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 Mary (My girl from New York) for her proof-reading skills!

Rating: PG - 13 to possibly R

9:46 p.m. December 29, Sam and Melody's house.

Sam and Melody are sitting in the living room, drinking tea in front of the fireplace.

Melody - "I know I'm going to sound like a broken record, but there really is no place like home."

Sam - "I know. It is good to be home, isn't it?"

Melody - "Don't get me wrong. I love your mom, and I loved that we spent time with her. But it's just good to be

back, to be where everything is so familiar."

Sam - "I hear ya. So. Any thoughts about the big soiree?"

Melody - "Thoughts of what type?"

Sam - "Well, it is in two days, and I figured seeing as you are the planner extrordinare, that you would have

everything all figured out by now."

Melody - "Sam, I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. I figured we'd just wing it."

Sam - raising an eyebrow at her "Seriously. What do you have planned? I can help, you know."

Melody - smiling "I know. I think I have everything all together. All I need to do is to go to the market and get the

food that we need. I think that should be everything. Do you think we need anything else?"

Sam - "Well, everyone's been invited and have said that they will be here at eight or so. I think that's all we need.

I don't want you cooking everything. Let me help." She casts a wary look in his direction. "What?" She

deepens her look of concern. "You know, my name is not Joshua Lyman."

Melody - "That's for sure. I suppose you could help. As long as you promise to let me do what I need to do and

don't hover over me too much."

Sam - "Well that's my job, you know."

Melody - with a smart ass grin on her face "Actually, your job is to write the speeches for the President of the United

States, if I am not mistaken."

Sam - "Smart ass."

Melody - "Yup. You love it."

Sam - "You got that right." He leans over and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "You almost ready for bed?"

Melody - getting up from her seat, heading towards the stairs "Ya. I'm getting a little sleepy. I'm gonna head up,

ok?"

Sam - "You got it. Be careful going up those stairs."

Melody - "I will. Just make sure to lock the door." She starts to climb the stairs, as Sam heads into the kitchen with

their mugs.

Sam - "I will. I'll be up in a minute."

Melody - "Kay. Don't be too long."

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

6:47 a.m., December 30. The White House

Josh and Donna are talking in Josh's office, the door is open.

Josh - "So what time is this thing tomorrow, anyway?"

Donna - "Melody said that if we could be there around eight, then it would be good. She's cooking, you know."

Josh - "She's a great cook."

Donna - "Tell me about it. She also said that there was some sort of announcement that they were going to make. I

wonder what that's all about."

Sam - walking past the doorway "You'll just have to find out when you get there."

Josh - towards Sam "Hey buddy. How goes it?"

Sam - "Good. You?"

Josh - "Doing well. You ready for the thing?"

Sam - "Ya. That's at 1, right?"

Josh - "No, it's at 12:30."

Donna - "It's at one, Josh."

Josh - "But I thought..."

Donna - "See? There's the problem right there. You thought. Don't do that. You have precious few brain cells

that are actually in working condition. Don't waste them."

Josh - towards Sam "Why do I put up with this?"

Sam - "You got me. We have staff. Let's go."

Josh - getting up from his desk, and heading to the door, he looks at Donna with a smirk. "You are so fired."

Donna - with a smile she walks towards his desk "Impervious."

***********

Later that day, Sam and Melody's house.

Melody is coming in the front door of the house, many grocery bags in hand, and she hears the phone ringing.

She runs to the phone in the kitchen.

Melody - "Hello?"

Sam - "Hey. You sound out of breath. You ok?"

Melody - placing the grocery bag on the table "Ya. I was just getting in the door from shopping. What's up?"

Sam - "Just checking in, seeing how you're doing."

Melody - "Well, I'm doing well." Putting on her thickest New York accent, she says "How you doin'?"

Sam - with a laugh "I'm just fine. That accent doesn't suit you at all, you know."

Melody - laughing as she sits at the table "I know. So what's up? How are things?"

Sam - "Things are good. My meeting on the hill with Josh and the others went well. I'm glad we got that all

resolved."

Melody - "Excellent job! So the amendments were accepted?"

Sam - "The only stipulation is that we need to discuss section 17 A with the committee again, and I need to work

on the poetry."

Melody - "Good for you."

Sam - "Thanks. It shouldn't take too long for me to do it. An hour at most."

