Authors Note: I'm sorry this took so very long to post, but some negative reviews of this story and another one I wrote made me a little gun shy, but with some kind words of encouragment, I decided I owed it to myself, my coauthor and the readers to post the last two chapters.
Morning came, and Abby slinked out of bed trying not to wake her sleeping beauties. She had a little work to do before she could send the baby with Barbara. She dug through her bag and found the pump she had brought along. If she got started now, she would have enough bottles ready for Barb.
Carter opened one eye to see that the sun had come up. He stretched out the arm that wasn't holding onto the baby then noticed Abby had gotten out of bed already. He blinked a couple of times looking around the room for her seeing her come out of the bathroom with two bottles. He watched her put them in the diaper bag cooler, "I was wondering where you had gone."
Abby motioned toward the bag, "Prep work," she said. "How are my two favorite people this morning?"
"I'm good and I think my princess is good too. "Would you toss me a diaper?" John asked.
"I'll even hand it to you." Abby said as she crossed back over toward the bed.
"Thank you, I'm sure Julie-Anne appreciates it." He said laying the baby down on the bed, he started to change her diaper, "you appreciate this don't you angel girl." The baby just batted her eyes at her father. "There you go." He said as he finished, smiling he lifted the baby up over his head. "How is my angel girl this morning?" Julie-Anne cooed at her daddy. "Is that so," He said back to her, "how's Mommy this morning?"
"Mommy is looking forward to having Daddy all to herself tonight?" Abby said with a smile as she lay back down on their bed. He sat the baby down and leaned over kissing Abby. "Happy anniversary, baby."
"Happy anniversary to you too, but it's not technically our anniversary until sunset."
"Oh and here I thought that I would get to celebrate the whole day with you." He said smiling.
"If you insist," Abby said, with a fake pout.
"Oh I do." He said, "But, you have to wait until sunset for your present. You didn't think I would forget did you?"
"John, you haven't forgotten a present giving occasion in all the time I've known you. I don't think you will start now."
"You think I am bad now, just wait until Julie-Anne's first birthday gets here," John said with a grin.
"Oh, Lord," Abby said, rolling her eyes.
"What do you want to do today?"
"I'd like to go for a walk, but remember I can't get too far away from the room."
"Okay," he said smiling at her, "we can just take a small one on the ground staying close to the room."
After getting herself and the baby dressed, Abby was ready to go. She stood at the door with happy feet.
"I'm coming Abby." John said, smiling as he watched her dance.
"I want to get out in the air." Abby said, her eyes bright. I want to smell the trees and the water."
"I know you do," He said pulling the door closed behind him. He put his arm around her waist. She leaned into him; her skin still tingled whenever he touched her. He led her outside into the crisp winter air. It was beautiful outside; the scent of pine tress filled the air. It was nice to be outside someplace other than Chicago waiting for the next trauma to pull up. Smelling something other than the smog. They walked hand in hand for a while, and then headed back in. John took off his coat and took the baby from his wife. He laid her down and unbundled the baby. "Hope you don't mind but I'd like to steal a few minutes with my daughter."
"Sure, I have a date with a pump. Have fun," Abby said, with a wave.
He picked her up, "would you like to spend some time with Daddy?" He asked his daughter, he pulled her close into his chest. He loved the sweet smell of baby.
The rest of the morning and afternoon flew by, and before Abby knew it, Barbara was there to pick up the baby.
"Are you ready to have some time alone with your hubby?" Barbara asked her.
"I am. I am a little nervous about being away from Julie-Anne, but to have some time alone with my husband is worth it."
"I'll take good care of her Abby. We will just be on the other side of the castle. Try not to worry," Barbara said, holding her arms out for the baby.
"I know, it's going to be hard." Abby said as she handed Barbara the baby and the diaper bag. "Be good for Auntie Barbie," she said, giving Julie-Anne a kiss on the forehead, and then Carter kissed his daughter, "thanks Barbie."
"Next year you can return the favor," Barbara said, as she cuddled the baby.
"I look forward to that." He said smiling.
Abby closed the door behind Barbara and the baby, then leaned against it.
"Are you okay?" John asked, putting his arms around his wife.
"I will be, just give me a minute."
