Chapter 13:
Susan pulled over next to a restaurant. Abby looked at her, puzzled. "What don't you trust me?"
"I don't think I better answer that," Abby answered, laughing.
"I won't answer it." Carter said looking at them.
Susan walked into the restaurant first, and Abby and Carter followed.
"Surprise!" the assembled group yelled.
A banner read Congratulations Carter and Abby, and there was a traditional wedding cake in the corner with a brunette bride and groom on the top.
Susan was edging back toward the door. "Where the heck do you think you are going, Susan," Abby asked.
"I just want to go get your dress, so you can put it on."
Susan pulled Abby into the restroom, quickly they zipped Abby into her dress, then they reentered the room.
Carter looked at her, she was as beautiful as the night he had married her. He walked over and kissed her, "I love you."
"I love you too." Abby said as she looked around the room. Everybody from the ER was there.
"Thank you Susan." Carter said to her. He looked around and saw all of their friends waiting to congratulate them.
Kerry was the first to approach them. "John, as a wedding gift, all the extra doubles you owe me are canceled. Congratulations," she said as she hugged Carter then Abby.
"Thank you Kerry," He said.
"Yes," Abby chimed in, "thanks."
"Congratulations Abby, Carter," Halah said hugging one then the other, "about time." Lydia and Chuny were the next to give their hugs and congratulations.
Lizzie, Robert and Ella followed next. Then Luka approached. He grabbed her hand and said "I'm happy for you Abby, really." He then turn and shook Carter's hand. "Thank you," Carter said, he knew that had to have been hard for him.
"Just don't ever let her down."
"I won't, I promise."
Peter, with Cleo and Reece stepped forward next. Peter pulled Carter into a hug, with a few thumps to his back. "Thanks for coming, Peter." he said .
Well I missed your graduation, I couldn't miss your wedding reception."
"I didn't make it my graduation either," He said, "but it means more that you are here now."
Gallant came up to them next "Congratulation, Sir. Abby you look beautiful."
"Thank you Gallant," He said he didn't expect to see his med student there.
Abby didn't recognize the next man to approach her, but then she saw who was with him. Abby smiled at Carol with the twins. "Are these your girls, they have gotten so big."
"Yeah," She said, "it's been a long time. Congratulations to you both. Abby this is my husband, Doug Ross, Doug this is Abby."
"So nice to meet you Doug. I've heard a bit about you."
"Not all good, I'm sure," he said with a lopsided grin, "congrats to both of you."
Doug hugged Abby and kissed her on the cheek, he then turned to Carter and gave him a kiss on the cheek too.
"I've missed you too Doug." Carter gave him a half grin and wink.
Carter looked back to Deb standing there, "Deb, you made it too." He hugged her.
"I can't believe you would go to such lengths to avoid the society page."
"You would do the same thing too." He said, "besides there wasn't a better time or place."
Jing-Mei smiled at him, she was glad that he looked so happy.
"I'm glad you could be here." He said to her as he squeezed Abby's hand.
Abby was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. She wasn't used to this kind of attention. Susan noticed her tension so she diverted the rest of the good wishes for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry that it's all so overwhelming." She said to her friend.
"It's okay, Susan. It was just starting to get to me a little, "Abby said.
"I know it is, why don't you and that new hubby of yours cut the cake and then have that official first dance."
Abby held John's hand as he led her over to the cake. Together, they sliced a piece off. Abby gently placed the cake in John's waiting mouth.
Carter grinned as he picked up the one for Abby, "remember I love you."
"How could I forget. I love you too.
Carter took the piece of cake and placed a small bite in her mouth. He pulled her close to him and went after it. Abby went on kissing him, to choruses of "woo hoo, that a boy, and from Malik, in the corner "Get a room."
Carter finally pulled back away from Abby, "may I have the pleasure of this dance Mrs. Carter?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Carter walked Abby out onto the dance floor. He placed her hand in his as the music started to play. The soft voice of Shania Twain came over the speakers, as she sang From this Moment on. Abby held onto John, as they danced, the words washing over them. The song fit them perfectly. His dreams were coming true all because she loved him, he would always be there for her. He slowly moved Abby around the dance floor. There were tears in Abby 's eyes. Tears of happiness. She wasn't the only one, there weren't many dry eyes in the house.
Carter reached up and gently wiped them away with one hand, "I will love you, as long as I live."
"From this moment on." she answered, gazing into his eyes.
He held onto her as the song faded. "I don't want to let go of you."
