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—-~*~—-
As the president stepped out of the student center at the University of Illinois, his senior staff stood nearby, ever watchful amid the heavy security presence. Though the evening had gone smoothly, their minds still lingered on the last town hall in Rosalyn, a night that remained vivid, even after more than two years. This time, Josh had chosen to stay behind in D.C. with Leo, a decision no one questioned or opposed. They all understood.
The president had been warmly received by students, faculty, and staff. He was in rare form tonight. He was energized, charismatic, and feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm. Buoyed by the night’s success, he made an impromptu decision to work the rope line, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, despite the clear preference of both his security detail and senior staff that he head straight to the car. Fortunately, with a snowstorm looming overhead, he was swiftly ushered away and secured in his vehicle with Charlie in less than twenty minutes.
The rest of the senior staff followed suit, piling into their SUVs. But CJ lingered outside, watching as the last members of the press boarded the press bus.
And, of course, Danny was there.
Things had been quiet between them, a lull of her own making. Ever since he’d declined the editor’s job, their clandestine meetings had all but ceased. The longing, however, had not. For a while, it was him watching her, aching for her. And on occasion, it was her calling him into her office under the guise of some trivial matter, just to steal a few moments alone, hoping he might reconsider, hoping he might take a chance on her. Then there had been the late night calls, the text messages that left them both lying awake, restless and wanting.
And then he disappeared. Six months without a word.
Until now.
Why was he back? Where had he been?
As the last of the press filed in, CJ finally stepped onto the bus, taking her usual seat in the front row across from the driver. Danny was seated behind her, he was too close.
“The president was on fire tonight, huh, CJ?” Steve called from the back of the bus.
“Yeah, he really nailed it,” Katie chimed in.
“I’ll believe it when I see it printed in black and white,” CJ quipped, drawing laughter from the group. But then she nodded, a small smile curving her lips. “Yes, it was definitely game on tonight.”
She fastened her seatbelt. “Buckle up, everyone. We’ll be at the Air Force Base in forty-five minutes.”
The press corps resumed their quiet chatter, their voices blending into a low hum. As the motorcade pulled away from the university, CJ closed her eyes, willing herself to relax.
But it was impossible.
Because she could smell his cologne.
—-~*~—-
A loud thump echoed through the night, followed by the sharp sound of shattering glass, jolting everyone awake. Despite the sudden commotion, the motorcade maintained its steady pace, continuing down the road without hesitation. They winded up in a shallow ditch off the side of the road. The President and staff alerted but unable to stop due to protocols. After confirming everyone was safe CJ ordered the press to remain on the bus as she and the driver exited to check the damage. “Flat tire and a few broken windows”, Eric stated. As CJ inspected the vechile herself she wrapped her arms snuggly around her. The temperature had dropped quickly and it had began to snow already. Her phone rang.
“Mr President, yes sir everyone is okay it’s just a flat tire, yes sir.” As soon as she hung up Toby called, the same was repeated to him but of course he asked twice if she was okay.
“Okay guys it’s just a flat. Unfortunately there isn’t a trailer car today.”
“Isn’t there a spare? We can help”, Danny offered.
“He’s checking it now”, she replied curtly before exiting the bus.
“Are we going to make it to the Air Force 1 in time?”, the new guy Ron asked. Chris laughed and answered “No commercial it is.” Sighs sounded as many took their seats.
Unfortunately the spare was knocked a loose and damaged when they crashed in the ditch. She called Leo who’d already talked to the President and the folks in Perioa.
Both CJ and driver came back on the bus. He closed the door to keep the bus as warm as possible while CJ delivered the bad news.
“So the next exit is Middleton about a mile down the highway, Eric is going to carefully and slowly drive us there and we’ll take lodgings for the night and wait for another bus to pick us up in the morning.”
After a long, slow journey down the long highway road, they finally arrived at a small gas station. Fortunately, just a short distance away, they spotted a cozy bed and breakfast, along with several restaurants and stores, offering them a welcome respite from their travels.
CJ entered to get rooms for everyone but there were only four available. But there were ten including Eric on the press bus.
As thick blankets of snow fell steadily from the sky, they piled up upon hitting the ground. There had to be at least four inches already, and yet the storm showed no signs of letting up. A deepening sense of concern settled over her.
“Okay guys there are only four rooms. Three with twin beds. The owner told me there’s another bed and breakfast about five miles further in town. The phone lines are down so no internet will be available but seven of you stay here and two of you come with me. Luckily the owners son, Frank, offered to take us in his SUV.”
“I’ll go”, Danny offered quickly. A little too quick for her liking. She tried to hide her annoyance but her face betrayed her.
What was he doing?
“I’ll go”, Katie offered as well.
CJ handed the remaining keys out while Eric parked the disabled van.
—-~*~—-
Thankfully, the owners had extra toiletries and pajamas available for those staying. She assured her the owners of Grey House would have something available for them as well.
After making sure everyone was settled CJ joined everyone else in the SUV.
