Three of a Kind
They worked and packed over the next two weeks. John was worried about Abby, she kept falling asleep and she looked so tired. Hopefully they would get this move done soon so he would stop worrying about everything she had been doing. He called a moving company to move the furniture on their two days off.
Carter got up the morning that the moving company was coming to take all the big stuff to the house. He was getting more worried about Abby every day. She was not quite herself anymore, she was tired, and he noticed that she hadn't lit up a cigarette since they had gotten home. He gently shook her, "Abby," he said quietly.
Abby woke up, rubbing her eyes. She was still tired. If it hadn't been that they were moving the furniture today, she wouldn't have bothered to get up at all.
"Honey I'm sorry to wake you but the moving people are going to be in 20 minutes and they can't move the bed with you in it."
"Are you sure?" she asked, struggling to keep her eyes open.
"Yeah I"m sure." He said, "do you want me to see if Susan is home and you can crash there."
"Would you mind?"
"No I wouldn't, are you feeling okay?" He asked, worriedly.
"I'm fine, I just want to sleep," she said, losing the battle to keep her eyes open.
He picked up the phone and called Susan. He watched Abby as he waited for her to pick up.
"Hello."
"Susan, it's John," He said, "I hate to keep bugging you for favors, but I need a place for Abby to crash until I can get the stuff moved from the apartment."
"She doesn't want to take charge of the move?" Susan asked.
"No, and I'm worried about her, she doesn't want to get out of bed.
"Well, the two of you have been very busy for almost a month. It has probably just all caught up with her."
"Can she sleep there for a couple of hours?"
"Sure, bring her over. Don't even have her get out of her pj's if she doesn't want to."
"Thanks, we'll see you shortly." He said to her. He hung up the phone and walked over to Abby.
Carter pulled a pair of her flannel pj's out of a box in the bedroom. Trying not to wake her up, he slipped them on. Abby opened one eye. "What are you doing?"
"Susan said you could crash over there, but I wasn't going to carry you to her house naked."
"Oh, okay," she muttered and went back to sleep.
He picked her up and carried her down and put her into the jeep. He drove her over to Susan. Lifted her out of the jeep and carried her up to Susan's apartment. He knocked on her door. Susan opened the door to let them in, "Where do you want her Susan."
She looked at Abby. "She really is out, isn't she. Just put her on my bed."
"Yeah she is." he said laying her down on the bed. "can you see why I worry about her."
"She does look a little pale."
"Would you just keep an eye on her for me please," he asked, "she has been dying to move into the house and I have the moving crew there in 10 minutes. I'll come and get her when they get the furniture moved."
"You got it. Maybe after the move is done if she's still feeling wiped out you should see if she'd let you draw some labs.
"I will." He said heading to the door, "Thanks."
Carter headed back to Abby's apartment. He spent the next three hours making sure that everything got moved to the house. He watched as they hauled everything inside putting it in the right rooms. He had managed to move his stuff from the other apartment over his days off. He made sure that the bed was made and ready for her before he headed back over to Susan's. He was tired now. He knocked on her door. Abby answered the door.
"Hey, John. How did I end up asleep in Susan's bed?"
"I brought you over this morning you were really tired." He said happy to see her awake.
"Well it must be contagious, because she's asleep now," Abby said, gesturing toward Susan's room.
"Are you ready to go to your new home?" He asked.
"Sure, should we wake Susan, or just leave her a note."
"We should leave her a note." He said. "She's working tonight and I would hate to be the one to cause her not to get enough sleep."
After writing a quick note to Susan, they walked out to the Jeep. Carter climbed in and started it up, "are you feeling any better?" He asked.
"I'm fine, in fact, I'm hungry. Run thought the drive-thru will you."
"Okay," He said. She was confusing him. "what do you want." He asked as he pulled into the drive thru.
"A hamburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake," she said, eagerly.
He ordered, pulled forward and picked it up. He handed the bag to her. And then started on their way to the house again. Abby didn't even bother to wait until they got to the house to eat. She had her food finished before they got there. As soon as John pulled the Jeep into the driveway, she was out of the car and headed to the house. "I can't wait to see how it turned out."
"I'm sure that you will like it, I had them put everything where you told me too." He said.
Abby looked around. Everything looked good. Her bedroom furniture was in the master bedroom, and John's from his old apartment was in one of the other rooms. His computer and books were in the third. the fourth bedroom was mostly empty.
"Is everything the way that you want it."
"It looks wonderful. Lets go light a fire."
"Sounds good to me," he said as he headed back to the fireplace. He got everything together and soon had a fire going. Abby sat on the couch. She felt content. She had John, and their home. What else could she need. He snuggled her close to him. He leaned down and kissed her, "this feels nice." Abby relaxed into his arms.
"I love you," He said rubbing her back and shoulders. He started to nibble on the nape of her neck.
"I love you, too." she said.
The fireplace reminded him of their honeymoon. He started to run his hands along her body wanting to feel the touch of her skin on his hands. All of a sudden Abby sat straight up. "I'm going to be sick." She got to her feet, clamped her hand over her mouth and hurried to the bathroom.
Carter could hear her in the bathroom retching. He walked in there and grabbed a washcloth running it under cold water he dabbed it to her forehead.
"I'm sorry," she said, laying her head on the toilet seat.
It's okay." He said, he thought back for a minute trying to figure out what was going on with her, she had been sleeping so much, and now here she was throwing up out of the blue. Susan said that he should have her get labs. "Abby, are you?"
"What?"
The doctor in him told him, "are you late?"
"Late?" Abby asked, puzzled.
