DISCLAIMER: The pre-existing characters mentioned in this submission are from the brilliant mind of Aaron Sorkin, the creative genius behind the West Wing. The original characters are of my own creation.

Synopsis: A continuation of the "Hanging By A Thread" series. Christmas is coming to the White House...

Category: General

Comments: I thrive on them! Please - send me emails and tell me what you think!

Notes: A big thanks to Donna for her proof-reading skills!

Rating: PG to PG 13 (I don't know, I'm not really good at rating these things. You be the judge!)

10:36 a.m. December 12. The White House.

Melody is seen walking through the halls of the White House, and has two large gift bags in one hand, and

her briefcase in the other. She can see Donna approaching her with a few files in her hand, and smiles in her direction.

Melody - "Hey Donna! How are you?"

Donna - "I'm fine, Mel. How are you doing? Here, let me help you with those." Donna holds her hand

out to help.

Melody - "It's ok, Donna. You've got files and stuff there to worry about. These aren't that heavy, but

thanks just the same."

Donna - with a curious look on her face, she looks at the bags that Melody is holding "May I ask?"

Melody - "Josh and Toby's First night of Hanukkah gifts." Donna nods understandingly as they walk

down the hall together towards Josh's office. "I thought that I would give them their gag gifts now, then we would

give them their real ones later."

Donna - "Meaning yourself and Sam, right?"

Melody - "Of course. How's he doing anyway? He's not talking that much at home, as I mentioned

to you earlier today; I know he's stressed out, but it's just not like him to stop talking."

Donna - "So, you're not the only one that he's not talking to. He hasn't said very much in the past week

here. It's actually quite creepy."

Melody - with a thoughtful look on her face "I'll have to fix that; give me an hour or so and I will."

Donna - "He's been very Sam-ish to me and the rest of the assistants, but to Toby, Josh, Leo and the rest of

them, he's hardly said 'boo'."

Melody - "I'm going to have a talk with him. Don't you worry, he'll be back to his old self in no time."

Donna - "I hope so. I've gotta go get Josh some files he needs for the thing. I'll see ya." She heads to her

desk.

Melody - "Take it easy Donna." She knocks on Josh's office door, which is open. He is on the phone, but

motions her in to the office. She stands there as he finishes his conversation.

Josh - "Ya." (pause) "Ya." (pause) "You know that you're being a complete jack-ass, don't you?"

(pause) "I don't care who you are, if you're being a jack-ass, I'll tell you that you're being a jack-

ass." He mouths the words "Republicans." Melody smiles and nods sympathetically. "Hang on."

He puts his hand over the mic in the phone and says to Melody "What's up?"

Melody - She reaches into the gift bag and takes out a neatly wrapped box. "Nothing serious. Just giving

you a Hanukkah gift, that's all. You can open it now if you like."

Josh - "Melody, you really didn't have to do this; you know I'm not practicing."

Melody - "We know, but we wanted to. Sam and I expect a full report on how you made out with your

gift, ok?"

Josh - with a curious look on his face "Uh, sure." Into the phone "I said hang on! God!" To Melody

"Thanks so much. This really was nice."

Melody - "You're welcome. Is Sam in his office?" Josh nods. "See ya later." Josh gives her a wink as

she leaves his office. Melody starts to walk down the hallway past Josh's bullpen on her way to

the coffee machine when she hears a heartfelt belly laugh from Josh's office. She gets a

satisfactory smile on her face.

A few minutes later, Sam's Office.

Sam is seen sitting at his computer, typing away furiously. There is a knock at the door, he doesn't respond.

The knock becomes louder. Still no response. There is a louder knock at the door.

Sam - "WHAT?" He looks up from his computer as the door handle turns.

Melody - leaning against the door frame she says "I thought that you might want a little company, but I can

see that you are in no mood for visitors of any kind, so I will leave you to your own misery."

Sam - "I'm sorry. Come on in. Would you mind closing the door?" She does as she enters the room. "I

didn't mean to snap at you like that, Mel."

Melody - She walks over to his desk "I understand, it's ok. What's going on?" She kisses him on the head

and leans against the desk, facing him.

Sam - "Well, as a direct result of the press conference from last week, I have public appearances lined up

until at least March, but the State of the Union is first and foremost on the plate. What's going on with you?"

Melody - "A little of this, a little of that. I had a thought and I wanted to run it by you first."

Sam - removing his glasses "Shoot."

