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.

(This and subsequent submissions are written in script format. When you read this, you will need to read it as though you are watching it on TV. Anything that is not in "quotation marks" is considered to be stage direction, or info to help out your creativity in visioning things. By all means, use your imagination to picture things, but above all, enjoy!)

Synopsis: A continuation of the "Hanging By A Thead" 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 - 13 to possibly R (There is some course language in this one, but it's appropriate for the storyline.)

December 21, 9:46 pm. The Residence.

The Senior Staff, along with Donna and Melody are sitting in the residence of the White House, and are

relaxing after a just completed full course Christmas Dinner.

POTUS - "Well, everyone. I am so pleased that you all enjoyed this dinner. I'll have you know that Zoey

played a large part in cooking this."

Melody - "You did a fantastic job, Zoey! It was absolutely delicious!"

Zoey - "Thanks, Melody. The potatoes were the easiest thing to do. Richard, the head chef did the turkey

and oversaw everything, to make sure it was up to, you know, White House Standards."

FLOTUS - "And I told him that if he told my daughter to do anything differently than she is used to doing

it, then he'd have me to deal with. I think she had free reign in the kitchen from that point on. He

did a wonderful job on the turkey though."

C.J. - "He certainly did, Ma'am. A much better job than I could ever do."

Toby - "A truer word has ne'er been spoken." C.J. swats him on the shoulder.

FLOTUS - with a smile "Good for you. C.J."

POTUS - "Folks, why don't we move into the family room, and relax. Our assistants can take care of all

this."

Donna - leaning over to Josh, she whispers "I have to clean up the dishes?"

Josh - with a laugh "He means the Residence staff, silly." He gives her a kiss on the cheek.

Donna - "Oh. Ok." She smiles, as they all walk toward the family room.

************

Once inside the family room, the staff are almost mesmerized by the beauty of the gargantuan Christmas

tree that is in the corner of the room, and by the warmth and coziness that is in the air. They all make

their way to the couches in the room, and the President motions for them to sit, and they do.

POTUS - "Guys, this has been a difficult and tumultuous year for us all, and you have all played a part in

helping keep the normalcy level, if not balanced, then somewhat consistent. As you know, I don't

normally get gifts for each of you personally at the Holidays, as I don't want to leave anyone out

and to make anyone feel excluded. So, that being said, I am breaking tradition this year; and have

invited you all here to present you with gifts; not intentionally to be Christmas gifts, but

appreciation gifts; for all your hard work for the Administration... Who the hell am I kidding?

They're Christmas presents." A laugh goes up from all those in attendance. "Zoey, if you will

don the traditional hat, and pass me the gifts from under the tree..." She rolls her eyes. "Don't

roll your eyes at me, young lady." She smiles, places the Santa hat on her head, then reluctantly

sits beside the tree.

Zoey - handing a package to her father "Here you go, Daddy."

POTUS - accepting the package from her "Thanks, baby. Well. This one is for C.J. Here you go."

C.J. - accepting the gift "Thank you very much, Mr. President."

POTUS - accepting another gift from Zoey "Toby."

Toby - reaching for the gift "Thank you, Sir."

POTUS - "Leo."

Leo - "Thank you, Mr. President."

POTUS - "Leo, in this moment, could you please call me Jed?"

Leo - with a smile "Whatever you say, Mr. President."

POTUS - rolling his eyes in Leo's direction, and grasping another box from Zoey "Donna."

Donna - whose face is bright and excited "Yes, Sir."

POTUS - "I can't thank you enough for the hard work that you have put in these past few months. You are

a very special person, especially considering who you put up with every day."

Donna - with a smile "Don't I know it, Sir. Thank you very much. Merry Christmas."

POTUS - "The same to you. Josh."

Josh - "Thank you, Sir."

POTUS - "You know how it is, don't you?"

Josh - who can't help but be a little humbled at this personal exchange "Yes, Sir. Thank you very much."

POTUS - "You're welcome. Charlie."

Charlie - "Thank you, Sir."

POTUS - "I put my life in your hands on a daily basis. Thank you."

Charlie - "I serve at the pleasure of the President."

POTUS - smiling "I'm glad. Sam."

Sam - "Thank you very much, Sir."

POTUS - "You're welcome. Melody."

Melody - "Yes, Sir?"

POTUS - "You say that as though there wouldn't be something here for you."

Melody - "Well, Sir. Just being invited here to have dinner with everyone is delightful enough. I don't

need anything, really."

POTUS - "That's ridiculous. You're as much a part of this team just as any of us are. Merry Christmas."

Melody - who is starting to tear up "Thank you so much, Sir. Merry Christmas."

POTUS - "You're very welcome. Merry Christmas to you too." Everyone sits in their chairs, not having

touched the paper that encases their gifts. "Well, go on! Open them!" With that everyone rips

open the paper on their gifts, and gasps and heartfelt thanks are given all around the room.

Zoey - "Come on Charlie, let's go and set up the movies."

