by the blinding light of eager flashbulbs. With only an instant to adjust, Josh escorts me to the front of the room.

In the process of setting up this 'reception', CJ made sure to place a modest yet regal podium in front of the fireplace, from which President Bartlet could make his remarks. We take our place behind the President, who stands ready to begin.

After adjusting to the intruding white lights, I smile for the cameras, knowing that this is what's called a 'photo op'. After all, I can't have the picture in tomorrow's paper be one of me shielding my eyes and looking like an ill-fated deer, now can I?

President Bartlet holds up a hand, signaling to the Corps that he's ready to begin, so it's time to stop taking intrusive pictures now. A few lingering flashbulbs pop as the President clears his throat and commences with his statement.

"Four years ago, Josh Lyman sat in the back of a fairly empty VFW hall, and with scattered attention listened to me attempt to corral the votes of a small group of people. Something I said made him sit up and take notice. Giving up a secure career on the Hill, he left it all behind, followed his heart, and came to work for me. I have never regretted it. During the campaign, he discovered a young woman answering the phone in his office. So earnest in her desire to make a difference was she, that she begged him for a job. She was looking for a fresh start. Josh followed his heart, and offered her one. He has never regretted it. Eight months ago, he was critically injured in an assassination attempt upon this Administration. He fought valiantly for his life, his heart never once threatening to give up. Through his recovery, both physical and emotional, his friends tirelessly fought for the heart of this man, hoping to bring home the Josh Lyman we have all loved. We have never regretted it. Now, Josh Lyman has finally learned to place his trust where it belongs and to follow, in all things, where his heart leads him. For three years a woman of honor and loyalty has stood beside him in his professional life. So, when Josh came to me to confess that she was object of his greatest desire: How could I not say, 'Trust the whispers of your heart, my friend?'" In conclusion; to Josh and Donna, I wish you the greatest joy in each other. May you continue to fight along side one another for many years to come."

President Bartlet speaks as though reading the Declaration of Independence or delivering the Gettysburg Address. His inflection soars as though giving a speech that will go down in the history of oratory. I'm moved to tears by his words -- Sam and Toby's words.

Josh reaches into his coat pocket and produces a linen handkerchief, which he holds out to me. When did Josh start carrying handkerchiefs? As if hearing my inner thoughts, he leans into me and whispers in my ear, "I picked them up on the way in this morning. I thought you might get a little choked up."

The moment he leans in to whisper to me, flashbulbs begin to pop again. I wipe the tears from eyes, careful not to smudge my makeup. He reaches down and takes my hand in his again and our fingers instinctively lace together.

For once, the Press Corps does not hound the President with questions. He is able to step aside so that CJ can take the spotlight.

"Thank you, Mr. President," CJ acknowledges. "At this time, Josh and Donna will be open for questions."

Has there ever been a time in your life when an idea just beyond your grasp comes clearly and almost painfully into focus? I'm having one of those moments right now. The second CJ steps aside and the reporters' attention is fully focused on me and Josh, I understand the complete meaning of the term 'full court press'.

It's something I never thought would ever happen to me. It's something I wouldn't wish upon anybody. I have a whole new respect for CJ. The crowd of reporters begins shouting our names simultaneously, drowning us in a sea of 'Josh's' and 'Donna's'.

"Josh!" a voice soars above the rest.

Josh recognizes the voice and points into the crowd. "Arthur."

"How long have you two been together?" Arthur asks, when the shouts of the crowd dim.

"Officially?" Josh replies. "About two minutes."

"An unofficially?" another voice shouts.

"About two weeks," he replies honestly.

"Josh!"

"Danny!" Josh points to Danny Concannon at the front of the group.

"Has this affected your work at all?"

"Well, Danny, I haven't had any complaints yet."

"But on a personal level, do you feel that the change in your relationship with Donna has affected your job performance?" Danny rephrased.

I can practically feel CJ rolling her eyes.

"No, Danny, I honestly don't believe it has."

"Thank you, Josh."

"Josh!" "Josh!"

"Josh! Can you tell us where you took her on your first date?"

I look at Josh and our eyes meet. We're both remembering the disastrous end to our 'first date' at the Thai Gardens restaurant. Josh really doesn't want to give the restaurant any free publicity but he sighs, and answers the question anyway.

"Donna!" "Donna!" "Donna!"

"Donna! Would you describe Josh as being romantic?"

I gaze into the crowd and recognize the reporter asking the question. Josh squeezes my hand and I look into his eyes and smile. I know how to answer this question. "He has his moments."

"Josh! What made you realize you wanted to...reevaluate your relationship with Donna?"

"Well, one day I looked at her and my brain finally realized what my heart knew all along: that this woman was a part of me. Losing her would be like cutting off both of my arms."

"Josh! Did your injuries have anything to do with bringing about this epiphany?"

I brace for the feeling of Josh's body stiffening next to mine, but the tension doesn't come.

"I gotta tell you, Arthur, when you have a near-death experience, it's enough to make you realize a lot of things. Donna was with me every step of the way during my recovery. She was my angel of mercy. Even during the worst times, she never gave up on me. When you find something like that, you have hang on to it. Life is too short to do anything less. I've done a lot of stupid things, but hanging on to Donnatella Moss wasn't one of them."

"Donna! What's the most romantic thing he's ever said to you?"

"I think he just said it," I respond.

"Are their any plans for making this relationship more official?"

I jump on this question before Josh has a chance to respond. "No plans at this time. We just want to enjoy this chance to rediscover one another."

"But you aren't ruling it out?"

"We are most definitely not ruling anything out," Josh answers. He pulls me closer and puts his arm around my waist. He leans down to whisper in my ear again. "You're doing great." I smile for him, and the flashbulbs go into a frenzy.

Can I just say, I'm absolutely positive this picture is going to be in the paper tomorrow?

"Josh! Is this just dating, or is it already something more?"

"Well, to quote a great 70's band, I'd have to say that it's definitely 'more than a feeling'."

"Would you characterize this as love?"

I laugh at this. I can't help it. Have you ever heard of a more ridiculous way to phrase a question?

"Yes," I answer for both of us. "It's definitely love."

"Josh?"

"She's always spoken for me. Why ruin a good thing?" He grins and then, "Yes, I would say that I definitely characterize this as love."

TBC

****