Like A Bad Penny

by: Evelyn

“You don’t have to wait with me,” Carolyn insisted. They were at Reagan Airport and her plane was scheduled to leave in a few minutes.

“I want to Mom. We haven’t had much time together,” Donna said, giving her mother a quick hug. “You’ve been busy,” she added with a smile.

“You’re all set,” Josh said, coming up to them. He handed Carolyn her ticket.

“I just want to say thank you again,” Josh began.

“Don’t,” Carolyn interrupted. “We’re family now,” she said warmly.

“You’ll be back soon, right?” Donna asked.

“Definitely, we’ve got a wedding to plan,” Carolyn declared.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Donna began tentatively. “We haven’t had a chance to talk about it, but, if it’s ok with you,” she turned to Josh, “I’d like to be married in Washington. It’s the only way that President and Mrs. Bartlet will be able to attend.”

“I was hoping you felt that way,” Josh said relieved.

“I’m not surprised,” Carolyn said. “But of course, the first thing you have to decide is when.”

“In two weeks,” said Josh, while simultaneously, Donna declared, “maybe Christmas?” They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“I’m not waiting six months, Donnatella,” Josh said firmly.

“What about my honeymoon to Hawaii? We’re in the middle of a campaign, Joshua” Donna asked mischievously.

“We’ll take a long weekend when we get married and I promise a week in the 50th state when the election is over,” Josh offered.

“Two weeks,” Donna countered.

“Deal,” Josh said and hugged her close.

“Well I guess I’ll be back sooner than I thought,” Carolyn laughed. Just then Carolyn’s flight was announced. As they started walking toward the gate, Carolyn suddenly remembered something, a gleam in her eye.

“Tell Mrs. Bartlet to call me when she gets a chance,” Carolyn announced.

“About the wedding?” Josh asked.

“No, Bobby Sullivan and....,” Carolyn answered, looking knowingly at Donna.

“Ooh, good idea,” Donna squealed.

“He’s finished and going to...” her mother pointed out.

“Really? That’s certainly convenient. July 1, right?” Donna said conspiratorially. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell her. She’ll be thrilled.”

At the gate, Josh hugged Carolyn tight and whispered “thank you” one more time. Donna and Carolyn held on to each other for a few moments and then with a hitch in her voice, Donna said, “I love you Mom.”

“I love you baby girl.”

Carolyn went through the security gate, waved to Josh and Donna, and walked down the hall.

As they started to walk away, Josh asked with a smile, “Want to translate Moss code?”

Donna tucked her arm through Josh’s and looked up innocently. “Just trying to be helpful,” she answered with a twinkle in her eye.

“Who’s Bobby Sullivan?” Josh demanded.

“My next door neighbor’s son. He’s graduating University of Wisconsin Medical School and going to Hopkins for his residency starting in July,” Donna patiently translated.

“And this is good because....” Josh said confused.

“Because Ellie is a medical student at Hopkins,” Donna explained, as if she were talking to a three-year-old.

“Ohhhh,” Josh nodded, as he and Donna walked to the car. Then a thought hit him.

“Wait a minute. Your mother’s neighbor, you say.”

“Uh-huh.”

“The Sullivan who’s the Republican state senate leader? Donna, is his son a Republican too?” Josh asked indignantly.

“Of course, but the good kind,” Donna said with a grin.

Chapters - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Sequel - A Few Bumps in the Road

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