Title: Different, but the Same
Archive: Ask-I'll let you know
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters they belong to NBC and Warner Brothers and Michael Crichton
This is an alternate ending to "Thy Will Be Done." What if John asked someone else first? This is a story of what could have happened had one thing changed and the effects that it could have had on the lives of those on the ER.
This is a comparatively shorter chapter that focuses on (as the chapter title says) a proposal, a wedding, and friends. Sorry about the delay in posting, but I really struggled with how I wanted this chapter to go. There were several rewrites, and several deleted scenes, simply because I wanted to do something new and fresh, and we all know how many "Carter wedding" scenarios there are. Hope you enjoy!
****
"Hey. There you are. Alger told me you were probably out here." Walking up behind him, Randi spoke gently, as if she were speaking to a child. "John?"
"She loved this place. Everything about it reminds me of her. She used to love to be rowed around the lake. She pushed me on the swing every night before dinner when I was little. So many memories. No wonder Gramps decided to stay at the penthouse in New York. He couldn't bear staying here without her."
He continued to stare out over the lake, which was reflecting the hurriedly setting sun. The autumn wind had picked up, causing Randi's hair to blow wildly around her face, and the hem of John's unbuttoned denim over shirt blew backward behind him. The dock creaked as she walked closer to him.
"What about you? You plan on going anywhere?"
"Nope. I like it here. She's still here. Here I feel like I still have the memories. I know it has only been five days, but-" He could not finish the sentence. He inhaled deeply and turned to face the woman that he loved so much. He grabbed her hands lovingly.
"Randi, Gamma gave me something just before she died. She told me that it was for you, but that I was only supposed to give it to you when I was ready."
He took the ring out of his jeans pocket, unnoticed. He silently slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
Randi was looking into John's eyes so intently, that she did not realized that extra weight had been added to her left hand, until he brought her hands to his lips. He kissed her fingers lightly. She saw the sparkling diamond, and instantly realized what was going on.
"John, is this-"
He nodded.
"I-I don't know what to say." Her voice was shaking.
" 'Yes' would be a good place to start."
"John, was this her ring?"
John nodded again, and swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in tact.
Tears began to flow from Randi's eyes. He had given her something more special, more precious than just the material value of the ring. He had given her a part of his grandmother.
"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
As he swept her up into his arms, his emotions began to overflow as well. The couple stood on the dock crying into their embrace. They remained this way for almost half an hour, until they had no more tears to shed.
He kissed her, and they began the walk up the brick path back to the mansion, hand in hand.
"So, when do you want to do this thing?" Randi asked.
"What kind of wedding do you want to have?" John asked simultaneously.
They laughed at themselves.
"Answer my question first. You know you can have whatever you want, right? Money is not an issue."
"I have always wanted a big wedding. That's it. I want a big wedding that Gamma would be proud of. And I want to have it right here, by the lake, at sunset. In the spring. "
John smiled.
"Yep, you're definitely cut out to be a Carter." The newly engaged couple continued walking, John wrapped his arms around his bride to be, and kissed her forehead.
*I get to do this for the rest of my life* he thought.
****
"Don't start that, yet. You have not even walked down the aisle. You really don't want raccoon eyes in these pictures."
Jing Mei handed Randi an islet handkerchief and then went back to finishing the buttons on the back of the pristine gown. The dress was not traditional, by any means, but it was undeniably Randi. It was a straight halter dress, with a plunging neckline, intermittently accented with crystals and beads. The bottom fishtailed into a three-foot train. Her hair was pulled back into a romantic bun, and surrounded by a diamond tiara.
"Thank you. For everything."
"Hey, what is the maid of honor for? Look, I am so happy for you and John. I have known him for a long time, and you bring out the best in him. And I'm glad that his relationship with you has allowed us to become real friends."
While the girls were hugging, a knock was heard at the door.
"Somebody call for an escort?" asked John Carter Sr. "Randi, you look amazing. Just like you did the first time I met you a year ago." He kissed her cheek, and offered her his arm. Randi willing linked elbows with the vibrant eighty three year old man, mostly in fear that she might pass out if she did not find some kind of support.
Jing Mei, dressed in a rust colored satin gown, lead the way, and the three- person entourage headed towards the lake. The crisp May dusk revealed a scene that Randi had only seen in her dreams. Descending from the hill, down the brick path that she and John had traveled so often, she could see the two thousand votive candles that lit her way. She saw all four hundred guests, and was in awe of the use of ornamental columns, staircases, and sheer chiffon. It was perfect.
