A Few Bumps in the Road

by: Evelyn

Disclaimer: Aaron Sorkin owns everything.

Category: Romance, Josh/Donna

Spoilers: Everything through Season 3

Rating: YTEEN

Author's Note: Special thanks to Shelley for her fabulous editing and insight into all things Sorkin. This follows 'Calling the Question' and 'Like a Bad Penny.' It helps if you've read those stories, but if not, please know that Josh and Donna are finally together and the Evil Amy is gone! Thanks.

Donna looked up when she heard a knock at the door of Josh's office. All she saw was a hand waving a white handkerchief.

"Is it safe to come in?"

"How much did you want your spring roll?" Donna replied.

"Not at all?" Josh gave what he thought was the right answer as he came into his office, to see Donna pop the last piece of spring roll in her mouth.

"Good, 'cuz there's none left."

Josh sat down on the big leather chair next to Donna, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her.

"I'm sorry, Donna, I really am. I just lost track of time."

"Look, I know things are really hectic now. That's why I thought we should wait until after the election to get married," Donna said carefully, settling back into Josh's arms.

"I don't want to wait," Josh immediately answered. "I'd get married tomorrow if we could."

"But you don't seem to have time to plan a wedding. You've missed the appointments we set up, to accommodate your schedule I should point out, with the caterer, the florist, the pianist, even the Rabbi and Minister," Donna said, trying to keep her voice calm.

"I don't want a big, fancy wedding. I just want to get married," Josh complained.

Donna sat up, moved out of Josh's arms onto the chair opposite him.

"Define big and fancy," Donna said, a certain irritation creeping into her voice.

"Well, you know with a caterer and all the other stuff," Josh said blithely. "I don't know why we can't keep it simple."

"So you want to have only you and me at the wedding?" Donna asked.

"Well, no, I want our mothers there, and of course, the President and Abbey, Leo, Margaret, Toby, CJ, Sam, my law school roommates Dave and Stan, my aunts and uncles, my four first cousins...."

"And am I inviting anyone?" Donna interjected.

"Well sure, but probably no more than 100 people total," Josh explained patiently.

"OK, here's what we'll do," Donna began. "On your way to the ceremony, go to the drive-through at McDonald's and order 100 Big Mac's and, what the heck, for those who don't eat red meat, let's get a bunch of those fish fillet sandwiches. Super-size the fries, Josh, because we don't want to look cheap."

"That was sarcasm, right?" Josh swatted her on the arm.

"Now for the music," Donna continued. "I've actually heard Leo humming to himself occasionally and he doesn't sound half-bad. And I know for a fact that Margaret loves to sing karaoke, so what do you say we ask the two of them to hum the wedding march, as I walk down the aisle. You know, so we can streamline things."

"Got it, Donna. Got the point," Josh started to interrupt.

"Now, we can further simplify this wedding if we cut down on the number of people who marry us. No point in trying to make this a complicated, 'let's merge two faiths into one ceremony' kind of affair. I say we hire the Elvis impersonator, and go for it. If he can sing Heartbreak Hotel while we walk back up the aisle, all the better."

"You're really on a roll here, Donnatella," Josh smirked.

"Simple enough for you?" Donna asked.

"Ok, ok, I do understand. I'm sorry, it's just that I've been so busy," Josh started to say.

"Get over yourself, Joshua," Donna said firmly.

Josh's eyes popped.

"We're both busy. I know you've got a big job. You are, as you are so quick to remind us all, the third most powerful man in the administration. But you know what? I just started a new job as executive assistant to the President, and I'm kind of busy too. If you want to get married in six weeks, then you've got to help," she said with authority. Then she took a deep breath, put her hand on his, lowered her voice, and added softly, "Besides, this is our wedding, Josh. I thought you'd be interested in planning our special day."

They looked at each other and then Josh said, in an equally soft voice, "I do want this to be a special day, Donna. Does admitting that I've been a jerk give me a 'get out of jail card' this time?'

"You bet," Donna said, scooting back into his arms.

As they ate the Chinese food, Donna told Josh about the menu choices and he agreed to go back for a tasting. He stood to get his calendar from his backpack to set up an appointment, but instead picked out an envelope.

"I forgot. When I got in this afternoon, the guard gave me this envelope for you. Someone left it at the front gate. Who's Dr. Phillip Marcus?" Josh asked.

"What?" Donna looked up quickly from the empty cartons she was clearing from the desk.

"It says it's from Dr. Phillip Marcus of Madison, Wisconsin. Is he your family doctor?"

Donna took the envelope from Josh and stared at it for a minute.

"So, who is he?" Josh persisted.

"My ex-boyfriend."

Chapters- 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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