Authors Note: This takes place the day after "Feels Like Home". The song used is When You Love Someone by Bryan Adams and is in italics. Another thing, it is April and Carol is 2 months pregnant.
When you love someone - you'll do anything
You'll do all the crazy things that you can't explain
You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone
Carol woke up early. She lay there for several minuets, keeping her eyes tightly closed. She was afraid that as soon as she opened them, the previous night would turn out to be a dream, Doug's arms would not be wrapped around her, and she would still be alone. She finally sighed and said to herself, "Oh, grow up." With that she opened her eyes, and rolled over. Surprisingly, she was faced with Doug's bare chest, snuggled up close to her body. It hadn't been a dream after all. He was here. She started to sob silently.
You'll deny the truth - believe a lie
There'll be times that you'll believe you can really fly
But you're lonely nights - have just begun
When you love someone
Doug woke up to the sound of quiet sniffling. He opened his eyes, feeling out of place until he remembered where he was. Home. After two months of a cold, empty apartment, he was home. Looking down, he saw Carol still in his arms, tears running down her face, an undeniably peaceful smile on her lips. Leaning in, he nuzzled her neck, and asked, "What's wrong baby?"
She smiled contentedly at him. "Nothing. Everything is finally right again. I think it's all hitting me just now."
He smiled back. "I think your right. What do you say we go downstairs and I make us breakfast?"
"Oh Doug, you don't have to do that. It's so nice right here."
"Carol, you have to eat right, you're eating for two now, you know."
"I know. Okay. We'll have breakfast, go to the hospital and announce our news, and then we'll have the rest of the day to ourselves."
"You don't have to work today?" Doug asked.
"Nope, it's my day off, but I go in tomorrow."
"Well then, we can go in together tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan," Carol laughed as they made there way downstairs.
When you love someone - you'll feel it deep inside
And nothin else can ever change your mind
When you want someone - when you need someone
When you love someone...
When they got downstairs Carol sat down at the table and talked to Doug while he made breakfast. As he sat down, after having served the food, Carol brought up the baby again. "So, do you think we should start picking out names?"
"Carol, we still have 7 months. Isn't it a little early? Besides, we don't even know if it's a boy or girl."
"Yeah, but knowing us Doug, it'll take that long just to agree on a name."
"This is true," Doug said laughing.
"And we could just pick out two girls names and two boys."
"Why two?"
"In case if change our minds about the first one."
"Okay, sounds good. You wanna start with girls?"
"Sure. Um…Ally."
"I like that, definite maybe. Lana."
"That's cute. Ruth?"
They looked at each other and made faces of distaste. "Nah."
Doug smiled, "Cara."
"Maybe. Sarah?"
"Hmm, no. Emma."
"Nah," Carol suddenly grinned devilishly. "Kerry."
"Hell no. There is no way we are naming our daughter after that woman."
Carol burst out laughing. When she finally got control of her laughter, she asked, "So what, Ally and Lana are our girls' names?"
"For now. Man, that was easier than I thought."
"Well we still got boys. Um…Christian."
"Colin."
"Kenny."
"You want our son to die once a week? I don't think so."
"That is such a dumb show."
"It's funny Carol."
"Sure," she said sarcastically. "Joey."
"Ben?"
"Nah. Josh?"
"Hmm, Paul."
Once again, both made a face.
"Well, I think we both liked Colin and Christian."
"Okay, Colin and Christian it is."
"Now we just need middle name." Carol said.
"Lets do those later. We should be going in, before they get busy."
"Doug, it's the ER, they're always busy."
"Yeah, so what, come on." Doug laughed, pulling her to her feet.
When you love someone - you'll sacrifice
You'd give it everything you got and you won't think twice
You'd risk it all - no matter what may come
When you love someone
You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone
They reached the ER about a half-hour later. Before they reached the door, Doug reached and grasped at Carol's hand in his. Realizing he needed her support, she gave it a squeeze. Taking a deep breath, they went through the doors.
Everyone was standing around the admit desk, most taking advantage of a few quiet moments to catch up on paperwork.
"Hey!" Carol called, "Look what I found wandering the parking lot."
Everyone turned to see, and were shocked to see Doug standing there. Everyone was silent for several moments until Mark broke the silence. "Doug! It's great to see you, Buddy!"
A few people nodded in agreement or also said hello. Soon there was a group gathered around the couple, asking how long he was in town for. Kerry was the only one standing apart from the group. Seeing this, Doug grinned and called out, "I'm not in town for a visit."
This got everyone's attention, and they all quieted down. Doug continued, "I'm not visiting because I'm moving back. I recently got a job as Pediatric ER Attending."
"That's great Doug. I'm so happy for both you and Carol." Mark said grinning. "But which hospital are you going to be at? Hope, Mercy?"
Doug grinned again. "Cook County General."
Both Mark and Kerry looked reasonable shocked. Mark however quickly recovered and said, "That's great Doug, it's been, I don't know, different."
"Quieter, probably." Doug joked.
Mark laughed with him and nodded in agreement.
Clearing her throat, Carol turned to Doug and said, "Didn't we have some other good news Doug?"
"Oh yeah, that. Did you want to tell them?" Doug asked, leaving their coworkers in suspense.
"Well…" Carol started before she was cut off.
"Come on, one of you just tell us." Malik hollered.
Doug smiled and nodded to Carol. Grinning, she took a deep breath and announced, "I'm pregnant."
Everyone was once again quiet for several moments before Carter said to them, "Hey, that's great guys! We're all so happy for the both of you. How far along are you?"
"Two months and the baby is due in late October, early November." Carol announced.
Even Kerry looked happy for them. By now she had joined the group, and asked, "Do you two have any names picked out yet?"
"Yeah. Ally or Lana if it's a girl and Colin or Christian if it's a boy. We picked them out this morning." Doug said grinning, as if his mouth couldn't spread wide enough to express his delight.
They continued to receive their friends' congratulations for several minuets, before announcing that they had to go, but both would be in tomorrow. Once they were outside, Doug pulled Carol to him, kissing her softly. "I love you." He whispered.
She kissed him back, still softly. "I love you too. Promise me you won't leave again."
"I promise. I don't think I could survive without you again. Especially now."
"You won't have to. I'm done running Doug, I'm ready for this."
"So am I. I promise, its forever this time."
With that, Doug kissed Carol once more before the couple started towards the EL, laughing as they went. They were together, and happy. The baby they had tried so hard for would be here in a matter of months and the future had never looked so bright.
Authors Note: Well that's it. Please send feedback!!
Coming Soon: Doug's first day back at work and there are some adjustments that have to be made.