He just smiled at her, and gave her a couple of minutes without saying anything. He was pretty sure that she missed her daughter already and she hadn't even been gone a minute. She sighed, and then walked over to the bed. Maybe if she lay down a while she could convince herself that she was home and Julie-Anne was asleep in her nursery. Carter watched her lay down on bed; he followed and snuggled in behind her. He wished that he could find the right words to make her feel better. "I love you Abby."
She leaned back into his arms. "I love you too."
"Is there anything that I can do for you, my love?"
"Just hold me a while."
"That I can do." He said snuggling up against her. He loved to have his wife in his arms. He never wanted to let her go.
They lay there a while, then Abby sat up. "She's crying, John."
He pulled her back down, "Abby, Barbara has her, she is fine honey. Barbie would come and get us in an instant if there was anything remotely wrong with Julie-Anne."
"I know she's crying, Abby said, gesturing to her front."I'm leaking."
Carter looked at his wife; a tender smile crossed his face. He kissed her as he reached down and undid the buttons on her shirt. He placed and trail of kisses down her neck down towards her breasts and he slowly removed her bra. He kissed his way back up to her neck and gently whispered into her ears, "I think I can help you, love." God she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, "I love you Abby," He said to her as he bent his head down and took her nipple in her mouth as he gently began to suckle on her.
"Oh," Abby gasped. When the baby nursed she felt, content, sleepy. But with her husbands mouth on her the sensations were different. She felt warm, tingly. She didn't want him to stop. He took his time, moving slowly. They were in no hurry and had the entire night to themselves and he was going to make her the happiest woman alive. He took his mouth kissing across her chest taking the other nipple in his mouth. He was enjoying the time with her, just her.
Abby opened her eyes. She watched as her husband placed his mouth to her breast. This was incredible. She felt her heart rate begin to race. Her breath came in short gasps. She could feel her milk flood his mouth, his tongue wrapped around her nipple. John could feel his body begin to respond. He was going to take his time and make love to his wife. He used his hands to explore her body. He could hear her heart beating faster now. God she felt so good under his hand, her skin so soft and warm to his touch. Abby felt her hips start to buck of their own accord, she tried to continue to watch her husband but her head began to toss side to side, he was pushing her over the edge with just his mouth. With his hand he slipped her free of what clothing she had left on. He slipped his shirt and pants off, and then returned to pleasuring his wife. "I love you Abby Carter."
"Love you, don't stop," she panted. He continued to suckle on her breasts as he slipped inside of her. He began to slowly move his hips as he worked his tongue around her breast. "Oh God, John." she cried, as her muscles clamped down on him. She couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. As she closed them she saw fireworks. A billion lights flashed behind her eyelids as she felt her husband inside her and his thirsty mouth to her breast. She felt him continue on, moving from one breast to the other, picking up the pace as he drove into her. As soon as she reached the peak, she thought her body would relax, instead she could feel it rising again. She moved in time with him, urging him deeper. He could feel his body responding to her, he placed his hands under her hips pulling her upwards to him, he pushed harder and faster. He couldn't hold back any longer. He thrust deep inside her as he felt his seed spilling into her. She felt his warmth flood her; it was enough to push her over the edge again. She clutched at his body, holding him as close as she could get him. John was breathing heavy as he lay on top of his wife. He smiled at her with a grin that he was sure wasn't going to leave his face for while. She reached up to kiss him; she could taste the sweetness there. He kissed her back. He loved her. He let a sigh escape his lips as he collapsed onto the bed pulling her into his arms.
"I love you, she said as she relaxed into his arms.
"I love you too Abby." He said. John looked toward the window, the sun was softly setting. Getting up, he handed Abby her robe, "I want to watch the sun go down with you in my arms."
Abby took her robe from him, and wrapped it around herself. She would like nothing better than to be in his arms all night. He pulled her over so she could see out the window as he wrapped his arms around her. He watched with her close to him as the sun disappeared behind the Alps.
"Its been exactly a year," she whispered
"Yes it has." He smiled up at her, reaching over for the small box that he had stashed in the nightstand. "I want you to have this."
"You and your little boxes," she said, as she held her hand out.