Melody - she grabs a pad of paper and a pen from the counter as she continues. "Well congratulations. I'm so proud

of you."

Sam - "Thanks, babe. So what are you doing this evening?"

Melody - she writes as she speaks "Well, I'm going to prep the vegetables, tenderize the meat, prepare the base for

the desert. I have to cook the shrimp for the hors d'ouvres, then..."

Sam - "Wait just a minute."

Melody - she stops writing "What?"

Sam - "You shouldn't be doing this all by yourself, you know."

Melody - "Well, if I don't do it, no one else will."

Sam - "With the victory that we had today, I think I should be able to be out of here by about seven. That means I

should be home by about eight. I'll help you. Don't be cooking anything until I get there."

Melody - "Sam, I can do..."

Sam - "I am perfectly aware that you CAN do this by yourself. The thing is, I want to help you. Don't cook

anything until I get there. I'll bring home dinner, and we'll cook when I get there. Ok?"

Melody - with a sarcastic tone "Sure. Whatever you say."

Sam - with his serious tone "Melody. Promise me."

Melody - knowing she's defeated on this issue "I will promise, as long as you bring me..."

Sam - "What flavor do you want?"

Melody - with a grin on her face "Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough."

Sam - "You got it. Will I get some too, or should I get my own tub?"

Melody - "For the promise I just had to make, you'd better get your own."

Sam - "Ok. I'll see you soon."

Melody - "Get back to work. I'll see you around eight."

Sam - "Melody, I love you."

Melody - "I love you too, Sam. Go back to work."

Sam - "K. No cooking!"

Melody - with an annoyed smile "Alright already! Geez!"

Sam - with a laugh in his voice "Ok. I'll see you soon. Love you."
Melody - "Ditto. Bye."

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

4:35 a.m. December 31. Sam and Melody's bedroom.

The sounds of an aggravating buzzer are sounding from across the room. Sam stumbles out of bed, and

turns off the alarm. He runs his hands through his hair, and rubs his eyes; trying to wake himself up, as he

looks back towards his warm and cozy bed. He gets a peculiar look on his face, then turns to go out of the

room, after putting his slippers on and getting his robe from behind the bedroom door. He walks down the

hall, then down the stairs towards the kitchen. He can see a light on in the kitchen, and the smell of fresh

coffee coming from the room. As he turns the corner, he sees Melody, sitting at the kitchen table; a glass

of juice by her side, and an array of vegetables and cutting tools well within her reach.

Sam - "What in god's name are you doing?"

Melody - with a sarcastic look on her face "Well good morning to you too, Sunshine."

Sam - "Seriously. What are you doing?"

Melody - "If you can't see what it is I'm doing, the coffee is right there. Drink a cup before you reiterate that

question."

Sam - walking over to her with a smile on his face "How is it that you can be such a smart ass at quarter to five in

the morning?" He gives her a kiss on the forehead.

Melody - "Lots of practice, I guess. Pour me some too please?"

Sam - "K. So. Answer me this. Why are you up this early in the morning, doing all this?"

Melody - "Well, seeing as when you came home last night, after we ate, we really didn't get a lot of work done. In

the kitchen, that is."

Sam - handing her a mug "True. However, I'd still like to know why you're up this early doing all this."

Melody - "Well, I figured that I would get all the veggies chopped and the pates prepared so that I could have a nap

this afternoon. I thought it would be smart for me to have one, seeing as this is going to be a long night.

Besides, I have that meeting with the First Lady this morning, and that will put me a bit behind on the

preparation schedule."

Sam - "Good idea. I'll try and get home early to help you get everything ready."

Melody - "Don't stress yourself over it. I'll be fine."

Sam - giving her the annoyed look "Melody. I said I'll try and be home early to help you. Don't knock it."

Melody - "Ok. You win, Mr. Seaborn. Is there anything else you'd like?"

Sam - with an evil grin "Well..."

Melody - "Samuel! Don't you even think it!"

Sam - with a smile "I'm going up to have a shower. I'll be back in a bit." He gives her a kiss on the top of the

head.

Melody - "Ok. Sam, wear the red tie."

Sam - "The red tie?"

Melody - "Ya. It makes you look so, I don't know. Patriotic. Especially when you wear the blue suit and the white

dress shirt."

Sam - "Patriotic?"

Melody - "Ya. As well as irresistible and extremely sexy."

Sam - "Oh. Well the red tie it is then. I'll be back."

