Title: A Love for All Seasons

    Genre: Carby, of course!

     Spoilers: Not really any!

     Disclaimer: Not mine not mine not mine but maybe if I wish hard enough!!

     A/N: This is my first fic so plz be nice but I would really love you forever if you read and reviewed! Oh yeah Carter and Abby are married and Carter didn't stay in Africa the second time. It will be explained in the story!

 December 31, 2005

     Abby Lockhart struggled to keep her sanity as she crawled out from under the bed. Where in the world did she put her other shoe? Abby sighed loudly and checked the back of her closet again. She had never been good at playing the hostess. When she was younger, she was always too busy trying to keep her friends AWAY from her house out of embarrassment for her mother. Now that she was older, she just didn't usually go for that "girly" kind of stuff.

     But somehow, this was different. It had been one heck of a year, and for once in her life, she actually had high hopes for the coming New Year. She had been through a lot over the past year, that was for sure. When Carter had returned from Africa without Luka, Abby could tell that he was going to need all the support he could get. She had been more then willing to cast aside their previous disagreement and be there for him with all that she had. He blamed himself for Luka's death at first, and it was tough for her to ignore her own sadness and help deal with John. She had slowly convinced him, however, that it was not his fault, and the two had grown closer then ever, if that was possible. When he had asked her to marry him, she thought the wedding day could not come fast enough, and when he finally did, it was perfect- Her mom was there and on her meds, beaming with pride, and Eric had been there to give her away. It was everything she always wanted. She felt she could never be happier.

     "Abby, what's taking you so long??"

     At the sound of his voice, Abby stopped her frantic shoe search and smiled in spite of herself. He was the one and only reason that she knew that this year was going to be something special, which is why she agreed to have this New Year's Party. She wanted to celebrate everything they had gone through and launch off the New Year with something positive. As the bedroom door opened, she turned around quickly and hid her smile with a scowl, which was difficult because of how handsome John looked walking in in his suit and re-tying his tie.

     Carter stopped as he took in the woman in front of him. He knew her well enough to know when she was faking a scowl, and she was definitely faking one now. He could barely find words as he stared at how her black dress with silver sparkles clung to all the curves of her body. He loved her in that dress, although the best part was taking her out of it, of course.

     "Abby, you look… stunning."

      At this, Abby just smirked. "Uh-huh, sure John. With my zipper down and everything."

     "Well I can help you with that." He came up behind her to do up her zipper. As he did, he nuzzled her neck and lightly kissed her ear. "You still look stunning though," he continued.

     Abby rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but giggle. "Ok, Mr. Helpful, maybe next you could help me find my other shoe!"

      John barely looked up when he said, "Isn't that it over there by the door?" At this, Abby sighed loudly again as she went over to get the missing shoe that she had been looking for for 10 minutes straight."

     Carter just watched her and smiled. "You're so cute when you're mad," he gushed.

     "Don't you start, Mister. People are going to be here any minute now."

     "Oh, come on Abby. They won't mind if we're a little late for our own party!"

     "No, Carter, and that's final! BUT, if you wait I promise you the best New Year's kiss you've ever had."

     Carter grabbed her around the waist and laughed. "I better. I've been looking forward to it!"

     "You won't be disappointed!" She said as the doorbell rang. "Well, here goes."

     A couple minutes later, one of the maids escorted Susan in (she was, of course, always the first one to arrive at a party.) She was followed closely by Chuny and Haleh, as well as Jing-Mei,, Malik, Yosh,  Pratt and his date, Gallant and Neela, and various other friends and members of the staff.

     "Wow, Abby. You're so lucky to have a mansion to throw parties in! This is great!" Susan spoke loudly over the music that Malik had just turned up even more.

     "Yeah well it's good for some things I guess! Where's Chuck tonight?"

     "Working late. But he'll be here before midnight! At least he better be!"

     "It's ok, Dr. L. You've always got me!" Susan laughed cheerily as Malik led her out onto the dance floor.

     Abby smiled after them when she Carter came up behind her. "Having fun?" He whispered and kissed her.

     She smiled again as she always did when he was around. She couldn't help it! "Mmmhmm. Everyone else looks like they are too."

     "Maybe because they have such a wonderful hostess."

     "Or maybe it's because Susan just found the wine coolers. Now if you'll excuse me, the wonderful hostess should go mingle with her guests."

     "We have a date at midnight, remember."
     "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

     The night went by quickly; everyone was laughing, talking, and dancing so much that before they knew it, it was almost midnight. At just before twelve, a slow song came on and Carter and Abby instinctively found each other from opposite ends of the room. As they danced, just enjoying each other, John leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "You don't mind living in the mansion, do you?"

     "No, I mean it'll do for now."
     "Really? Because I know it used to make you uncomfortable, and I just want you to be happy."

     "Well, I mean, it's big enough."

     "Well it certainly is big… big enough for what?"

     "You know, our family… the kids, when…"

    Abby broke off when he noticed him staring at her, wide-eyed. "Abby… kids? You- you want to start a family?"

     "With you, I do… I mean, it's only if you want. But if…"

     The next thing she knew, John's lips were on hers, holding her in the longest, most delicious, most luxurious kiss she had ever experienced. It continued long after the song ended, long after the rest of the party counted down until midnight, and long after the fireworks outside the window had started.

      That night, they fell into bed still holding each other, both feeling that they were the only two people in the world, and both being perfectly content believing that they were. They made love slowly and passionately that night, and right before they fell asleep in each other's arms, they both prayed for the same thing. It truly was a brand new start for the new year.