Chapter 18

            "It's time for bed," Abby said, looking at the clock. Jill and Riley groaned.

            "Can Daddy tuck us in?" Riley asked.

            Abby and Carter exchanged a look. "Sure," Abby said. Carter herded the kids up the stairs.

            Abby was deep in thought when Carter returned. "Whatcha thinking about?" Carter asked, sitting down next to her.

            Abby looked up at Carter. "I thought about what you said," Abby told him.

            "And?" Carter asked, holding his breath. Her face was expressionless.

            Abby smiled faintly. "When I saw you playing with the kids today it made me realize how important it is for the kids to have both of us." She looked down. "My dad...I barely even remember him. He took off when I was so little. The kids...they need us. Both of us."

            Carter heart beat more rapidly. Was she saying what he thought he was saying?

            "I don't want to live here. At all. But this..." Abby took a deep breath. This was it. "This is the best situation for the kids. Living here with both of us. I may not like it, but I want what's best for them."

            Carter couldn't believe his ears. "You mean you're staying?" he asked excitedly.

            "Yeah, we're staying," she said, feeling guilty about the happy look on his face.

            "This is great!" Carter exclaimed. "Thank you Abby. Thank you. You're making the right decision; things are going to be great this way." He hopped off the sofa excitedly. "I'm so glad you decided to stay; you don't know how much this means to me."

            Carter realized he was babbling, and sat back down. "We can start making preparations tomorrow. I can get the east wing cleaned up if you want, and you guys can move in there."

            Abby nodded. "Okay," she said. "When are we going to tell the kids?"

            Carter's face broke into a grin. "As soon as possible," he said.

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            "Hey."

            "Hi. Wanna come in?"

            "Sure." Abby stepped back from the door, and Susan walked in. "Where's the kids?"

            "Carter took them to the park."

            Susan smiled. "It must be nice, huh? Getting a break every now and then. I can't imagine taking care of twins by myself."

            "You should've been there when they were two."

            "So have you found an apartment?" Susan asked casually.

            "Well, not exactly." Susan waited patiently for Abby to finish her statement. "I've decided to stay here."

            Susan's face lit up. "Really?" she asked. Abby nodded. "Oh, that's great!" Susan exclaimed, running over to hug Abby.

            Abby smiled and returned the hug. She had missed Susan's exuberance.

            "What made you decide to stay?"

            Abby shrugged. "I just realized that the kids need their dad, and that it will be easier for all of us if we're all in the same house."

            Susan nodded. "I knew he'd win you over," she said triumphantly. "The kids must be pretty excited."

            "Actually, we haven't told them."

            Susan's jaw dropped. "Why not?"

            Abby shrugged. "Hasn't come up," she said, smiling slightly.

            Just then, the door opened. "We're back!" Carter yelled, closing the door.

            "Not the big ones, the monkey bars!" Jill said.

            "I like the slide." Riley responded.

            "Hi guys," Abby said, wondering what they were talking about. "Did you have fun at the park?"

            Jill and Riley nodded enthusiastically. "Hi, Aunt Susan!" Jill said. "Are you gonna take us somewhere?"

            Carter smiled. "I think you're spoiling them, Susan," he said, ruffling Riley's hair.

            Jill yawned widely. "Hmm, I think somebody needs their nap," Abby said.

            "I'm not sleepy," Jill protested, yawning again.

            "C'mon. I'll read you a story," Abby said. The twins allowed themselves to be led upstairs.

            "So, Abby told me that she decided to stay," Susan said.

            "Yeah," Carter said, smiling.

            "You must be pretty excited about it," Susan observed.

            Carter grinned. "Very. I'm so relieved; I really thought she was going to leave."

            "You must've been pretty persuasive," Susan said, smiling.

            "What's that supposed to mean?" Carter asked, pretending to frown.

            "Nothing," Susan said innocently. "So why haven't you told the kids yet?"

            Carter shrugged. "I dunno. I guess we're just waiting for the right time. I think they'll be really happy; they wanted to stay."

            "It'll be good for them, living here. Is Abby planning on coming back to County?"

            "I don't know."

            "Did you tell her that we're hiring for an ER nurse?"

            Carter shook his head. "No, not yet."

            Susan stared at him. "Why not?" she asked, confused.

            "I guess I forgot," he said lamely.

            "Carter..."

            "What?" Carter asked.

            "You should tell her about the job."

            "I'm just so glad she finally agreed to stay here, I don't want to push her. I'll mention it later."

            Susan raised her eyebrows. "That position's not gonna be empty forever, you know. If she wants it, she needs to go ahead and apply."

            Carter sighed. "I know." Susan still stared at him. "Okay, I'll tell her."

            "Good," Susan said, smiling with satisfaction. "You can call and tell me when she accepts."