Melody - looking up at him as he leaves the kitchen "Bye Arnold." Sam looks at her, smiles, then walks towards the

stairs.

***********

8:45 a.m., The Residence.

Melody and FLOTUS are talking in the Living Room of the residence. They are drinking tea, and having quite a casual chat.

FLOTUS - "I can't thank you enough for doing all that for me, Melody. I truly appreciate it."

Melody - "Well Ma'am, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Anything I can do to help."

FLOTUS - with a smile "Good. Thank you. I have something here for you, by the way."

Melody - putting down her tea cup, and looking at FLOTUS with a curious look "Really? What would that be?"

FLOTUS - "Well, this is an envelope." Melody smiles. "The tests that you asked me to have run for you last week,

you remember?" Melody nods her head. "Well, I have the results. Would you like to know them now or

later?"

Melody - "I think I'd like to look at them later, if that's alright with you. I'd kind of like to be at home for this."

FLOTUS - with a smile "I completely understand. I can't tell you how excited and honored I am to have you ask me

to be your Doctor for this wonderful event."

Melody - "Well Dr. Bartlet, I thought that it would be the best thing; I see you more than I see any other Doctor in

the area. I thought that it was only fitting."

FLOTUS - "Well, in doing so, you have the benefit of having, if I say so myself, the best Doctor in the country at

your disposal."

Melody - with a laugh "I sure do, Ma'am. Thank you for these." Melody takes the brown envelope and puts it in her

briefcase. "Will we be seeing you and the President this evening? I informed the neighbors that you may be

coming, so if they see the entourage outside, that it probably wouldn't be the best time to ask for a cup of

sugar."

FLOTUS - "Well, I don't know what Jed has planned. Everything is based on having no State Issues come up. All I

can say is that if we can attend, that we would be more than pleased to do so."

Melody - "Excellent. I'll make sure that there are two extra places set for you, just in case."

FLOTUS - standing up from the couch "Excellent. If we can make it, I'll make sure we call you before we leave

here. How does that sound?"

Melody - standing as FLOTUS does "That sounds perfect. I thank you for having me over for tea this morning

Ma'am. It was lovely to see you again, in a 'friend' capacity."

FLOTUS - "Well, the pleasure was mine. What are your plans for the day?"

Melody - walking to the door with FLOTUS "Well, I still have some preparations for the dinner this evening to

complete, but the house is all ready to go. Sam has helped with that over the past couple of days, and he has

seen to it that there are flowers everywhere. I think I have had an impact on him where flowers are

concerned. Now he loves them and insists on having fresh flowers in the house all the time."

FLOTUS - "Good. You're going to take it easy though, aren't you."

Melody - with a smile "Yes, Doctor. I plan on having a nice warm bath this afternoon, then a nap for a bit

afterwards. Sam made me promise to relax for an hour or so this afternoon, and I hate to admit it, but I

have to say that I'm glad I made that promise."

FLOTUS - "Good. You two need the rest. Take it easy, Melody, and again, thanks for coming over."

Melody - "The pleasure was all mine. We hope to see you tonight."

FLOTUS - "As do we. Have a good day."

Melody - exiting the Residence, down the stairs "You too, Ma'am."

*********

3:36 p.m., Sam and Melody's house.

Melody is in the bathroom upstairs; luxuriating in the tub with her eyes closed. There are bath bubbles

surrounding her everywhere, and she has her hair up, so it doesn't get wet from the bath water. She has

lit a few candles around the bathroom, and has all the lights off; just to help her relax. The sound of the

opening front door snaps her back from her peaceful thoughts.

Melody - "Sam?"

Sam - "Ya, it's me. Where are you?"

Melody - "I'm upstairs."

Sam - "K. I'll be up in a minute."

Melody closes her eyes again, and listens to the sounds he is making downstairs. She smiles, knowing the

news that she has to tell him. She knows he will be so thrilled. She can hear him walk up the stairs, then down

the hall towards the bedroom. He opens the bedroom door, and doesn't see Melody. He goes towards the

bathroom door, and slowly opens it.

Sam - "Well, the personification of relaxation is in my bathtub."

Melody - not opening her eyes "Yup. How was your day? Not that I'm complaining, but why are you home so

early?"

Sam - "We wrapped things up with the proposals today, then the First Lady came down and talked to me for a bit

and said that I should come home and keep an eye on you to make sure that you didn't over work yourself."