"You've been so tired lately and now your in here throwing up, is your period late?" He asked his wife.
The thought alone was enough to set Abby off again.
He held her hair back, when she was finished he handed her the washcloth again. This time he didn't say anything.
"I think my period was due on Valentine's day.
Reality hit him in the face like a ton of bricks. Abby was going to have a baby. He was going to be a dad, "oh God I think I'm going to be sick."
Abby moved over, giving him access to the toilet.
Carter felt like such a dork. Here his beautiful wife was having morning sickness and he was throwing up in the toilet along side of her. He sat down on the bathroom floor.
"Do you want the washcloth," she asked. Abby handed him the washcloth, then leaned back over the toilet. Carter moved over and tried his best to take care of her. He was so happy at the thought of being a father, but yet he was scared to death.
Abby pulled her head back up and looked over at John, he looked as green as she felt. "Do you really think I'm pregnant?"
"Yes." He said hoping that he didn't set her off again.
"Are you sure?"
"There's only one way to find out." He said.
"Do we have to do it in the ER?" she asked with a frown.
"No we can do it at home." He said smiling at her.
"So which one of us is going to pull themselves out of the bathroom and to the store?"
"I will." He said "I'm okay."
"By the way, I think I know why I got sick, but why were you?"
"Nerves." He said looking at her, "you know me. I don't deal with nerves well."
"Is this going to be an everyday occurrence, sharing the porcelain god."
"No, will you be alright?"
"I think so, on your way back from the store can you get me a strawberry milkshake?"
"Yes I will be back in a few." He said walking out of the bathroom. He headed down stairs and grabbed his keys. He wanted to get back to her as soon as he could.
He stopped by the store and then headed back to the house. On the way there he picked up a milkshake for Abby.
Abby was sitting on the couch waiting for John to get back. What a way to spend the first night in their new home.
He walked back in the house. He hoped that she wasn't still on the bathroom floor. She gave him a little wave when he came in, and held out her hand.
"This is for you." he said handing her the shake.
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
"Do you want me to leave this in the bathroom?" He asked.
"That seams the best place for it."
He walked in and sat in down on the counter top before heading back out and sitting down next to her. She was cradling the milkshake like it was gold.
"I take it your feeling a little better."
"I am. Want some?"
"No that's okay."
After she finished she said, "Are we doing this test together, or am I flying solo?"
"I'll do it with you," He said.
Hand in hand they walked into the bathroom.
"You ready?"
"I think so, are you going to watch me piddle?"
"No thanks I'll leave."
"Chicken."
"No that's more than what I need to see."
"Then go get the butter dish."
Carter walked out of the bathroom and stood outside the door. "Holler when you are done."
"Will do. Did you get the butter dish already?"
"I'm going" He said, not sure why she wanted the butter dish.
"Okay, I'm done."
He walked back in. "Are we ready for this?" He was nervous.
"I guess. Are we going to wait here, the living room, or the bedroom," she said, as she took the butter dish from him, and placed the test stick inside and recovered it.
He smiled, "I don't know, living room I guess."
They went back into the living room, and Abby sat the butter dish on the coffee table.
"How long do we have to wait?"
"Instructions say 5 minutes."
"Okay." He said, trying to think of something to keep his mind off it
"Maybe we have something to do with that empty room now."
"Yeah we might."
"What were we doing before all this started?"
"Snuggling."
"Can we do that again?"
"Yeah" He said pulling her next to him.
She relaxed in his arms and thought about the test cooking in the butter dish. What did it mean to them. For years she had been terrified of having a baby, but now, somehow, it seemed okay. John was here at her side, and she knew he would always be there, no matter what.
"Are you okay with this." He said.
"I think I am. How about you?"
"Yeah I am sure this is what I want."
"Will you be disappointed if it is a false alarm?"
"No I won't." He said to her, "we have the rest of our lives together."
"Has it been five minutes?"
"Yeah"
Do you want to lift the lid or do you want me to?"
He took her hand in his, "together."
With their hands joined, they lifted the lid. A plus sign glowed on the stick. Carter about fainted.
Abby saw the color drain from his face, "John, don't you dare fall apart on me."
"I won't." He said, "I'm happy Abby, I'm very happy!"
She settled back into his arms. "So am I."
He kissed the top of her head. "A baby."
"Our baby."
"Yes, our baby." He couldn't sit still.
"What are you doing, John." Abby said as she watched him.
"I can't sit still Abby. I want to run thru Chicago telling the world that I am going to be a dad."
"Don't you think we should wait a while, like maybe until we are through the first trimester.
"I guess you're right, but I'm still extremely excited."
"I'll tell you what. You can tell one person now. Everyone else has to wait."
He thought for a minute, "one person."
"Yes, one person."
"That would have to be either Susan or Gamma." He said thinking of the two closet people to him.
"I didn't say that I couldn't tell one person too."
"Who do you want to tell?"
"Lets sleep on it. I'm tired."
Abby snuggled into the bed, with John at her side. This morning they were a couple. Now, as they lay together in their new home, they were a family.
Carter awoke to the sun shinning into the bedroom, he rolled over trying not to wake Abby. He was thinking that he and Gamma should get together for lunch today. Maybe Abby could join them. He slipped out from under the covers and headed into the kitchen. He started the coffee and the dug around looking for something that he could call breakfast. He would wait until Abby got up to call Gamma. That way he would know if she would be able to join them or if she had plans for today.
Abby stretched and thought about getting up, but figure since it was her day off she might as well lay in bed a little while longer.