Melody - "Well, I know how stressed out you have been lately, and I thought that we could have a few

people over tonight, just to relax. What do you think?"

Sam - "I don't know, Mel. It's so crazy around here I just don't know if I have it in me to be social right

now."

Melody - "I don't mean a State Dinner, Sam. I mean you, me, Josh, Donna, maybe Toby and C.J. if they'd

like to come, pizza, beer and a deck of cards. You need to unwind. What do you think?"

Sam - with a somber tone in his voice "I don't think Toby would come."

Melody - "Sam, he's a friend of yours whether or not you care to admit it. I know that you care about him

and..."

Sam - "I don't mean that. I mean it's the first night of Hanukkah, and I think he goes to Temple on days

like this."

Melody - "Well, why don't we ask him, and leave the invitation open. If he can, then great. If not, then

that's fine too. We can have a movie night or something with him one day. I think that you all

just need to relax, to vent and I think that it's high time I kicked Josh's ass at poker like I kicked it

at basketball."

Sam - smiling, he gets up from his chair and walks over to the table where a pitcher of water is sitting.

He pours himself a drink. "You win. I'll tell Josh about it after our meeting with the President this afternoon, ok?"

Melody - As his back is turned to her, she pulls out a package from one of the bags. It is wrapped in brown

paper, and tied up with string. "Ok. I'm gonna be off; I have to see Toby, then I'm going to go

get some stuff for pizza and then..."

Sam - with his back still to her "Melody, I don't want you cooking anything for us. We'll just order in."

Melody - "Sam, I cook for you practically every day, I can cook pizza; it's not that difficult."

Sam - turning to face her "It's not the degree of difficulty that worries me. You've been dizzy a lot

lately, and I just don't want you having your head so close to an oven, then getting dizzy, then

passing out with your head near the oven and then you get unconscious because of the gas coming

from the..."

Melody - with a hearty laugh "Good Lord! You're worse than me! What I was going to say, before I was

so rudely interrupted, Mr. Seaborn, was that I would go and get all the stuff for the pizza, prepare all the toppings

and stuff, then when everyone gets there, we can make our own. I thought it would be more fun that way."

Sam - He walks over to her, and with a smirk "What about Josh? You of all people know the extent of

his culinary expertise."

Melody - "I'll deal with that one later. I'm gonna get outta here. I'll talk to you later, ok?"

Sam - "Ok." He is standing in front of her, and he leans over and gives her a hug. "Please be careful,

you're both incredibly precious to me, you know."

Melody - trying to hold back a tear "Oh Sam. That was so sweet. We'll be careful; promise."

Sam - putting a hand on her tummy "Make sure that she does what she just promised, or you'll be in

trouble in a few months!"

Melody - gives him a kiss on the forehead "I'll see you later. Have a good day, babe."

Sam - "You too." She turns and walks out of the office. "Mel..."

Melody - turning to face him "Ya."

Sam - he hesitates, then says "Nothing. I'll see you later."

Melody - with a slight look of concern "Ok. I love you, you know." Sam smiles and nods his head. She

returns the smile, then closes the door to his office.

Sam puts his glasses back on and turns toward his computer. He glances for a moment at the legal notepad

that is on his desk, and notices a small package on his desk. It has a very simple piece of paper on it that reads

"Open Me." He does. He sees inside the package a cassette tape, and an envelope with the words "Read Me"

written on the outside. He opens the envelope and takes out the pieces of paper that he finds inside. He reads

the words on the sheets and his facial expressions are representative of what is being read throughout the letter:

Sam - we hear Melody's voice as he is reading the letter to himself "My Dearest Samuel. I have spoken with Donna

on this most abysmal of days, and she re-affirmed your state of mind to me. I know that the past few weeks have

been insanely difficult on not just you, but on the staff as a whole. I don't profess to know the President in the way

that you do. You have been with him for a lot longer than I, and as such, know him so much better. On a daily basis,

I see the pain that this ordeal is putting you through, and to be quite honest, it worries me. There are some things

that I should share with you, Sam. Not professionally, but 'us' related. Which brings me to this little package. When

I was talking with Donna this morning, she was telling me about how stressed out you seemed, and I told her that I

had noticed it too; not so much at home, but definitely at the office. I know it's because you don't want to trouble

any one with your problems, or to help you carry any burdens. (Don't try and deny it Mr. Super-Human Lawyer

Man, because deep down, you know I'm right!)" Sam smiles at the last statement he read. "I was working in the