Melody - "She worries too much."

Sam - "Well, it's her job, you know."

Melody - "True. Have a seat." She motions to the side of the tub.

Sam - "K." He walks over to the side of the tub, takes off his jacket and lays it on the counter, sits down, and

brushes the hair away from her eyes. She opens her eyes and looks at him.

Melody - quietly "Hi."

Sam - quietly "Hi."

Melody - still in a quiet voice "Guess what?"

Sam - "What?"

Melody - "I had a visit with my Doctor today."

Sam - "Really? How'd that go?"

Melody - "Well, she gave me some information that was very helpful."

Sam - he rolls up his sleeves "For instance..."

Melody - taking hold of Sam's hand "Well, she told me that the baby is doing just fine, and is growing well."

Sam - taking his hand and putting it on her tummy in the water and talking to the baby and to Melody "That's

absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad!"

Melody - "She also discovered that I'm a little further along than I had originally thought."

Sam - "How can they tell that?"

Melody - "Well, she did some tests, the one that worked the best was the ultrasound. She discovered that we're not

11 weeks, but about 15 weeks along."

Sam - "Wow. That would make it...September?"

Melody "About that. I'm thinking it was the day after we moved in."

Sam - with an evil grin, he takes his hand away from her tummy and runs his fingers gently across her chin "Ya. I

remember that."

Melody - with a smile "Me too. She also said that I was a little underweight, but that it was normal. She didn't say

that it was anything to be concerned about; that as long as I was taking my pre-natal vitamins, and eating

properly that everything was ok."

Sam - "Ok. Here's what we're going to do. You are going to eat every time you pass the fridge, every time you

pass a restaurant you're gonna..."

Melody - laughing at him "Sam. I'm gonna turn into a whale if I do that. She said that we're doing just fine. She

said that in the last tri-mester is when most of the weight gets put on anyway. I'll eat as much as I can when

I'm hungry. I'm not going to eat unless I am hungry, so don't be forcing me to."

Sam - "Ok. Just don't scare me like that."

Melody - "Sam, your girls are going to be fine. Don't worry."

Sam - "That's good. I just worry about... Did you just say what I think you said?"

Melody - with a smile "I think so."

Sam - with a cautious grin "So, it's..."

Melody - with a gentle smile "Yes."

Sam - "Oh my god. Melody."

Melody - "I know, Sam. I know."

Sam - leaning over, he kisses her on the forehead "Melody, I love you."

Melody - closing her eyes against the feel of his touch "I love you too, Sam. We're gonna have a daughter."

Sam - "You know that everyone is going to want to name her after them, right?"

Melody - with a laugh "I can just picture the poor girls torture. Donnatella Margaret Bonnie Catherine Ginger

Abigail Claudia Carolyn Mrs. Landingham Seaborn. Man, that's a mouth full."

Sam - with the same laughter "If we were having a boy, it would be Joshua Tobias Leopold Charles Josiah

Seaborn." Looking at Melody with his sarcastic look "I think we should name the poor child before news of

it's gender gets out."

Melody - "Really? I never would have thought to do such a thing."

Sam - looking at her with tenderness "Mel. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am."

Melody - "Me either." They look at each other for a moment, then Melody speaks. "If you don't mind, I'm getting a

little cold in this water. I think I'm gonna get out, and maybe lie down for a little bit."

Sam - "K. Let me get a towel for you."

********

6:54 p.m., Josh's Apartment.

Josh - "DONNA!"

Donna - "What?"

Josh - "Will you hurry up? We're gonna be late."

Donna - "Joshua. They live not 15 minutes from here, and we told them that we would be there at eight. Calm

yourself down."

Josh - "Well, just hurry up." Josh, who is dressed in his good suit, is pacing the floor of his apartment. He goes

over the carpet a few times, before he yells again. "Donnatella!"

Donna - "What?"

Josh - "What the hell are you doing in there?"

Donna - with a sarcastic tone "Building a rocket so I can launch you to the moon."

Josh - "Well, hurry up, 'cause I, you know, I gotta go."

Donna - unlocking the door to the bathroom "You are worse than a 2 year old. God! Go already."

Josh - who is glued to the spot, looking at Donna. "Wow."