Charlie - looking at POTUS "Sir?"

POTUS - with a smile "Have a good time. Save me a seat!" Charlie and Zoey exit the room. The others

are opening their gifts, talking amongst themselves; yet Melody is silent. Sam notices this, and leans

over to her.

Sam - whispering in her ear "What's wrong hun?"

Melody - "Nothing. I don't believe this."

Sam - "What? What is it?"

Melody - "Well, I told you the other day how I had lunch with the First Lady, and how we were talking

about pre-natal stuff and anything related to babies, right?"

Sam - nodding, with interest "Yeah."

Melody - "Well, I told her how we didn't need any furniture or anything baby related, except of course for

diapers and clothes, but that we would get those later." Sam nods as she continues. "I told her

about our wanting to have the baby christened once he or she was born, and, well. Look at this."

She hands Sam a card, which was in the envelope that was handed her by the President. Sam

reads the following out loud.

Sam - "Christmas is a time of year to celebrate the special people in our lives...". He opens the card and

continues to read "...and you are most definitely one of them. Merry Christmas!" Sam smiles

and nods his head, agreeing with the sentiment in the card. He continues, reading the personalized note

on the inside cover of the card. "Melody, this is the only thing that Abbey and I could think of as an

appropriate 'gift' for all your hard work and efforts where we are concerned, and we hope that this is

not overstepping our bounds. Abbey and I would be only too pleased, once the baby is born, if you

and Sam were to hold the baby's Christening in the Rose Garden, when you decide that the

time is right. If you both agree, all the arrangements will be taken care of, you would just have to

show up. We hope that you two, make that you three, will have a very happy Christmas. Always,

Josiah and Abigail Bartlet." Sam, looking up at the President and First Lady, runs his hands over

his eyes. "Thank you so much."

FLOTUS - getting out of her chair. As everyone stands, she waves them to sit down. She walks over to

Sam and Melody, giving Melody a hug, then Sam. "I hope that you two know if you need

anything, and I mean ANYTHING, you are to call us immediately." They both nod. "If not, you

will both face the wrath of Abigail Bartlet."

POTUS - "Trust me, you'll want to call." Everyone laughs, and FLOTUS smiles.

Melody - wiping the tears away from her eyes "Thank you so much Ma'am. This is the best gift I could

have ever wished for. Thank you both."

POTUS - "You're very welcome. Now! It's time for movies, everyone."

Melody - "Sir, if I may, would I be able to do the thing now before the movie?"

POTUS - "I almost forgot. Knock yourself out."

Melody - "Thank you. Sir." She gets a little look of nervousness on her face, and Sam puts his arm around

her, to ease her tension. She looks at him and smiles. "Everyone, just to remind you, Sam and I

are going away for a few days. He still hasn't told me where we're going, but I know that we're

leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. When the President and First Lady told us about this

evening's dinner, we asked if we could distribute our gifts to you this evening, seeing as we

wouldn't be here the rest of the week. They said it's okay, so..." Sam gets up from the couch and

brings out beautifully wrapped packages. "A lot of thought went into these, and we truly hope that

you enjoy them." Melody takes a large package from the pile, and starts to walk toward the

President and First Lady.

Sam - practically snatching it from her hands, says "That's heavy - don't lift it." Melody rolls her eyes,

then hands him the box.

Melody - to POTUS and FLOTUS "Merry Christmas." They wish her the same. They walk around the

room, handing out gifts to the people that are gathered there.

FLOTUS - "Sam. Melody. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Where on earth did you find

the time to get this?"

Melody - with a satisfactory grin on her face "When we were in New York. I spent a little time shopping

the morning that we came back. It's engraved on the bottom." POTUS and FLOTUS carefully

turn the gold rimmed crystal vase upside down, and read the inscription on the bottom. FLOTUS

puts a hand to her mouth, in a gesture that she is overcome.

FLOTUS - "Thank you so much. Both of you."

Melody and Sam - "You're very welcome. Enjoy it." FLOTUS picks the vase up very carefully and

places it on top of the mantle.

FLOTUS - "Perfect. Jed, what do you think?"

POTUS - "It looks beautiful. Thank you both, very much." Melody and Sam nod, and smile at the

President.

C.J. - "OH MY GOD!!! Thank you so much!"

Sam - "Glad you like it."

Melody - "Use them in good health."

C.J. - "My vacation is coming up in 6 weeks - these tickets are perfect! I've always wanted to go there!

Thanks guys!"

Melody - "No problem. Just don't bring me back a cheesy T-shirt or something, okay?"

C.J. - smiling "You got it!"

Toby - "Thank you, both. Very much. It's beautiful."

Melody - "We know that you're not one for frivolous things, so we thought that the pen would be perfect."

Sam - "Ya. It's platinum plated, so you don't have to worry about shining it or anything. It's inscribed

too."

Toby - turning the pen over, and reading out loud "Toby Zeigler" he turns it over to the other side

"Director of Communications". Toby nods his head, then looks at them with the utmost sincerity.