Study when I was speaking to her, and was listening to this one CD in particular. (I don't really know why, blame

it on the roller coaster emotions of pregnancy I guess. That, plus the fact that Bing Crosby's 'Christmas in Killarney' is

just getting to me. Don't get me wrong, it's a great holiday song but there's only so much I can take.) Anyway,

regardless of my emotional state at the time, I ended my conversation with my wonderful friend, and this song

happened to be playing. I stopped working for a moment and listened intently to the lyrics. They were so beautiful,

I had to run and get a box of tissues from the closet! (Yet again, pre-natal emotions have free reign!) You are the

writer, and can easily express your thoughts on paper, in speech, in pretty much any form that you choose. I, on

the other hand, am somewhat less eloquent; drastically less actually. The lyrics of this song, even through I am

stealing them as my own for the time being, are my words for you, Sam. You are the best thing that has ever happened

to me in my entire life, and I would be completely lost without you. I typed out the lyrics for you on the next sheet,

and hope that you realize that these words are only the beginning of how I feel about you, my most cherished love.

I love you. (Ok - you can play the tape now!) PS - I know this may wreck the mood of this letter, but blame it on the

pre-natal stuff; and the fact that I don't write thousands of drafts of things. Can you pick up some tissues on your

way home? I have gone through about a half a box while writing this, and I'm running out; fast! (You can really

play the tape now!)" Sam smiles, runs his hands across his eyes to try and avert the moisture that is starting to

collect in them. He looks at the tape which is sitting on his desk, takes it out of the case and inserts it into the tape

deck in his stereo. He gets the sheet of paper, which has the lyrics to the song on the tape, and begins to read as

the music starts. "You're the bravest of hearts, you're the strongest of souls; You're my light in the dark, you're the

place I call home. You can say it's all right, but I know that you're breaking up inside; I see it in your eyes. Even

you face the night, afraid and alone; That's why I'll be there. When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend,

Ev'ry beat of my heart, ev'ry day without end. Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make, Baby, that's what

I'll give, if that's what it takes; If that's what it takes." Sam puts his hand to his eyes yet again, to try and block any

possible tears as he reads and listens to the lyrics to the next part of the song. "You can sleep in my arms, you don't

have to explain; When your heart's crying out, baby, whisper my name. 'Cause I've reached out for you, when the

thunder is crashing up above; You've given me your love. When you smile like the sun, that shines through the pain;

That's why I'll be there. When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend; Ev'ry beat of my heart, ev'ry day without

end. I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break; Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes. I will risk everything,

I will fight, I will bleed; I will lay down my life, if that's what you need. Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make;

Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes. Through the wind and the rain, through the smoke and the fire; When

the fear rises up, when the wave's ever higher. I will lay down my heart, my body, my soul; I will hold on all night, and

never let go. Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make; Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes; If that's

what it takes." As the music in the song fades, he turns his chair to face the outside window, lest anyone abruptly

enter his office and see the intensity of the emotion in his face. He looks out the window, and we can see the tears

have welled up in his eyes, and he is fighting the urge to let them out. After a brief moment of peaceful solitude, gazing

out his window, there is a loud knock on his door.

Sam - running his hands over his face, he turns around to face the door. "Ya." The door opens and Josh

pokes his head through the doorway.

Joah - "Hey buddy. Got a minute?"

Sam - "Sure. What's up?"

Josh - seeing the look on Sam's face he gets an inquisitive look on his. "Are you ok? You don't look so

good."

Sam - "So well, Josh. So well."

Josh - "You don't look so well, then. What's wrong?"

Sam - "Nothing. What's up?"

Josh - holding out his package of EZ Bake cookie mix and shaking it at Sam "I'd like to know who was

the smart ass that came up with this idea."

Sam - with a goofy grin "That would be Melody."

Josh - "How the hell am I supposed to cook these?"

Sam - "I don't know, ask her."

Josh - "Cute. It gave me a good laugh anyway. How's the thing coming along?"

Sam - "I've got the intro pretty much done."

Josh - "The part that says "My Fellow Americans. I am pleased to report that the state of our union is...

yadda, yadda, yadda?"

Sam - "Ya. That's about all I have done."

Josh - "Cool."

Sam - "Hey, what'cha doing tonight?"

Josh - "I plan on charming members of Congress with my wonderful debonaire wit, you?"

Sam - "You plan on getting an early night's sleep then, and spending many hours in dreamland?"

