***

"When does my dress get here?"

"Tomorrow. How many more times are you going to ask that?"

Theresa sighed and flopped onto the couch. "Four hundred and twenty seven more times."

Bridget groaned. "Great." She looked around the room. "Hey, Margie!" she called.

Mary Margaret came in from the adjoining room. "Bridget? Why are you calling me that?"

Bridget grinned. "I think it's cute. What are we doing tonight?"

Mary Margaret sighed but dropped it, knowing her sister would only be encouraged the more she protested. "I think we're staying here for a little while. I heard Mrs. Bartlet saying Uncle Danny and CJ should have dinner alone."

"That's one option." Mrs. Bartlet swept into the room, dressed for her dinner.

Bridget and Theresa jumped up. "Hello, ma'am."

"One option?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Yes, Mary Margaret." Mrs. Bartlet motioned for the girls to sit, then sat carefully in a chair facing them. "You're all welcome to stay here while CJ and Danny have dinner. Or you can go home. I'm sending some agents with you if you do, though. Right now, you're all too high profile to risk it." She looked at each girl in turn, then continued. "Or, I'm open to suggestions."

"Actually, going home sounds nice." Bridget answered.

Mrs. Bartlet nodded. "Okay. CJ and Danny are on their way up now. I'm leaving for my dinner and I'll see you girls tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Mrs. Bartlet."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"See you tomorrow, Mrs. Bartlet."

Abbey smiled at them and hurried out of the room, very aware of how late she was.

"I'll go tell everyone else." Theresa bounced out of the room, leaving the twins alone. They flopped onto the couch.

"Did the boys get tuxedos?" Mary Margaret asked suddenly.

"Do you think they need them?"

"Yeah, I guess. I mean, Uncle Danny will be wearing one."

"We better find out." Bridget examined her nails, deciding what color they should be.

The door opened and they jumped up. Danny chuckled. "Expecting the President?" The girls ran to give him hugs.

"You never know who might come through these doors!" Bridget told him excitedly.

"That's true." Danny nodded.

"Where's CJ?"

Danny looked back. They followed his gaze to see CJ charming one of the agents. She finished and came over to them.

"What was that about?" Danny asked her, slipping his arm around her waist.

"He said Mrs. Bartlet told him the kids decided to spend the night at home."

"Yeah, and?"

"That's the agent in charge tonight. I was making sure he knew what an important job he had."

Danny kissed her quickly on the cheek, then pulled her into the room and closed the door. "So where's everyone else?"

The girls pointed, then led CJ and Danny to the dining room, where Zoey and two of her technically-off duty agents were playing a game with Eileen, Liam, and Drew. Theresa was sitting on the side, swinging her legs as she watched.

"Uncle Danny!" she spotted him first and jumped up. More hugs were exchanged and CJ found herself next to Zoey during the chaos.

"Thanks for all this, Zoey."

Zoey smiled. "It's been fun. Besides, I had nothing better to do for Spring Break since dad killed my Fort Lauderdale idea."

CJ laughed. "Glad we picked the right time then."

"Yeah." Zoey nodded. "Finals week, you would have had to do it without me."

"We ready to go?" Danny asked.

"Not quite. We need to wait for Hogan, she's staying with you guys tonight."

"She is?"

CJ nodded. "I talked to my brother this afternoon, it's all set. She has clothes at my house that I'll bring over later."

"Is she going to be long?" Danny asked, looking at his watch.

"She's talking to Carol, so she should be up in an hour or so."

"CJ!" Danny groaned. She grinned and grabbed the nearest phone, punching in the numbers for her office.

"Carol? Send Hogan up, please?"

She hung up. "Better?"

Danny smiled. "Okay, guys. You need to put everything away and get your stuff."

In a flash, they got to work. By the time Hogan made her way up, they were ready to leave.

On their way out, CJ fell into step beside Danny. "I'll meet you at your house and we'll go from there."

"You two go now, I'll drive." Hogan cut in.

"No." They spoke in unison.

"You're no fun." Hogan grumbled.

CJ shook her head. "You come with me. We'll meet up at the house."

They reached CJ's car. CJ unlocked her door and Danny held it open for her.

"Thank you." she smiled at him. He smiled back, then kissed her softly. A whistle from Hogan tore them apart.

"That's it." CJ warned her, struggling not to smile. "I'm taking you home."

Hogan grinned. "Didn't want you corrupting the youth."

Danny laughed. "Well, thank you, Hogan. Be sure to remember that the first time you bring your boyfriend to meet us."

Hogan's smile faded and her eyes widened. "You wouldn't do anything embarrassing, would you?"

Danny grinned at her, then grabbed CJ's hand and kissed it. He walked away whistling.

CJ got in her car before turning to look at Hogan. "You're not going to whistle during the ceremony."

Hogan kissed CJ's cheek. "Of course not, Aunt CJ. I'll be a perfect angel tomorrow."

CJ shook her head as she began to drive. "I'll believe that when I see it."

-----

"Uncle Danny." They were already driving when Bridget remembered. "Did Liam and Drew get something to wear for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we called their sizes into the tux place for rentals. They'll be at the White House in the morning." Danny considered. "At least, if the people thought I was serious."