Carter walked by on his way to where his computer was now that he had his coffee, he wanted to catch up on some work. Carter sat at the desk, he put the coffee cup down and reached for the phone. He'd set up lunch with Gamma and if Abby wanted to come that would be great, if not he knew that she probably wasn't feeling all that great yet. He dialed and waited for his grandmother to answer.
"Hello."
"Hi Gamma"
"I wasn't expecting to hear from you this soon."
"I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me today"
"I never turn down lunch with my sweetest grandson. Will your lovely wife be joining us?"
"I don't know yet Gamma."
"Well, either way, I would love to do lunch. Where do you want to meet?"
"I thought that we could have lunch here Gamma."
"That would be nice, John. I would love to see how the house looks now that you have moved in."
"I would love to show it to you Gamma. Thank you."
I'll be there around one, is that all right?"
"That would be fine," He said smiling. He was trying to hold back from blurting it out right then and there.
"See you then," she said as she hung up.
Carter put the phone down and looked at the pile of charts. He knew that he needed to get them done, but for once in his life wasn't in a hurry to finish.
Abby turned over quickly, then realizing she had made a technical error, she ran to the bathroom and slammed the door.
Carter heard the bathroom door slam shut, he got up and headed back down the hall he wasn't sure if she wanted him to come in or not. He knocked on it, "Abby?"
"Go away, John," she groaned
He opened the door and walked in, he grabbed a washcloth from cabinet and kneeled down next to her, "here baby."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this."
"I want to," he said to her, "we are in this together."
"Just try not to join me this time, ok?"
"I won't," he said, "I'm not nervous now."
"Whatever you say," she said with a weak smile.
"Do you want some 7-up or crackers to help settle your stomach a little?"
"Just give me a few minutes, then I should be fine. I just moved to fast."
"Okay," he said to her.
After a few more minutes, Abby's color returned to normal, and she pulled herself back to her feet. "Looks like that's it for now."
"Do you want anything?"
"Maybe some toast and tea."
"I think that I can do that." He said heading out towards the kitchen, "oh I invited Gamma to lunch."
"You better be planning on being the one to cook."
"Take out." He said heading down the stairs. He walked in started the hot water and her toast. A few minutes later he was headed back to her he stepped inside the bedroom, "tea and toast."
"Thank you sweetie. I'm sorry I told you to go away. I was thinking, do you want to invite Susan too. Then we can get this announcing thing done.
"It's okay, do you want me to call her so that you can rest some more."
"Could you. I think I will nibble on this then take a nap."
"Yeah I can, what do you think you might be able to handle for lunch?"
"Not hamburgers and fries, that's for sure," Abby said with a wrinkle of her nose.
"No I was thinking about that new little salad and sandwich place down the street."
"That would work, just get me turkey or something."
"I can," He said he kissed her on the top of the head, then went back down the hall. He walked into the room and sat down at the desk again. He picked up the phone and this time dialed Susan's number.
"If this isn't important you are so dead,"she answered the phone.
"Nice to hear your voice too Sus." He said.
"Oh, Carter. I guess I will talk to you. What's up?"
"Hey Abby and I were wondering if you would come over for lunch today?"
"Sure, I'd love it. I would be honored to be your first guest in your new house.
"Great, how about at 1?"
"I'll be there."
"See you then," he said.
Abby slept another hour or so, then got up. This time she didn't have the urge to toss her cookies. Carter spent his time getting to the bottom of the pile of charts on his desk, he just finished the last one when he thought that he had heard Abby. He got up and walked out of the room. Abby headed for the bathroom to brush her hair and teeth. Carter looked at his watch, it was almost noon now. He headed down to the kitchen. The take out would be there soon. Abby got dressed, then looked for John. He knew that she wasn't feeling good so he made sure that stuff was somewhat straight and that he had the table set. He was heading out to flop on the couch when he saw her come through the dinning room, "have a good nap?"
"I did, thank you. You sent a mean table, Carter."
"At least I learned something useful." He said smiling at her.
If we are going to have a family, we better learn how to cook, don't you think."
"That might not be a bad idea," he said, "come here mommy-to-be"
Abby walked into his waiting arms. He hugged her close to him. "I didn't get a chance to tell you how happy I am."
"I'm happy too. I expected to be really scared, with Maggie and Eric and all, but for some reason I'm not."
"It will all work out." He said to her. "I can't promise everything will be okay, but I have a strong feeling that it will be."
"And if it's not, together we can handle anything."
"That we can." He said. There was a knocking on the door, "I bet that's lunch."
Abby let go of him, so he could answer the door. John went to the door, he paid the delivery guy and took lunch into the kitchen. "Gamma and Susan should be here soon."
"Do you think they well be surprised?"
"Surprised, that I'm not sure about, but I think that they will be very happy."
The doorbell sounded and Abby went to answer the door. Susan stood on the front porch. The house was beautiful. She was glad that John had called her this morning so that she could see for herself how Abby was doing.
"Come on in Susan," Abby said as she swung the door open wider.
"Hey Abby. The house is beautiful."
"Want the grand tour?"
"I would love that," Susan said
Abby walked Susan through the house, ending up in the master bathroom.
"It's a wonderful house Abby," Susan said to her, "how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Susan. How are you?"
"I'm good, but no really how are you feeling, you were so tired the other day."
"I'm fine, Susan. Really. We've just been really busy."
"Okay," Susan said not wanting to push her friend.
"The house is really nice Abby. You and Carter are so lucky."
"We are, and it has nothing to do with the house."
"What do you mean by that?" Susan asked
Abby felt her cheeks reddened. She hadn't wanted to tell Susan yet. "Just that after all we have been thought we have each other now."