"Then don't."
"We can't stand out here all night." He said smiling down at her, "how long are we going to be stuck here for?"
Susan came up to them. "I'm sure you didn't bring your bouquet back with you, so I got you another one to throw. One toast, one toss then you two can get out of here. I had Gallant bring your jeep over, and Jerry moved everything out of my car."
He smiled at her, "thank you Susan."
Jing-Mei and Randi ran around the room handing everyone a glass of sparkling cider.
After everyone had a glass, Peter stepped to the center of the floor.
"To Carter and Abby, we wish you love, life and togetherness forever." he said. "And lots of children."
Those gathered all raised their glasses, "To Carter and Abby."
Carter entwined his arm with Abby's as they raised their glasses, he winked at her, "to you," he said softly.
She smiled, "To you."
Susan gathered the ladies, then handed Abby the bouquet.
Carter stood there wide eyed watching Abby.
Abby's face was glowing, as she turned her back on the girls. She gave the bouquet a wind up, tossed it over her shoulder. It flew in a graceful ark, landing in Susan's outstretched hands.
Abby hugged Susan, "Your next. But I want to be there in person, not on speaker phone, ok?"
"Yeah," She said smiling.
Jing-Mei pulled a chair out for Abby to put her foot up on.
Carter grinned at her. "I think I"m going to like this."
"Behave, Abby said."We're still in public."
"Yes," He said, he reached up under her dress and pulled the garter free. Carter stood with the guys behind him, he put the garter above his head and shot it behind him like a rubber band.
Carter turned to see Luka catching Abby's garter, "Good luck man." Carter said to him grinning.
Luka looked a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, " he said.
"Let me know when you get married," Carter said to him.
"I'll be sure to let you know," Luka said, but his thoughts were of Danijela
"You'll find happiness." Carter said, squeezing Abby tight
Luka gave a slight smile, "Someday."
Carter didn't say anymore. He knew how hard it must have been for Luka.
The gang headed outside, to shower Carter and Abby with rice as they left.
Carter pulled Abby thru the shower of rice, opening the door to the jeep for her. He waited for her to get it. The jeep had been decked out with signs and tin cans. Abby hopped into the jeep, waving. Carter climbed in and started the jeep, "I can't believe they did this to my jeep."
"The 'Doctor of Love' sign had to have been by Malik." Abby said, chuckling.
"Leave it to them to come up with that. My naughty little nurse."
"I don't plan on being a nurse for another 24 hours. I just want to be Mrs. Carter.
"Not even for me?" He asked grinning.
"Well, maybe just for you. What do you have in mind, Doctor."
"It involves me, you and some strawberries and whip cream."
"We never did get to those strawberries while we were away, did we."
"No we didn't." he said looking at her, "but I intend to spend every free minute I have until my next shift with you."
"I can't think of anything better I would want to do."
"I wonder when Kerry did put me back on the schedule. I didn't think to ask her, I just was happy that she forgave all my doubles."
"Do you want to stop by the ER and check?"
"God, no, would you just dial the phone for me." He said, "I'll call her but I don't want to take my hands off the wheel."
Abby dialed Weaver's cell phone number, and handed the phone to John.
Kerry's phone rang, she was still at the reception. The party had gone on after Carter and Abby left.
"Kerry it's John," He said when he heard the noise.
"What did you need, John?"
When am I scheduled on next?" He asked
"You and Abby both have two more days off. Don't make me regret it, John."
"Thanks Kerry." He said, he flipped the phone shut, "two days." He sighed.
"Wow, she's feeling generous, we should have gotten married sooner."
"I wouldn't have minded that." He said to her. He pulled up in front of her apartment. "Thank God we are finally home."
"Yes, Home."
He grabbed the bags out of the back of the jeep and pulled the door open for Abby, 'It feels good to be back home."
"That it does." Abby felt John lift her off her feet."John, what are you doing?"
"I am going to carry my wife across the threshold." He said smiling at her.
'Isn't the threshold the door to the apartment, not up a flight of stairs. Your going to hurt yourself."
"I am not going to hurt myself." He said starting up the stairs. Abby started to giggle. Her husband was really a romantic.
He stopped in front of the door, "keys Abby."
"Where are they?"
"In my pocket." He said, "grab them for me."
Abby slipped her hand into John's pocket, and pulled out the keys. From her perch in John's arms she unlocked the door.
He managed to push the door open, kicking it closed behind him, he made the way back to the bedroom, he sat Abby down on the bed and dropped the bags.