He watched as she opened it, inside he had picked out a chain with three small rings attached, one was garnet, one was ruby and the third was opal.
"Oh John, it's beautiful," she said, wrapping her arms around him again.
"It called to me." He said, "I'm glad you like it Abby."
"It's a ring for each of us. I love it."
"Maybe next year I will need to add another." He said smiling.
"Hopefully," she said, smiling up at him.
"We will just have to wait and see, but I sure don't mind trying." He said grinning at her.
"I thought that is what we just did?"
"Well I could just role over and go to sleep," he said with a grin.
"And waste our one night alone?"
"As long as you are here beside me Abby, I couldn't ask for anything else."
"Well, where do you want to go next, bed, bath or floor in front of the fireplace."
"In front of the fireplace." He said smiling, "then the bath, then the bed, and where ever else I can."
"Sounds like I have a busy night in front of me, I don't know if I can keep up."
He nuzzled her neck, "I'll go slow."
"I have faith in your skills," she giggled.
He spread the giant quilt out onto the floor, "come here and let me show you my skills."
Abby headed to her husband, just his smile was making her feel weak in the knees.
John pulled Abby in next to him, he took her on her back in front of the fire, in the bathroom, on the bed, making her head spin over and over again. They finally collapsed on the bed exhausted.
As the sun shown through their window. Abby groaned. She was still tired, but in a well satisfied way. John looked at his wife. "I wonder how Barbie and Kevin slept?"
"They had Julie-Anne with them. We probably slept better."
"Yeah we probably did." He said, "I actually miss her a lot."
"So did I, at least part of the time," Abby blushed.
He smiled, "only part of the time."
"Well, part of the time I had the fantastic looking man trying to distract me."
"I'll have to do better next time."
"I don't know if I could survive if you did any better."
"Oh yes you could, I am very proficient in mouth to mouth."
"I can attest to that."
He smiled pulling her close to him, "too bad this has to end soon."
"Maybe when we get home, I will actually let Susan baby-sit now. She asks, I just used to turn her down."
"I think she may have her hands full soon. She and Luka seem to be settling in. I am so happy that they both have someone now."
"True, she's due any day now. Well maybe in a few months we can trade for nights out."
"I would like that. I just hope she makes it until I get home, I promised her I would be there."
"Does she figure Luka is going to freak out the way you did?"
"No, he's been there before," Carter said. "she just wants someone to give a little extra support."
"I know that she is happy about the baby, but the idea of delivery brings back all the feelings about Susie. I felt so bad for her when she told me all that she went through."
"I know, it's hard to forget what Chloe put her thru. But things will be different this time, she has Luka, and they will make it together, just like we did."
"And Luka will have a family again. He so deserves it." Abby though a moment about Luka losing his kids. "I can't wait, let's go get Julie-Anne."
"Sounds good to me." He said pulling his clothes on, Abby wasn't going to have to say this twice.
They walked down the stairs hand in hand, and headed to the dinning room where they heard laughter. "Sounds like Barbie is having fun."
"How could she not, she has our little darling with her."
He looked at his sister playing with his baby girl. He couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"She's an absolute angle, Scooter. I hope mine is as good."
"I'm sure, it's the Carter genes," John said with a grin.
"God knows it isn't the Wyczenski ones, "Abby added
"She has my heart wrapped around her finger, just like her mother does."
As Julie-Anne looked up and saw Abby, she started smacking her lips.
"And my appetite got passed along, better be careful Barbie, that one might follow you, too," John said with a laugh.
"I hate to run, but she really needs to eat," Abby said crossing her arms in front of her.
Carter smiled at his wife, "do you want me to come up with you?"
"Please do. Barb thanks for watching her, we will see you later."
"It was my pleasure," Barbie said handing her the baby. "Dinner, right?"
"We'll see you then," John said, as the little Carter family headed back upstairs.
As it had the year before the days and nights in Chillon Castle went by in a blur. Before Abby knew it, it was Valentine's Day eve. Carter looked up at Abby from the bed. He was enjoying the time with them no matter how fast it was flying by,
"You okay?" He asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, why do you ask?"
"You just seem a little pre-occupied."
"I guess I am, a little," Abby conceded.