As she drove through the quaint town, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, transporting her back to her youth. Downtown Middleton, with its charming storefronts and warmly lit streets, bore a striking resemblance to Downtown Dayton. To her surprise, she found comfort in this unexpected glimpse of the past.
When she finally arrived at Grey House, she was awestruck by the grand estate, its towering structure draped in a pristine layer of snow. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking. Stepping inside, she was immediately greeted by a warm smile.
“Hello, and welcome to Grey House,” Cassie said warmly.
CJ responded with a polite introduction, taking a moment to explain their situation.
Cassie listened attentively before offering an apologetic smile. “Unfortunately, we only have one room available.”
Kate stepped aside and quickly called Chris, who answered right away. Chris reassured her that she had a room with the double bed and was more than happy to share.
“There, it’s settled,” Cassie said with a knowing smile.
“Thanks a bunch, Cassie,” Frank added, holding the door open for Kate as she made her way back inside the car.
“Let me show you the way,” Cassie said, leading them up the grand staircase to Room Two.
Inside, the room was spacious and inviting, though it contained only one bed. Thankfully, a comfortable-looking couch sat against the far wall.
Without hesitation, Danny spoke up. “I’ll take the couch,” he offered, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Cassie nodded approvingly. “I’ll bring some extra blankets and toiletries for you guys. There are also some pajamas in the wardrobe if you need them. The bathroom is just down the hall.”
“Thank you,” they both said earnestly, grateful for the kindness.
Cassie left, closing the door softly behind her, leaving CJ and Danny staring at each other in tense silence.
Breaking the stillness, CJ sighed and said, “I’m going to try and call the guys.” She pulled out her phone, only to realize with frustration that it died. “Great. The phone died. And I don’t have a charger.”
Danny reached into his pocket and held out his phone. “Here, you can use mine,” he offered sincerely.
She hesitated, narrowing her eyes. “Do you think that’s wise, Danny? Should I use your phone to call the White House Chief of Staff and let him know I’m stranded in the middle of a snowstorm at a bed and breakfast? With one bed? with you?”
Danny’s jaw tightened. “I was just trying to help you out. Considering the circumstances, I would think you’d be grateful—”
A sudden knock at the door interrupted their brewing argument.
Cassie reentered cautiously, handing Danny a neatly folded set of blankets and toiletries. CJ turned her back, focusing on the wardrobe as he accepted them.
“Thank you,” Danny said, his tone softer now. “I’m sorry about—”
“Would you like some tea?” Cassie interjected smoothly, cutting him off before he could finish.
Danny exhaled and nodded. “That would be great. Thank you.”
Once Cassie left, CJ rummaged through the wardrobe and found a soft, pink two-piece pajama set that looked about her size. Grabbing a toothbrush, a towel, and a small bottle of shampoo from the items Cassie had delivered, she wordlessly headed to the bathroom, leaving Danny alone in the quiet room.
—-~*~—-
“You really lovely home. Oh and that shower gel and lotion were exquisite,” CJ said, her tone relaxed as she carefully poured herself another cup of spiced tea. “I didn’t recognize the brand. Bell, Book & Candle?”
Cassie’s face lit up. “Thank you and I’m so glad you liked it! I make them myself—along with the tea you’re drinking. I own a little shop in town.”
CJ’s brows lifted with interest. “That’s great! I wish I were staying a little longer. We drove through on the way here, and there’s a certain charm about it.”
Cassie smiled warmly. “Yes, I felt that too when I first moved here. And I never left.” She set down her own cup and added, “There’s a phone at the mayor’s office in town. I’m sure Martha would be more than happy to let you use it in the morning.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll take her up on it. Being so disconnected is—”
Before CJ could finish, Danny and a tall, well-built man with dark hair entered the kitchen. The man’s gaze briefly flickered over to CJ and Danny before he walked to Cassie’s side, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple and wrapping an arm snugly around her waist. Cassie instinctively leaned into him, and CJ couldn’t help but take notice.
“Sorry to interrupt,” the man said with an easy smile.
“No interruption at all.” Cassie turned toward CJ and Danny. “Sam, this is CJ and—”
“Danny, yes,” Sam interjected. “We met upstairs. I loaned him one of my bathrobes.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “So, stranded, I see. Well, nonetheless, we’re happy to have you.”
“Thank you,” Danny replied.
CJ set down her cup and added, “I was just telling Cassie how much I loved the shower gel and lotion she gave me.” She glanced between the two. “Do you work at the shop with her as well?”
Sam chuckled. “No, I’m the town’s doctor. But I have to admit, Cassie has her own way of healing people that I do not.”
Danny and CJ exchanged a glance as if silently acknowledging the quiet intimacy between the couple.
Clearing her throat, CJ stood. “Well,” she said, offering a polite smile, “I’m going to head up. Thank you both.”
Cassie and Sam nodded, and as CJ turned to leave, she caught Danny’s gaze for just a moment before slipping out of the kitchen.