The string quartet began their rendition of the Wedding march, when they saw her in position. Deb started down the aisle, giving John a quick smile and wink when she passed him. He was obviously nervous, but happy. Then it was Randi's turn. She walked towards her soon to be husband with confidence and intensity. To the couple, there were no guests at this event. Their locked gaze never broke, even when John grabbed her hand, and they walked up the small staircase to the minister.
****
"A very wise woman once told me that when you truly fall in love with the one that is meant for you, it is like the final snow in the winter. It is that snow that brings fruit in the springtime. John, you are my last snowfall. I don't know what will happen in the future, what obstacles we will have to face, but I know that our love is so true, and so powerful that it will get us through just about everything. You have made me a better person. For that, I thank you. I love you so much, and cannot imagine life alone, without you ever again."
Randi wiped the tears back, and stared into the eyes of the man standing directly in front of her. John was trying to hold his tears inside, but having little success. They both were thinking about the chair on the first row, occupied by a single long stemmed white rose.
"John, go ahead," whispered the minister.
He inhaled the cooling air deeply, and began his vows.
"Millicent Carter was a wonderful woman. I never thought that I could care about another woman like I did my grandmother. There was no one like her. Spunky, charismatic, kind, sympathetic, strong, loving, full of grace-all in all, she was perfect. One of a kind-at least that is what I thought. Then she left me, but not until she made sure that I had someone to take care of me. Someone just as perfect as she was. Randi, you are that person. So much like Gamma. There is so much of her inside of you. You are like her gift to me. I-I think that she knew about us before there was an "us." I love you with every ounce of my being. I could never hope for anything more."
****
"It is my pleasure to introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Truman Carter III."
The couple entered the enormous tent set up a little ways from the lake on the Carter property. They were greeted with screams and cheers as they walked over to the head table, hand in hand. They were so relived to have the ceremony over with, that they just wanted to spend a little time and have some fun with their friends. Three of the tables closest to the one occupied by the bridal party, were filled with their co-workers, past and present.
Everyone enjoyed the lobster dinner, and once the fine china was cleared, the real party began. A cameraman, who was hired to cover the event, was interviewing the ever so slightly intoxicated guests.
Randi and John danced their first dance to "A Wonderful World," Gamma's favorite song. After that, the DJ pumped up the volume with several upbeat tunes. The tired couple sat most of these out. Instead they began to converse with their guests. They first stopped at the bar, to speak to some old friends.
"Never thought I see the day, when Carter kept a woman for more than a few months. Randi, you had better keep a short leash on him." Doug shook John's hand, and hugged Randi, lightly kissing her cheek.
"Really, Congratulations you two. I never would have thought about you two as a couple, but it works. You seem to be so in love."
"Thanks, Carol." Carter hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Hey, watch it. That's my wife!" Doug slurred with a smile on his face.
"Payback, Ross!"
The newlyweds walked over to the table where Elizabeth, Mark, Peter, Cleo, Abby, Luka, Chuny and Susan sat.
"Great Party!" Mark said enthusiastically as he could. The brain tumor had returned, and he was not himself. The meds were inhibiting his usual good demeanor.
"This really is beautiful. Randi, I don't know how you planned it all." Chuny exclaimed.
"Two words-'wedding coordinator!'" The six women began to chatter over the details of the day.
John began to glance around, taking in everything about the night. He wished his mother had been there. He was so angry with her that last night he saw her, but wish she would have at least put forth the effort to be at her only son's wedding. He wished Gamma was there, but knew that she was watching. His thoughts were cut short by Peter's voice.
"So where are you taking Randi for the honeymoon, man?"
Everyone at the table stared up at him, and Randi glared at him with playful questioning in her eyes.
"Um-that is a surprise. You guys will have to wait until we get back to find out." He wrapped his arm around his bride's waist. Just then, the DJ began to play another ballad. "Come on, wife. Let's dance."
The couple spent the rest of the night dancing, laughing, and speaking with the many guests. This continued into the wee hours of the morning. Then it came time to leave, to where, Randi had no clue.
****
The next chapter should come pretty quickly, because I have known for a while how I want the honeymoon to go. Look for the next chapter very soon!