"Thank you."

Melody - "You're welcome."

Josh - "I'm gonna kill you both!" Everyone turns and looks at Josh. "See?" Hysterical fits of laughter

ensue, when we see Josh's gift. "Is this your idea of humor?"

Sam - laughing "Well, yes. It is."

Josh - "An E Z Bake oven? Come on!"

Melody - "Well, you did ask how you were going to bake that package of cookie mix, didn't you?"

Josh - "Yeah, but..."

Melody - "Well, EZ Bake Oven Cookie mix? Meet the EZ Bake Oven."

Josh - "You two are SO dead." He can't help but smile at this.

Melody - walking over to Josh with a small box "This is the real one."

Josh - "A recipe book?"

Sam - "No, but it's actually not a bad idea."

Josh - opening the box, then taking out what is inside. "Guys. Thank you so much. It's beautiful."

Melody - "Well, we're glad you like it."

Donna - "That will match perfectly with the gold cufflinks you have."

Josh - "Hey yeah! It will! Thanks guys. I'll wear it in my best tie."

Sam - "You only have one tie."

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

Sam - "Yup. I try."

Leo - "This briefcase is beautiful. Thank you both."

Melody - "You're very welcome, Leo. Merry Christmas."

Sam - "We're glad you like it."

POTUS - "Are we all done?"

Melody - "I think so, Sir."

Zoey - poking her head in from the other room "The movies are all set to go, Daddy."

POTUS - "Everyone. Shall we?" He stands up and heads to the doorway, and everyone follows suit.

**************

Later that evening, Sam and Melody's house.

Melody is not seen at this point, but we can safely assume that she is in bed, getting comfortable for the

night's sleep. Sam is in the kitchen, talking on the phone, and setting the timer for the coffee maker in the morning.

Sam - "Yes. We arrive at 9 am local time." (pause) "Yes. I mean 9 am your time." (pause) "I don't

know. I'll probably be a little tired because of jet-lag and all, and I know that she will want to

sleep for a bit. We'll figure out something when we get there, ok?" (pause) "Ok. I love you."

(pause) "'Night. Sweet Dreams." Sam hangs up the phone. He says to himself as he turns out the

kitchen light "Good. Everything is ready. This is going to be perfect."

************

December 22, 9:06 a.m. Somewhere over Washington D.C.

Melody - "Sam, where is it that we're going, anyway?"

Sam - "Well, I don't know if I should tell you. It is one of your presents, you know."

Melody - "Well, I know that we're going somewhere kinda sunny and warm, otherwise you would have

made a huge fuss over my not packing a lot of warm clothes. So where are we going, Sam?"

Sam - looking at his watch "Well, we should be arriving at the airport at about 9:00."

Melody - "A.M. or P.M?"

Sam - "A.M."

Melody - "It's somewhere on the West Coast. Hmmm. About a 3 hour time difference?"

Sam - "Yes. Try and get a little sleep, ok? You're gonna have jet lag, and that probably won't be good

for you or the baby."

Melody - grabbing a gentle hold of Sam's arm, and cuddling up to him, resting her head on his shoulder

"Ok. Wake me up in an hour, ok?"

Sam - giving her a kiss on the forehead "You got it. Have a good nap." Melody smiles, and closes her

eyes, while Sam returns his focus to the screen on his laptop.

*************

Sam - poking Melody on the side "Mel." No answer. "Mel." Still no answer. "Melody."

Melody - rubbing her eyes "Yeah?"

Sam - "Time to wake up, hun. We're here."

Melody - "Where's here?"

Flight Attendant - whose voice is heard only on the loud speaker "Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Welcome to Los Angeles, California. The weather outside is 68 degrees. For the sailors flying

with us today, the National Weather Service advises us that the wind is coming from the south at

26 knots. The time is now 8:47. We thank you for flying American, and we hope you enjoy your

stay in California."

Melody - with an excited tone "SAM!"

Sam - with a smug smile on his face, he begins to sing "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays."

Melody - swatting him on the arm "You brat! I should have known that you would do something like

this."

Sam - getting up from his chair and extending an arm to her "Shall we?" Melody nods her head, and

smiles at him, as they walk towards the door of the plane.

************

Baggage Claim, L.A. X.

Sam and Melody are walking through the baggage claim area, and Sam is straining his head, it seems

that he is looking for someone, or something. Melody notices his expression, and comments on it.

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

Sam - "Nothing. Just looking around, that's all."

Melody - "You're a very bad liar. What are you looking for?"

Sam - with a big smile on his face, facing the opposite direction from Melody "Nothing now." He drops

his bag at Melody's feet, and walks up to a woman that is standing in the middle of the airport.

Melody is standing at the baggage claim doors, luggage at her feet, watching this display of pure

excitement and emotion. Even though she can not make out the dialogue; or see the face of the woman

he is embracing, she knows, without a doubt, it is Mrs. Seaborn. They are locked in an embrace that

can only be shared by a mother and her only child. Melody starts to tear up a little, then leans over to

pick up the luggage. As soon as she straightens up and takes one step towards the place where Sam

and his mother were reuniting, she comes face to face with a very cross look.