"That's nice, you guys were destined to be a couple."
"John's grandmother is coming to lunch too. I hope you don't mind"
"Oh no I don't mind." She said.
"You two are our first guests."
"I was hoping to be the first." Susan said smiling. "I really do like the house Abby."
"So do I. Ready to head back downstairs?"
"Yeah." She said following Abby
"Gamma here yet?" Abby asked as they returned to the dinning room.
"No she's not." Carter said looking at her.
Carter heard a knock on the door, "do you want to get that or should I?"
"Go ahead, I let Susan in."
Carter walked over to the door and opened it. "Gamma," his face lit up when he saw her.
"Hello, John. Are you two getting settled in?"
"Yes we are Gamma. Come on in."
Abby smiled when she saw John's Grandmother. "Hello Gamma, did you want to look around the house, or eat first?
"Let's sit down and eat." She said, "I'm sure my grandson is starving."
"He is always starving."
"Yes I am." Carter said, "give me a minute and I will bring it to the table."
Abby, Susan and Gamma took their seats at the table. John had really done a nice job with the setting.
He went to the kitchen and got the food, he had taken it from take out containers and put it in real bowls. "Salad and sandwiches ladies."
"And did you cook, Carter?" Susan asked.
He smiled, "you know me Susan."
"Yes, I do. But I couldn't help myself."
"I know," he turned to Abby, "here's your turkey."
"Thank you, It looks wonderful."
"You're welcome." He said setting the food down. "Help yourselves."
The smells of all the food was starting to get to Abby. Her stomach was beginning to roll. Not now, she thought. Carter looked at her, she didn't look all that great. Abby was turning that funny shade of green. Abby opened her mouth to try to say something, then jumped up, put her hand over her mouth and ran out of the room. Carter watched her leave. He looked at his grandmother and his best friend. He didn't know if he should go after her right away or sit down and wait for her to come back.
"Carter, do you and Abby have something to tell us?" Susan asked an amused smile on her face.
"I really should wait for Abby to get back." He said smiling.
"I know that look, son," Gamma said. "She might be awhile."
"We are having a baby." He said bursting with excitement.
Susan jumped up and hugged him. "Congratulations. When did you find out?"
"Last night." Carter said.
"That is wonderful John. I do hope we are the first ones you have told," Gamma said.
"You are."
"I better go check on Abby. She didn't look good." Susan said.
"I'll do it, sit finish your lunch." Carter said getting up from the table.
"Sit down, Carter. I can take care of it. And besides I think you are going to have plenty of opportunities."
"Okay, okay," he said sitting back down. He watched Susan walk away to go help his pregnant wife.
Susan knocked on the bathroom door. "Abby?"
"Enter at your own risk," came the muffled reply
Susan walked in, "do you need anything?"
"A glass of water and a stronger stomach."
"Glass of water I can do, stronger stomach, you'll have that in 3 months."
"Gee thanks, Susan." Abby said from her place on the floor.
"Well what can I say," Susan said looking at her friend, "other than I am so happy for you and Carter."
"I am happy too, well most of the time, anyway."
"It will get better. And you know Carter's going to be right there for you." She said, "I made him sit so I could come up here. I'll go get that glass of water for you." Susan put her hand on the door. "You going to be a great mom Abby."
"If I survive pregnancy."
"Sure you will," She said slipping out the door, she walked down stairs, had Carter get her a glass and took the water back up to Abby. "Anything else Abby."
"I think that's all. Abby got back to her feet and took the water from Susan. She took a few small sips, then satisfied that it would stay down, she drank a bit more.
"So when are you due?"
"I don't know for sure, haven't got a chance to get a hold of a wheel yet, but best I can figure, the end of October."
"Busy wedding night?"
Abby blushed. "I guess so."
"Do you have an OB yet or will you be seeing Coburn?"
"Susan, I just found out last night that I was pregnant. But I won't pick Coburn, she a witch. McLucus probably."
"I agree with you there." Susan laughed. "I'm sorry I am just excited for you. I know how much Carter has always wanted children."
"He's going to be a great daddy." Abby smiled, she could just picture John with their baby.
"He looks so excited Abby, he wanted to wait to tell us until you came back down."
"I'm glad he didn't wait. There is no telling how long I would be in here. But I think I am ready to go back now."
"If your sure." Susan said looking at her heading for the door, "there's no rush."
"That's ok, I need to face Gamma sometime."
"She understands Abby." Susan said.
Abby splashed some water on her face. "I really am ready."
"Okay," Susan said as she headed back down to where Carter was sitting with Gamma.
"Sorry about that. I wanted to be a little more subtle with our announcement."
"It's okay Abby, those things happen, congratulations." Gamma said to her.
"Thank you. Did you at least get a chance to eat, or did I ruin your appetite?"
"No we got to eat." She said, "you have such good news it could never ruin an appetite.
"We aren't telling anyone else right now, we want to wait until I am through the first trimester."
"Your news is safe with me." Gamma said.
"I won't tell a soul," Susan said grinning
"Yeah, right. Like you didn't tell anyone we got married."
"I can keep a secret Abby."
"Whatever you say, Susan."
"I promise." She said, "but I couldn't throw you a reception if I didn't tell people."
"Okay, you got me there."
Carter smiled at her. At least the green was gone from her cheeks.
Abby sat back down at the table, and was able to eat. They talked about names and such. After Susan and Gamma left, Abby pulled John over to the couch to sit down.
He wrapped his arms around her, "what is it baby."
"I just want to sit here with you."
"I can do that."
As they cuddled together on the couch Abby though how she couldn't wait to see John hold their baby.