Archive: Ask-I'll let you know
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters they belong to NBC and Warner Brothers and Michael Crichton
This is an alternate ending to "Thy Will Be Done." What if John asked someone else first? This is a story of what could have happened had one thing changed and the effects that it could have had on the lives of those on the ER.
This is a comparatively shorter chapter that focuses on (as the chapter title says) a proposal, a wedding, and friends. Sorry about the delay in posting, but I really struggled with how I wanted this chapter to go. There were several rewrites, and several deleted scenes, simply because I wanted to do something new and fresh, and we all know how many "Carter wedding" scenarios there are. Hope you enjoy!
****
"Hey. There you are. Alger told me you were probably out here." Walking up behind him, Randi spoke gently, as if she were speaking to a child. "John?"
"She loved this place. Everything about it reminds me of her. She used to love to be rowed around the lake. She pushed me on the swing every night before dinner when I was little. So many memories. No wonder Gramps decided to stay at the penthouse in New York. He couldn't bear staying here without her."
He continued to stare out over the lake, which was reflecting the hurriedly setting sun. The autumn wind had picked up, causing Randi's hair to blow wildly around her face, and the hem of John's unbuttoned denim over shirt blew backward behind him. The dock creaked as she walked closer to him.
"What about you? You plan on going anywhere?"
"Nope. I like it here. She's still here. Here I feel like I still have the memories. I know it has only been five days, but-" He could not finish the sentence. He inhaled deeply and turned to face the woman that he loved so much. He grabbed her hands lovingly.
"Randi, Gamma gave me something just before she died. She told me that it was for you, but that I was only supposed to give it to you when I was ready."
He took the ring out of his jeans pocket, unnoticed. He silently slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
Randi was looking into John's eyes so intently, that she did not realized that extra weight had been added to her left hand, until he brought her hands to his lips. He kissed her fingers lightly. She saw the sparkling diamond, and instantly realized what was going on.
"John, is this-"
He nodded.
"I-I don't know what to say." Her voice was shaking.
" 'Yes' would be a good place to start."
"John, was this her ring?"
John nodded again, and swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in tact.
Tears began to flow from Randi's eyes. He had given her something more special, more precious than just the material value of the ring. He had given her a part of his grandmother.
"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
As he swept her up into his arms, his emotions began to overflow as well. The couple stood on the dock crying into their embrace. They remained this way for almost half an hour, until they had no more tears to shed.
He kissed her, and they began the walk up the brick path back to the mansion, hand in hand.
"So, when do you want to do this thing?" Randi asked.
"What kind of wedding do you want to have?" John asked simultaneously.
They laughed at themselves.
"Answer my question first. You know you can have whatever you want, right? Money is not an issue."
"I have always wanted a big wedding. That's it. I want a big wedding that Gamma would be proud of. And I want to have it right here, by the lake, at sunset. In the spring. "
John smiled.
"Yep, you're definitely cut out to be a Carter." The newly engaged couple continued walking, John wrapped his arms around his bride to be, and kissed her forehead.
*I get to do this for the rest of my life* he thought.
****
"Don't start that, yet. You have not even walked down the aisle. You really don't want raccoon eyes in these pictures."
Jing Mei handed Randi an islet handkerchief and then went back to finishing the buttons on the back of the pristine gown. The dress was not traditional, by any means, but it was undeniably Randi. It was a straight halter dress, with a plunging neckline, intermittently accented with crystals and beads. The bottom fishtailed into a three-foot train. Her hair was pulled back into a romantic bun, and surrounded by a diamond tiara.
"Thank you. For everything."
"Hey, what is the maid of honor for? Look, I am so happy for you and John. I have known him for a long time, and you bring out the best in him. And I'm glad that his relationship with you has allowed us to become real friends."
While the girls were hugging, a knock was heard at the door.
"Somebody call for an escort?" asked John Carter Sr. "Randi, you look amazing. Just like you did the first time I met you a year ago." He kissed her cheek, and offered her his arm. Randi willing linked elbows with the vibrant eighty three year old man, mostly in fear that she might pass out if she did not find some kind of support.
Jing Mei, dressed in a rust colored satin gown, lead the way, and the three- person entourage headed towards the lake. The crisp May dusk revealed a scene that Randi had only seen in her dreams. Descending from the hill, down the brick path that she and John had traveled so often, she could see the two thousand votive candles that lit her way. She saw all four hundred guests, and was in awe of the use of ornamental columns, staircases, and sheer chiffon. It was perfect.