"Home sweet home, Abby said, as she scooted toward her pillow.
"Tired baby." He asked watching her.
"A little, but not too tired for those strawberries."
"I'll be right back." He said walking out to the kitchen. Susan had done him a small favor. He walked back to the bedroom, "strawberries and whip cream." He climbed up onto the bed next to Abby.
"Perfect"
Carter dipped one, "open up." He said smiling at her.
"Wait, I don't want to get strawberry juice on my dress."
He set the strawberries on the night stand, "let me help you with that then."
"How many grooms get to take their brides out of their wedding dress twice?"
"What can I say, I'm a very lucky man." He reached up and unzipped her.
Abby tossed him a look over her shoulder, "And don't you forget it."
"Oh I plan on remembering that for the rest of my life Abigail Carter."
Abby snuggled into their bed.
John picked the strawberries back up, "now that your all comfy, where were we."
"Right about here," she said as she opened her mouth for the strawberry that he held.
John placed the strawberry in Abby's mouth
"Mmmm, those are good."
He placed the next one between his teeth and leaned forward towards Abby, he put the other half of the strawberry in her mouth as he kissed her.
"Even better", she said, when he raised his head.
You can have as many as you want Abby." He said kissing her again. "I'll never get tired of this."
"Do you think we can live forever on strawberries and sex?"
"No I don't, but right now I don't want to think work, friends, or family. Just you."
"Sounds good to me."
He pulled her close to him as he fed her the strawberries and whip cream.
"This is heaven, John,"she sighed.
He set the bowl down. "No, this is heaven," he leaned over and kissed her long and hard.
He was right, this was heaven. She felt his weight over her, covering her with his love.
His hands roamed her body, he wanted to touch every inch of skin, to make her feel the burning desire that he felt for her. Abby couldn't believe how good this felt. The nights in the castle were wonderful, but this, in their own bed, it was as close to perfection as she could image.
"I love you," he said breaking away long enough to take off his shirt before attacking her senses again with his touch
"I love you too, Baby. Forever."
Carter took his wife to heaven and back.
Carter fell next to her, "sweet dreams Abby," he said kissing the top of her head.
"Night, night," she said as she drifted off to dreamland.
Susan pulled over next to a restaurant. Abby looked at her, puzzled. "What don't you trust me?"
"I don't think I better answer that," Abby answered, laughing.
"I won't answer it." Carter said looking at them.
Susan walked into the restaurant first, and Abby and Carter followed.
"Surprise!" the assembled group yelled.
A banner read Congratulations Carter and Abby, and there was a traditional wedding cake in the corner with a brunette bride and groom on the top.
Susan was edging back toward the door. "Where the heck do you think you are going, Susan," Abby asked.
"I just want to go get your dress, so you can put it on."
Susan pulled Abby into the restroom, quickly they zipped Abby into her dress, then they reentered the room.
Carter looked at her, she was as beautiful as the night he had married her. He walked over and kissed her, "I love you."
"I love you too." Abby said as she looked around the room. Everybody from the ER was there.
"Thank you Susan." Carter said to her. He looked around and saw all of their friends waiting to congratulate them.
Kerry was the first to approach them. "John, as a wedding gift, all the extra doubles you owe me are canceled. Congratulations," she said as she hugged Carter then Abby.
"Thank you Kerry," He said.
"Yes," Abby chimed in, "thanks."
"Congratulations Abby, Carter," Halah said hugging one then the other, "about time." Lydia and Chuny were the next to give their hugs and congratulations.
Lizzie, Robert and Ella followed next. Then Luka approached. He grabbed her hand and said "I'm happy for you Abby, really." He then turn and shook Carter's hand. "Thank you," Carter said, he knew that had to have been hard for him.
"Just don't ever let her down."
"I won't, I promise."
Peter, with Cleo and Reece stepped forward next. Peter pulled Carter into a hug, with a few thumps to his back. "Thanks for coming, Peter." he said .
Well I missed your graduation, I couldn't miss your wedding reception."
"I didn't make it my graduation either," He said, "but it means more that you are here now."
Gallant came up to them next "Congratulation, Sir. Abby you look beautiful."
"Thank you Gallant," He said he didn't expect to see his med student there.
Abby didn't recognize the next man to approach her, but then she saw who was with him. Abby smiled at Carol with the twins. "Are these your girls, they have gotten so big."