They worked and packed over the next two weeks. John was worried about Abby, she kept falling asleep and she looked so tired. Hopefully they would get this move done soon so he would stop worrying about everything she had been doing. He called a moving company to move the furniture on their two days off.
Carter got up the morning that the moving company was coming to take all the big stuff to the house. He was getting more worried about Abby every day. She was not quite herself anymore, she was tired, and he noticed that she hadn't lit up a cigarette since they had gotten home. He gently shook her, "Abby," he said quietly.
Abby woke up, rubbing her eyes. She was still tired. If it hadn't been that they were moving the furniture today, she wouldn't have bothered to get up at all.
"Honey I'm sorry to wake you but the moving people are going to be in 20 minutes and they can't move the bed with you in it."
"Are you sure?" she asked, struggling to keep her eyes open.
"Yeah I"m sure." He said, "do you want me to see if Susan is home and you can crash there."
"Would you mind?"
"No I wouldn't, are you feeling okay?" He asked, worriedly.
"I'm fine, I just want to sleep," she said, losing the battle to keep her eyes open.
He picked up the phone and called Susan. He watched Abby as he waited for her to pick up.
"Hello."
"Susan, it's John," He said, "I hate to keep bugging you for favors, but I need a place for Abby to crash until I can get the stuff moved from the apartment."
"She doesn't want to take charge of the move?" Susan asked.
"No, and I'm worried about her, she doesn't want to get out of bed.
"Well, the two of you have been very busy for almost a month. It has probably just all caught up with her."
"Can she sleep there for a couple of hours?"
"Sure, bring her over. Don't even have her get out of her pj's if she doesn't want to."
"Thanks, we'll see you shortly." He said to her. He hung up the phone and walked over to Abby.
Carter pulled a pair of her flannel pj's out of a box in the bedroom. Trying not to wake her up, he slipped them on. Abby opened one eye. "What are you doing?"
"Susan said you could crash over there, but I wasn't going to carry you to her house naked."
"Oh, okay," she muttered and went back to sleep.
He picked her up and carried her down and put her into the jeep. He drove her over to Susan. Lifted her out of the jeep and carried her up to Susan's apartment. He knocked on her door. Susan opened the door to let them in, "Where do you want her Susan."
She looked at Abby. "She really is out, isn't she. Just put her on my bed."
"Yeah she is." he said laying her down on the bed. "can you see why I worry about her."
"She does look a little pale."
"Would you just keep an eye on her for me please," he asked, "she has been dying to move into the house and I have the moving crew there in 10 minutes. I'll come and get her when they get the furniture moved."
"You got it. Maybe after the move is done if she's still feeling wiped out you should see if she'd let you draw some labs.
"I will." He said heading to the door, "Thanks."
Carter headed back to Abby's apartment. He spent the next three hours making sure that everything got moved to the house. He watched as they hauled everything inside putting it in the right rooms. He had managed to move his stuff from the other apartment over his days off. He made sure that the bed was made and ready for her before he headed back over to Susan's. He was tired now. He knocked on her door. Abby answered the door.
"Hey, John. How did I end up asleep in Susan's bed?"
"I brought you over this morning you were really tired." He said happy to see her awake.
"Well it must be contagious, because she's asleep now," Abby said, gesturing toward Susan's room.
"Are you ready to go to your new home?" He asked.
"Sure, should we wake Susan, or just leave her a note."
"We should leave her a note." He said. "She's working tonight and I would hate to be the one to cause her not to get enough sleep."
After writing a quick note to Susan, they walked out to the Jeep. Carter climbed in and started it up, "are you feeling any better?" He asked.
"I'm fine, in fact, I'm hungry. Run thought the drive-thru will you."
"Okay," He said. She was confusing him. "what do you want." He asked as he pulled into the drive thru.
"A hamburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake," she said, eagerly.
He ordered, pulled forward and picked it up. He handed the bag to her. And then started on their way to the house again. Abby didn't even bother to wait until they got to the house to eat. She had her food finished before they got there. As soon as John pulled the Jeep into the driveway, she was out of the car and headed to the house. "I can't wait to see how it turned out."
"I'm sure that you will like it, I had them put everything where you told me too." He said.
Abby looked around. Everything looked good. Her bedroom furniture was in the master bedroom, and John's from his old apartment was in one of the other rooms. His computer and books were in the third. the fourth bedroom was mostly empty.
"Is everything the way that you want it."
"It looks wonderful. Lets go light a fire."
"Sounds good to me," he said as he headed back to the fireplace. He got everything together and soon had a fire going. Abby sat on the couch. She felt content. She had John, and their home. What else could she need. He snuggled her close to him. He leaned down and kissed her, "this feels nice." Abby relaxed into his arms.
"I love you," He said rubbing her back and shoulders. He started to nibble on the nape of her neck.
"I love you, too." she said.
The fireplace reminded him of their honeymoon. He started to run his hands along her body wanting to feel the touch of her skin on his hands. All of a sudden Abby sat straight up. "I'm going to be sick." She got to her feet, clamped her hand over her mouth and hurried to the bathroom.
Carter could hear her in the bathroom retching. He walked in there and grabbed a washcloth running it under cold water he dabbed it to her forehead.
"I'm sorry," she said, laying her head on the toilet seat.
It's okay." He said, he thought back for a minute trying to figure out what was going on with her, she had been sleeping so much, and now here she was throwing up out of the blue. Susan said that he should have her get labs. "Abby, are you?"
"What?"
The doctor in him told him, "are you late?"
"Late?" Abby asked, puzzled.