Josh - "Smart ass."

Sam - with a smile "Melody had a suggestion, and I said I would pass the message along to everyone.

She thought that we should all hang out tonight. She suggested pizza, beer and a deck of cards.

You game?"

Josh - "Sounds like a plan to me; barring any emergencies, of course."

Sam - nodding his head in agreement "Naturally."

Josh - "I'll tell Donna. Anything you need us to bring?"

Sam - "Any form of credit you wish to use to cover your losses would be just fine."

Josh - pointing at Sam "I'll win. Just you watch."

Sam - "Is Toby going to Temple tonight?"

Toby - appearing at Sam's door "Yes, he is. Why?"

Sam - "Melody wanted to have everyone over tonight. You interested in stopping by after?"

Toby - "If it's not too late it sounds like a plan. How's the speech coming along?"

Sam - "I was working on it, then I got interrupted. My flow has been altered."

Toby - "There's 7 weeks until the day, Sam. I don't think I need to remind you that this will be the most

important State of the Union in his term."

Sam - "No, you don't need to remind me of that. I'm very well aware of its' importance."

Toby - "I'll be in my office if you need me."

Sam and Josh - "See ya, Toby." Toby walks towards his office. Josh turns to face Sam.

Josh - "Did you see Mel when she was here?"

Sam - "Ya. She popped in for a few minutes, and told me of her idea for tonight."

Josh - "So she was the flow breaker, huh?"

Sam - trying to conceal his grin "Ya."

Josh - "So that would explain the look on your face when I walked in then, huh?"

Sam - almost defensively "What look?"

Josh - "The 'I'm so in love with my girlfriend I don't know what to do with myself' look."

Sam - raising an eyebrow "Excuse me?"

Josh - "What?"

Sam - "I could say the same for you, you know."

Josh - who is blushing a little "Ok. You win. So what time for tonight?"

Sam - "I'm thinking about 8-ish. It really depends on what time we all get out of here."

Josh - "True. When I see C.J., I'll tell her too, ok?"

Sam - "Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I hate to cut this short, but I really have a lot of work to do here.

I'll see you later?"

Josh - "Ya, probably at afternoon Staff. See ya." He turns, and walks out of Sam's office. Sam flips

through his address book, trying to locate a number. He picks up his phone and presses three

numbers on his phone.

Sam - "Ya. Would you please call this number for me?"

Cathy - "Ya." We see Cathy writing numbers on a piece of paper. "I'll transfer it to you when I get them

on the line. No problem." Sam is sitting at his desk, staring at the phone. After two agonizing

minutes, the phone rings, and Sam picks it up.

Sam - "Sam Seaborn." (pause) "Yes. I'd like to know how long it would take, if I were to purchase

something today, how long it would take to be delivered." (pause) "Really?" (pause) "True. True.

Ok. This is what I need to get..."

11:47 p.m. Sam and Melody's House, Living Room

The White House Senior Staff have gathered to release some stress, and spend some well deserved down time

together. Pizza is readily available to all, Melody has seen to that. Beer, wine and soft drinks are seen on the bar in the Living Room. Melody is laying on the couch with her feet resting on Sam's lap. They have both folded their cards, and are relaxing, enjoying the company of their friends. Toby is dealing the cards...

C.J. - "I never thought that cooking could be so much fun. This really was a good idea, Melody. Thanks."

Melody holds her hand up and waves, as she gently nods her head up and down once. She is the

personification of relaxation.

Donna - "See, that's nice."

Josh - "What?"

Donna - "She looks so relaxed. Why can't I ever relax like that?"

C.J. - "Because you work for Josh, that's why."

Josh - "Hey!"

Melody - She sits up with a start. "Ow."

Sam - "Sorry."

Melody - "It's ok." She lays back down on the couch.

Donna - "What happened, Mel?"

Melody - "Sam pressed a little hard on a spot on my foot, that's all. He has surprisingly strong hands."

Donna - "That looks so wonderfully relaxing."

Melody - "It is. You should get a foot rub once in a while."

Donna - "From whom?"

Melody - "Well..."

Donna - slapping him on the arm "God no! Who knows where those hands have been!"

Josh - feigning physical pain "Hey! That hurt!"

C.J. - "It's a shame Leo's not here guys, he'd love to see this."

Toby - "Your hand's that good?"

