Chapter 6: Carter's Memories
Carter woke up and looked to his side, remembering that Dana wasn't asleep next to him like she used to be. They shared this house for almost two years. It broke his heart every morning not seeing her there. He got up, showered, and got ready for work. His regular routine before he dated Dana.
When he sat as his desk looking over his report, his thoughts went back to Dana. He looked over at the picture of Dana that sat on his desk. The memories of them together when they were Rangers and when they were done being Rangers came into his head.
(Flashback)
Carter sat down and heard Dana giggle from across from him. "This is good one. Why did the hot dog put on a sweater?" She asked. Chad and Joel looked at her funny and looked at Carter, who was also looking at her funny.
"Why?" He asked slowly.
"Because it was chilly dog," she giggled.
Carter looked at her as if she were an immature child and her smile turned to a pout. "I thought it was funny," she pouted.
(When Dana was a Model)
Carter watched the woman he loved going down the hill towards the limo that pulled up for her. "DANA!" He called. She spun around and looked at him. "That monster's still out there," he reminded her. She looked at the ground, back at him, then the ground again. As if she made up her mind, she looked at him.
"I have to go," she objected.
Then she walked away. Carter stood there watching her walk off.
(Asking her Out)
Carter had delivered another fire victim and looked over at the beautiful doctor that captured his heart. He took a deep breath and walked over to her. "Dana," he called. She looked up and smiled at him.
"Hey, Carter," she greeted.
"Hey," he greeted back.
"Was there something you wanted?" She asked.
"Actually, I was hoping you'd join me for dinner Friday."
She gave him a sly smile. "You mean, like a date?" She asked. Carter started to feel a little nervous.
"Yeah," he replied.
She then got close to him, not caring about the soot all over him. "I'd love to. Pick me up at 7:00 if you can," she replied. His heart leapt into his throat. She had said yes.
"Yeah, sure, I'll see you at 7:00," he answered.
He walked into a nurse and apologized while Dana was giggling at him. All of a sudden, he felt like he was back at high school, asking the most beautiful girl there to the prom. "Carter," she called.
"Yeah," he answered.
"Watch out for the wall, I don't want to fix a broken nose," she cautioned.
Carter looked over his shoulder and noticed the wall right there. "Thanks," he told her. Then he left.
(The Date)
Carter arrived at Dana's apartment and knocked on the door. Dana opened the door and his eyes widened. "Wow!" He gasped. She smiled and she blushed.
She was wearing light pink high heels, a pink dress, a diamond necklace, and her hair was pulled back in a French braid.
The dress had a beaded tie silk halter lace up back. No straps, it just connected from behind.
"Is this too much?" She asked. He snapped out of his reverie to answer her.
"No, you look absolutely gorgeous," he replied.
He was wearing black dress shoes, black pants, a red button-down shirt, and a black jacket.
Dana smiled and then he handed her a bouquet of red and pink roses. "Carter, they're beautiful," she commented. She then looked at him. "Come in and let me put these in water," she stated.
He came in and sat down. He saw pictures of Ryan and Captain Mitchell on some places on the wall. Then he saw plenty of pictures of him and the rest of the team there. Dana came out and saw him staring at the wall. "Are you ready?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah," he replied.
He stood up and they left for their date.
He took her to a fancy French restaurant. They were seated and Carter looked at the menu. Dana giggled at the look on his face. "I'm guessing you don't know how to speak French?" She asked.
"No, I speak Spanish," he replied.
"Here, I'll order for us," she assured him.
The waiter took their order and left them alone. "Finally, it's just you and me," he stated. Dana held onto his hand with a smile.
"Yeah," she agreed.
Later on during the dinner, Carter leaned across the table and gave her a kiss. Dana kissed him back. He couldn't help but kiss her. All he wanted to do was kiss her and hold her.
Afterwards, Carter took Dana to a dance club. They se their stuff by a table before he led her out to the dance floor. He held her to him as they danced to Kelly Clarkson's 'Before Your Love'. During the song, he looked into her beautiful blue eyes again. He touched her face and smiled at her. Dana smiled back before he gave her another kiss.
When Carter dropped Dana off at home, she sighed as she got out of the car. "I had a great time tonight, Carter. I hope we can do it again sometime," she stated.
"Name the time and I'll be here," he assured her.
"Goodnight, Carter," she told him.
"Goodnight, Dana," he answered.
He watched her go inside and smiled. Then he drove off.
(End Flashbacks)
Carter sighed and put the picture down. The alarms went off and he went to get his gear to stop another fire.