Disclaimer: Abby, Carter and rest of ER tribe are not mine, never will be yadda yadda yadda

Title: May

Chapter: 5 - Everything I Want

A/N: OK, not much to really say today, which you should be thankful for. Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews you have all been sending my way, I really do appreciate them and it makes me smile every time another one pops up, so thanks and please continue. I am not sure whether I like this chapter as much as the previous ones as it contains far more dialogue, and I am not sure whether I am better at writing narrative, I dunno, if you think it sucks, or hopefully if you don't think it sucks, please let me know. It is just that the events in the chapter require more dialogue I think. Anywho, I hope you enjoy. I burnt myself out writing this and another instalment of ITW across a time span of two days so you might have to wait another week for a chapter I am afraid. Took a lot out me :D

Credits: Title to the story is taken from the wonderful Lifehouse song . The title to each chapter will reflect lyrics from that song.

Summary: Carby. A lengthy story following the due course of a pregnancy and happiness that follows.

- - -

The July sunshine burnt brightly through the windows of County General. When Chicago was cold, it sure was cold. However, when it was hot, the heat liked to engulf inhabitants within its humid oven. Fans scattered the admit desk as usual and the air conditioning continued to buzz loudly with life. Still, the extra amenities were not enough to cool down the employees. Carter walked over to the desk whilst fanning his face with the chart he carried.

Man it's hot!

Tell me about it! Frank complained. At least you docs are on the move. I have to just sit here for hour upon end answering the god damn phone.

Carter rolled his eyes at Frank's complaining as he approached Susan. You're not gonna give me an ear full of complaints too are you? He asked, hopping up onto the desk besides her seated position below him as she filled out charts.

I have no time for complaining. I am going to enjoy the summer weather, even if it does cause me to dehydrate, sweat and smell.

Carter laughed. Always the dramatist.

She looked up at him, taking in his appearance. I see you lost the lab coat.

That thing nearly killed me! Do you know how thick it is? Susan looked down, allowing him to observe that she indeed was still clad in hers. Well you're mad. He replied simply.

I guess I can take the heat. My years of practice in Arizona did it for me I think. You, on the other hand, are obviously not taking it too well. She pointed out, tugging at the neck line of Carter's green scrub top which was laden with sweat all the way down to his mid chest. That's just disgusting Carter.

He shrugged. Some would consider it sexy.

Hmm, any some' in particular? Susan pried.

Hey, what can I say? I'm irresistible.

Huh, I blame it on her hormones. Obviously affecting her vision.

Hey! You found me irresistible at one time! He grinned widely, knowing what reaction it would provoke from Susan.

I did not! She scoffed, cheeks burning as her eyes reverted back down to her chart.

Now...let me remember. He's got beautiful eyes, thick hair' Carter mimicked in a high voice.

Susan's eyes shot up, mouth open. Oh my God you heard that?

I'll never forget it. He spoke, feigning mock seriousness as he placed a hand over his heart.

Anyway, that was like over eight years ago! You're eyes are wrinkling and you're hair is slowly thinning in you're old age.

You can talk! You're like, how many years older than me?

OK you can shut up now.

Carter laughed as he absently fiddled with a paper clip. So, is it all go for later on?

Sure is. Don't you trust me? Susan asked, flipping over the cover sheet of the chart and leaning behind her to file it away with the others in the stand. She tucked the pen back in her lapel pocket and turned her full attention to the man sat above her on the desk.

Of course I trust you. I just want everything to be perfect for her. He smiled, biting his lip as he overly concentrated on straightening out the wired paper clip.

Aw, cute. I gave the key you gave me to Deb, who is over there right now with Haleh putting the balloons and banners up.

Carter smiled as he tossed the clip in the bin opposite. I wish I could see her face.

She'll probably hit me. Susan stated whilst nodding to herself.

Yeah, and then she'll hunt me down. Abby and baby showers sort of don't really go together do they?

