It was the second day of what was sure to be a record-breaking week for this administration.  He had loosed Josh Lyman on the Appropriations Committee and now was regretting it like so much hell.  Someone had made what to him seemed a trivial remark about the President and Josh had unleashed the Dogs of War upon them.  If it hadn't been for Donna, he might have attacked someone.  And believe it or not, that had been a high point in the week, not yet two full days old.  At least, it was fun to laugh at.

The White House Chief of Staff drove his Mercedes past the security checkpoint with a wave to the guards.  His parking space was right near the door and yet, it was still a mile walk to his office.  As he stepped out of the car, something bright fell on the ground near his feet.  He smiled when he picked up multicolored stuffed bunny.  His grandniece, Kelsey had spent the night at his home and he had given her a ride to daycare this morning.  Thinking about her gave him a warmer outlook on what the day might bring.  He tossed it into the passenger seat and kneed the door shut as he picked up his briefcase.  So far so good.  And he thought to himself, 'Lord let this be a good day.'

He passed through the indoor checkpoint, acknowledging everyone on his way.  "Morning, Jay."  He waved over his shoulder.

"Good morning, Dr. Bartlet."  That made him roll his eyes, but he threw a smile and a wave their way.

"Good morning, Nancy."  She walked with him towards his office.  He reached his assistant’s desk for his messages, but realized that Nancy was still with him.  He turned to look at her.  "Can I help you, Nan?"  She smiled a little at the nickname.  He was the only one allowed to call her that.

"I kind of need to ask you something," she looked at Charlie, "in private."

"Okay.  Come into my office.  Charlie, hold my calls."

"You have an appointment with the Defense Secretary in fifteen minutes."

"Push it back if you have to."

Charlie picked up the phone, "Yes, sir."

Jed closed the door behind Nancy and perched on his desk to see what was up.  She ambled a little nervously before taking the seat in front of him.

"What's up?"

"You know, I'm getting married, right?"  He nodded with a wide grin.  "Well, you know how my dad and I really don't," she struggled for an appropriate phrase," get along."

"Yeah.  I thought that was getting better."

"Well, it was and now, it's not."  She shrugged.  "So, I was wondering if you'd be willing to consider..." Her voice got progressively lower until he could hardly hear her at all.

He leaned forward.  "I can't hear you."  She dropped her head down so that her hair slightly covered her eyes.  "Don't do that.  I can't hear you when you do that.  This isn't the Principal's office.  You aren't in trouble.  Tell me what's going on."

She took a deep breath and met his eyes.  "I want you to walk me down the aisle at my wedding.  That is, if you want to.  Because, of course, you may have absolutely no desire to walk me down the aisle since you barely know me and I'm certainly not one of your daughters and not related to you in any way--” She was forced to pause for a deep breath.  "I would completely understand not doing it or not even coming at all, because I know you're a very busy man, the second most powerful man in the world even."

"Sweetheart, I'd love to."  She deflated right before him.

"Really?"

"Yes, but only if you're certain you can't make things right with your father."

"I'm pretty sure it's not happening.  He hates Rick."

"What for?  I've met him, he's a great guy."

"I know, everyone knows.  He's just...You know that Rick is from New York, but his family's from Spain.  My dad doesn't like that."

"That's crazy.  Is he coming at the very least?"

"If he can't keep his comments to himself, he's not even invited.  He already knows."  She looked at her feet and readjusted her skirt.  "So you'll do it?"

"Oh, yes."  She smiled and impulsively gave him a hug.

"Thank you."  He rubbed her back and let her go.  "I'll let you get back to work."

"Thanks for asking, Nan."

She shrugged shyly.  "You've been a father to me through this whole experience.  I'm definitely right thanking you.  See you later, sir."

He didn't say anything, but watched her go.