Abby hummed along to the tune that played softly in Carter's Jeep, she drummed her fingers against the window sill.
"I like this song mummy, mum! I like this song…you play it all the time. Mum!" Liana's voice sounded louder from the back seat causing Abby to turn around and nod vigorously.
"Yes Liana." She turned back and sighed, sneaking a quick glance in Carter's direction. His face looked slightly anxious as his eyes remained firmly on the road and the traffic jam which loomed ahead.
"Fantastic," Abby muttered sarcastically and rested her head on her wrist. Carter eased on the breaks and they came to a halt.
"Forgetting all I'm lacking completely incomplete, I'll take your invitation you take all of me now." Abby's singing voice caused Carter to turn and watch her with a bemused expression. Completely unaware Abby twiddled her hair in-between her fingers and carried on.
"I'm falling even more in love with you, letting go of all I've held onto.
I'm standing here until you make me move, I'm hanging by a moment here with you." The last line trailed off as Abby realised Carter was watching her.
"What?" she asked defensively.
"Nothing," Carter rested the back of his head on his palm and shook his head, "Uh I just forgot what an amazing singer you were."
"Very funny Carter," Abby blushed and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He laughed and rested his head against the window groaning at the stationary traffic.
"What does it mean hanging by a moment?" piped up a voice from the back smothered by a very tired yawn. Abby thought for a moment, as she was often puzzled by a child's impulsiveness to ask many questions.
"Uh it means…well it's reflecting on those moments that make up our lives, those moments that are often filled with precious transcendence. Only, however, when we let go long enough to be suspended in the moment." Abby paused in her delivery and looked round to be met with big brown eyes which blinked a couple of times. Carter stifled a laugh at Liana's face, which expressed complete confusion. Abby glanced at Carter and looked away quickly when he returned her gaze.
"I'm falling even more in love with you", Liana said slowly and thoughtfully glanced out the window. Abby rested her chin on the car seat and watched as Liana struggled to stay awake. A yawn emerged from her pouting lips and she tiredly rubbed her eyes, fighting back the need for sleep.
"Are we nearly home?" She asked.
"Not yet," Carter replied. Abby removed her jacket and lent over throwing it over her daughter. Liana rested her head against it and closed her eyes, finally admitting defeat. Abby twisted her body back round and fiddled with the radio station as the signal turned crackly.
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
And the thought of lovin' you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight.
"Oh my god" Abby giggled and blushed to the floor. Carter bemused, blushed as well at the memory which this song held.
"Ahh my favourite," he turned it up louder and tapped his hand against the steering wheel.
"Ssh you'll wake her up" Abby said quickly turning it right down. They laughed and both reached for the volume, their hands colliding in the middle. Carter paused and drew his hand back returning it to the steering wheel.
"This song's so goofy", Abby nervously said, breaking the silence.
"I'm so sorry Abby" Carter suddenly blurted out. Abby shook her head confused and waited for him to go on.
"Carter" she began when the realisation sunk in.
"That point of my life, I was so confused. My grandmother had just died and you had so many issues going on in your life." She shook her head and looked at him apprehensively. His voice trailed off when he saw her face.
"Let's not do this now" Abby avoided his stare.
"We never discussed what happened, that time when I came back from Africa all we did was yell and then…" once again his voice trailed off in remembrance of the letter he had addressed.
"Then I received the 'Dear Abby' letter", Abby's voice was light-hearted as she tried to lighten the mood.
"We never talked about what happened," Cater repeated.
"Some things are better left unsaid," Abby relieved her forehead of her fringe and crossed her leg over. Carter reached over and grabbed her hand forcing her to look up at him.
"Why are you so stubborn?" He asked laughing slightly.
"Why are you?" Abby couldn't help but return his smile.
"Ah it's part of my charm," Carter kept hold of her hand as his eyes twinkled. He surprised them both by suddenly leaning in and softly brushing his lips with hers. She pulled back startled her eyes searching into his.
"Carter," she started.
"Abby…we'll make it work this time," he whispered blocking out their surroundings.
"I can't if not for mine but for Liana's sake, she was just as hurt last time when you left," Abby looked over her shoulder and watched the peaceful sleep. Carter brushed his hand over her forehead. She shivered at his touch and turned back with tears glistening in her eyes.
"I love you Abby," he whispered. She stubbornly wiped a falling tear off her cheek. He reached over and tenderly touched her cheek. Abby grabbed his face pulling him into a soft kiss.
A large horn beeped five times causing them to end the kiss and pay attention to the moving traffic. Liana woke up with a start at the loud noise and burst into tears. Abby sat motionless for a moment and then turned her attention back to Liana soothing her as best she could back into a sleep.
"Ssh, Ssh we're nearly home," After the traffic dispersed they pulled up at Abby's apartment.
Carter jumped down from the driver's seat and lifted Liana into his arms carrying her while she still slept. Abby felt like she was in a daze as they entered the apartment.
He tucked her into her bed with Abby resting her small frame against the doorway. Unsure of what she wanted Carter lingered by the front door. Abby thought, for what seemed like an eternity, then strode confidently into her own bedroom. He sheepishly followed, and wrapped his arms around her front.
AN: PLEASE REVIEW...MORE CARBY