Not in this lifetime. But, it's tradition, and I am actually here to witness one of my friend slash colleagues pregnancies, seeing as I missed Carol's and Elizabeth's, and well, Deb's if you want to count that. It's a big deal for me ya know.

I agree. I think deep down she'll love it.

Who'll love what? Abby asked, as she entered the conversation, sliding behind the desk as she leaned over behind Susan to file a chart. She then stood next to Susan facing Carter, arms crossed over her chest.

Uh, Kerry, She'll love the new plant in her office. Carter stuttered, smiling through raised eyebrows.

Abby simply stated, before walking over and standing with her back to the desk between Carter's legs that dangled off the edge.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed gently. Feeling ok?

She moaned softly as she closed her eyes against his touch, placing her hands on his knees that lay either side of her. Yeah. A little sore, but ok.

The old round ligament pain huh? Susan asked from her position in front of Abby.

Yes. Stupid waist line. Abby grumbled.

Hey, just be thankful you've still got you're figure, which I am totally envious about! I mean how many weeks are you, thirteen?

Abby smiled, as Carter's hands were still working wonders on her shoulders. She began to lean back slightly into his touch.

Fourteen weeks and you still have a perfect figure! I hate you, do you know that?

Hey, it's only cause I had not been able to keep a proper meal down since a few weeks ago. And I can assure you, in a few weeks you will no longer be envious of my figure.

Susan huffed. Yeah but I bet even when huge and pregnant you will still look great. Susan looked up at Carter who did nothing but smile, whilst looked down at Abby and the the length of her body. See, even he thinks so!

Ok enough with the compliments! It's creeping me out! Abby exclaimed, as she pulled out of Carter grasp and walked off in the direction of another trauma that had just rolled in.

Susan and Carter looked at each other before simultaneously stating:



- - -

What time is she meant to be here? Chuny asked from her position on the couch.

Susan looked at her watch for the hundredth time, as she waited patiently inside of Abby's apartment with the other women. Ten minutes ago.

Look, she probably got caught up in a trauma or something. Deb offered, as she began mixing the non-alcoholic punch.

Or got caught up with someone. Halah laughed as she and Connie observed the numerous framed photos that hung on the wall and scattered the shelves. Haleh picked one up and handed it to Connie whilst smiling sweetly. Don't they look adorable on that one?

Chuny ran over and peered over Connie's shoulder at the framed photo of Carter and Abby. Carter was seated on a chair with Abby perched on his knee, his arms wrapped tightly around her as his chin rested on her shoulder.

Oh, I remember that. It was taken at the party at Susan's house. Chuny exclaimed.

The nurses continued to pry and coo as Susan and Deb chatted in the corner.

Did you invite anyone else from work? Deb asked.

Like who, Kerry? Susan laughed.

What about Elizabeth?

Well, I kinda thought I should but didn't in the end. Her and Abby aren't really that close anyway. Susan explained.

Yeah, guess you're right.

Suddenly the phone began to ring and all faces looked directly at the phone on the wall situated next to where Haleh, Chuny and Connie were standing.

Should we get it? Chuny asked.

Could be Carter. Susan confirmed as she moved towards the set.

Wait! What if it's Abby? Deb shouted.

Susan turned around and gave her an obvious look. Why the hell would Abby be calling her own apartment?

Deb laughed. Yeah. OK ignore me.

Already done that! Susan added as she moved towards the phone and picked it up.

Susan? It's Carter.

Oh thank God! She let out, before covering the receiver with her hand. It's Carter. She shared with the other women.

Sorry for the delay but Abby left about fifteen minutes ago, she was in the bathroom for a while and then I had to try and explain why I wasn't going home too. Anyway, she should be there in a few minutes.

And why couldn't you have called before now Carter?

Sorry! I was in a trauma! He shot back defensively.

OK. Well, we'll be seeing you later. Don't you dare come home before nine! She instructed.

Oh, nice to see I am being banished from my own home now!

Men are not welcome Carter.