C.J. - "No, it actually sucks. I mean these four. We have Melody on the couch almost delirious with

pleasure at her foot rub at the hands of Sam, then these two doing their usual routine of dancing

around the real issue that we know they don't want to deal with."

Toby - "That being..."

C.J. - "That being that they're wild about each other and that they should come to their senses and do

something for god's sake."

Donna and Josh - "Huh?"

C.J. - "Nothing."

Melody - "Well everyone, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm getting kinda sleepy; I'm heading up to bed.

Feel free to stay as long as you like though, ok?"

Sam - looking at her "You ok?"

Melody - as she swings her feet to the floor "Ya, I'm ok. I just get tired a lot faster these days. I guess it's

the baby."

Donna - "Take it easy, ok Mel?"

Melody - "I will Donna, thanks. Good night guys." Everyone smiles at her as she heads out of the room.

C.J. - looking at Sam with the evil eye "Well?"

Sam - "Well what?"

C.J. - "Aren't you going?"

Sam - "Going where?"

C.J. - "To walk Melody up the stairs, Spanky."

Sam - "What?"

Toby - "Before C.J. hauls off and hits you, I suggest you follow Melody up the stairs and make sure she's

ok."

Melody - from the top of the stairs "Sam, can you come up for a minute?"

Sam - getting up from the chair "K!" He heads towards the stairs and says to everyone "I'll be back in a

minute guys."

Toby - "Take your time." As Sam leaves the room Toby looks at C.J., and gives her a wink; she

understands what it means.

Sam and Melody's bedroom

Melody is laying in bed on her side, facing Sam. He is sitting on the edge of the bed, gently tucking her in.

Sam - with a gentle tone in his voice asks "Feel better?"

Melody - "Mmmm, much. I hate this, you know."

Sam - with a confused look "You hate what?"

Melody - "Being pregnant. It sucks."

Sam - almost looking hurt he asks quietly "Is it me?"

Melody - with a gentle smile, she sits up in the bed and reaches her hand up to cup his face. "Baby, it's nothing

like that at all. I am so proud and completely content to be carrying your child..." Sam looks relieved. "...it's just

that I can't do a lot of the things I used to do, that's all."

Sam - "For instance..."

Melody - "Staying up late to be with you and your friends for one..."

Sam - smiling "Don't you worry about that. We can plan stuff for earlier in the day, or on a weekend or

something. Barring any..."

Melody - mimicing his voice "Barring any State Emergencies, I know, I know." Sam smiles at her

immitation. "Sam I..." A door is heard shutting from downstairs. "Did you hear that?"

Sam - "Ya. Hang on." Engines are heard starting up in the driveway. Sam goes to the top of the stairs.

"Josh? Donna? C.J.? Toby? What's going on guys?" No answer. He takes a step down to go

downstairs, and sees a note taped to the bannister. He takes it off, turns, and slowly heads back up

the stairs as he reads.

Melody - "Sam, what's going on?"

Sam - entering the bedroom "Hang on a sec."

Melody - "What's that?"

Sam - "A piece of paper."

Melody - "Don't be a smart ass. What does it say?"

Sam - handing her the paper "Here, have a read."

Melody - "Hey guys. We thought that seeing as you two will not have much time together over the next

few months, then when the baby comes you'll get even less, we thought that we'd get out of here

and let you two have some time alone. If you're both up for it, we'll all hang out on Sunday; my

place..." looking up at Sam "Did you see this little thing he wrote here?" Sam nods his head with

a smile on his face. "...make that our place guys. No, make that her place. No, make that our...

Sorry guys, Donna doesn't know when to stop." She looks up at Sam "I can't believe they wrote

that. They even fight like that on paper."

Sam - with a grin "It's scary, isn't it?"

Melody - "Damn right it's scary. What do you think about Sunday, are you up for some socializing?"

Sam - "If it's in the afternoon; I'd like to sleep in a little on Sunday."

Melody - "That's no problem." There is a pause as they are both looking at each other, unsure of what to

say or do next. Melody swings her feet to the floor, and walks to the hallway. "I'm going to get

some juice and lock up the front door. Do you want anything while I'm in the kitchen?"

Sam - "What have we got?"

Melody - "Well, drink wise we've got OJ, milk, which I wouldn't recommend after drinking tonight, I

think there's some soda down there."

Sam - with an evil grin "How about something deliciously sweet; something that I would definitely call a

peach."

Melody - "You're a funny man, Sam Seaborn."

Sam - "As long as you don't take too long, I'll be fine. Ok?"