“Of course. Breakfast will be ready when you come down in the morning,” Cassie said with a warm smile.
“Thanks,” CJ replied, then gave a small nod. “Daniel,” she added, acknowledging him before leaving the room with her cup of tea.
Danny’s eyes instinctively followed her as she walked away, lingering for a moment even after she disappeared up the stairs. Realizing he had been caught staring, he turned back to Cassie and Sam, offering a sheepish smile before quickly taking a sip of his tea.
Danny lowered his cup, nodding in appreciation. “This is really good.”
Cassie grinned. “I’m glad you think so. It’s my own blend of cinnamon, clove, a little orange zest.”
Sam chuckled, giving his wife a knowing look. “She has a talent for making things people didn’t know they needed.”
Danny smirked, glancing at his cup. “Well, I needed this.” He took another sip, letting the warmth settle over him, but his mind was elsewhere—still lingering on CJ as she disappeared up the stairs.
—-~*~—-
CJ woke early, feeling refreshed after a surprisingly restful night. She dressed quickly and, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, left Danny still sound asleep. She headed toward town, marveling at the twenty inches of snow that had fallen overnight, a record for the town as the last flurries from the storm continued to danced through the air. The roads were closed, yet somehow, Middleton still felt alive with energy.
Thanks to the snow boots Cassie had kindly loaned her, CJ made her way through the deep snow, guided by Grace, who escorted her to Martha’s office.
As they entered the foyer, CJ couldn’t help but overhear Martha’s exuberant voice, calling out, “The White House Press Secretary is here!”
CJ stifled a laugh, amused by the dramatic announcement. She barely had time to react before the grand double doors to Martha’s office swung open with flair.
“Madam Press Secretary, please come in!” Martha proclaimed, her tone regal, as if she were welcoming royalty.
Moments later, CJ stood in Martha’s office, phone pressed to her ear as she dialed Leo’s number.
“CJ, what’s the status? How soon until you can get back here?” Leo’s voice was clipped, tense with urgency.
“That’s why I’m calling, Leo. Twenty inches fell, the roads are closed.”
“What about the bus and the press? I have editors lighting up my phone. The President needs them to file.”
“The phones are down, there’s no internet. I’m at the mayor’s office now, and it seems like it’s the only working phone in town. When can someone get to us?”
“We’re working on it. You guys might have to sit tight for a couple of days.”
“Two days, Leo?! This is unreal!”
“It’s not ideal for me either, CJ! Give me the name of the place you’re staying at.”
“It’s the Grey House in Middleton, Illinois. The rest of the press is about five miles away, closer to the highway. There weren’t enough rooms.”
“You’re there by yourself?”
“No, another member of the press is with me here.”
“Who?”
“Leo?!” CJ’s tone was sharp, a warning in her voice.
“Who, CJ?”
With a deep sigh, she uttered the name she knew would set him off. “Danny.”
As expected, Leo’s frustration flared. “And tell me you two are not sharing a room!”
“There was only one room left, Leo. This isn’t a planned getaway. This was an accident in the middle of a snowstorm no one could’ve planned. Danny’s sleeping on the couch. The press doesn’t know. Everyone else is at the other hotel, five miles away, with a shitload of snow between us!” She paused, feeling a sudden realization. “Wait, damn it!”
“What?”
“Katie. Katie knows. She came with us to the hotel, but when we found out there was only one room, she called Chris, who offered to share her double bed.”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “Call me back in two hours, CJ,” Leo said, his voice low and sharp before abruptly ending the call.
CJ took a moment to gather herself, steadying her breath before stepping out of the office. She nearly bumped into Martha, who stumbled back, clearly having overheard the entire conversation. With a forced smile, Martha straightened up and stood next to Grace.
“Well, it seems as though I’m going to be a guest in Middleton for a few days,” CJ said, trying to sound upbeat despite the tension in the air. “What’s there to do around here?”
Martha, ever eager to boast about her town, immediately launched into a list of recommendations. Grace, sensing CJ’s hunger after the intense call, suggested they start with the Bistro, but Martha quickly pointed out that the Old Mill sounded like the better option, especially given the weather. CJ, feeling the fatigue of the day settling in, nodded in agreement. After all, after that call, she could definitely use a good meal.
The Bistro was charming and quaint, with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Grace introduced CJ to Stephanie, the owner behind the counter.
“Oh, well, it’s great to have you here, even under the circumstances,” Stephanie said brightly. “Would you like to try our pumpkin spiced latte?”
“Sure, make it two please. One for my escort today,” CJ replied, smiling at Grace.
“Can do! I’ll be right back.”
As Stephanie walked off, a sullen teenager approached the counter, his group of friends gathering at a nearby table.
“Hey, Nick,” Grace greeted him cheerfully. “Oh, Nick, this is Ms. Cregg. Ms. Cregg, this is Nick, Sam’s son.”
“Oh, the doctor,” CJ said, eyeing Nick with mild curiosity.
“Yeah, nice to meet you,” Nick said, shaking her hand. “We’re going to hang for a bit, Grace?” Nick asked, his gaze flicking between the two women.