Melody - "What?"

Sam - "You know that you're not supposed to be lifting anything heavy, so why are you doing this?"

Melody - "Well, in the future don't leave them at my feet or I will be forced to lift them myself."

Sam - "Touche. Come meet my mom."

Melody - "Sam, I've known her for years. Remember?"

Sam - "Oh yeah, I almost forgot."

Melody - "It's true, but it's different now."

Sam - with a smile on his face, he looks into Melody's eyes. "Yes. Different, and so much better." Sam's

mother is close behind her son, and she comes out from behind him.

Marilyn - standing beside Sam, she says with open arms "Melody!"

Melody - "Mrs. Seaborn!" The two ladies come together, and share a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

"It is so incredibly wonderful to see you! It's been too long."

Marilyn - "But it has been well worth the wait to see how happy you have made my Sam. And don't call

me Mrs. Seaborn. Call me Marilyn."

Melody - with a shocked expression on her face "I really can't do that, Mrs. Seaborn. It's a respect thing, I

just can't do it."

Marilyn - with a thoughtful look on her face "Well. How about Mom then? That's what Sam calls me."

Melody - with a gentle smile "I would love to. Thanks. Mom." They lean in for another hug, as Sam

picks up the luggage. The hug breaks, as the two ladies walk arm in arm together. "There is so

much to tell you!"

Marilyn - "Sam, are you ok with those things?"

Sam - who can't help but smile at the sight of the two most important women in his life getting along so

famously "I'm ok, Mom. I'm gonna put this stuff on the cart here. You two go on ahead; I'll

meet you outside by the car." Sam looks up and realizes that there was no need for his last

sentence; the two ladies have long since walked away from him, talking and laughing with each

other. He looks at them, smiles, then continues loading the luggage on the cart.

*************

Later that evening, Marilyn Seaborn's house.

The sounds of classical Christmas music are permeating the house, as Melody, Sam and Marilyn are relaxing in the living room, drinking tea.

Marilyn - "I am just so glad to know that the proposals went over so well, Sam. I'm very proud of you."

Sam - with a smile "Thanks Mom."

Melody - "You should have seen it. It was so amazing to watch him, watching the vote go through. The

chorus of applause and cheers that went up in the bullpen were just so astounding. It really was an

incredible experience."

Sam - "Ya. A lot of people worked so hard on it. It was a huge victory."

Melody - "A lot of people, meaning you, dear." Sam grins, then lowers his head, so no one sees the blush

that has appeared on his cheeks.

Marilyn - "So what do you both plan on doing while you're in town?"

Melody - "I don't know. I didn't know until we landed where Sam was taking me, so I haven't really

formulated an itinerary."

Sam - "Her plans will no doubt include a shopping expedition on Rodeo Drive."

Melody - "That's for sure. Mrs. Seaborn..." Marilyn gives her a 'Don't call me that' look "Sorry. Mom,

what would you think about joining me for tea tomorrow morning at the Wilshire in Beverly

Hills?"

Marilyn - "I think that would be lovely! I haven't been out for tea in such a long time. We'll get all

dressed up too. It'll be fun."

Melody - "Good. It's a date." Turning to look at Sam, she smiles, and he smiles back. "As much as I hate

to bring this delightful evening to a close, I am getting a little sleepy. You know, the baby makes

me tired quickly. If I can be excused, I'd like to go get ready for bed. Besides, I'm sure you both

want to talk without my ears in the way."

Marilyn - "Of course, dear. There's lots of towels and such ready for you in the bathroom beside your

room. Take all the time you need. I'll see you in the morning." She gets up from her chair, and

gives Melody a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad you're back in our lives. You're a real

gift, you know."

Melody - trying to hide a tear "Thanks, Mom. I'll see you in the morning." Turning to Sam "If I'm

sleeping when you come up, wake me, ok?"

Sam - with a smile "You just know that won't happen."

Melody - "I know. I just wanted to give you the option. Good night, Mrs., um, Mom."

Marilyn - as she sits back down, she smiles. "Good night sweetie. Have a good sleep you two." Melody

smiles, puts her hand on her tummy, then turns to walk up the stairs. Marilyn turns her attention

to Sam, who carefully watches Melody climb the stairs, then breathes a sigh of relief when she

gets out of sight. "Sam, I'm so very happy that you two are finally together. I always knew there

was something there, but I didn't want to push you."

Sam - with a smile "I appreciate that, Mom. I guess it just had to be in our time. She's my best friend."

Marilyn - "I thought Joshua was your best friend?"

Sam - with a smirk "You know what I mean, Mom."

Marilyn - "Yes Samuel, I do. I'm just teasing you." They both take a sip from their mugs, then Marilyn

continues. "Sam, what are your intentions?"