The string quartet began their rendition of the Wedding march, when they saw her in position. Deb started down the aisle, giving John a quick smile and wink when she passed him. He was obviously nervous, but happy. Then it was Randi's turn. She walked towards her soon to be husband with confidence and intensity. To the couple, there were no guests at this event. Their locked gaze never broke, even when John grabbed her hand, and they walked up the small staircase to the minister.
****
"A very wise woman once told me that when you truly fall in love with the one that is meant for you, it is like the final snow in the winter. It is that snow that brings fruit in the springtime. John, you are my last snowfall. I don't know what will happen in the future, what obstacles we will have to face, but I know that our love is so true, and so powerful that it will get us through just about everything. You have made me a better person. For that, I thank you. I love you so much, and cannot imagine life alone, without you ever again."
Randi wiped the tears back, and stared into the eyes of the man standing directly in front of her. John was trying to hold his tears inside, but having little success. They both were thinking about the chair on the first row, occupied by a single long stemmed white rose.
"John, go ahead," whispered the minister.
He inhaled the cooling air deeply, and began his vows.
"Millicent Carter was a wonderful woman. I never thought that I could care about another woman like I did my grandmother. There was no one like her. Spunky, charismatic, kind, sympathetic, strong, loving, full of grace-all in all, she was perfect. One of a kind-at least that is what I thought. Then she left me, but not until she made sure that I had someone to take care of me. Someone just as perfect as she was. Randi, you are that person. So much like Gamma. There is so much of her inside of you. You are like her gift to me. I-I think that she knew about us before there was an "us." I love you with every ounce of my being. I could never hope for anything more."
****
"It is my pleasure to introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Truman Carter III."
The couple entered the enormous tent set up a little ways from the lake on the Carter property. They were greeted with screams and cheers as they walked over to the head table, hand in hand. They were so relived to have the ceremony over with, that they just wanted to spend a little time and have some fun with their friends. Three of the tables closest to the one occupied by the bridal party, were filled with their co-workers, past and present.
Everyone enjoyed the lobster dinner, and once the fine china was cleared, the real party began. A cameraman, who was hired to cover the event, was interviewing the ever so slightly intoxicated guests.
Randi and John danced their first dance to "A Wonderful World," Gamma's favorite song. After that, the DJ pumped up the volume with several upbeat tunes. The tired couple sat most of these out. Instead they began to converse with their guests. They first stopped at the bar, to speak to some old friends.
"Never thought I see the day, when Carter kept a woman for more than a few months. Randi, you had better keep a short leash on him." Doug shook John's hand, and hugged Randi, lightly kissing her cheek.
"Really, Congratulations you two. I never would have thought about you two as a couple, but it works. You seem to be so in love."
"Thanks, Carol." Carter hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Hey, watch it. That's my wife!" Doug slurred with a smile on his face.
"Payback, Ross!"
The newlyweds walked over to the table where Elizabeth, Mark, Peter, Cleo, Abby, Luka, Chuny and Susan sat.
"Great Party!" Mark said enthusiastically as he could. The brain tumor had returned, and he was not himself. The meds were inhibiting his usual good demeanor.
"This really is beautiful. Randi, I don't know how you planned it all." Chuny exclaimed.
"Two words-'wedding coordinator!'" The six women began to chatter over the details of the day.
John began to glance around, taking in everything about the night. He wished his mother had been there. He was so angry with her that last night he saw her, but wish she would have at least put forth the effort to be at her only son's wedding. He wished Gamma was there, but knew that she was watching. His thoughts were cut short by Peter's voice.
"So where are you taking Randi for the honeymoon, man?"
Everyone at the table stared up at him, and Randi glared at him with playful questioning in her eyes.
"Um-that is a surprise. You guys will have to wait until we get back to find out." He wrapped his arm around his bride's waist. Just then, the DJ began to play another ballad. "Come on, wife. Let's dance."
The couple spent the rest of the night dancing, laughing, and speaking with the many guests. This continued into the wee hours of the morning. Then it came time to leave, to where, Randi had no clue.
****
The next chapter should come pretty quickly, because I have known for a while how I want the honeymoon to go. Look for the next chapter very soon!