"You've been so tired lately and now your in here throwing up, is your period late?" He asked his wife.
The thought alone was enough to set Abby off again.
He held her hair back, when she was finished he handed her the washcloth again. This time he didn't say anything.
"I think my period was due on Valentine's day.
Reality hit him in the face like a ton of bricks. Abby was going to have a baby. He was going to be a dad, "oh God I think I'm going to be sick."
Abby moved over, giving him access to the toilet.
Carter felt like such a dork. Here his beautiful wife was having morning sickness and he was throwing up in the toilet along side of her. He sat down on the bathroom floor.
"Do you want the washcloth," she asked. Abby handed him the washcloth, then leaned back over the toilet. Carter moved over and tried his best to take care of her. He was so happy at the thought of being a father, but yet he was scared to death.
Abby pulled her head back up and looked over at John, he looked as green as she felt. "Do you really think I'm pregnant?"
"Yes." He said hoping that he didn't set her off again.
"Are you sure?"
"There's only one way to find out." He said.
"Do we have to do it in the ER?" she asked with a frown.
"No we can do it at home." He said smiling at her.
"So which one of us is going to pull themselves out of the bathroom and to the store?"
"I will." He said "I'm okay."
"By the way, I think I know why I got sick, but why were you?"
"Nerves." He said looking at her, "you know me. I don't deal with nerves well."
"Is this going to be an everyday occurrence, sharing the porcelain god."
"No, will you be alright?"
"I think so, on your way back from the store can you get me a strawberry milkshake?"
"Yes I will be back in a few." He said walking out of the bathroom. He headed down stairs and grabbed his keys. He wanted to get back to her as soon as he could.
He stopped by the store and then headed back to the house. On the way there he picked up a milkshake for Abby.
Abby was sitting on the couch waiting for John to get back. What a way to spend the first night in their new home.
He walked back in the house. He hoped that she wasn't still on the bathroom floor. She gave him a little wave when he came in, and held out her hand.
"This is for you." he said handing her the shake.
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
"Do you want me to leave this in the bathroom?" He asked.
"That seams the best place for it."
He walked in and sat in down on the counter top before heading back out and sitting down next to her. She was cradling the milkshake like it was gold.
"I take it your feeling a little better."
"I am. Want some?"
"No that's okay."
After she finished she said, "Are we doing this test together, or am I flying solo?"
"I'll do it with you," He said.
Hand in hand they walked into the bathroom.
"You ready?"
"I think so, are you going to watch me piddle?"
"No thanks I'll leave."
"Chicken."
"No that's more than what I need to see."
"Then go get the butter dish."
Carter walked out of the bathroom and stood outside the door. "Holler when you are done."
"Will do. Did you get the butter dish already?"
"I'm going" He said, not sure why she wanted the butter dish.
"Okay, I'm done."
He walked back in. "Are we ready for this?" He was nervous.
"I guess. Are we going to wait here, the living room, or the bedroom," she said, as she took the butter dish from him, and placed the test stick inside and recovered it.
He smiled, "I don't know, living room I guess."
They went back into the living room, and Abby sat the butter dish on the coffee table.
"How long do we have to wait?"
"Instructions say 5 minutes."
"Okay." He said, trying to think of something to keep his mind off it
"Maybe we have something to do with that empty room now."
"Yeah we might."
"What were we doing before all this started?"
"Snuggling."
"Can we do that again?"
"Yeah" He said pulling her next to him.
She relaxed in his arms and thought about the test cooking in the butter dish. What did it mean to them. For years she had been terrified of having a baby, but now, somehow, it seemed okay. John was here at her side, and she knew he would always be there, no matter what.
"Are you okay with this." He said.
"I think I am. How about you?"
"Yeah I am sure this is what I want."
"Will you be disappointed if it is a false alarm?"
"No I won't." He said to her, "we have the rest of our lives together."
"Has it been five minutes?"
"Yeah"
Do you want to lift the lid or do you want me to?"
He took her hand in his, "together."
With their hands joined, they lifted the lid. A plus sign glowed on the stick. Carter about fainted.
Abby saw the color drain from his face, "John, don't you dare fall apart on me."
"I won't." He said, "I'm happy Abby, I'm very happy!"
She settled back into his arms. "So am I."
He kissed the top of her head. "A baby."
"Our baby."
"Yes, our baby." He couldn't sit still.
"What are you doing, John." Abby said as she watched him.
"I can't sit still Abby. I want to run thru Chicago telling the world that I am going to be a dad."
"Don't you think we should wait a while, like maybe until we are through the first trimester.
"I guess you're right, but I'm still extremely excited."
"I'll tell you what. You can tell one person now. Everyone else has to wait."
He thought for a minute, "one person."
"Yes, one person."
"That would have to be either Susan or Gamma." He said thinking of the two closet people to him.
"I didn't say that I couldn't tell one person too."
"Who do you want to tell?"
"Lets sleep on it. I'm tired."
Abby snuggled into the bed, with John at her side. This morning they were a couple. Now, as they lay together in their new home, they were a family.
Carter awoke to the sun shinning into the bedroom, he rolled over trying not to wake Abby. He was thinking that he and Gamma should get together for lunch today. Maybe Abby could join them. He slipped out from under the covers and headed into the kitchen. He started the coffee and the dug around looking for something that he could call breakfast. He would wait until Abby got up to call Gamma. That way he would know if she would be able to join them or if she had plans for today.
Abby stretched and thought about getting up, but figure since it was her day off she might as well lay in bed a little while longer.