Sam - "I'm sorry?"

Marilyn - "I mean, I know you told me earlier that you two are sort of engaged, but when are you going to

make it official? I don't see a ring on her finger or anything."

Sam - "I want to wait for the right time, Mom. Besides, there is so much going on right now, and we

agreed that there are other things that come first. The baby for one, then work. I'm in the middle

of my second draft of the State of the Union, and this is going to be one of the, if not THE most

important address that the President is ever going to make. I don't think I need to go into the why

and wherefore of that; you know the reasons."

Marilyn - "Yes, I do know. How is the President doing?"

Sam - "Health wise, aside form the fact that he has Multiple Sclerosis, he the personification of perfect

health. He's doing just fine."

Marilyn - "I'm glad. Please, not that it will mean that much, but tell him that he's in my thoughts and

prayers."

Sam - "He's a religious man, Mom. That will mean a lot to him, I know that for a fact."

Marilyn - smiling "Good. I'm glad to hear that. Now back to my original question. What are your

intentions?"

Sam - getting a little frustrated "Mom, I don't know if this is the time or the place to get into this. We

HAVE had this discussion before, you know."

Marilyn - "Yes, and that is exactly why I want to know what your intentions are where Melody is

concerned."

Sam - "Well, I was thinking of officially proposing, you know, doing the bended knee stuff and all that,

sometime AFTER the State of the Union, when all the chaos surrounding that is over and done

with."

Marilyn - "I think you and I should go out tomorrow. I have something to show you."

Sam - "What would that be?"

Marilyn - "She needs to have a nap in the afternoon, and perhaps when she's napping, we'll go for a little

drive. I need to do some errands anyway, and I'll tell her that you are going to come along for the

ride."

Sam - "Where I go, she goes. That's just the way it is. It's the only way I can be sure that she's ok."

Marilyn - "Trust me. She'll be fine. Besides, I think this may make a nice surprise for her. And for you."

Sam - with reservation, he shakes his head. "I give up. I'm sure she'll want to have a nap or something

in the afternoon."

Marilyn - with a smile on her face "Good. Well sweetheart, I'm off to bed too. Turn out the lights before

you head up, ok?"

Sam - "You got it, Mom. Good night." Sam rises to give his Mom a kiss on the cheek.

Marilyn - "Good night, Sam. I'm glad you're home, even for just a while. I've missed you."

Sam - "I've missed you too, Mom. I'm glad to be back. Good night." He gives her a kiss on the cheek,

then sits down on the couch, and turns on CNN, as his Mom walks up the stairs, down the hall to

her room.

*******************

1:43 p.m. December 23, Marilyn Seaborn's Living Room

Melody is laying on the couch, talking on her cell phone.

Melody - "She is, Donna. I am so glad that I got to see her again."

Donna - "I guess you'll be seeing a lot more of her in the near future; seeing as she IS going to be a

grandmother!"

Melody - "True. You know, I couldn't have picked a better future grandmother than she. It's weird, but

we get along so well. It's crazy."

Donna - "So where's Sam?"

Melody - "He and his Mom have gone out to do some errands. Probably grocery shopping or something

like that. He said that I needed to rest up, so he has me on strict orders to stay on the couch.

Would you believe that he got me a plate full of fruit, some of those goldfish crackers, a pitcher of

juice; the remote for the stereo and TV, everything I could ever possibly need; and told me that I

had to stay on the couch with my feet up and rest?"

Donna - with a laugh "Yup. That's our Sam alright. Hey! I wanted to tell you; Josh is coming over

for dinner tonight and I plan on christening the beautiful glasses that you gave me for Christmas.

They're really lovely."

Melody - smiling "Well, enjoy them. Just make sure that you don't put them in the dishwasher - crystal

glasses and a dishwasher don't really mix."

Donna - "Like Josh and alcohol; a lethal combination. Anyway, Mel. I have to get going. Josh just gave

me the sign - he needs the files, like yesterday."

Melody - "I hear ya. Have a good one. Hey - he's not cooking, is he?"

Donna - "He has an oven now, maybe I'll teach him a thing or two!"

Melody - laughing "Sounds like a plan. Don't work too hard, ok?"

Donna - with a smirk "If Josh were to answer, he'd say I never do. Have a good one. Bye."

Melody - "Say hi to everyone for us. See ya later."

Donna - "Will do. Gotta go! Bye!"

Melody - pressing the end button on her phone, and resting it on the table beside her. "I wonder what

they're doing? Well, no sense in worrying about it. I wonder what's on TV?" She grabs the

remote and presses the power button. "Nickelodeon. Nope. CNN. Nope. Game Shows. Nope."

The sounds of the theme from the Sopranos comes over the speaker on the TV. "Bingo." She

rests the remote beside her, and curls up under the blanket, prepared to watch her favorite crime

drama on TV.

*********

Sam and Marilyn Seaborn are driving down Santa Monica Boulevard, talking about anything that pops into their heads.