"What is it, baby?"
"I'm just hoping to have the perfect gift for you tomorrow," she said with a shrug, "and I don't know if it's going to work out."
"Abby you gave me the greatest gift last year, just having you here with my now as my wife is the only gift I ever need from you."
Abby smiled. She really did love this man.
"Why don't we just go to sleep. I'll know in the morning if the gift thing is going to happen."
"That sounds good as long as you are right there with me." He said, "Anything else really doesn't matter."
She kissed the baby on the forehead as she put her in the port-a-crib, then climbed into bed with her husband. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her near as they drifted off to sleep.
Abby woke up bright and early. She slipped out of bed to attend to weather or not John would have a gift for Valentine's Day. In about 10 minutes she went back to bed, a smile on her face.
John felt his wife climb back into the bed, he reached out pulling her near, "can't you sleep?" he whispered.
"Are you awake?" she asked.
"I am now. I can't sleep when you leave."
"Since you are awake, do you want your gift?"
"My gift," He said looking at Abby, "what did you get me?" A small grin crossed his face as he opened both eyes
Abby handed John a small box, wrapped with a blue ribbon. "Open it."
"What is this," He said pulling the ribbon off the box, "I hope that you didn't go to too much trouble."
"Only I could give this gift to you," she said, with a knowing smile.
He looked into the box, "Oh God Abby." He said as the tears started to fall from his eyes, "you're, you're, pregnant."
"Surprise?" Abby asked.
He threw his arms around her, hugging her tight, "this is the best present that you could have ever given me on Valentines Day." John just hugged her. She didn't need to say anything to him. He loved her more than anything and he knew that she loved him. They were going to have another baby in their lives. Nothing could be more perfect. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"You haven't been sick this time." He said looking at her.
"It's early yet, but I don't feel sick at all."
"I am so happy Abby."
"So which do we lose the spare bedroom or your office?"
"For this I would more than happily move my office." He said smiling at her.
"So do you think Maggie will do another mural?" Abby asked.
"I'm sure she would for you Abby." He couldn't believe that they were going to have another baby.
The days flew by even faster now. They were due back in Chicago in another week, when the phone rang at three in the morning.
Abby picked up the phone, "Hello?"
"Abby, it's Susan." She panted into the phone.
"Susan, what's wrong."
"It's time." She said screaming.
"Susan, calm down. Is Luka there with you?" Abby said, suddenly wide awake.
"Yes."
"I'm gonna put you on speaker. Are you home, or at County?"
"Home, we're at home, water broke and we don't have time."
"You'll be fine, Susan. Can you just breathe?"
"I am breathing Abby," Susan yelled.
Carter stirred in bed, "Abby what's going on? Who's yelling?"
"Susan's in labor, at home," Abby answered, trying to keep her focus on Susan.
He sat up, "oh man, Sus you okay?"
"That's a dumb question Carter. What do you think?" Susan snarled.
"Glad to see you're as good with her as you were with me." Abby laughed.
"Thanks Abby," He said, "Is Luka there with her," he added softer.
"Yes he is, but I would imagine he's busy."
"A little bit Carter!" Susan snapped over the phone line, "What happened to I'll be there?"
"I told you to wait until I got back home Sus." He said looking at Abby, no matter what he did, he was getting snapped at.
Abby grabbed his hand, he looked so crushed. "Sus tell us what's happening, so we can try to help."
"Did Luka say to push?" Carter asked, hesitantly.
"Yes and I am trying." She said.
"Okay, Susan. You can't talk and push at the same time. John and I will count for you, okay?
"Count already this hurts like hell."
"Ten, nine, eight," Abby and John said in unison. "Seven, six, five.
"Stop don't push. I have the baby's head." Luka's voice came over the line.
"Alright, Susan, just pant. And listen to Luka."
"Get this over with and out of me now!"
"Did anybody say to yell?" Abby said calmly, as she looked over at John, he was shaking.
"NO!" Susan snapped back
"Give me another good push Susan." Luka added. The next sound they heard was the cry of a baby. It was a beautiful sound." It's a boy Susan." Luka said. "We have a baby boy."
Abby felt her heart flutter. She was so happy for them.