“Sorry, I’m helping—”
“It’s okay,” CJ interrupted with a half-smile. “Go hang out. I’ll be fine. I think I’ll take a look around town and then head back to the mayor’s office. We’ll catch up later.”
“You sure?” Grace asked, her brow furrowing in concern.
“Positive,” CJ reassured her. “Thanks for everything.”
As Grace waved goodbye and left, CJ exhaled, still reeling from her conversation with Leo. Stephanie soon returned with their drinks, but just as she was about to hand them over, the door to the Bistro opened, and none other than Danny walked in.
“Hi,” he said, casually sliding onto a stool near CJ, the seat between them creating a slight distance.
“Hi,” she responded, her attention fixed on her drink.
Stephanie, ever the bubbly host, jumped in. “Hi, I’m Stephanie! Welcome to the Bistro. What can I get for you today?”
“A hot cocoa will be nice,” Danny said, glancing at CJ.
“Whipped cream?”
“Sure,” he replied.
“Great! Coming right up!” Stephanie chirped, hurrying to prepare his drink.
Danny turned to CJ. “Any luck with the phone?”
“Yeah, the mayor has a secure private line,” she answered flatly, her mind still heavy with the frustrations of the situation.
“What happened?” Danny asked, genuinely curious.
She shrugged, her eyes narrowing. “Leo said to call him back in two hours.”
Stephanie returned with Danny’s hot cocoa, handing it to him. “Here you go!”
“Thanks,” Danny said, giving her a warm smile. He started to hand her a twenty. “For both of ours.”
“No, thank you,” CJ said curtly, her voice stiff as she placed a twenty on the counter for their drinks. “For mine and Grace’s. Keep the change. Nice to meet you, Stephanie.” With that, she grabbed her cup and walked past Danny, exiting the Bistro without another word.
Danny sat there, slightly dejected, watching her leave. A small, resigned smile tugged at his lips as Stephanie offered him his change.
CJ trudged through the snow down Main Street, her thoughts swirling as she tried to shake off the tension. She ended up at Cassie’s shop, seeking a brief escape.
“Hi, you made it by!” Cassie greeted her warmly. “How’d everything go at the mayor’s office?”
“Good. I was able to call in, but with the roads shut down, we’re stuck for two days,” CJ explained. “So, I’m just out taking in the town.” She smiled faintly, but Cassie saw right through it.
“It’s really lovely here,” CJ added, trying to sound more upbeat.
“It is,” Cassie agreed. “Well, take a look around. Let me know if you like anything.”
CJ glanced at the shelves and then pointed at the body gel and lotion. “I tell you what I would like,” she said, smirking slightly. “That body gel and lotion.”
Laughing, Cassie led her over to the shelf. Just then, the door chimed as Danny entered the store, and CJ’s heart sank.
Was he following her now?
“Hi, you’re out and about too, I see,” Cassie said, catching sight of him.
“Yeah, well, as wonderful as Grey House is, I needed some air,” he added, his tone casual but with an underlying hint of discomfort.
“I understand,” Cassie replied, her gaze flicking back to the shelves. “Feel free to take a look around.”
CJ picked up two bottles of body gel and lotion, handing them to Cassie, who placed them at the counter for her. As she continued browsing, she spotted a locket.
“This is beautiful,” she murmured, running her fingers over the silvery, embellished jewelry.
Danny, standing nearby, was immediately drawn to her. “You have a great eye,” she commented. “It belonged to my great aunt. One of the suitors she fell in love with and gave it to her.”
“And you’re selling it?” Danny inquired, raising an eyebrow.
“To the right person, it’ll be priceless,” Cassie replied, a wistful look in her eyes.
CJ chuckled, tilting her head. “Well, what happened? Did they live happily ever after?”
Cassie’s smile faltered as she spoke softly, “Sadly, no. Her father forbade her from seeing the young man. He was a station below her class, and her father wanted more for her. It was hard for her for so long. She found herself grappling with the unspoken emotions she had long harbored for him. Every time she would see it, her heart-ached. This necklace was a constant reminder to her of the love that would never be. It was the flu took her life only a year later. She clenched it in her hands when she passed. Her sister took it from her hands and gave it back to him. That young suitor lived to be 98, had a wife, several great-grandchildren but when he passed, this was in his hand.”
Cassie’s attention was diverted when another customer entered, and she excused herself.
CJ and Danny stood there, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air between them. The silence stretched, and their eyes locked. It was as if their own unspoken feelings mirrored the story Cassie had just shared.
CJ, finally breaking the silence, cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about before,” Danny said, his voice quiet but sincere. He reached out, gently touching her arm. “I—”
“No!” she said a little too loudly, her voice tight with emotion. “Don’t do this,” she mumbled between gritted teeth, before walking quickly to the counter to pay for her items.
Cassie, noticing the tension, gave Danny a pointed look as CJ grabbed her things and walked out of the store, heading back to the mayor’s office.