"And you'll have a tux?"

"Yes, Bridget. I own a tux, it's in my closet."

"Is it cleaned?"

"What is this, twenty questions?" Danny smiled at her. "I got it cleaned after I wore it last time, it's fine."

"Okay."

"What's the matter?"

"I just want tomorrow to be perfect." Bridget told him. "You guys deserve it."

Danny gripped her hand. "Thank you. And it will be perfect. Mrs. Bartlet wouldn't have it any other way."

Bridget grinned and nodded, appeased.

"CJ beat us!" Eileen pointed as they pulled up to the house.

"She left before us." Danny reminded them.

"And she speeds." Theresa chimed in.

Danny moaned. "Which doesn't mean you should when you drive."

They piled out of the car and made their way inside.

Danny checked his messages, pleased when he heard his mothers voice telling him her plane would be in the next morning.

"You have the license, right?" CJ put her arm around Danny and her head on his shoulder.

He smiled and stroked her hair. "Yes, in my briefcase. We're all set."

"Aren't you guys leaving on your date soon?"

Danny laughed. "What's the matter, Eileen? Trying to get rid of us?"

Eileen grinned and shook her head. "But go anyway!"

"Okay, we're going!" Danny made sure everyone knew they were leaving. Since the twins had watched their siblings before, there wasn't much to go over and CJ and Danny were soon standing outside.

"Now where to?"

CJ shrugged. "Let's get in my car, we'll start driving and see where we end up."

Danny raised his eyebrow. "That sounds like a line, should I be worried?"

CJ smiled slyly at him. "Get in the car and find out."

Danny grinned and took her hand as they walked to the car. "Want to go out to a restaurant?"

CJ sighed. "I don't know."

He opened her door for her, then went to his side. They drove for a few minutes in silence.

"Why don't we just go to my apartment? Quiet, no people. We can order in if we're hungry."

"Sounds perfect." Danny agreed. "We need to talk, this is all going so fast."

"Yeah." CJ sighed.

He looked at her quickly. "Do you want to get out of it? Do you want to call it off?"

"Danny!" She stopped at a red light and turned to him. "I love you. I want to marry you. Yes, maybe I dreamed we'd have more time. But I don't care anymore." She began to drive again and her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm going to be your wife, that's all that matters."

Danny touched her arm, wanting to crush her to him but content with even this tiny connection. "I love you too. I wish I could give you your dreams. It all got messed up so fast. I've been on such a roller coaster. The funeral, getting the kids, but you've been there for me. Thank you."

CJ pulled up in front of her apartment. She cut the engine and stared at the windshield. Finally, she turned to Danny with tears in her eyes.

"CJ? What's wrong?" He touched her cheek.

"I wasn't there for you." She whispered.

"Yes you were."

"No." She shook her head. "I was so worried I would lose you. The kids took up all your time, I was so jealous of them. I might still be." She took a shaky breath. "This wasn't how I pictured it. I wasn't sure I could change my image of our life. I still don't know..."

"Shh." Danny took her hand and kissed it, tangling their fingers as she trailed off. "I'm right here. I love the kids, but you know I love you too. I didn't know you felt like you were losing me." He cupped her face and looked into her eyes. "It's getting easier as they time goes by. I'm sorry if I took advantage of you when things were their toughest. Please tell me if you feel shortchanged again."

CJ nodded.

"Ready to go inside?"

CJ smiled faintly. "More comfortable than in here."

"What?" Danny patted the seat. "These are nice seats. This is a nice car."

"I'm keeping it, I hope you know." CJ opened her door and got out.

"Of course." Danny held out his arm for her as they walked to her apartment.

"I'm not going to be one of those women with just a mini van and a station wagon. I'm keeping my car."

Danny nodded. "I know. Are you keeping your apartment too?"

CJ stopped and looked at him before laughing. "I think Carol was looking for a place, I'll ask her tomorrow if she found anything yet." She opened her door and looked around as she walked to the living room. "I have to pack!"

"Why don't we worry about that after the wedding?"

CJ smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "Okay. Hey, do we get a honeymoon?"

Danny laughed. "Who has time for a honeymoon?"

"True, true. We'll take a delayed honeymoon. After the administration maybe."

"Maybe we can get a night or two in a hotel."

"Or..." CJ looked around. "We can stay here before I get rid of it."

"Well, you're not getting rid of the car, so we'll have that." Danny teased her.

"Naughty!" CJ appeared shocked before giving him a quick kiss. "Do you want to order something for dinner?"

"Pizza?"

CJ grinned. "I heard that pizza is the worst food for a first date."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. The spices. The cheese falls on your clothes. It's messy. Bad first date food."

"Thank goodness we're on our second date then, huh?"

CJ scowled. "I'm only accepting that right now because I want pizza."

Danny laughed. "Right."

They called in their order. CJ showed Danny around while they waited, ending up in the kitchen so they could get drinks and plates.

The pizza arrived and they each grabbed a slice and sat back on the couch to eat.

"So, how many kids did you want while you were growing up?" Danny asked.

