North and South...and West
by Rin
Before the Long Haul
[reviews]
Willow removed her hat before entering the Grant's house. The butler showed her to Sam's study, where he was busy looking over documents and drafts. Since he had managed to secure the Union's victory, he was the obvious choice for the Republican ticket in the next election. However, he had been having some troubles with President Johnson as of late, and their quarrels could be heard in the halls of the Executive Mansion, or as Willow liked to call it, 'the white house.' He had been toying with the idea of changing his ticket to Radical Republican, and it concerned Willow but she had faith that Sam knew what he was doing.
Removing her jacket, she handed it to the butler, and took a seat across from Sam, waiting for him to notice her. It took a while but General Grant finally looked up from his papers.
"Oh, Will, my boy. I apologize. Johnson has me in a frenzy, and I'm not myself today." Sam pushed his papers aside, and stood to greet his right hand man properly. "How is the wife doing?"
"As well as can be expected, I suppose. She's suddenly become shy and embarrassed, and doesn't want to take company, I'm afraid. We're to make our trip to California soon, and she's afraid of what that'll mean for the baby." Will blushed, though Sam didn't say anything if he noticed.
"Well, you're taking your midwife with you, so all should be well. Wanting your child to be born in California like yourself is a bold move, though I respect your decision, and heartily grant you leave to do so." Sam slapped Willow on the shoulder before heading towards the liquor cabinet. "Can I interest you in a brandy and a cigar? I'm afraid we won't have a chance to celebrate."
"No thank you, Sam." Willow politely declined the brandy snifter Sam offered.
"Ah, I seem to always forget you won't smoke. All the more for me, I suppose. Maybe I shall give you a cigar anyways, to show my congratulations." Sam handed Willow the cigar but again, she politely refused. "Ah, come now. It's tradition with these manners."
"I suppose in the sake of tradition, I'll keep it in my desk, though you should seriously think of cutting back." Willow took the cigar with every intention of throwing it out when she got home. Upon inspection, she noticed it was of good quality, and decided to save it as a gift to Xander.
"You should think about growing some facial hair now. You're almost a father. I remember my children loved to play with my beard when they were infants. Of course, it wasn't as profound as it is now but it'll come in time." General Grant ignored the comments about his cigar-smoking, as he always did.
"I'll think about it." Willow's blush deepened, if at all possible.
"Now, tell me. What brings you here on your day off?" Sam folded his arms, and leaned against his desk. "I remember specifically telling you not to leave your wife's side. She's already angry enough with me for keeping you late and extra days these past few months."
"I just came to pay respects to Mrs. Grant. I'm afraid Buffy isn't feeling well today, and won't be able to make their tea." Willow just clutched her hat in her hand. The memory of Buffy going stir crazy in their room yesterday came to mind, and a hint of a smile graced her rosy features. "She does apologize but I'm afraid the doctor has put her on bed rest until further notice."
"Keep us informed of the situation, and give Mrs. Rosenberg my best wishes." Sam grabbed some papers from his desk. "While you're here, I might as well get your opinion on a few things."
"That's what they pay me for." Willow came closer to Sam, and took the offered papers.
"Johnson has offered me a position, and I'm offended by the offer. He wants my help in taking out these Radical Republicans, as you know. Take those home, and write me a report on your findings. I trust your judgment in this matter. I don't expect you to come in tomorrow." Seeing Will's protest, he held up his hand. "No arguments, General. This will keep you busy, while you tend to your wife."
"Thank you, Sam but I'm not the one on bed rest. I can still come to work." Willow tucked the papers beneath her arms, and saluted. "I will take your offer this time, though. It will be nice to cater to my wife for a change."
"That's the spirit." Sam slapped Will's back again, and pushed him out the door. "Now, get home to Buffy before she has my ear about keeping you too long."
"Yessir." Willow saluted again, and headed back to the house.
Once outside the door, she placed the hat back on her head, and gave a deep sigh. She really hated this but it had to be done.
Willow walked up the stairs with the mail to find Buffy sitting in bed with a frown on her face. Smiling gently, she made her way over to the bed, and sat beside her.