Danny stood there, watching her go. A small, resigned smile appeared on his face, but it faded when he noticed Cassie staring at him with an unreadable expression.
—-~*~—-
The evening at Grey House had been comfortable and cozy, the kind of atmosphere that made one forget about the cold, heavy snowstorm outside. Dinner had been superb—Cassie had truly outdone herself. It felt more like a gourmet five-star restaurant meal than a cozy bed-and-breakfast dinner. But as CJ sat back in the warmth of the living room, enjoying the crackling fire and the company, she couldn’t help but notice that there were no other guests. In fact, she’d observed that there were at least two other rooms on her floor, all silent and unoccupied.
As they sat near the fire, sipping wine, CJ finally voiced her curiosity.
“Cassie, where are the other guests?”
Cassie looked up with a smile, almost as if she were expecting the question. “Oh, there are none right now,” she explained, pouring another glass of wine. “This is usually an off-season for us, so we’re renovating the other rooms. Luckily, we hadn’t started on your room yet.”
CJ nodded, processing the information. “Oh,” she said softly, mostly to herself.
“Wine?” Cassie offered, and CJ gratefully accepted, savoring the rich, smooth taste of the red as they relaxed into the comfortable silence of the room.
Meanwhile, in the den, Danny and Sam had found a quiet space for their own conversation.
“You mind?” Danny asked, holding up his cigarette with a questioning look toward Sam.
Sam chuckled and shook his head, a small, amused smile on his face. “I’ll save the lecture for tomorrow.”
Danny lit the cigarette and took a slow drag, enjoying the moment of calm that came with the relaxed conversation.
“It’s beautiful here,” Danny remarked, looking around the room, his eyes catching the flicker of the fire through the door.
“It is,” Sam agreed, his tone softer than before. “Coming from New York, I didn’t appreciate it as much. But then I found Cassie.”
“Really?” Danny raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “How’d you two meet?”
Sam’s smile grew nostalgic. “I lived right next door to her,” he said. “At first, we butted heads, believe it or not. But respect, I think helped. I found that every time I was away from her, I missed her more and more. She represented the unconventional, and I was more regimented and methodical. But eventually, we figured it out.”
Danny nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the honesty in Sam’s words. “Sounds like a good story.”
“How about you and CJ? You two work together, sure, but there’s something else, isn’t there?”
Danny hesitated, his mind flicking back to his earlier moments with CJ. “I do consider her a friend, but no, there’s nothing beyond professionalism. Look, it’s snowing again,” he said quickly, changing the subject.
“Yeah, but only a dusting,” Sam replied, finishing his drink and getting up to excuse himself. “I’m headed upstairs.”
Cassie followed soon after, and Danny was left alone in the den.
In the living room, CJ sat wrapped in a blanket, reading a book by the fire. Her body was relaxed, but her mind was a swirl of emotions, thoughts about Leo, the situation, and most of all, Danny.
Danny entered the room under the guise of wanting an update.
“Any updates?” he asked, stepping toward her, his tone casual but with a hint of concern.
“Oh yeah,” CJ replied, looking up from her book. “Everything’s coordinated. Someone will be here the day after tomorrow to pick us up. Then we’ll head back to DC by Friday afternoon.”
“Us?” he asked, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Yeah, I had to tell him you were here with me,” CJ explained, her voice flat.
Danny raised an eyebrow, a look of concern passing through his eyes. “I’m guessing that conversation didn’t go so well?”
CJ’s expression darkened. “Not in the least,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.
Danny hesitated for a moment, then took a seat across from her. His eyes, however, weren’t focused on the fire they were solely on her.
“CJ,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “Can we talk?”
She sighed, shifting out of her comfortable position but not quite meeting his gaze. “Danny, I—”
“Wait, please,” he interjected quickly. “Just let me talk. I miss us. I miss our playful banter. I miss our friendship. And most of all I miss kissing you.”
CJ’s breath caught in her throat as his words hit her, raw and genuine.
“Where were you? You just disappeared. Six months, Danny. And one day you were just gone!” Her voice cracked with emotion, her eyes beginning to fill with tears. “You used to text, you used to call, then nothing!”
Danny’s shoulders slumped, guilt flooding his face. “I couldn’t be around you every day. It became difficult. It was… so hard not to be with you.” He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to fall in…, and that day in the Oval when you said you couldn’t be with me as I was-” His voice faltered. “It hurt.”
“You don’t think it hurt me?” CJ whispered, her tears slipping free.
Danny stood up and knelt before her, his hands trembling as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as his thumb wiped her tears away. He cupped her cheek, his touch gentle but filled with emotion.
“Do you know how much I love you?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I couldn’t stay away. That’s why I left, but I came back. I will always come back.”
CJ’s heart ached, the weight of his words crashing into her. Her hesitation melted away.
Leaning in, Danny kissed her gently, his lips brushing against hers in a blissful, unspoken promise. CJ was hesitant, her heart still broken yet daring she pulled him in. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, matching the intensity of the kiss.