Marilyn - "Thanks for helping me out with these, Sam. I appreciate it."

Sam - with a smile "Hey, it's no problem. If a son can't help his mom with the groceries, what good is

he?"

Marilyn - "Can you pull in here for a second? I need to go to the bank."

Sam - "Sure. I didn't know you were with First National."

Marilyn - "Well, ever since the thing with your father, I switched. I wanted to do things independently,

and the only way I could feel truly independent was to switch everything - banks, credit cards,

safe deposit boxes, everything."

Sam - with a look of wonder on his face "You have a safe deposit box?"

Marilyn - "Several actually. Are you coming?"

Sam - "You can go. I don't need to be there with you, do I?"

Marilyn - "I'd like for you to come in with me."

Sam - hesitating, but giving in to his Mom's request "Ok." They enter the bank, and everyone greets her

with a "Good Morning", and she introduces Sam to everyone, and he waves and smiles at them. She leads

Sam towards the back of the bank. "Mom, do you really think we should be back here? I mean, isn't this

part just for the staff?"

Marilyn - with a smile "Actually, if you look up, you'll see a sign that says 'Safe Deposit'." Sam looks up

and nods his head. "I have something for you. Come with me." She gives the security guard a

key, and he goes to the long row of drawers, inserts the key, and turns the lock. As they watch

him return with the drawer, Sam speaks.

Sam - "I didn't know that you had boxes, Mom. When did this happen?"

Marilyn - "I've had them for a long time, Samuel. Just sit down." He does.

Guard - "Here you are, Ma'am. It's been quite a while since you've been in to look at these items."

Marilyn - "Well, this one is leaving with us today." The guard nods, as she takes out a small box from the

drawer, then watches the guard replace the drawer back in its slot. He locks the drawer, and

returns the key to her.

Guard - "Have an excellent day, Ma'am."

Marilyn - "We will. You too." Looking at Sam, who is still sitting on a chair, his hands folded on the

table in front of him. "Sam, don't look so shocked. I have a story to tell you."

Sam - "Ok. You have my full attention."

Marilyn - she looks amused by his curiosity. "Sam, as you and I both know, your Grandmother was not, shall we say,

a person of limited means." Sam nods his head. "As we both know, she left me many of her most cherished items

in her will, one of those I have passed down to you."

Sam - "The diamond pendant that Grandpa gave her; yes. I know."

Marilyn - "Well, there is one more thing that I feel the need to let you know about now. I didn't tell you

about this before, because, well, I didn't like Lisa."

Sam - with his face scrunched up "Huh? What does this have to do with Lisa?"

Marilyn - "You two were, if I am not mistaken, engaged to be married about 4 years ago. Correct?"

Sam - "True. Thanks for bring up old wounds, by the way."

Marilyn - "I always said that you deserved someone much better than her. I will confess that I was secretly

elated when the wedding was called off. Despite the happiness that I felt that my only child was

going to walk down the aisle, I knew that she was not the one for you. I always knew that there

was someone better, someone that I knew that you would be perfectly happy just sitting beside. I

know without a doubt in my mind, that Melody is that person. Am I right?" Sam nods his head in

agreement. "Good. That being said, your Grandmother left one other piece of jewelry to me in

her will. She told me that if the time was right, that when I had a girl, I was to pass this on to her

on the day that she would get married. Well, I am proud as can be to have a son, but I'm passing

it on to you, and I think you'll know what to do with it." She hands Sam a black velvet box, with

little tears running down her face. He sees the emotion that his mother is showing, and he starts to

get a little choked up. Sam opens the box and gasps at what he sees inside.

Sam - "Oh Mom. This is beautiful. This was really Grandma's? I never saw her wear it."

Marilyn - "That's because she only wore it once a year - on their anniversary. This ring was the ring that

your Grandfather gave your Grandmother the night he proposed. She knew how special it was, so

after they were married, she only wore it on special occasions. Their anniversary was the one day

that she took it out of the safe, cleaned it up, and wore it for the world to see."

Sam - "These are princess cut, right?"

Marilyn - "You know your diamonds. Very good! The center diamond is 3.5 carat, and the two diamonds

on either side are 1 carat each. Your Grandfather had excellent taste in jewelry."

Sam - "Ya. I don't think I have to tell you that I'm a little shocked at this."

Marilyn - "I figured you would be. Just for your information, here are the Insurance papers. I don't need

to tell you that it is worth a substantial amount of money. The policy for this ring is over two

hundred." Sam looks shocked, as Marilyn continues. "I didn't tell you about it with Lisa,

because, frankly I didn't like her. But I like Melody. Correction. I love her; like my own

daughter. I see how happy she makes you, and how proud she is of you. I know that your

Grandmother would want her to have this, Sam."

Sam - "I don't really know what to say. I'm speechless."

Marilyn - "Don't say anything to me. Save your words for her." She stands up from the table, and puts her

arms around her son. "I love you."

Sam - hugging his mother back "I love you too, Mom. She's the only one who would deserve this. Let's

go."