Carter walked by on his way to where his computer was now that he had his coffee, he wanted to catch up on some work. Carter sat at the desk, he put the coffee cup down and reached for the phone. He'd set up lunch with Gamma and if Abby wanted to come that would be great, if not he knew that she probably wasn't feeling all that great yet. He dialed and waited for his grandmother to answer.
"Hello."
"Hi Gamma"
"I wasn't expecting to hear from you this soon."
"I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me today"
"I never turn down lunch with my sweetest grandson. Will your lovely wife be joining us?"
"I don't know yet Gamma."
"Well, either way, I would love to do lunch. Where do you want to meet?"
"I thought that we could have lunch here Gamma."
"That would be nice, John. I would love to see how the house looks now that you have moved in."
"I would love to show it to you Gamma. Thank you."
I'll be there around one, is that all right?"
"That would be fine," He said smiling. He was trying to hold back from blurting it out right then and there.
"See you then," she said as she hung up.
Carter put the phone down and looked at the pile of charts. He knew that he needed to get them done, but for once in his life wasn't in a hurry to finish.
Abby turned over quickly, then realizing she had made a technical error, she ran to the bathroom and slammed the door.
Carter heard the bathroom door slam shut, he got up and headed back down the hall he wasn't sure if she wanted him to come in or not. He knocked on it, "Abby?"
"Go away, John," she groaned
He opened the door and walked in, he grabbed a washcloth from cabinet and kneeled down next to her, "here baby."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this."
"I want to," he said to her, "we are in this together."
"Just try not to join me this time, ok?"
"I won't," he said, "I'm not nervous now."
"Whatever you say," she said with a weak smile.
"Do you want some 7-up or crackers to help settle your stomach a little?"
"Just give me a few minutes, then I should be fine. I just moved to fast."
"Okay," he said to her.
After a few more minutes, Abby's color returned to normal, and she pulled herself back to her feet. "Looks like that's it for now."
"Do you want anything?"
"Maybe some toast and tea."
"I think that I can do that." He said heading out towards the kitchen, "oh I invited Gamma to lunch."
"You better be planning on being the one to cook."
"Take out." He said heading down the stairs. He walked in started the hot water and her toast. A few minutes later he was headed back to her he stepped inside the bedroom, "tea and toast."
"Thank you sweetie. I'm sorry I told you to go away. I was thinking, do you want to invite Susan too. Then we can get this announcing thing done.
"It's okay, do you want me to call her so that you can rest some more."
"Could you. I think I will nibble on this then take a nap."
"Yeah I can, what do you think you might be able to handle for lunch?"
"Not hamburgers and fries, that's for sure," Abby said with a wrinkle of her nose.
"No I was thinking about that new little salad and sandwich place down the street."
"That would work, just get me turkey or something."
"I can," He said he kissed her on the top of the head, then went back down the hall. He walked into the room and sat down at the desk again. He picked up the phone and this time dialed Susan's number.
"If this isn't important you are so dead,"she answered the phone.
"Nice to hear your voice too Sus." He said.
"Oh, Carter. I guess I will talk to you. What's up?"
"Hey Abby and I were wondering if you would come over for lunch today?"
"Sure, I'd love it. I would be honored to be your first guest in your new house.
"Great, how about at 1?"
"I'll be there."
"See you then," he said.
Abby slept another hour or so, then got up. This time she didn't have the urge to toss her cookies. Carter spent his time getting to the bottom of the pile of charts on his desk, he just finished the last one when he thought that he had heard Abby. He got up and walked out of the room. Abby headed for the bathroom to brush her hair and teeth. Carter looked at his watch, it was almost noon now. He headed down to the kitchen. The take out would be there soon. Abby got dressed, then looked for John. He knew that she wasn't feeling good so he made sure that stuff was somewhat straight and that he had the table set. He was heading out to flop on the couch when he saw her come through the dinning room, "have a good nap?"
"I did, thank you. You sent a mean table, Carter."
"At least I learned something useful." He said smiling at her.
If we are going to have a family, we better learn how to cook, don't you think."
"That might not be a bad idea," he said, "come here mommy-to-be"
Abby walked into his waiting arms. He hugged her close to him. "I didn't get a chance to tell you how happy I am."
"I'm happy too. I expected to be really scared, with Maggie and Eric and all, but for some reason I'm not."
"It will all work out." He said to her. "I can't promise everything will be okay, but I have a strong feeling that it will be."
"And if it's not, together we can handle anything."
"That we can." He said. There was a knocking on the door, "I bet that's lunch."
Abby let go of him, so he could answer the door. John went to the door, he paid the delivery guy and took lunch into the kitchen. "Gamma and Susan should be here soon."
"Do you think they well be surprised?"
"Surprised, that I'm not sure about, but I think that they will be very happy."
The doorbell sounded and Abby went to answer the door. Susan stood on the front porch. The house was beautiful. She was glad that John had called her this morning so that she could see for herself how Abby was doing.
"Come on in Susan," Abby said as she swung the door open wider.
"Hey Abby. The house is beautiful."
"Want the grand tour?"
"I would love that," Susan said
Abby walked Susan through the house, ending up in the master bathroom.
"It's a wonderful house Abby," Susan said to her, "how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Susan. How are you?"
"I'm good, but no really how are you feeling, you were so tired the other day."
"I'm fine, Susan. Really. We've just been really busy."
"Okay," Susan said not wanting to push her friend.
"The house is really nice Abby. You and Carter are so lucky."
"We are, and it has nothing to do with the house."
"What do you mean by that?" Susan asked
Abby felt her cheeks reddened. She hadn't wanted to tell Susan yet. "Just that after all we have been thought we have each other now."