When their lips finally parted, CJ whispered, “I love you too.”
The words were simple, but they felt like everything.
Danny, still holding her hand, stood and led her upstairs to their room. She followed him, feeling the warmth of his love and the comfort of being exactly where she was meant to be. Just then she knew if he led, she would always follow.
—-~*~—-
The morning was quiet, the world outside the window blanketed in fresh snow. CJ, still wrapped in a soft white bathrobe, stood by the window with a cup of Cassie’s spiced tea in hand, gazing out at the stillness. The snowflakes were no longer falling, leaving only the soft shimmer of the early morning light reflecting off the snow-covered ground.
Danny just waking up, turned toward her with a sleepy smile. “Is it still snowing?”
“No,” CJ replied, her voice soft, almost content. “And thankfully, there’s no more snow in the forecast.”
Danny let out a relieved sigh, stretching his arms above his head.
“The phone lines have been restored, both here and the other bed-and-breakfast. They’re still working on the internet though.”
“Good,” CJ nodded, taking a small sip of her tea. “That’s a relief at least.”
Danny looked over at her, rubbing his eyes as he adjusted to the morning light. “What time is it? How long have you been up?”
“About an hour or so,” she replied, glancing at the clock. “It’s 6:30.”
He chuckled softly, pulling the covers up as he settled back into the bed. “Why don’t you come back to bed?”
CJ smiled at the playful suggestion, her lips curving as she set the teacup down on the nightstand. With a smooth motion, she dropped the bathrobe to the floor, revealing her nude form to Danny’s appreciative gaze. His eyes darkened, his desire clear as he watched her move back toward the bed, his arms instinctively reaching for her.
She climbed back into his embrace, the warmth of the bed and his presence wrapping around her like a familiar comfort. Their conversation faded as the world outside felt far away, the hours slipping by unnoticed. It wasn’t until nearly 10 when they finally made their way downstairs, a quiet contentment in the air between them.
—-~*~—-
The morning air was crisp and fresh as CJ descended the stairs, a lighthearted smile on her face. “There’s something magical about this house. Really, this town,” she announced, her voice filled with wonder.
Sam chuckled from the kitchen, his eyes twinkling. “We’ve heard that before,” he said, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on Cassie’s lips before grabbing a muffin and dashing out the door, briefcase in hand. “I’m off—see you later.”
“Goodbye, Sam,” both Cassie and CJ called out in unison, a sense of warmth between them.
Cassie turned to CJ, a playful smile on her lips. “So, how’d you sleep?”
CJ grinned, stretching as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “Very well. I think that’s the best sleep I’ve had since we went to the White House,” she added with a soft chuckle, her eyes twinkling.
“Good morning,” Danny said as he walked into the kitchen, his voice carrying a pleasant tone. “Oh, everything looks good.”
“Great! Eat up, you two. I’m going to open the store. What are you two going to do today?”
CJ took a bite of her muffin, savoring each bite. Cassie really was an excellent cook. “I think I’ll check out that Old Mill Martha was raving about yesterday.”
“I think I’ll work a little. When the internet comes back on I want to have everything ready to file,” Danny replied, his eyes shifting to CJ with a knowing look.
“Okay, well, you two enjoy your day, and I’ll see you guys for dinner,” Cassie called as she headed out the door to open her shop.
Once they were alone, CJ and Danny exchanged a look, a mixture of excitement and unspoken knowledge passing between them. They both knew their time together was limited, but neither of them could quite bring themselves to face the reality of it just yet.
“I can come with you, if you like,” Danny offered, reaching for her hand with a hopeful smile.
CJ’s smile was bright and infectious, even as a part of her felt the weight of their fleeting time. “That would be nice.”
The two of them walked hand-in-hand to the Old Mill, the snow still fresh beneath their feet. Standing on the bridge, CJ took in the view, struck speechless at first. At first, she couldn’t understand what made the Old Mill such an attraction, but the more she looked, the more she realized it was the same magic that filled every corner of Middleton. Every piece of the town had a purpose, a history that gave it life in ways she hadn’t expected.
“You look beautiful like this,” Danny said, his voice warm as he wrapped his strong arms around her from behind, pulling her close. They both stared at the frozen waterfall beneath them, the sound of rushing water muffled by the stillness of the cold.
CJ let out a quiet breath, the weight of their situation catching up with her. “How are we going to do this?” she murmured, her voice filled with a sense of discontent.
Danny tightened his hold on her, his voice firm and resolute. “We will figure it out. We are going to be together. I can’t go back. I won’t go back,” he exclaimed, certainty ringing in his words.
She turned in his arms, her lips meeting his in a deep, passionate kiss. She believed him, at least she wanted to, with every part of her heart.
“You want to head back?” She asked, her lips brushing against his when they finally parted.
“Only if you come back with me,” Danny replied, his smile playful. “I don’t plan on working anytime soon. Well, at least not on my report.”