Melody - "K. Back in a minute."

3:43 a.m. Sam and Melody's Bedroom.

We see their bedroom, darkened, except for the faint light from the streetlamp near their bedroom window.

We catch a glimpse of the bed, with Sam's sleeping form facing our view. He opens his eyes to see no

Melody. He then hears the sounds of opera music coming from a room down the hall. He walks down the

upstairs hallway and stops at the well lit doorway of the bedroom adjacent to theirs. He sees Melody

sitting on a chair facing the wall, with her arm going up and down the wall. She is clutching a paint roller

in that same hand, and is applying strokes of pale color to the walls. After a moment of watching this,

Sam decides what he has to do. He starts to walk closer to her; as he does he clears his throat.

Melody - she turns to see him standing close to her "God, Sam. You scared me."

Sam - with a gentle smile "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

Melody - "The music didn't wake you, did it? I tried to keep it as low as I could, but I just love this piece

of music; it's so relaxing."

Sam - "I love it too."

Melody - with an evil grin "It couldn't be because it has something to do with a G-string, could it?"

Sam - "Quite possibly. You didn't wake me up though. When I opened my eyes in my semi-comatose

sleep and didn't see you there; that woke me right up. What are you doing?"

Melody - "Preparing a deposition."

Sam - "Smart ass. Why are you doing this now?"

Melody - "Well, I woke up at about 2:30, you know, for those pregnancy reasons."

Sam - "Of course."

Melody - "Well, when I walked back to bed from the bathroom, I saw you sleeping so peacefully there, that I

couldn't stand the thought of disturbing your sleep. So, the baby and I made a pact that I would be able to

sleep a little during the afternoon tomorrow if we did a little work on the room now."

Sam - "You know that you shouldn't be breathing in all these paint fumes; it's not healthy for the baby."

Melody - "Sam, that's oil based paint. Besides, I have the windows wide open and all the fans blowing; that's

why I'm wearing your old turtleneck and your Princeton sweats. I hope you don't mind a little paint on them."

Sam - "I just wish you would have told me you wanted to do this; I would have gotten up and helped."

Melody - looking at Sam with the infamous look of death that he has grown to know oh so well "Samuel

Norman. You are in no condition to be standing here at, what time is it?"

Sam - looking at his watch "3:54."

Melody - "You are in no condition to be standing here at 3:54 in the morning for hours on end. You have

to get up and go to work in an hour or so, and I don't want you falling asleep on the job."

Sam - "It's not like the fate of the Western World rests in my hands."

Melody - "Sam, the fate of the Western World rests in your very capable, and might I add incredibly stong

yet gentle hands. You write the words that the leader of the Western World says. How can you

tell me that it's not in your hands?"

Sam - "You know, I never really thought about it that way."

Melody - "And so you should from now on. Now go to bed." She turns to face the wall and continue

painting. Sam stands behind her and watches her for a few moments with a very loving and tender

look on his face. Without even turning to look at him she says "You know that you'll get to bed

faster if you stop staring at me, turn around and actually walk there?"

Sam - in a serious tone "If I ask you something, do you promise not to take it lightly?"

Melody - "Well that all depends."

Sam - "On what?"

Melody - "On many things. If you are talking about something that has to do with the President, then I

would definitely not take it lightly. If you are insulting Josh, although that is fun and I know that

you more often than not are serious, I would take that lightly."

Sam - "If I wanted to ask you something about us, would you take that lightly?"

Melody - starting to get nervous, but she keeps her back to him so he can not see her face "No."

Sam - "I know how much you love things to be romantic, and believe me I do too. This is not a very

romantic thing that I'm about to do, but I have to do it. This is the perfect opportunity."

Melody - putting down her paint roller, but not turning to look at him "Sam, I..."

Sam - "Marry me."

Melody - straightening up from her chair, still not turning around "Excuse me?"

Sam - "You heard me." We can see Melody's face and we can see Sam's face looking at her from over

her shoulder. He is still standing behind her. Melody has little splotches of paint on her cheek and

a little in her hair, but the shocked look on her face would make you not see them.

Melody - sitting up straight and tilting her head to the side, she closes her eyes and breathes deeply as she

says these lines. "Sam, could you please repeat that, because I thought, and maybe it's the lack of

sleep here, but I think I heard you just say..."

Sam - "Marry me?"

Melody - with a sigh "Yes."

