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

News Flash

The two of them were inseparable for the rest of evening as were Luka and Susan. They had been alone on the balcony and they hadn't told anyone so no one knew about Abby and Carters engagement. Abby was apprehensive about telling people, she didn't want to jinx it. However, Carter was bursting inside, he wanted to tell everyone. They decided to let their friends work it out for themselves; the diamond ring on Abby's finger wasn't hard to miss.

When they got home later that evening they sat up talking about their wedding.

'So what kind of ceremony do you want? I was thinking about a huge ceremony with guests including the mayor, possibly the president and the Pope for obvious reasons'

'Well, if you want that kind of wedding go find yourself a new bride.'

'Honestly, I don't care where or how we get married just as long as we do so'

'That's sweet honey, I totally agree'

They kissed.

'So you don't want a giant reception with all of Chicago as guests'

'Not really, I'd like a quiet service, friends and family only'

'That sounds nice'

'Oh my God'

'What'

'We're getting married. I'm going to be Abby Carter'

'That sounds good'

'It does doesn't it?'

They kissed again.

'There's so much to organise'

'Invitations aren't a problem'

She gave him a puzzled look.

'If we tell one person when it is, the entire ER staff will know before the end of the shift.'

'That's true'

'Then all we need is a church, bridesmaids and your dress.'

'What about caterers?'

'What else are my parents servants going to do?' He was only half joking.

'If you're sure'

'Can we talk about this tomorrow? I need sleep. I've got to work tomorrow. But hey, it means I don't have to work on Christmas day'

'Lucky you, I've got an 8 hour shift tomorrow and a half shift the day after. But I'll be back before you wake up so we can open our presents together.' He said as he walked into the bedroom.

Five minutes later they were lying in bed but obviously not asleep.

'Carter'

He grunted and turned over to face her.

'Did we turn off the Christmas tree lights off?'

'Don't know'

'You or me?'

'Flip for it'

He grabbed a spare coin from his bedside table and he flipped the coin.

'Heads' Abby called

He looked at the coin

'Lucky guess'

He clambered out of bed and went to check the lights.

The next morning they were almost glad when they arrived during a trauma but even when the chaos was at an unusual low no one was paying much attention to them. The news that Luka and Susan were together had spread like wild fire and the usual rumours were flying. Chuny and Haleh were having a great time, Abby was glad that her and Carter's relationship wasn't the subject of their gossip anymore - of coarse that was all going to change.

Susan was only working a half shift that afternoon so Abby would be spared from the Spanish inquisition until later on in her shift. Unfortunately, if Susan did pick up on Carters proposal Carter wouldn't be there to help her explain the situation. She could always hope that Susan wouldn't notice but Susan had a knack for squirming information out of people. Abby was dreading the second half of her shift.

'Abby, do you want a coffee over the road?' Carter shouted from the Nurses station

'Yeah, I'll be there in a minute'

'So Carter, how are you and Abby getting on?' Chuny asked

'Lets just say our relationship took a turn for the better last night'

Chuny was intrigued by his last remark.

'What happened? Tell me'

'Sorry, I'm on my break'

Carter turned round and walked out of the ER leaving Chuny screaming playful abuse at him from the Nurses Station.

He ordered two coffee and pies and sat down at a table. Abby walked over to him.

'You Ok?' he asked, 'You look flushed'

'I had to run to escape from Chuny; she was about to bombard me with questions.' She paused, 'Did you tell her?'

'Nope. She asked how things were going and I said they'd taken a turn for the better.'

'Great. Are you going to let me answer their questions on my own or would you be sweet and lovely fiancé and come in with me' she said, hoping that he would fall for her guilt trap.

'I've got to get some stuff anyway so I'll go back in with you'

They sat eating their pie discussing how they were going to tell the others. Carter paid the waitress and took Abby's hand. Abby walked as slowly as she could, their friends were going to go mad.

'Here we go'

They walked into the ER hand in hand. They walked towards the lounge. As they stepped into the lounge a wall of people all smiling like Cheshire cats greeted them.

'Shouldn't you be working?' Carter asked trying to escape the grilling they were about to get.

'Shame on you John Carter', Chuny grinned

'I don't know what you mean'

'So when exactly were you going to tell us that you are getting married'

'How did you know?' Abby asked

'Honey, there's a diamond ring on your finger that kind of gives it away'

'Fair enough'

'When did this happen then?', someone asked

'Last night at the party'

'So when's the big day?' Susan shouted above the noise

'We haven't set a date'

Just then Luka walked into the lounge

'Did you hear the news Luka', Haleh didn't wait for an answer, 'Abby and Carter are engaged.

Luka looked at them.

'Congratulations.' He turned to the others 'Sorry to break the party but we've got a MVA coming in so I'd get out of here before Weaver finds you'

At that the staff filed out of the lounge leaving Abby and Carter alone.

'Well that wasn't too bad was it?' Carter asked not expecting an answer.

'We'll see', she sighed, 'We'll see'

He chuckled and left the lounge. His shift was over.