"Two or three." CJ smiled. "But now that just sounds boring."

"Do you want more than six?"

CJ glanced away. "I don't know."

"Oh."

She looked back quickly. "I didn't mean... I meant..." She took a breath. "I'm not exactly young, Danny. My chances for a child go down every month. I've stopped thinking about having kids, since I know it might not happen. It's easier to not get my hopes up."

Danny looked at her, suddenly sad. "I want us to have children. I love my nieces and nephews. But I want a little girl who looks like you."

CJ smiled shyly. "I've thought of a little girl following you around. Daddy's little girl. And a mischievous little boy who looks like you."

"So are we going to try to have kids?"

"My job." CJ protested.

"Won't last forever." Danny sighed. "How about we start trying six months before Bartlet leaves office?"

"Really?" CJ smiled. "I do want children, Danny. But we already have six. And it's expensive raising kids!"

Danny nodded. "That's true. I wasn't thinking about that."

"Did you have any pets growing up?" CJ put her plate down, then took Danny's from him to put on the table.

He blinked at the sudden change in subject. "Well, yes, I had dogs."

CJ stretched out and put her head on his shoulder. "Think we should get a pet?"

Danny grinned. "The girls want a kitten." He put his arm around her shoulder. "That's a good way to add an addition to the family for now."

CJ closed her eyes. "Slightly less maintenance than a baby, for now I think it'll work."

"So, a kitten? Or a puppy?"

"I guess we have to put it up for a vote."

Danny nodded. "After the wedding, let's not heap all this stuff on them at once."

They fell into silence for a few moments. "What else do we need to talk about?" CJ raised her head from his shoulder to look at him.

He stared at her face, so close to his. "Nothing I can think of at the moment."

She smiled and slid herself closer, touching his lips with hers. "What are we going to do then?"

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer, answering without words. His fingers tangled in her hair as their lips tangled.

She pushed him away. "You know," she told him breathlessly. "I don't usually make out on the first date."

"Thank goodness this is a second date then." Danny answered before grabbing the back of her head and pulling her back to him. He kissed her gently, then increased the pressure. He felt her smiling and couldn't stop the grin that formed on his face. He pulled away. "I should get back soon, I think the kids and I need to talk. I need to make sure they're okay with this."

CJ nodded. "But I'll meet you here tomorrow night, right?"

"I heard you're getting married tomorrow."

She tangled her fingers in his curls. "Oh, he won't mind, he's an understanding guy. We'll have lots of time tomorrow night. I heard my bosses wife is pressuring him to give me a few hours off the next morning."

"Really?" Danny smiled slyly.

"I heard something about a 'special garment', so I think she's using some of her own special powers of persuasion."

Danny laughed. "Glad she's on our side!"

CJ sobered. "No kidding. I think she deserves a big thank you when this is all over. I can't think about it now, but after... well, we'll think of something."

"So you're really okay with all this? You still want to get married?"

CJ stared into his eyes. "Yes," she whispered.

He couldn't stop the tears that sprang to his eyes. "I can't wait for tomorrow."

"And tomorrow night?" she teased him.

He laughed, happier than he had been in a long time. "That too. I should go, Drew has to get to bed soon."

"Let me just grab Hogan's stuff." CJ hurried to the quest room and came out with a bag of clohes. "I'll drive, let's go." CJ grabbed his hand, pulling him up from the couch.

"Any excuse to use that car."

"It's a fun car!" CJ protested.

Danny nodded. "Of course, dear."

"Dear?"

"No good?"

She made a face at him. "No. CJ will be just fine."

He nodded. "Okay. I'll keep that in mind, honey."

CJ rolled her eyes. "Let's go, Fishboy."

"Ooh, that's a good name."

She pulled him to the door. They made their way down to the car and got in. Driving back to the house, they kept glancing at each other and smiling.

"We're getting married tomorrow." Danny finally whispered.

CJ smile grew. "I know."

They held hands the rest of the way. When they pulled up, CJ turned off the car. "Want me to come in?"

Danny smiled. "Go home. The kids and I need to talk."

"Hogan?"

"I'll tell her to go watch TV for a little while."

CJ nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow." She kissed his cheek and he got out of the car.

She watched him go inside, then started her car and began to drive. She drove randomly around, not wanting to go home for some reason. Her car made its way to Josh's street. She drove slowly past, but parked quickly when she looked at his steps. She smiled as she turned off her car and got out.

"What's going on?" Josh asked her as Donna handed her a bottle of beer.

She sat before popping the top off and taking a gulp. "Is this my bachelorette party?"

Toby chuckled. "The strippers will be here any minute."

CJ smiled and looked at each one in turn. She sighed happily and leaned back against the railing.

"To the President." Josh said, holding his bottle out. They clinked their bottles together, echoing his sentiment.

"And to CJ." Toby added.

CJ nodded and added, "To my friends."

They smiled and sipped their beers silently.

"You know, things are going to change." CJ said suddenly.

Donna nodded, a sad look on her face. "We know."

"I'm keeping my car." CJ suddenly told them.

Josh grinned. "Things will be fine."

CJ clinked bottles with him. "Yeah. Things will be fine."

***