"Yeah," She said, "it's been a long time. Congratulations to you both. Abby this is my husband, Doug Ross, Doug this is Abby."
"So nice to meet you Doug. I've heard a bit about you."
"Not all good, I'm sure," he said with a lopsided grin, "congrats to both of you."
Doug hugged Abby and kissed her on the cheek, he then turned to Carter and gave him a kiss on the cheek too.
"I've missed you too Doug." Carter gave him a half grin and wink.
Carter looked back to Deb standing there, "Deb, you made it too." He hugged her.
"I can't believe you would go to such lengths to avoid the society page."
"You would do the same thing too." He said, "besides there wasn't a better time or place."
Jing-Mei smiled at him, she was glad that he looked so happy.
"I'm glad you could be here." He said to her as he squeezed Abby's hand.
Abby was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. She wasn't used to this kind of attention. Susan noticed her tension so she diverted the rest of the good wishes for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry that it's all so overwhelming." She said to her friend.
"It's okay, Susan. It was just starting to get to me a little, "Abby said.
"I know it is, why don't you and that new hubby of yours cut the cake and then have that official first dance."
Abby held John's hand as he led her over to the cake. Together, they sliced a piece off. Abby gently placed the cake in John's waiting mouth.
Carter grinned as he picked up the one for Abby, "remember I love you."
"How could I forget. I love you too.
Carter took the piece of cake and placed a small bite in her mouth. He pulled her close to him and went after it. Abby went on kissing him, to choruses of "woo hoo, that a boy, and from Malik, in the corner "Get a room."
Carter finally pulled back away from Abby, "may I have the pleasure of this dance Mrs. Carter?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Carter walked Abby out onto the dance floor. He placed her hand in his as the music started to play. The soft voice of Shania Twain came over the speakers, as she sang From this Moment on. Abby held onto John, as they danced, the words washing over them. The song fit them perfectly. His dreams were coming true all because she loved him, he would always be there for her. He slowly moved Abby around the dance floor. There were tears in Abby 's eyes. Tears of happiness. She wasn't the only one, there weren't many dry eyes in the house.
Carter reached up and gently wiped them away with one hand, "I will love you, as long as I live."
"From this moment on." she answered, gazing into his eyes.
He held onto her as the song faded. "I don't want to let go of you."
"Then don't."
"We can't stand out here all night." He said smiling down at her, "how long are we going to be stuck here for?"
Susan came up to them. "I'm sure you didn't bring your bouquet back with you, so I got you another one to throw. One toast, one toss then you two can get out of here. I had Gallant bring your jeep over, and Jerry moved everything out of my car."
He smiled at her, "thank you Susan."
Jing-Mei and Randi ran around the room handing everyone a glass of sparkling cider.
After everyone had a glass, Peter stepped to the center of the floor.
"To Carter and Abby, we wish you love, life and togetherness forever." he said. "And lots of children."
Those gathered all raised their glasses, "To Carter and Abby."
Carter entwined his arm with Abby's as they raised their glasses, he winked at her, "to you," he said softly.
She smiled, "To you."
Susan gathered the ladies, then handed Abby the bouquet.
Carter stood there wide eyed watching Abby.
Abby's face was glowing, as she turned her back on the girls. She gave the bouquet a wind up, tossed it over her shoulder. It flew in a graceful ark, landing in Susan's outstretched hands.
Abby hugged Susan, "Your next. But I want to be there in person, not on speaker phone, ok?"
"Yeah," She said smiling.
Jing-Mei pulled a chair out for Abby to put her foot up on.
Carter grinned at her. "I think I"m going to like this."
"Behave, Abby said."We're still in public."
"Yes," He said, he reached up under her dress and pulled the garter free. Carter stood with the guys behind him, he put the garter above his head and shot it behind him like a rubber band.
Carter turned to see Luka catching Abby's garter, "Good luck man." Carter said to him grinning.
Luka looked a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, " he said.
"Let me know when you get married," Carter said to him.
"I'll be sure to let you know," Luka said, but his thoughts were of Danijela
"You'll find happiness." Carter said, squeezing Abby tight
Luka gave a slight smile, "Someday."
Carter didn't say anymore. He knew how hard it must have been for Luka.
The gang headed outside, to shower Carter and Abby with rice as they left.
Carter pulled Abby thru the shower of rice, opening the door to the jeep for her. He waited for her to get it. The jeep had been decked out with signs and tin cans. Abby hopped into the jeep, waving. Carter climbed in and started the jeep, "I can't believe they did this to my jeep."