"Congrats Sus." John said, "I am so happy for you." Carter squeezed Abby's hand. He knew that it would be them doing that again soon. Abby smiled at her husband. "Does he have a name?"
"Nathaniel Marcus Kovac," Luka said to them.
As soon as she heard that, Abby burst into tears. John put his arm around her, "that's a wonderful name." Abby couldn't talk, she just kept crying. "We will see you guys as soon as we get back next week." Carter said.
"Okay Carter, take care of Abby." Susan said as she hung up the phone.
"Shhh, baby." He said pulling her into him.
"They named their baby for Luka's son, and Mark." she sobbed. "I miss Mark."
"We all miss Mark." Carter said holding her tight, "I'm sure he's smiling down on everyone right now, happy that we have each other." He was trying to hold back his own tears.
"I know."
He stroked the back of her head. He knew that she was emotional and there was nothing he could do but hold her and comfort her.
"We'll have to call back in the morning when I can talk," Abby said, still sniffling.
"It's okay baby, they will understand." He said, "Why don't you lie down?" Just as Abby lay down, the baby started to fuss. "I'll get her for you." He said getting up off the bed. John got up and changed the baby before bringing her over to Abby. Abby held her arms out for the baby, and settled into feed her. She was beginning to calm down a little. John snuggled up next to them. He touched the baby's head softly, "I love you Abby."
"I love you both," she said.
He was beginning to fight to keep his eyes open. All three of them fell into a deep sleep, their love for each other surrounding them.
The day before they were due to head home arrived. Abby wanted to have one more walk out by the lake. Carter bundled up Julie-Anne. He was looking forward to that walk with them. The time had gone by too fast and soon he would have to be back at work at County. Abby took his right hand, as he carried the baby with his left hand. The sun would soon be setting. Carter walked out towards the shore with Abby and Julie-Anne, "isn't this just amazing."
"It is. I could just stay here forever," she said, wistfully.
John leaned down to Abby's belly, "next time this year you can be enjoying all of this too," he said to the baby.
"He can't hear you yet."
"He?"
"I just fell like it's a boy. So far this pregnancy feels different than last time."
"I hope you are right," He said putting his arm around her pulling her close and they watched the sun set over Lake Geneva.
As Abby watched the sun set, with one baby in John's arms and the other in her belly, she realized how content and happy she was.
In Ten Years Time
.........10 years later...............
Abby and John were getting ready to make their annual pilgrimage to Chillon Castle. This time they were taking Susan, Luka and their children with them too.
After the twins, Andrew and Allison had been born just a year after John the fourth John wondered if it was time to get Abby over her fear of flying in a different way.
"Did the letter come about your pediatric residency?" He asked her.
"I got it today, I just have been too afraid to open it."
He smiled at her, "what are you afraid that you will have to work under me again."
"I work under you all the time. Just don't know if I want to do it in the
hospital," she said with a saucy smile.
"Open the letter Abby." He said, "I want to know where Dr. Carter is going to be practicing pediatrics."
Abby opened the letter with shaky hands. "I will be a pediatric resident at," she paused. "County Emergency Room."
"I am happy for you." He said smiling at her, "and I am also very proud to have you on my staff."
"It is your staff, isn't it. Now that your ER Chief."
"Yeah Kerry finally got around to making it official. When I started I never dreamed that I would be the chief of emergency medicine.
"And I can't believe I would be starting a residency after having four kids."
"You are so good at it Abby." He said, "you have done such a great job with our kids. Are we meeting Susan and Luka at the airport?"
"Yes, and Nathaniel and Lilianna."
"I think I have everything packed. I made sure that John and Julie were all packed too. Do I need to check on the twins before we leave?"
"I think I have them set. Do we have everything we need?"
"I hope so, this trip gets more hectic every year." John said running his hand thru his hair.
"That it does. Barb and Kevin have it easy. No plane ride and only one child to pack for."
"I know, but it was that plane trip that got us the four wonderful children that we do have, but this year we can't have our normal fun in the plane. 6 kids, sorry it just isn't going to happen."
"There's always the bathroom."
"Dr. Carter, I think you think like me, but not this time."
"Spoil sport."