*********

10:23 p.m. Marilyn Seaborn's Living Room.

Melody - "That was absolutely delicious. Now I know exactly where Sam gets his exquisite taste for

food."

Marilyn - who is blushing a little "Thanks. My roasted chicken is one of his favorites."

Sam - leaning to his Mother, giving her a kiss "It sure is Mom. You did a great job."

Marilyn - "Thanks. Well, I think I'm off to bed."

Sam - "So early? The night is still young!"

Marilyn - "Not for me. I'm usually in bed by now. Have a good night you two."

Melody - looking over at her "Good night."

Sam - "'Night Mom."

Marilyn - heading to the stairs "Good night. Just make sure you lock up. See you in the morning." She

walks up the stairs, and heads down the hall.

Melody - getting off the couch "Well, the dishes won't do themselves, Sam. Get up."

Sam - "Leave them for now. Sit here and talk to me."

Melody - "Sam, the dishes will get all gross by the morning if they're not done now. I don't want your

mother to come downstairs in the morning and see a whole pile of dishes in the sink. Get up."

She walks into the kitchen, and turns on the tap to fill the sink. Sam follows, and wraps his arms

around her waist.

Sam - "Who dries?"

Melody - "Not me. I hate drying."

Sam - with a smile "Ok. You win."

********

Sam and Melody are finishing up the last of the dishes, when Sam turns to look at her.

Melody - "What?"

Sam - "Nothing."

Melody - "Seriously, what?"

Sam - "Seriously, nothing."

Melody - with a smirk on her face "We could be here all night doing this. What?"

Sam - "We could be here all night doing what?"

Melody - "Don't be a smart ass. What are you thinking?"

Sam - "I have a plan."

Melody - with an exasperated sigh "Oh Lord."

Sam - "Well, if you don't want to hear it, don't ask what I'm thinking."

Melody - "I'm kidding. What's your plan?"

Sam - "Sit down for a second."

Melody - "I can't; I have to finish these before the water..."

Sam - "Humor me, ok?"

Melody - sensing the honesty of his request "Ok." Sam takes his hand and leads her to the chair at the

kitchen table. "What's your plan?"

Sam - sitting in the chair beside her, holding her hand "Well, it's actually not completely formulated yet.

However, the basics are there."

Melody - "The basics for what?"

Sam - "I have to tell you a story. About 45 years ago, my Grandparents on my mother's side got

engaged. It was pretty much fate on both of their parts; they just knew that they were meant to be

together. Well, you know that I was engaged before, right?" Melody nods her head. "Yeah. I

told you about all that. Anyway, there was always something missing. At the time I thought that

Lisa was what I wanted, but my Mom knew better. She knew that there was something wrong, but

she supported me, and I guess that's what a mother should do."

Melody - "Sam, as much as I appreciate the recap of your romantic history, the dishes are getting nasty as

we speak."

Sam - "Mel, this is a little difficult. Hear me out, ok?"

Melody - with a gentle look in her eyes "Ok. Go ahead."

Sam - "Well, when my Mom and I were out today, we did the errands that she needed to do, got the

turkey from the butcher for the big dinner on Sunday, and well, we stopped by the bank. My

Grandmother was not a person who was poor, by any stretch of the imagination. When she died,

she left a lot of her jewelry to my mother. One of those pieces, is the necklace that I gave you that

night of Zoey's party."

Melody - "It is a beautiful necklace; especially knowing whose it was, and where it comes from."

Sam - "Well, I had thought that I would be able to pick something more special for you, because God

knows you deserve it. But my Mom surprised me when we went to the bank. She told me the

story of how my Grandfather and Grandmother got engaged, and to be quite honest, it almost

made me cry. It was so beautiful. Then she handed me this." He puts his hand in the jacket that

is hanging on the back of the chair, and pulls out a box. "Melody, she didn't give this to me to

give to Lisa, because she knew that Lisa wasn't the one."

Melody - "I don't understand."

Sam - "Melody, my Mother knows how much I love you; and this afternoon she told me that she could

see the same in your eyes. She was right in keeping this box from me. I would have wasted the

sentiment on someone that didn't deserve such a precious gift. I know I didn't buy this, and I

know that it's not something that I picked out myself; but Mel. This is yours." With that, Sam

gets on his knee, and holds her left hand in his. He looks up at her and speaks. "Melody

Elizabeth. Will you marry me?"

Melody - who has given up fighting the tears at this point "Oh Sam." She throws her arms around him,

drawing him close to her. "I love you more than anything. Nothing in this world could make me

more proud."

Sam - who is still on his knee says with a smile "Cool. Let me see if this fits." He takes the ring from

the box, and Melody gasps as he begins to place it on her finger. She starts to cry. A lot. "What's

wrong?"

Melody - "This ring is beautiful, Sam. I don't know if I can wear this. This was your Grandmother's ring.

I don't deserve to wear this."