"The 'Doctor of Love' sign had to have been by Malik." Abby said, chuckling.
"Leave it to them to come up with that. My naughty little nurse."
"I don't plan on being a nurse for another 24 hours. I just want to be Mrs. Carter.
"Not even for me?" He asked grinning.
"Well, maybe just for you. What do you have in mind, Doctor."
"It involves me, you and some strawberries and whip cream."
"We never did get to those strawberries while we were away, did we."
"No we didn't." he said looking at her, "but I intend to spend every free minute I have until my next shift with you."
"I can't think of anything better I would want to do."
"I wonder when Kerry did put me back on the schedule. I didn't think to ask her, I just was happy that she forgave all my doubles."
"Do you want to stop by the ER and check?"
"God, no, would you just dial the phone for me." He said, "I'll call her but I don't want to take my hands off the wheel."
Abby dialed Weaver's cell phone number, and handed the phone to John.
Kerry's phone rang, she was still at the reception. The party had gone on after Carter and Abby left.
"Kerry it's John," He said when he heard the noise.
"What did you need, John?"
When am I scheduled on next?" He asked
"You and Abby both have two more days off. Don't make me regret it, John."
"Thanks Kerry." He said, he flipped the phone shut, "two days." He sighed.
"Wow, she's feeling generous, we should have gotten married sooner."
"I wouldn't have minded that." He said to her. He pulled up in front of her apartment. "Thank God we are finally home."
"Yes, Home."
He grabbed the bags out of the back of the jeep and pulled the door open for Abby, 'It feels good to be back home."
"That it does." Abby felt John lift her off her feet."John, what are you doing?"
"I am going to carry my wife across the threshold." He said smiling at her.
'Isn't the threshold the door to the apartment, not up a flight of stairs. Your going to hurt yourself."
"I am not going to hurt myself." He said starting up the stairs. Abby started to giggle. Her husband was really a romantic.
He stopped in front of the door, "keys Abby."
"Where are they?"
"In my pocket." He said, "grab them for me."
Abby slipped her hand into John's pocket, and pulled out the keys. From her perch in John's arms she unlocked the door.
He managed to push the door open, kicking it closed behind him, he made the way back to the bedroom, he sat Abby down on the bed and dropped the bags.
"Home sweet home, Abby said, as she scooted toward her pillow.
"Tired baby." He asked watching her.
"A little, but not too tired for those strawberries."
"I'll be right back." He said walking out to the kitchen. Susan had done him a small favor. He walked back to the bedroom, "strawberries and whip cream." He climbed up onto the bed next to Abby.
"Perfect"
Carter dipped one, "open up." He said smiling at her.
"Wait, I don't want to get strawberry juice on my dress."
He set the strawberries on the night stand, "let me help you with that then."
"How many grooms get to take their brides out of their wedding dress twice?"
"What can I say, I'm a very lucky man." He reached up and unzipped her.
Abby tossed him a look over her shoulder, "And don't you forget it."
"Oh I plan on remembering that for the rest of my life Abigail Carter."
Abby snuggled into their bed.
John picked the strawberries back up, "now that your all comfy, where were we."
"Right about here," she said as she opened her mouth for the strawberry that he held.
John placed the strawberry in Abby's mouth
"Mmmm, those are good."
He placed the next one between his teeth and leaned forward towards Abby, he put the other half of the strawberry in her mouth as he kissed her.
"Even better", she said, when he raised his head.
You can have as many as you want Abby." He said kissing her again. "I'll never get tired of this."
"Do you think we can live forever on strawberries and sex?"
"No I don't, but right now I don't want to think work, friends, or family. Just you."
"Sounds good to me."
He pulled her close to him as he fed her the strawberries and whip cream.
"This is heaven, John,"she sighed.
He set the bowl down. "No, this is heaven," he leaned over and kissed her long and hard.
He was right, this was heaven. She felt his weight over her, covering her with his love.
His hands roamed her body, he wanted to touch every inch of skin, to make her feel the burning desire that he felt for her. Abby couldn't believe how good this felt. The nights in the castle were wonderful, but this, in their own bed, it was as close to perfection as she could image.
"I love you," he said breaking away long enough to take off his shirt before attacking her senses again with his touch
"I love you too, Baby. Forever."
Carter took his wife to heaven and back.
Carter fell next to her, "sweet dreams Abby," he said kissing the top of her head.
"Night, night," she said as she drifted off to dreamland.