"That's nice, you guys were destined to be a couple."
"John's grandmother is coming to lunch too. I hope you don't mind"
"Oh no I don't mind." She said.
"You two are our first guests."
"I was hoping to be the first." Susan said smiling. "I really do like the house Abby."
"So do I. Ready to head back downstairs?"
"Yeah." She said following Abby
"Gamma here yet?" Abby asked as they returned to the dinning room.
"No she's not." Carter said looking at her.
Carter heard a knock on the door, "do you want to get that or should I?"
"Go ahead, I let Susan in."
Carter walked over to the door and opened it. "Gamma," his face lit up when he saw her.
"Hello, John. Are you two getting settled in?"
"Yes we are Gamma. Come on in."
Abby smiled when she saw John's Grandmother. "Hello Gamma, did you want to look around the house, or eat first?
"Let's sit down and eat." She said, "I'm sure my grandson is starving."
"He is always starving."
"Yes I am." Carter said, "give me a minute and I will bring it to the table."
Abby, Susan and Gamma took their seats at the table. John had really done a nice job with the setting.
He went to the kitchen and got the food, he had taken it from take out containers and put it in real bowls. "Salad and sandwiches ladies."
"And did you cook, Carter?" Susan asked.
He smiled, "you know me Susan."
"Yes, I do. But I couldn't help myself."
"I know," he turned to Abby, "here's your turkey."
"Thank you, It looks wonderful."
"You're welcome." He said setting the food down. "Help yourselves."
The smells of all the food was starting to get to Abby. Her stomach was beginning to roll. Not now, she thought. Carter looked at her, she didn't look all that great. Abby was turning that funny shade of green. Abby opened her mouth to try to say something, then jumped up, put her hand over her mouth and ran out of the room. Carter watched her leave. He looked at his grandmother and his best friend. He didn't know if he should go after her right away or sit down and wait for her to come back.
"Carter, do you and Abby have something to tell us?" Susan asked an amused smile on her face.
"I really should wait for Abby to get back." He said smiling.
"I know that look, son," Gamma said. "She might be awhile."
"We are having a baby." He said bursting with excitement.
Susan jumped up and hugged him. "Congratulations. When did you find out?"
"Last night." Carter said.
"That is wonderful John. I do hope we are the first ones you have told," Gamma said.
"You are."
"I better go check on Abby. She didn't look good." Susan said.
"I'll do it, sit finish your lunch." Carter said getting up from the table.
"Sit down, Carter. I can take care of it. And besides I think you are going to have plenty of opportunities."
"Okay, okay," he said sitting back down. He watched Susan walk away to go help his pregnant wife.
Susan knocked on the bathroom door. "Abby?"
"Enter at your own risk," came the muffled reply
Susan walked in, "do you need anything?"
"A glass of water and a stronger stomach."
"Glass of water I can do, stronger stomach, you'll have that in 3 months."
"Gee thanks, Susan." Abby said from her place on the floor.
"Well what can I say," Susan said looking at her friend, "other than I am so happy for you and Carter."
"I am happy too, well most of the time, anyway."
"It will get better. And you know Carter's going to be right there for you." She said, "I made him sit so I could come up here. I'll go get that glass of water for you." Susan put her hand on the door. "You going to be a great mom Abby."
"If I survive pregnancy."
"Sure you will," She said slipping out the door, she walked down stairs, had Carter get her a glass and took the water back up to Abby. "Anything else Abby."
"I think that's all. Abby got back to her feet and took the water from Susan. She took a few small sips, then satisfied that it would stay down, she drank a bit more.
"So when are you due?"
"I don't know for sure, haven't got a chance to get a hold of a wheel yet, but best I can figure, the end of October."
"Busy wedding night?"
Abby blushed. "I guess so."
"Do you have an OB yet or will you be seeing Coburn?"
"Susan, I just found out last night that I was pregnant. But I won't pick Coburn, she a witch. McLucus probably."
"I agree with you there." Susan laughed. "I'm sorry I am just excited for you. I know how much Carter has always wanted children."
"He's going to be a great daddy." Abby smiled, she could just picture John with their baby.
"He looks so excited Abby, he wanted to wait to tell us until you came back down."
"I'm glad he didn't wait. There is no telling how long I would be in here. But I think I am ready to go back now."
"If your sure." Susan said looking at her heading for the door, "there's no rush."
"That's ok, I need to face Gamma sometime."
"She understands Abby." Susan said.
Abby splashed some water on her face. "I really am ready."
"Okay," Susan said as she headed back down to where Carter was sitting with Gamma.
"Sorry about that. I wanted to be a little more subtle with our announcement."
"It's okay Abby, those things happen, congratulations." Gamma said to her.
"Thank you. Did you at least get a chance to eat, or did I ruin your appetite?"
"No we got to eat." She said, "you have such good news it could never ruin an appetite.
"We aren't telling anyone else right now, we want to wait until I am through the first trimester."
"Your news is safe with me." Gamma said.
"I won't tell a soul," Susan said grinning
"Yeah, right. Like you didn't tell anyone we got married."
"I can keep a secret Abby."
"Whatever you say, Susan."
"I promise." She said, "but I couldn't throw you a reception if I didn't tell people."
"Okay, you got me there."
Carter smiled at her. At least the green was gone from her cheeks.
Abby sat back down at the table, and was able to eat. They talked about names and such. After Susan and Gamma left, Abby pulled John over to the couch to sit down.
He wrapped his arms around her, "what is it baby."
"I just want to sit here with you."
"I can do that."
As they cuddled together on the couch Abby though how she couldn't wait to see John hold their baby.