Sam - "You most certainly do. Don't ever say that you don't deserve the best. I only hope I can provide

you with that always. If I can't, I'm gonna spend the rest of my life trying. That I promise you."

He takes her left hand up to his mouth, and places a kiss on her hand.

Melody - "Oh Sam." From upstairs we hear a squeal.

Sam - turning in the direction of the stairs "Mom?"

Marilyn - walking towards the kitchen with an elated grin on her face. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it." She

enters the kitchen, and walks toward Melody. "Congratulations you two. Now it's official."

Melody - "I couldn't ask for a nicer mother in law, you know."

Marilyn - "That was sweet. Thank you. Now that this is settled, I'm really going to bed. Good night." She

leans over to Melody to give her a hug, which Melody returns.

Melody - "Good night, Mom."

Marilyn - "Good night. 'Night Sam."

Sam - "Good night, Mom. See ya in the morning."

Marilyn - as she leaves the kitchen "'Night."

Sam - looking at Melody, with a smile. "She loves you, you know."

Melody - "Really?"

Sam - "She told me so this afternoon. She really does."

Melody - looking at her ring "Sam, I have to admit that I'm still quite shocked about this."

Sam - getting up from his chair, and taking her in his arms "It's ok. Let it settle. I'll finish up the dishes, if

you want to head up to bed."

Melody - "You sure?"

Sam - "Definitely. Go on, now."

Melody - "I love you, Sam." She gives him a kiss on the cheek. "I only want to make you happy."

Sam - "You will; as long as you keep telling me you love me. That's all I need."

Melody - heading out of the kitchen "I'll see you in a few minutes."

Sam - "Count on it."

************

December 25, 6 a.m. Marilyn Seaborn's house.

Melody - resting against the headboard, leans over to Sam and gives him a kiss on the forehead. He starts to

stir. "Good Morning. Merry Christmas."

Sam - "Merry Christmas. I have some plans for us today, you know."

Melody - "Really? Like what?"

Sam - "All I can tell you is that you need to get dressed up - that outfit you wore when you went out for tea

with my Mom would be perfect."

Melody - with the excitement of a little kid "Where are we going?"

Sam - "I can't tell you just yet. I'll explain when we get there. We don't have to be there until 3 this

afternoon, anyway."

Melody - letting Sam have his moment of suspense "Ok. Let's go make breakfast for your Mom."

Sam - "You got it. I have to brush my teeth first. I'll meet you down there."

Melody - from the doorway "Ok." Turning to see Marilyn at her bedroom doorway "Good Morning. Merry

Christmas!"

Marilyn - "You too! I hope you've been good all year, or Santa won't have brought you a stocking!"

Melody - "Well, in that case, Sam's gonna get a lump of coal."

Marilyn - "True. Let's see how it looks on you." Melody holds out her left hand. "It looks beautiful. It's

perfect for you."

Melody - "Don't yell at me for calling you this, but I can't tell you how much this means to me, Mrs. Seaborn.

This is the most beautiful thing that anyone could have ever done for me."

Marilyn - "I knew that you would appreciate the significance of this. Sam loves you so much, and I know that

you two will be happy. One of these days, we're going to have to sit down and have a talk - just you

and I - about marriage and all that stuff. Ok?"

Melody - leaning in to give her a hug "You've got it. Let's go get the coffee made. He's a grouch if he doesn't

have any first thing."

**********************

December 25, 3:00 p.m. Beverly Hills, California

Sam, Melody and Marilyn are in the car, driving down the street, where Sam is evidently in a rush to get somewhere.

Melody - "Sam, I don't believe that you haven't told me where we're going yet. Please tell me why we're so

dressed up."

Marilyn - "Nothing is open today, Sam. What is going on?"

Sam - "There is only one place that is open. I have connections, you know."

Melody - under her breath "Don't remind me."

Sam - "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

Melody - "Nothing worth repeating. Why are we here?"

Sam - who has pulled into a civic parking lot "Because, we have to walk to the building where we are have

our appointment." looking at his mother "Mom, can you give us a minute?" She nods, then walks

away from the car, and Sam takes Melody's hand. "Mel, this is the most serious thing I have ever

done in my life, and if you decide that you don't want to, then I completely understand that. I just

wanted this to be so special, and if you really don't want to, then I can live with that."

Melody - "If I don't want to what?"

Sam - takes out his briefcase, opens it, then hands Melody a file folder. "It's not romantic, and I promise

you something much bigger and better in the future, but I want this. This is the only Christmas gift I

could ever ask you for. What do you think?"

Melody - "Oh Sam. I can't believe that you did all this."

Sam - "Well, I didn't want you to have to be stressed out over anything, and I thought that today would be

the perfect day to do this. If you really don't want to..."

Melody - leaning into him and giving him a kiss, says "Don't we have somewhere to be right now?"

Sam - smiling, he takes her hand, and hands her a rose from the trunk of the car. "Let's go." Looking at his mother "Mom, let's go!"

*************

Chapter 4