Sam - "You heard me correctly." Sam starts to tense; he is not sure what her response is going to be.

Melody brings her hand up to cover her mouth, and she begins to cry. Sam walks to her and puts

a hand on her shoulder, which she eagerly takes hold of with her other hand.

Melody - in between sniffles "Sam, romance isn't just flowers, candles, or for that matter a horse-drawn

carriage ride through Central Park. You know that, don't you?"

Sam - "I do now."

Melody - "Don't get me wrong; those things are very romantic and lovely, but the most romantic things..."

Sam - "What is it?"

Melody - not letting go of his hand she turns to look at him, to see the expression on his face. She stands

up to meet him and brushes the hair away from his eyes. "Sam, the most romantic things in this world are

those that are done spur of the moment. You can't plan what your heart thinks or feels at any given moment.

It's just something that happens; more often than not at the most in-opportune moments you can imagine.

That's what real romance is, Sam. It's the things that you can't plan, the things that you can't explain." She

puts her hand behind his head and brings his lips to hers. After a beautiful kiss, they pull away from each

other; just for a moment, just to be able to breathe. Sam and Melody's eyes meet, and don't part from each

other's gaze. After a moment or two, Sam breaks the silence.

Sam - "So..."

Melody - with a grin "So what?"

Sam - "Will you?"

Melody - with a bigger grin "Will I what?"

Sam - matching her tone of voice "Will you stop torturing me and answer my question."

Melody - "Yes."

Sam - "Good. What's your answer?"

Melody - "I just gave it to you, silly."

Sam - "Oh." He leans his forehead down to touch hers. They both close their eyes and let out a heartfelt sigh;

one full of happiness and contentment. Sam pulls her head closer to him, and gives her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, Melody."

Melody - settling her head on his shoulder she kisses him on the neck and says "I love you too, Sam."

11:43 a.m. The Next Morning, The White House, The Roosevelt Room.

Sam, Josh, Donna, Toby, C.J., and various members of the Communications Department are sitting around the large

table discussing the upcoming schedule for the Holidays at the White House.

Toby - "You still haven't answered my question! I want to know who really cares about whether or not

Santa comes down a chimney for real."

Josh - "What are you asking me for, I'm Jewish too ya know! Ask Sam, he knows this stuff better than I

do." Sam has leaned back in his chair, glasses in hand, pen in mouth, goofy grin on his face.

"Sam?" He still doesn't answer. "HEY, SAM!!!"

Sam - shaking his head, he comes back to reality "The problem is, Toby, that they don't like the

proposals at all."

Toby - throwing up his hands in frustration "I give up. I absolutely give up. We need a new writer for

the State of the Union, my deputy has lost his marbles. Any takers?"

C.J. - "If the position means that we have to work closely with you, you can count me out of the

running."

Toby - "Thanks, Flamingo." C.J. shoots him the look of death from across the table. "What's the

problem, Sam?"

Sam - "It's nothing. Sorry, where were we?"

Toby - "Discussing the reasons why we took you on during the campaign."

Josh - "You're a funny man Toby."

Sam - "Listen, I had a rough night, ok? Aren't we all allowed to be out of it once in a while?" Melody

walks by the Roosevelt Room. As she does, Sam watches her walk by and the same goofy grin he

had earlier re-appears on his face. Josh looks at Sam, then looks at the window and sees Melody

walking by. He looks back at Sam.

Josh - he mumbles "Someone's got it bad."

Sam - "Getting back to the subject people, I'm going to be in my office for the next few hours working

on the final draft of the President's Christmas Day address. The President also wants the White

House Holiday events locked in by the end of the week, and I damn well plan on getting it done. I

need about three people to help secure the itinerary for that time period. Late nights are going to

happen, so don't say you'll do it unless you're willing to take it on full force."

Josh - "Well, you know I'm in."

Donna - motioning to Josh "Me too; he knows nothing."

Josh - looking at Donna "Hey now!"

Ginger - "I'm there for you, Sam."

Sam - "Good." He looks at his watch. "Let's all meet in my office after lunch, about 1:30. Good for

you guys?"

Josh - "I have that thing on the hill, then Staff. As far as I know after that it's clear sailing."

Ginger - "You're the boss, Sam. Whatever you need, I'll help."

Donna - "You got it, Sam."

Sam - "Good. I think that's it everyone. Thank you for your help." Everyone gets up from their chairs

and leaves, except Toby. He stays in his chair and waits for everyone in the room to leave, before

he speaks to Sam.