Donna - "What?" She is standing in the middle of the apartment, wearing a beautiful red dress. Not the one that she

wore on her date with Todd, but a dress that she has bought just for this occasion. The dress is a cocktail

dress, just above the knee, with little spaghetti straps that have rhinestone clips where they attach to the

front of the dress.

Josh - "I mean, WOW."

Donna - who is blushing a little "Thanks. Go do what you have to do. I'll go get my coat."

Josh - "Wow."

Donna - who is getting a little impatient with him "May I have another word, please?"

Josh - "Resplendent."

Donna - with her head down, she blushes. "Thanks."

Josh - "I'll be back in two seconds."

Donna - looking at him, smiling "I'll be counting." Josh heads into the room, and Donna walks to the cupboard and

takes out their coats.

*********

7:13 p.m. Sam and Melody's House.

Sam, dressed in a suit, is in the dining room; making sure everything is set up perfectly. He calls upstairs...

Sam - "Melody, I think everything's set." There's no answer. "Mel? Are you ok?" There's still no answer. Sam

gets a look of worry on his face, then goes up the stairs as quickly as he can. He gets into the bedroom, and

sees Melody lying on the bed, curled up on top of the blankets. Her hair is done, her makeup looks perfect,

and the fuzzy robe she is wearing makes Sam unable to control the laughter. Melody starts to stir as she

hears the laughter in the room.

Melody - with a groggy voice "Huh? What's so funny?"

Sam - walking over to the bed and putting a gentle arm on her shoulder "Stay there. You just looked so funny

with your hair and make up all done, but with a pink bathrobe on. I'm sorry. It's not funny; it's more cute

than anything." He can see how tired she is; he can tell her moods and physical state now, as it's getting

harder and harder for her to hide it from him. "Hun, you're exhausted. Did you have a sleep this

afternoon?"

Melody - still quite groggy, she waves her hand in the air. "Ya. Sure. Whatever you say."

Sam - "You stay here and sleep. When you're ready to come down, make an appearance."

Melody - "Ya, but everyone's gonna be here soon, and I have to get all the stuff down there ready for..."

Sam - "Take it easy. My two favorite ladies are much more important than a dinner party. How about I come up

and wake you in an hour or so, then we can all have dinner together. All that's left to do, really, is to plate

the desert. How does that sound to you?"

Melody - "But I should be there to greet everyone, Sam."

Sam - "I know that they will agree with me when I say that your health and the health of the baby is far more

important than if you open the door when the bell rings."

Melody - realizing that Sam has a valid point, cuddles back on to the bed, and snuggles into the pillows. "You're the

best. I hope you know that."

Sam - "You tell me every day, and I'll never get sick of hearing it." He gives her a kiss on the cheek. She closes

her eyes and smiles. "I'll come get you in a bit. Have a good sleep."

Melody - "K. 'Night."

Sam - "'Night babies..." He gets the blanket from on the couch, and puts it over her, tucking her in gently to keep

her warm.

*******

8:47 p.m.

Everyone, except Leo, Charlie, the President and First Family have arrived at Sam and Melody's place. There is

classical music playing in the CD player in the living room, and Sam is busy being the host. He walks over to

Josh and Donna, and pulls Donna aside.

Sam - "Donna, could you do a favor for me?"

Donna - "Sure. What do you need?"

Sam - "I need you to go upstairs and make sure that Mel's ok. She didn't have a nap this afternoon, and she was

sleeping for an hour or so this evening. I have a lot to do down here, and I need someone to go check on

her and see how she's doing."

Donna - putting a gentle hand on his arm "You got it. I'll be back in just a minute."

Sam - giving her a hug "Thanks Donna. You're the best."

Donna - heading to the stairs "Ya. Tell Josh." With that, she makes her way down the upstairs hall towards their

bedroom. As she reaches the bedroom, she knocks on the door. "Melody."

Melody - with a weak voice "Come in."

Donna - opening the door "Hi. Sam wanted me to ask you if you were... Oh Melody."

*****

Sam - "Ya, she should be down any minute. She was quite tired this afternoon, and I told her to have a nap."

C.J. - "Well, she's got two people to take care of now. She's gonna need to take it easy for a while."

Sam - "Don't I know it. Hey Josh."

Josh - "Ya."

Sam - "Would you mind making some coffee for me?"

Josh - "Sure. Where's the machine?"

Sam - "Oh good lord. Nevermind. Excuse me for a moment, C.J."