"This should cheer you up: a letter from Dawn." Willow handed the letter to Buffy, and propped herself in the bed beside her. She was taking a break from her report for Grant.
"I heard some horrible things about Sam today." Buffy cast worried eyes towards her husband, and took a huge swallow. "Tara was talking about the Vicksburg Campaign, and how Daniel would worry about you when they found out you were working for Grant."
"You're talking about the Anti-Semitism rumors?" Will relaxed, and sighed deeply. "Grant doesn't hate Jews; he hates his father. Grant wrote the General Order to keep his father from profiting in a deal. It has nothing to do with Jews at large."
"I still worry. What if they're true? Does he know about you?" Buffy sat up fully.
"Of course he does, Buffy. Part of me wonders if it's one of the reasons he appointed me his Administrator." Upon her wife's questioning glance, Willow took the blonde's hands in her own. "Grant brought me into his tent one night after he learned that I was Jewish. He wanted to quell any fears I might have about him attacking me in my sleep. He probably remembered me because of that, and wanted to help his image by being associated directly with a Jew."
"You mean that Grant only gave you this position because he wanted to clear his own name?" Buffy looked disgusted by the idea.
"No, no. Not the only reason but my guess is that it plays some part in it. I'm not offended. He never showed me any grievance, and I show him none in return." Willow kissed her wife's hands. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should get back to work."
"You can't stay for just a little bit longer?" Buffy gave her sexy eyes, and Willow rolled her own in amusement before leaning over for a kiss.
"I would love to stay but you know you get loud, and we've talked about this." Willow kissed Buffy's cheek one last time before standing.
"I know, I know. I'm in my eighth month, so we can't have sex until the baby is born. I tell ya, I didn't sign up for that." Buffy huffed and pouted. "This month won't be over soon enough."
"I promise, it'll be worth it in the end." Willow winked at Buffy, and bent over to kiss her forehead. "Now...I'll leave the weeklies with you, and you can update me on the family during dinner, okay?"
"The things I do for you." Buffy just gripped her letter, and accepted the sweet kiss Willow offered.
"I'll give you a bath later." Willow waggled her eyebrows, and winked again before leaving the room.
"At least I have something to look forward to." Buffy said to the empty room.
Willow was sitting across from General Grant, as the older man perused through the papers. He played with his beard, and took time to remove the cigar from between his lips before speaking.
"I agree with you. I'll keep my military command but you're right. I do have the right to refuse Johnson's ridiculous offer. Secretary Stanton is doing a fine job, and Johnson only wants him out because he opposes him. General Rosenberg, you'll make a fine politician yet, even if you are a little too honest." Sam came over, and offered Rosenberg a snifter of brandy. Willow surprisingly accepted the glass.
"I'm sorry I have to leave you on such terms, though." Willow had spent the day packing them for the trip before making her way to Sam's house. "I'm afraid I'll miss all the action this bold move will result."
"No fear, son. You just take care of that wife of yours, and make sure you get to California without any problems. I still worry, and wish you'd take my offer of a small military escort." Sam sat back in his seat, nursing his cigar and brandy.
"I appreciate the offer, General but I'm afraid more people will charter more attention. That's exactly what we're looking to avoid." Willow stood from her seat, placing the lightly sipped snifter back on the liquor cabinet. "I haven't seen Xander in almost a year, and it will be good to see him."
"I commend your bravery, son, and wish you all the luck on your journey. Send Buffy my love and best wishes, as well." Sam pulled out a brown paper-wrapped parcel, and hadn't it to his protégé. "I do hope you won't have to use this but just in case."
"Thank you, Sam." Willow took the package, knowing it was a pistol and extra gunpowder and bullets. She hated guns but remembered the dangers along the way. She hated putting Buffy and a very pregnant Tara in harm's way like this but there was no better way to pull off this deceit. Again, Willow's cheeks flushed bright red, and she saluted before making her exit. They would be leaving early in the morning, and she wanted to triple check that they had everything they would need.