"I know but I got you this." He said, "I know it's not much but I was thinking it would keep your mind off the flight and well help you with your residency at the same time."
"What is it?"
Well, these are headphones." He said, "and this is me reading the last three annals of pediatric medicine for you. Hopefully it will make you sleep the whole flight."
"I love going to sleep to the sound of your voice."
"I thought that you would like that over screaming kids."
"Our children do not scream."
"No but they do get restless on the flight. And now you don't have to watch Scooby Doo 900 times."
"Very true." She kissed her husband, "thank you, it is very thoughtful."
"You're welcome, let's round up our children and head to the airport. We'll have to take the minivan."
"I can't believe we own a mini van."
"I know, I miss us all being able to fit into the jeep."
"I'm glad you didn't trade it in. I have very fond memories of that Jeep.
"I could never trade that in," He said.
"Let's go or we are going to be late."
The flight was uneventful and soon they were all pulling up in front of the castle.
"Oh my God," Susan exclaimed. "It is even more beautiful than the pictures."
"You should see it at sunset, it's magical." Carter said to her.
Susan smiled a secret smile toward Luka.
"I wonder if Barbie, Kevin and Carter are here yet."
"I still can't believe your sister named her son after you," Susan said.
"I can't help it if it's her family name too."
"True."
Just then Barbara came running outside. Nice to meet you, Susan and Luka. We need to get moving if we are going to do this on time"
"Do what on time?" Carter said looking at his sister.
"Just go with Kevin and do what your told. Susan, do you have what we talked about?"
"Yes I do." Susan said smiling.
"What are you two up to," Abby asked.
"You'll see," Susan said to her friend, "but you won't be disappointed.
Luka took charge of the children and Susan and a confused Abby followed Barbara.
The headed into the room, Barbie closed the door and Susan lifted up a garment bag. "I brought this." Susan said as she unzipped the bag. She pulled out Abby's wedding dress.
"Oh my," Abby said.
The girls made quick work of shedding Abby's travel clothes and zipping her into her wedding dress. Despite giving birth to four children the dress still fit her like a glove.
Barbie looked at her, "you're as beautiful as the first time you wore it."
"And this time I get to see it in person." Susan added.
Yes, there are a few more guests this time." Barbara said, "but I think you should wear these in your ears again." She handed her Eleanor's earrings.
"Did you ever tell her I wore them the first time?"
Yes and she didn't speak to me for a week, God that was nice."
Barbara handed Abby her bouquet. "Are you ready to marry my brother again?"
"Wouldn't want it any other way," Abby answered.
Susan looked at her, "Well then we shouldn't keep him waiting."
She opened the door to head towards the chapel room. "I want to see what I missed the first time around."
Barbara walk them to the door and let Susan in. "You know your cue." She said to Abby.
Carter stood at the front of the chapel again. His heart was beating nearly as fast as the first time he had done this. He couldn't believe that Susan and his sister had done this. And this time their family and friends were there. The only person missing was Gamma.
Their boys stood by his side in tuxs and their beautiful girls stood in matching lavender dresses. As the door opened, Eric stood there to walk Abby down the isle. She looked at her family waiting for her. Her husband never looked more handsome. Carter's heart skipped a beat when he saw his wife standing there, with the fading sunlight behind her. She was just as beautiful as the day that he had married her. He looked at his boys standing next to him and his daughters, Allison looked just like Abby. He was a very lucky man. Abby reached his side quickly. She couldn't wait to touch his hand.
He took her hand in his. Abby looked into his eyes, those wonderful brown eyes she woke to every morning. She was the luckiest woman in the world. He smiled down at her. His heart was bursting. He had never loved anyone like he loved her, and he had never felt any love like hers before. Abby had made him the happiest man on earth, not only by loving him, but by giving him the four precious children that were standing there with them. As Abby recited the same words she had pledged to him ten years before, she could feel the love that surrounded them. Their love for each other, for their children, and the love of their family and friend. Carter repeated his vows to his wife again. They were the words that would always be in his heart, for when he said them he meant them. As the sun sunk into the lake, Abby heard the words, then felt John's lips on hers. He kissed his wife as he had 10 years ago in this very spot. She had made all of his dreams and wishes come true.