C.J. - with an understanding smile "No problem."

Sam walks towards the kitchen, with Josh in tow. As they pass the stairwell Josh looks up as he sees Donna

walking down the stairs. Josh swats Sam in the arm.

Josh - "Doesn't she look great?" Donna blushes.

Sam - "Ya, she does. You lucked out. Hey. How's Mel?"

Donna - "She'll be down in just a minute. She looks beautiful."

Sam - "Ya. She always does."

Josh - "Ok. That was just disgustingly sweet. I'm gonna make coffee."

Melody - walking down the upstairs hall "Sam, just make sure he doesn't cook anything. I don't want the fire

department dispatched here." Josh shakes his head and walks into the kitchen with Donna to help supervise

him. Sam waits at the bottom of the stairs.

Sam - "My God, Melody. You look beautiful."

Melody - "Thanks."

Sam - "You wore the same suit that you wore when we..."

Melody - "Ya. I kinda figured that it would be. Well. You know."

Sam - "Ya. You look fantastic." She has reached the bottom of the stairs, and he takes her hand and puts it

through his arm.

Melody - "Thanks. Let me go say hi to everyone before I get everything ready."

Sam - "K." He and Melody walk to the Living Room, where everyone is waiting for them. When she enters the

room, everyone turns to look at her, and she says hi to everyone.

Melody - "I'm sorry I wasn't there to greet you all when you got here. Sam insisted that I sleep for a little bit."

Sam - "Sure. Blame it all on me."

Melody - "Well, if that's an open invitation..."

Sam - "Not likely."

C.J. - "Are you feeling more rested?"

Melody - "Believe it or not, I do. It's amazing what an hour of power napping will do for a girl."

C.J. - "I know. I invented the concept."

Toby - "So that's what you do behind the closed doors in your office."

C.J. - "What? Did you actually think I worked in there? Ya. That's real likely mi compadre."

Toby - "Well, one can never tell with you, Ms. Cregg."

Melody - "I hate to interrupt this little sparring match, but I have some dinner to get on the table for everyone. I

hope you're all hungry." Everyone nods in anticipation, and they all make their way to the Dining Room.

*******

11:51 p.m. Sam and Melody's Living Room.

Everyone is sitting on the couches, drinking wine (except Melody) and enjoying the company of their friends.

Classical music is playing from the CD player. The lights are low, and the flicker of candlelight brightens the

room with a very special ambiance.

C.J. - "I don't think that I've ever eaten so well, Melody. You are a fabulous cook."

Melody - "Well thank you. I love to cook."

Toby - "And it certainly shows. That was absolutely delicious."

Josh - "Ya. Even the vegetables were good."

Donna - swatting him on the arm "Joshua!"

Melody - with a laugh "Donna, it's ok. A compliment about vegetables coming from Josh is the highest compliment

anyone could get."

Donna - "True. It really was good, Mel."

Sam - appearing from the kitchen with a tray of coffee "The coffee is ready. Come on and help yourselves." Sam

rests the tray on the bar.

Toby - walking up to the bar for a coffee cup, he pours himself a cup of coffee. "So a little bird told me about some

sort of announcement that you two were going to make tonight. What's this all about?"

Sam - looking at Melody "What time is it?"

Melody - looking at her watch "According to my watch, it's 11:54 p.m."

Sam - "Do you think it's time?"

Melody - "It's your call."

Sam - "Ok, let's do it." Melody smiles at him, and walks over to the bar and pours coffee for herself and Sam.

"Well, we did invite you here to celebrate New Year's Eve with us. However, there is another reason that

we wanted you all here."

Donna - leaning forward, she speaks with an air of curiosity about her "What is it?"

Melody - with a smile "Go ahead Sam. Anyone else want coffee?" They all shake their heads.

Sam - "Well, as you all know, Mel and I are expecting. I had been thinking about something for quite a while, and

when we were in California it became very clear to me what it is that I needed to do."

Josh - "I don't get it."

Donna - "Shut up. Go on, Sam."

Sam - "Well, I guess there's only one way to say this, and that is to be direct."

Toby - who is starting to get frustrated with Sam's mis-direction "Spit it out, Seaborn."

Sam - "Well, I proposed, and she accepted."

Squeals of delight come from C.J. and Donna, Toby, and Josh all stand up and offer their congratulations.

Melody - raising her voice above everyone else "But there's more."

