Disclaimer: I don't own Abby, Carter or any of the ER 'gang'

Haven't We Been Here Before

Carter was standing greeting guests to the County's annual Christmas party. He was waiting for Abby to arrive, because it was the Carter mansion he had to be there early, Abby had taken the opportunity to get ready at home, she had invited Susan round so they could get ready together. The guests had already started to arrive. The guys were all in suits while the ladies were looking great in dresses, he couldn't wait for Abby to arrive. It was a few days before Christmas and thankfully most of his co-workers had the evening off - those who had booked leave in advance had anyway. The ballroom already looked filled with people and Abby still hadn't arrived. Carter's eyes were scanning the room for her. He decided to step outside. He saw a taxi slow down and stop by the kerb. He watched Susan get out of it; she looked great, it was a shame that she had arrived with Abby -he thought anyway. Abby was wearing 'the dress' and looked a million dollars. He ran up to her and kissed her.

'You both look amazing'

Abby blushed but Susan just looked at him and said,

'You don't scrub up to badly yourself'

Susan then headed inside leaving Carter and Abby alone.

'I think you're beautiful all the time but I have to hand it to you, you look absolutely gorgeous'.

'Carter stop sucking up and take me inside. This dress may look great but I'm freezing here'

They linked arms and walked inside. Not in her wildest dreams could Abby imagine the compliments she was getting. She was pretty sure by the end of it her face was the same colour as her dress.

Once everybody had arrived Carter had to make a speech.

'Ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues, welcome to County General's Christmas Party. I've been asked to say a few words; I'll be as quick as possible. Just to say thank you for you all for coming, please don't rub it in to the poor folks who are working tonight. I'd just like to make a toast to a dear friend who couldn't make it here tonight, a man who is sorely missed by all who knew him. To Mark Greene'

His last words echoed around the room. Carter got down from the chair he was standing on and went back to Abby.

'Having fun?'

'Yeah I am'

'Carter' Kerry's voice was unmistakable.

'Kerry, What can I get you?'

'Well there's no red wine on the drinks table'

'I'll go get some from the kitchen. Abby you coming?'

'Hmm'

They were glad to get away from the crowds for a while. They passed Malik in the hallway; he had a sly grin on his face. Carter decided that it would be better not to ask. He knew something must have been going on but he was not expecting to see his and Abby's ex's making out in the kitchen. The look on Abby's face was unreadable. They looked at each other and then back at Luka and Susan. Carter sneezed to get their attention. They pulled apart, Luka looked embarrassed but Susan was holding back tears of laughter.

'We just came to get some wine', Carter informed them, he wasn't sure how he should react. 'We'll leave you to it'.

Abby wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible - she hated situations like this. Carter took her hand and they headed back down the hallway towards the party. He was trying to read Abby's face.

'Are you Ok?'

'Um, yeah, just a little shocked. I wasn't expecting that.'

'I know that feeling'

They were now standing in the ballroom again.

'Want to dance?'

'Sounds good to me'

Carter took Abby's hand and led her to the dance floor. They danced closely, they could feel each other's every move. When the song finished they went to socialise. Carter soon got talking to one of the surgeons he used to work with, Abby decided to get a drink.

She was just pouring herself some punch when Susan joined her.

'About earlier'

'It's Ok, really'

'We didn't want you to find out like that'

'So how long have you been together?'

'About a fortnight. It just happened, it wasn't like you and Carter.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Abby asked feeling a little put out.

'Well, you and Carter was bound to happen, you spent so long beating around the bush you were driving me insane. I swear if you'd not got together when you did I would've bashed both of your heads together to make sure there was something in there.'

'I'm going to assume you've had a lot to drink and that it's the alcohol talking'

'Probably is.'

Carter walked up to the drinks table.

'Nice of you to join us' Susan commented

Abby gave Carter one of those 'ignore her, she's had too much to drink' looks.

'Actually, I've got to break this bonding session up. Abby I need to talk to you.'

Abby stepped over to where Carter was standing.

'Thank you. If you hadn't rescued me she'd be leaving here with a broken nose.'

'I'm your knight in shining armour.'

'That makes me your damsel in distress'

'Actually, I need to ask you something'

'Go on then'

'Can we go somewhere more private?'

She nodded.

Carter took Abby out to the balcony.

'Haven't we been here before?' she commented.

He put his finger over her mouth and stared into her eyes.

'Abby, stop talking'

He took her hands in his.

'Abby, I love you more than anything in the world.'

He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a velvet covered box

'Will you marry me?'

Her eyes filled up with tears.

'Yes'

He placed the diamond ring on her finger and kissed her.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- *Warning* It gets fluffier as it goes along. Thanks to those who have reviewed this, please keep doing so - Hna.