Not even the father?

Not even the father.

Fine. Well, don't get her too mad, I do wanna come home to a happy girlfriend tonight please. It is becoming a rarity these days.

Stop moaning and get back to work. Talk to you later.

OK. Bye

Bye Daddy. Susan laughed, before hanging up.

So what's the news? Chuny asked.

She should be here any min... Suddenly Susan was cut off by the turning of a key in the door. It was lucky the door stuck as usual, as it gave the women time to place themselves.

Places everybody! Susan instructed, and they all lined up in front the table with the food and punch on. As soon as Abby walked through the door, shouts were sounded throughout the apartment.



Abby immediately dropped the bag she was holding and her head shot up from it's downward looking position. Her mouth gaped open as she observed the scene in front of her. Pink and blue balloons had been strategically placed around the apartment, covering most walls and lamps. There were a number of plastic banners which had been hung from the ceiling and pinned to the vacant walls which read Good Luck New Mommy and Wishing You Both the Very Best. She then studied the group of women that stood before her. Susan, Deb, Lily, Chuny, Connie and Haleh all from County. In addition to them, two of her close friends from Penn State stood smiling at her. She scratched her head and pursed her lips before smiling and shaking her head.

She exclaimed.

You surprised? Susan spoke up.

Uh, yeah surprised is one way of putting it. Abby laughed, still standing motionless, taking in the food and punch and piles of presents behind her friends.

Look, we know this isn't your thing' but...

Abby cut Susan off. Hey, it's great. Thank you, all of you. With that she walked over to her friends and hugged them all individually. As she came to her two oldest friends, she screamed slightly. Oh my God! You guys came all this way!

Well, not exactly. Amy's boyfriend works in Milwaukee so it wasn't that big of a trip. One woman pointed out.

Oh, guys, this is Michelle and this is Amy, whooo I am guessing you have already met seeing as they are here. Abby added.

We aren't that rude Abby. Haleh warned humorously.

So, who am I gonna kill for being behind all of this? Abby asked, whilst walking over to the CD player and inserting a CD. Hang on, I bet I can guess. She stopped what she was doing and looked directly at Susan.

Guilty as charged. Susan admitted, whilst holding up her hands in defeat. As well as that good for nothing boyfriend of yours.

Oh, well he is gonna get it later. I knew he was hiding something from me! She turned back and continued her fight with the Hi-Fi.

Yeah Abby, we have yet to meet this man who put you in your pregnant state. Amy called from over by the food.

Well, if you're lucky you may get to encounter him later, if he chooses to show his face near me again that is. She looked around the room once more and smiled. But seriously. Thank you all for this, I do appreciate it, however much it's not really an Abby moment'.

The room filled with laughter once more, before the shower got under way.

- - -

Abby began ripping open the last present that sat amongst her in the middle of the floor. She felt like a kid again at Christmas, all eyes were on her as she opened the final present. She eventually held up the soft yellow blanket that had been guarded beneath the sheets of baby blue paper. She rubbed the baby-soft against her face, revelling in the feel of it.

Thank you Michelle, it's beautiful. She offered.

Well, I decided to go with a neutral colour seeing as the sex is undecided at the moment.

Yeah, are you gonna find out the sex? Susan asked excitedly from her position on the sofa.

Um, well we sort of discussed it. We haven't totally made up our minds yet but I think I personally want to wait until the baby's born. I want a surprise.

Fair enough. Susan smiled before Haleh appeared from inside the kitchen carrying a largely wrapped box.

Everyone at County decided to chip in a bit to get you something special. She explained, handing the box to Abby before leaning down to hug her. Congratulations again honey, we're all thrilled for both of you.

Abby entered Haleh's warm embrace, and kissed her cheek. Thank you so much. You really didn't have to. She paused. And by everyone, you mean... She asked, laughing.

Hell even Romano. Haleh exclaimed. Although I really don't think he knew what the money was for.