Donna - who we can tell is completely into this conversation "Really? Do tell!"

Melody - "Sam?"

Sam - "Well, on Christmas Day, I called in a favor from a friend of mine in Santa Monica. I was really nervous,

but everything went well. There was only one, well two things really, that were missing."

C.J. - who is getting anxious "And those two things would be..."

Sam - accepting the coffee cup from Melody, and slipping an arm around her waist "The two things would be one -

our friends, by which I mean you guys."

Toby - "And the second thing?"

Sam - "Oh. That would be the gold rings."

Donna - with a bright expression on her face. She has figured it out. "What?"

Melody - "Yes, Donna."

Donna - "You mean that. You. And Sam."

Melody - "Exactly."

Donna - giving Melody, then Sam a heartfelt hug "Congratulations you two! That is so wonderful."

Melody - "Well, it wasn't a big event, but it was perfect. Sam's mom was there, and that was the best. What we

wondered is if, she decides to make her appearance, if you would all be there as we re-do the

ceremony. This time, with a dress, penguin suits, the whole thing. It would mean the world to us."

C.J. - "Sam, I will never again call you the gossip king of the West Wing. Congratulations to you both."

Sam - "Thanks, C.J."

Josh - "Wait a sec. You said when 'she' makes an appearance. Who's coming to visit? Is it Sam's mom?

I haven't seen her in ages." Melody looks cautiously at Sam, aware of what she just absentmindedly said.

Sam smiles at her, and she puts her hand on her tummy. As soon as Toby speaks, everyone looks at him.

Toby - "She means when the baby comes, you dork." Everyone looks at Josh.

Josh - "Oh. I get it." At the same time, Donna, Josh, C.J. and Toby look at Melody and Sam with the same look of expectancy.

Melody - with a smile "Yes."

C.J. - "So it's..."

Sam - "It's a girl." A very loud cheer goes up from the small group of people.

Donna - walking over to Melody, she whispers in her ear "Congratulations. You know, Donnatella is a lovely name."

Melody - with a laugh "I know. But we know if we named her after you, everyone would say 'What about my name?'

I think we're gonna try for a name that is not currently in the White House."

Donna - breaking their hug "Good luck on that one."

Sam - looking at Donna, while getting a hug from Josh "Well, I'm thinking of naming her Elizabeth, but that's for her mother to decide."

Melody - "Well, there's plenty of time to..."

Toby - "Speaking of time, what time is it?"

Melody - "It's 11:58. Any resolutions guys?"

C.J. - "I resolve to actually work in my office."

Donna - "I resolve to be more tolerant of Josh."

Josh - "Hey!"

Sam - "I think that's a group resolution, Donna."

Donna - "Ok. I resolve to put kitty litter on the walkway in front of my apartment in the winter, as I always forget to

do that."

Josh - "I resolve to get the President elected."

Toby - "I'll agree to that."

Melody - "Sam?"

Sam - "I resolve to be the best Dad I can be."

Melody - "And I resolve to help you." He gives her a kiss on the forehead. "K. 10. 9." Everyone joins in "8. 7. 6.

5. 4. 3. 2. 1. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" C.J. turns to Toby and gives him a celebratory kiss and hug, as

does Josh to Donna, and Sam to Melody.

******

Later that evening, Sam and Melody's bedroom.

Melody - head resting on the headboard "You know, we have wonderful friends."

Sam - climbing in bed beside her "We sure do. Let's go to sleep."

Melody - "Ok." She turns off the light on the table beside the bed, and cuddles in to Sam. She places her hand on his

chest, and rests her head on his shoulder. They lay there for a moment or two, then she quietly speaks.

"Sam, I promise to help you keep your resolution, you know."

Sam - "I know. You're going to be such a good mom."

Melody - "I'm sure as hell gonna do my best."

Sam - "I know you will. I know you will."

Melody - looking up at him "This is going to be a great year, isn't it?"

Sam - meeting her eyes "It certainly is, Melody. It certainly is." He leans towards her, and kisses her softly.

Melody - "Good night."

Sam - "Good night."

Melody - after a moment passes and she has become more comfortable "I love you, Mr. Seaborn."

Sam - with a deep heartfelt sigh "I love you too. Mrs. Seaborn." Melody smiles at the sound of her name, closes

her eyes and as Sam gently runs his hands along her hair, she slowly drifts off to sleep.

*******