Toby - "Sam, what's gotten into you? You're being yourself one minute, then you're acting like a love-

sick teenager the next. What is going on?"

Sam - gathering up his files from the table in front of him "It's nothing Toby. Don't worry about it."

Toby - "Fine." He stands up from the table, collects his file folders, and heads out the door.

Sam - "Toby?"

Toby - turning to face Sam "Ya."

Sam - "I've just been frustrated with a lot of things. I don't mean to take it out on anyone. I apologize."

Toby nods to show that the apology is accepted. "I've been on an emotional roller coaster of sorts over

the past few weeks, and I know that it pisses you off, and I'm sorry for that too." Again, Toby nods.

Toby - "Anything else?"

Sam - "No, I think that's it. Thanks for your input."

Toby - "Ok. You do good work, Sam." Sam smiles at Toby as he turns and walks out of the room. Sam

reaches behind him and puts on his jacket, collects his files and walks out of the office.

We see Sam walking down the hall towards his office when we hear a voice behind him call his name.

Melody - "Sam, wait up."

Sam - stopping in his tracks, he turns and flashes Melody a smile. He holds out his hand to take hers.

"Hey. I didn't know you were going to be here today. How's it going?"

Melody - "It's ok. I just had a lovely meeting with the President and First Lady. They are such wonderful

people you know."

Sam - "I do." They both look at each other, realizing what he has just said. Melody smiles and tilts her

head down, trying to hide the redness in her cheeks. They walk in silence into his office, and he closes the

door behind him. She sits on top of his desk, as he pours a drink of water from the pitcher.

Melody - "Sam, I think that we need to talk about this."

Sam - "Talk about what?"

Melody - "You were serious, when you asked me that, weren't you?"

Sam - walking over from the table with the water pitcher he leans on the desk beside her. "The only thing that

I have been as remotely serious about was accepting this position in the administration. Why?"

Melody - "Just checking, that's all." She gives him a smile. She looks down to the floor. A tension filled

moment passes. She looks up at him and smiles again. He returns it. "What?"

Sam - "What?"

Melody - "What?"

Sam - "We could do this for hours, you know."

Melody - with a smile "What?" Sam rolls his eyes, wraps his arm around her shoulder and gives her a kiss

on the top of the head.

Sam - "You really are too much, you know."

Melody - with her head resting on Sam's shoulder "Ya, I know. When are we going to, you know,

announce this?"

Sam - "I don't know. I don't want to plan it; that would spoil the romance. It has to be spur of the

moment, you know."

Melody - "Wow. You do listen. I'm impressed, Mr. Seaborn."

Sam - "I can impress you in lots of ways, future Mrs. Seaborn." Melody looks up at Sam.

Melody - "Say that again."

Sam - "What?"

Melody - raising her eyebrow while looking at him, "You know, the last two words you said to me."

Sam - "You mean the Mrs. Seaborn part?" Melody nods her head. "That has a nice ring to it, doesn't

it?"

Melody - "Yes it does. It has a very nice ring to it."

Sam - "Speaking of rings, I hope that you know that I don't have a lot of time to..."

Melody - putting her hand up to his mouth to stop him from talking "Sam, if I were to tell you something

would you promise to believe me?" He nods his head as her hand is still covering his mouth.

"Good. I know that you are kind of traditional in some things, but believe me when I tell you that a

piece of jewelry is not a high priority on my list of 'must have-s'. There are too many things going

on these days, and our financial situation needs to be looked at carefully, what with the baby coming

and all. They cost a lot, you know." Sam nods his head. She takes her hand down from his mouth,

and trails her fingers along his shoulder. "Sam, I just wanted to tell you that so that you wouldn't

think I was literally gold digging or anything like that. If you have the time to get one, that's lovely.

If not, then I completely understand. As long as I have you, that's all that matters to me, ok?" Sam

leans forward to kiss her. They share a kiss, as Josh and Donna are watching through the window.

Sam - with his eyes still closed, he pulls away from Melody. He opens them a little and he can see

Josh and Donna out of the corner of his eye, then says "I hope you know that we just had an audience."

Melody - "What?"

Sam - "Look over there. Josh and Donna." Melody looks over at them and Josh waves at her with a goofy grin on

his face. Melody sighs, then buries her head in Sam's chest. He smiles "It's ok Mel. He's just being Josh."

Melody - "God help us all."

Chapter 3