Abby laughed once more as she tore open the box. She removed the polystyrene protection before lifting out a cushioned baby carrier. It was a plush seat with a handle attached, and was covered with orange and green checked upholstery. Abby gasped at the expensive gift that lay before her.

Wow! I don't know what to say. Thank you so so much, really it's too much.

Don't be silly. We want to see Carter junior sleeping peacefully in that on many occasions though, when you bring the little one in to visit. Don't be a stranger. Haleh smiled warmly.

Hey, I won't be able to stay away, trust me. Abby explained, as she got up from her knelt position on the floor, hugging each of her colleagues in turn.

Oh yeah, won't be able to keep away from us? Or a certain hunky man of yours hey Abby? Chuny shouted, nudging Abby as she hugged her.

Hey, can you blame me?

Hell no! They all shouted, before collapsing into endless giggles.

- - -

Michelle and Amy stood up from their positions on the sofa as they collected their bags from the table.

We better get going Abby, long drive back. Michelle explained.

Oh ok. Thank you so much for coming. Abby stood up, before hugging both of her friends in turn. And we can't leave it this long before seeing each other again.

We'll be round to see the little one as soon as it pops out of you don't you worry! Amy smiled, patting Abby's stomach for effect.

Say hi to that man of yours too. I really wanted to see him. Michelle complained.

As if on cue, the front door opened just behind Abby, Michelle and Amy, and Carter entered, smiling as he observed the decorated apartment.

Speak of the DEVIL. Abby accentuated, as she walked towards Carter, and hugged him warmly. As his arms slid around her back she suddenly pulled away. Ew! You're all sweaty!

And thank you for pointing that out to a whole room full of people. Carter smiled tightly, eyes squinting.

No problem. Ooh, say hi to Michelle and Amy, my old friends from college, they were just leaving.

Carter extended his hand to the two women before him, who stood quietly smiling. Hi, nice to meet you.

You too. They both smiled politely, before turning to Abby and embracing her again. As Michelle squeezed Abby, she whispered in her ear. Boy you got one there girl!

Abby laughed, before releasing her and waving them off as they exited. She turned around, and subtly laced her fingers with Carter's as she walked up besides him. As if on cue, her remaining friends began to stand, collecting any accessories they had brought along.

You're all deserting me now?

Hey, looks like you have enough company right there to last you the rest of the night. Susan smiled cheekily.

Carter shook his head, attempting to hide a smile as he looked down at his feet. Thank you for that Susan.

No problem Carter.

Abby let go of Carter's hand as she followed her friends to the door. Thank you all again, especially you. She nudged Susan on the arm. It really did mean a lot.

No problem. We thought you needed a little time to enjoy it before you end up looking like an elephant and can't get out of your seat.

Thanks Susan! Abby frowned, before shoving her out of the door, following the other's departures. Get out now!

Susan waved, as she poked her head round the door before it was slammed in her face.

Abby turned to face Carter. Although she attempted to look mad at him, she really did find it impossible at that moment. He still wore his green scrub top and a pair of cream pants with his white sneakers. His hair was wet with sweat and sticking up at every possible angle. His brown orbs burnt into hers, as she approached him, wrapping her arms around his torso and burying her head in his chest. Carter's arms encircled her back, rubbing up and down soothingly as he rested his lips on top of her head, kissing her hair softly. They stayed like that for at least a few minutes, enjoying the silence and each other's embrace.

Carter was the first to pull away as he held Abby's face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes, capturing her soul with his gaze. So, do you feel like a Mommy now? He asked smiling, thumbs rubbing circles across her chin.

She smiled back, hands still fixed around his middle facing upwards as her palms lay on his back, rubbing the soft cotton of his scrub top between her thumbs.

Carter leaned in, and kissed her lips softly. She tip toed up to meet his kiss, leaning into him to deepen it. He pulled away after a few seconds, licking his lips as he held her close. You wanna go to bed now Mommy?

Abby chuckled into his chest. Yes Daddy.

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