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JUNE 4TH – HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH WYLE!!!!!

He got married on my birthday, don't you know!

The song that I refer to is 'Head over Feet' Alanis Morissette Excellent song….

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She stared wide eyed, at him, but he carried on.

"But when you started seeing Luka, it made me think that I'd never hear you say it, and that's why I reacted the way I did. It was pure shock, and I'm sorry."

Abby made a kind of garbled squeak, and fought the urge to throw her arms around his neck.

Her eyes fell on his face, willing it to mimic her wide grin, but she could still see trouble in his eyes.

"I didn't mean to run out-"

Carter interrupted her. "Did you mean it?"

She took a deep breath.

"Carter, I have spent the better part of two days working out what I want. And it seems I have, finally."

"And what's that?"

"I want you." It was so simple, and so true.

She suddenly felt him wrap her up in his arms and lift her off the ground, whirling her around once, and then setting her down once more.

He cleared his throat, and stepped back.

"Sorry."

She looked into his brown eyes and her knees turned to jello.

"Kiss me, Carter."

He didn't need telling twice.

He gently placed his warm hands on the sides of her face, and lent in slowly. Their lips touched, and Abby felt sparks fly.

She pulled away. The taste of him still lingered on her lips.

Carter looked hurt. "What? What's the matter?"

She held up a finger.

Carter tilted his head to one side and watched her, half amused, half disappointed.

"Ab-by…" He whined.

"I was just saving the moment. I don't think I've ever felt this…" she searched for the word, but never found it. Carter kissed her lips again, softly.

He whispered.

"I know exactly what you mean."

He rested his forehead against hers, breathing lightly.

He lifted his hand and tenderly placed his fingers on her lips.

"I love you, Abby Lockheart."

A small tear rolled down her face, and she brushed it away.

He pulled back in shock.

"Did I say something wrong?"

She shook her head, and placed her hand on his chest.

"…mean it?" Her voice was suddenly mousy and small.

"Yes."

The urge overcame her and she flung her arms around his neck, pulling him into a passionate kiss.

Your love is thick,

And it's swallowed me whole,

You're so much braver,

Than I gave you credit for

That's not lip-service…

He picked her up, and she locked her legs around his waist, kicking off her shoes. Not once did their lips part.

You've already won me over,

In spite of me,

And don't be alarmed if I fall,

Head over feet,

She reached behind her head with one hand to release her hair. It fell upon her shoulders.

And don't be surprised if I love you,

For all that you are,

I couldn't help it,

It's all your fault…

"Are you sure…?" Carter was looking up at her, which seemed strange to both of them.

She nodded.

Carter carried her into the bedroom, never taking his eyes off of hers.

**********************************

She yawned, and tried to stretch.

A warm arm around her waist stopped her.

Gently and silently she turned over to face him. His eyes were shut, still sleeping, and his chest rose and fell with his breathing.

She watched him for what seemed like forever, willing him to wake, but not having the heart to do it herself.

Then the phone rang.

She dived from the bed as swiftly and gently as she could, but he was already blinking back sleep by the time she reached the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Well?"

It could only be one person. "Susan?"

"How'd it go?"

Carter came out of her bedroom in only his boxers, and, smiling, tossed her the lavender robe. It wasn't till then that she realised that she wasn't wearing anything at all.

Susan sighed. "Tell me you told him…"

"There was some telling involved…" Abby tucked the phone into her shoulder and pulled on the robe.

Carter leant on the doorframe, raising an eyebrow, intrigued by the conversation.

Catching his expression, she added,

"Can we talk later?"

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Later, yes?" she forced, trying to fob her off with excuses.

"Ok, but if he's there, tell him Weaver is gunning for him. He was supposed to be here over an hour ago."

"I'll tell hi-" She had said it before she realised.

"Gotcha! So it went well-"

Abby hung up the phone.

She smiled at Carter and did her best to look innocent. "Ok, so Susan knows."

Carter shrugged as he walked towards her. "Ok."

"You're not mad?"

"Should I be?"

"No."

He kissed her.

"Just Susan, right?"

"Yeah."

"Ok."

She snapped her fingers. "Oh, I almost forgot. Your shift started an hour ago."

"What?!?" He glanced at his watch. "Oh bloody hell…"

"How terribly British!" She jabbed him in the ribs with her finger.

He smiled. He wished he could stay here with her, but duty called.

"Have you seen my shirt?"

"Mmm, try the bedroom floor. Coffee?"

"Please."

He kissed her again, because now that he could, he never wanted to stop.

She disappeared into the kitchen; He went to find his shirt. Then, it dawned on him. All he had to wear was last night's tux. He was gonna get some stick for this one, for sure.

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He reappeared from the bedroom, and was greeted by coffee, toast, and, most importantly, Abby.

She began to giggle. "I forgot that's all you had. Ohhh, they'll tear you to shreds…"

"I know." He took a sip of coffee, a bite of toast. "I have to go." He kissed her goodbye, got as far as the door, and turned back to her.

"Forget something?" She looked at him, confused.

He walked up to her once more and took her face in his hands.

"I love you. See you later?"

"I'll call you at work."

"Ok"

He kissed her properly, and left, leaving that sweet taste on her lips once more.

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"Carter! You're late! Where the hell have you been?" Kerry glared at him.

"I'm sorry, I overslept."

Susan, nearby, shot him a smug smile, which Kerry totally missed.

"And what do you think you look like? Halloween was four months ago!"

"I know, I…Never mind."

"Whatever. At least you're here. Susan, Call Abby, tell her she's working tomorrow. I'm going home." With that she vanished into the lounge.

"Hi Carter." Susan was still wearing that smug smile.

"Susan." Carter nodded his greeting.

She cocked her head to one side. "Have fun last night?"

Carter looked around him; checking no-one else was within earshot.

"I know you know about… Abby and I."

She clicked her fingers. "Damn." Sarcasm tinged her voice, and Carter smiled.

"Good evening, Mr Bond, We have been expecting you…" Jerry attempted the same impression that the man sweeping the sidewalk had, and the security guard, and the cop.

"Shut up, Jerry." Carter said automatically, no malice in his tone. He grabbed his charts, and wandered off, humming a tune, smile on his face.

Jerry turned to Susan "What's up with him?"

Susan shrugged elaborately. "I'm off. Have a good day, Jerry…"