She laughed joyously, kissing him again before they reluctantly pulled away. Hand in hand, they made their way back to Grey House, the world outside seeming to slow down around them.
—~*~—-
Heart rates and temperatures soared, rising above the usual rhythms of the day, only to fall back to their steady pace as they lay content in each other’s embrace. The warmth of the moment seemed to linger, soft and intimate.
“I got you something,” Danny said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence.
“Really? What is it?” CJ asked, her voice light with excitement, her eyes already sparkling with curiosity.
Danny gently moved out of her embrace, reaching over to the nightstand drawer. He retrieved a small, carefully wrapped item wrapped in delicate white tissue paper, handing it to her with a soft smile.
CJ eagerly tore the wrapping open, the same childlike excitement filling her expression. But as the contents came into view, her excitement faltered. Her brows furrowed, and she froze, looking at the item in disbelief. “Oh my… Danny! I don’t want it!” she exclaimed, immediately handing the gift back to him, her voice tinged with unease.
Danny’s face fell, confusion crossing his features. “What? Why?”
CJ took a deep breath, her gaze flickering between the gift and him. “Why would you get this? It’s haunted by tragedy,” she said softly, her tone filled with a mixture of sadness and hesitation.
Danny shook his head, holding the item gently in his hands. “No, it’s not. It’s a symbol of unyielding love. Don’t you remember the story?” he asked, his voice tender yet firm.
CJ paused, her thoughts racing back to the tale that had long lingered in her memory. “Of course, I remember.”
“Then think about it,” Danny urged, his voice low and meaningful. “They both died holding this. The young woman, full of unspoken love, died holding it in her hand, so heartbroken. And he—older, his life well lived—died clutching it, too. This necklace is filled with love, CJ. It represents a love that outlasted time and circumstances. A love that can’t be forgotten.”
CJ swallowed hard, the weight of the story making her chest ache. “A love that could never be, because of the times in which they lived.” She shook her head slowly, her voice a whisper. “I don’t want this for us.”
Danny’s eyes softened, his heart aching with understanding. He reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek as he spoke with conviction. “Claudia Jean, tomorrow we have to leave. We have to go back to the real world. But I want this necklace to be a reminder for us. A reminder of the love we have for each other. An unyielding love. I know we’re both going back to our separate worlds, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for you, and whatever my life is going to look like but when it’s all said and done, we’ll come back to each other. This love we have, it’s not something that will fade.”
CJ’s breath hitched in her throat, and her eyes softened, the warmth of his words settling in her heart. She didn’t know what the future would hold, but in this moment, with him, it felt real. With a deep, accepting sigh, she nodded. “Okay,” she whispered. “Okay.”
As they dressed for dinner, CJ allowed Danny to carefully fasten the necklace around her neck. The weight of the pendant settled against her skin, and for the first time, she felt the connection between the past and present. It was as if the necklace had always been meant for her. Her shoulders relaxed, the tension fading as she looked in the mirror. There was something about it that felt right.
At dinner, both Cassie and Sam glanced at the necklace, their gazes lingering for a moment longer than usual. They exchanged knowing looks, but neither said a word. There was no need to speak; they both understood. The love between CJ and Danny was evident, even if it was still new and uncertain.
As the meal continued, CJ caught herself absently touching the necklace, the weight of it grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just an object; it was a promise. A reminder of everything they shared and everything they still had to figure out, together. The night stretched on, and with each passing moment, she found herself believing more and more in the love that was unfolding between them.
As Cassie and Sam were cleaning up CJ walked into the kitchen with the last of the plates. “I think I’ll take one final walk through. Take it all in before we head back,” she said, her voice a mixture of sadness and acceptance. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this town. This small, quiet place that had unexpectedly become so important that it would always hold a piece of her heart. But she didn’t know when she’d be back here, and part of her felt that leaving was going to be harder than she had anticipated.
Danny, sensing her shift in mood, stood up and offered his hand to her. “I’ll walk with you,” he said simply. There was no need for any more words; his presence was enough. He could see the sadness in her eyes, and he didn’t need to ask why. She smiled faintly and took his hand, feeling the weight of the unspoken bond between them, and together they walked out into the crisp evening air. The night sky stretched above them, vast and silent, the stars twinkling in the distance.
There was a quiet understanding between them as they walked side by side. They didn’t need to speak to know that tomorrow would bring with it the reality of their separation. But tonight, they had this. They had each other, and for now, that was enough.
In the stillness of the night, CJ felt the weight of the world fall away. As they walked, their arms brushed lightly against each other, and the simple touch sent a surge of warmth through her. She didn’t know when she would return, or what would happen next.
“Danny,” she said softly, her voice barely a whisper, “I don’t know how we’re going to make this work.”
He walked over, his steps slow, deliberate, as though weighing his words. “We will, CJ. We always figure it out, even when it seems impossible.”
She looked up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt, but found none. There was only certainty in his gaze, a quiet assurance that, despite the distance between them, they would always find their way back to one another.
“I believe you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “But it’s going to be hard.”
