It was a non-story - unlike some of my fellow staffers, I am well-liked in Washington. No one believes, excepting the right-wing extremists, that I am...like that, and they won't even paint Josh with that brush.
Everyone was happy for us, and we received congratulations for weeks. People around here seem delighted to see politicians in relationships, it gives them a kind of hope.
"Sam? Can I borrow you for a minute?"
I look up from my notes, ignoring the supposedly-knowing smiles from the other people in the room. I maintain my indifferent smile (which Josh claims makes me look extremely guilty), and leave the room at the request of my better half. Although, on some days, he doesn't deserve that title.
I follow him, realising we're not heading for either office but towards the Rose Garden. I am puzzled, yet obediently keep to heel. When we emerge, I look around this beautiful place. The sun reflects in just the right way the beauty of the roses - but Josh doesn't seem to notice. He motions for me to sit down.
Suddenly, I'm afraid. I have this feeling that it's about to end, that the skies are about to crash around my ears. He meets my eyes, and I'm no longer scared. He starts to speak, haltingly and unsure. It would be amusing if his eyes weren't so full of passionate determination.
"I've been meaning to say something, and today, I just...knew it was time. We've been together...a while, we know each other well. We can...we've done the public view...I think it's good enough."
His words are confused, and would appear slighting if I didn't know this man so well. I look over the tension in his body, almost laughing aloud over the slight yoghurt stain on his tie. He still hasn't learnt not to kiss whilst I'm holding things.
"What are you trying to say, Josh?"
I hold my breath, and I can feel my heart hammering in my chest. Slowly, he reaches into his pocket and starts to get down on one knee. A lump comes to my throat. He pulls out a box, and opens in before me. It contains a gold band ring, inset with a single diamond.
"Stay with me forever, Sam."
I think that's as close to a proposal as you can get. I smile as if I'm solar-powered; I have a great desire to jump off the White House, screaming 'I'm marrying Josh Lyman.’
Instead, I say, "I'll have to think about it, it's a big decision."
Josh's face falls, as if I just killed his hamster. I laugh, and punch his arm.
"You great idiot: of course I will!"
I pull him into my arms, crushing him tightly against me. He seems shocked, cos he's just letting me hold him. I realise that our suits are now caked in mud, but I don't care. My lover just asked me to marry him, and I said yes.
I pull away, as he regains his senses and puts the ring on my finger. I look at him questioningly.
"What about you? Have you got one?"
Josh held up his finger, already bearing an identical ring.
"I knew my heart," he whispered.
Then, I kissed him. In the middle of the Rose Garden, in the White House. After a few moments, I realise I can hear clapping and cheering. I pull away from Josh, to see the entire west wing surrounding us and joining our celebration.
This is the happiest day of my life.