Something to Celebrate
an ER-based fan fiction
by: Joycelyn Solo

Author's note: This story is a slightly alternative universe of ER. If I explained more, it would give things away, so just read it and please enjoy.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything, but if anyone wants to discuss leasing options, I'm interested...

Chapter Six

"There you are, Abby."

Abby stood in greeting. "Millicent." Despite both John and his grandmother's insistence, Abby couldn't bring herself to address the elder Mrs. Carter as "Gamma," though she had finally relaxed enough to call her by her first name. "I'm glad you could make it on such short notice."

Millicent Carter beamed at her grandson's wife as she sat down. "I always have time for my favorite granddaughter."

The mischievous smile she wore was contagious and Abby couldn't help but whisper across the table in mock-confidence. "I'm the only granddaughter you have...even if I'm only an in-law."

"Oh, Abby, you're more of a Carter than most of the members of this family." She lifted her eyebrows expressively, knowing that Abby would guess who she meant.

Unable to help herself, Abby asked "And how are John's parents?"

"Well, they're speaking too each other at last ­­ even if it is only through their respective lawyers." She sighed, glancing at the menu that had been placed before her. "How I could have raised one John so wrong and one John so right is amazing to me." she said to herself.

Abby smiled widely, unable to keep her enthusiasm from showing. "Actually, Millicent, that's why I asked you to lunch." Her smile became impossibly wider. "There's a very good chance you may have another John to try your luck with."

Millicent's jaw dropped in surprise, and then her lips widened into a smile to match her own. "Abby? Are you telling me what I think you're telling me?"

Abby nodded.

"Oh, Abby, that is wonderful news! Why didn't that grandson of mine say anything?"

"Actually," Abby began, twisting the wedding band on her finger, "John doesn't know yet. He's at a Conference and I couldn't get a hold of him. You're the first person I've told ­­ but I had to tell someone."

"I can understand that, dear, and I'm glad you thought of me to share your news with."

"Next to John, you're the best family I have, Millicent."

Briefly, Millicent allowed her sympathy for Abby's family background to cloud the joy she felt over the pending birth of her first great-grandchild. "And I couldn't have asked for a better wife for my grandson, Abby."

Surprising Millicent and restaurant patrons for a three table radius, Abby burst into tears.

* * *

After lunch, and several teary breakdowns from Abby, the two Mrs. Carters were giddy with excitement over the pregnancy ­­ and the excuse to shop for said pregnancy.

Abby's giddiness, unfortunately, was a poor comparison to Millicent's.

Whether it was the garlic toast or the lemonade, Abby wasn't sure, but something at lunch had not agreed with her. The morning sickness she was used to, but it usually stayed in the morning.

But, not wanting to dampen her surrogate mother's enthusiasm, she put on a brave face and agreed to each of Millicent's suggestions.

It was her complacence that tipped-off Millicent and she asked, "Abby, are you feeling alright?"

She offered a wan smile. "I don't think lunch agreed with me."

"Perhaps we should take you home to rest. Alger­­"

"No." Abby protested. "I'll be fine, really. I'm sure the baby is just upset about the pasta taking up so much of his room."

Millicent looked skeptical. Abby was pale and having trouble keeping her eyes open while she sat in the comfort of the Carter limo. However, she didn't want to spoil her granddaughter's first baby-shopping trip.

She sighed in resignation. "One store. Then we're taking you home. By that time John will be home and you can tell him your happy news ­­ and let him wait on you hand and foot."

Abby's smile became genuine at that thought and she relaxed against the leather seat. "Okay. One store."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A special note from the Author:
First, let me apologize for the long pause between postings. This and the next two chapters have been very difficult to write. As I said before, they are not going to be happy. I can only hope that in the process of writing I do the characters and the storyline justice.

I will post Chapter Seven tomorrow, Saturday, night with Chapter Eight to follow the night after. I don't want you, the reader, to be in any more pain than I will be as you wait to for this dramatic turn to be over.

Again, I warn you, the next two chapters are not happy chapters. This story will have a happy ending, but for there to be a silver lining there must be a cloud.

Thank you for your kind reviews and patience. I gladly accept any further encouragement you are willing to offer in the form of reviews or e-mails.

Thank you.
~Joycelyn