He nodded, brushing a lock of hair from her face, his touch gentle. “It will be. But I’d rather have something real, something worth fighting for, than to let it slip away.”
She smiled then, a small, bittersweet smile, before leaning into his touch. “You’ve already given me so much.”
Danny’s hand rested on her cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. “And I’ll give you everything, CJ. I promise.”
The morning would bring the end of their brief escape from the pressures of their lives, but tonight, they were together walking through the snow, under the stars, savoring what little time they had left in a town that had unexpectedly come to mean so much.
So tonight when they returned to their room CJ showed him. She let all of her emotions and love freely pour out. The necklace, now an inseparable part of her, lay against her skin as they made love, the act itself was more than physical for her, in this moment it was a reminder that this love was something deeper, something that would carry them through whatever came next.
As they lay together afterward, their breaths slow and synchronized, CJ knew that while their journey was far from over, they had already crossed the most important threshold. They had each other, and in that moment, that was enough.
—-~*~—-
As the van pulled up, the morning air crisp and cold, CJ stood by the window for a moment, taking in the quiet beauty of Middleton one last time. The peacefulness of the town, the love they had shared, the quiet hope for the future—it all seemed to come together in that brief, fleeting instant. She could see it all, the life they could have had, the family they could have built, and her heart ached with the thought that it was slipping through her fingers.
Danny appeared behind her, his presence a familiar comfort as he gently touched her shoulder. “You ready?” he asked, his voice low but filled with affection.
She gave him a soft smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes completely. “I’ll be ready when we get there,” she murmured, her thoughts still lost in the images of the life she’d imagined.
The drive to the airport was quiet, the usual chatter replaced by the sound of the tires crunching over snow-covered roads. Both of them knew the truth of it all and what lay ahead. They were returning to the real world, to the responsibilities that awaited them, the separate lives they had to return to. But even with the weight of that reality pressing down on them, there was a quiet comfort in knowing that, for however brief a time, they had found something pure and real here in Middleton.
As the van turned the corner, heading toward the highway, CJ glanced back at the town once more. She saw the vision of the couple with their daughter, the man holding the door for the woman, and for a moment, she let herself hope—hope that one day, in some way, that could be them.
With a small, silent sigh, she touched the necklace again, her fingers brushing over the delicate chain.
For now, though, they both had to step into the roles they had played so many times before. But as they made their way to the airport, both CJ and Danny carried with them a promise—a promise of a love that, no matter the distance or time, would never fade.
-—~*~—-
“Good to have you back, CJ,” Sam greeted her enthusiastically as she entered the office.
“Good to be back,” she replied, her smile genuine, but her heart, for the first time, didn’t quite match the sentiment. Yet, before she could settle into her own thoughts, the bustle of the White House and the flood of responsibilities quickly distracted her.
For the next four years, CJ held tight to the memories of that time in Middleton. The distance between her and Danny had been a persistent ache, but their calls, though brief and sporadic, had been a small comfort in the silence. CJ had put the necklace away, but it was always close by just like Danny. He was never really gone from her, even if the world around her continued to spin.
January 20 came with its own chaos, but it was a day that marked both the end of an era and the beginning of something new. Josh, ever the optimist, tried again trying to get CJ to take another chance on him, just as the President-elect had once failed to do.
“You’re going to be okay,” CJ said quietly, the words somehow carrying more weight now than they ever had before.
“I’m happy for you two,” he added with a sincere smile.
CJ only nodded, her heart still tethered to a different time, but she didn’t dwell on it long. As she watched the inauguration from her office, she took a long moment to reflect on everything she had achieved, everything she had lost. But all of that was behind her now. The future wasn’t a burden—it was a promise, a purpose, and it was hers to seize.
Stepping out of the White House one last time, CJ glanced back toward the building, but she didn’t pause for long. Her future awaited. The past was a chapter, but the next one was already unfolding.
The shuttle ride to the small town of Middleton took just an hour, but it felt like a journey into something entirely different. The landscape of familiarity, of something untouched and unscathed by the demands of her old life made her feel lighter. The air felt fresher. The pace slower. The world seemed to shrink down, and for a moment, it was just hers.
As she entered the small café, the aroma of coffee and the warmth of the place wrapped around her. She ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte, a small indulgence, and took a seat at the counter. The cheerful woman behind the counter, Stephanie, didn’t recognize her, but CJ didn’t mind. She felt like a new version of herself, one that could slip into anonymity if she wanted.
Then, beside her, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Fancy meeting you here, Ms. Cregg,” Danny said with a grin, leaning in to receive her kiss, full of warmth and unspoken memories.
CJ’s heart fluttered as she kissed him back, a smile tugging at her lips. This was home, she thought. Not just the town or the café, but wherever Danny was.
And Middleton well, Middleton lingered with an aura of love, a love that remained, long after the snow had melted. It was a place where time felt less like a force that dragged you forward and more like a gentle companion, moving at its own pace. Just like the love they had found in each other.
—-~*~—-