After several hours of tossing and turning, Lucy Knight finally decided
sleep was impossible. Trying not to wake John, who had no trouble
sleeping, she quietly gets out of bed and walks across the hall, to the
soon to be nursery. Entering the sparsely furnished room, she moves to the baby crib, that stands in the middle of the room.
Deep in thought, she gently moves her hand along the cribs railing, then
touches the new life growing inside her. Being deep in thought, she
doesn't hear John enter the room...
�Hey, what's up?� he ask quietly.
Not turning around, she responded, �Couldn't sleep, I didn't want to wake you.�
�Having second thoughts?� he jokes.
She finally turns to face him, �Not on your life. This is the day I've been
waiting for all my life.�
He pulled her close to him, �Really?�
�John, I have everything I've ever wanted. I�m a doctor, I've found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and pretty soon, going to
have a baby with,� laughing, she continues, �Well, the baby a little sooner
then I planned,� she smiles.
�Any regrets about it?�
�None� what so ever, you?�
�Maybe at first, it scared me, but I'm past that. Now, I'm really looking
forward to it. Come on let's get back to bed, and try to get a few more hours of sleep.�
As they head back to their room, he puts his arm around her shoulders
and gives her a kiss on the top of her head. As they lay down, John indicates to her to lay her head on his chest, �That's better now isn't it, Luce?�
�Yeah, it is,� she then smiles, closes her eyes, and with John gently
caressing her hair, finally drifts off to sleep.
7:30 AM
�John, what time is it?� Lucy asks still half asleep.
�Seven thirty, we'd better get moving, Benton will be�here in about an hour
and half.�
�What do you mean WE? I'm not the one being taken out to breakfast,� she teases.
�If I'm up, so are you,� he laughs and lifts her out of bed. Heading to the bathroom, threatening to put Lucy in the shower, still in her bed clothes.
�You wouldn't dare, would you?� she says laughing.
�Wouldn't I?� he chuckles back at her.
He proceeds to take her to the shower, sits her down and turns on the
water.
�That's it, if I'm wet, so are you mister,� pulling him in with her, laughing.
After drying off, Lucy dresses and goes to the kitchen, while John remains upstairs to finish his packing for the wedding and honeymoon, when he hears a scream and something breaking on the� kitchen floor. He immediately comes running, �What happened?� he asks out of breath.
�The cup fell out of my hand,� she says telling only part of the story.
�Lucy?� he says scrutinizing her carefully.
Knowing he would eventually find out, she decides to tell him the truth, �I
had a contraction and it startled me, and I dropped the cup. Don't come
in, I'll clean it up.�
�Not now, come sit on the sofa, you need to relax.�
�John, I'm fine, it must have been a Braxton-Hicks, it just surprised me
that's all. Where are you going?�
�You'll see.�
�He returns with his stethoscope.�
�What's that for?�
�Lift your shirt, it's time daddy has a listen,� he smiles.
As he listens to his childs' heartbeat, he gets a concerned look on his
face, �John, what's wrong?�
�The baby's heartbeat is too rapid, you need to calm down. You're not
doing you or the baby any good, being this upset. I'm going to finish upstairs why don't you stretch out on the sofa and try to relax and calm you and the baby down. I'll be back in a few minutes to make sure you're doing what the doctor ordered,� giving her a kiss on the forehead, he leaves.
After John leaves, Lucy begins to take deep, relaxing breaths and gently
strokes her stomach, all the time talking to the restless child growing
inside her.
�Everything's going to be alright, Elizabeth, mommy and daddy aren't going to let anything happen to you, not now, or ever.�
Leaving the bags at the bottom of the stairs, John comes over to the
sofa, where Lucy continues to stroke her stomach.
�Everything okay?� he asks.
�Yeah, it is now,� she answers.
�Let's have a listen.�
As he listens to the baby's heartbeat, he has the biggest smile Lucy has
seen on his face, in a long time.
�Let me,� she says, pulling the stethoscope ends from his ears. Putting
them in hers, John held it to her stomach, so she can hear the heartbeat
of their baby.
�Thank you, John,� she says with tears coming to her eyes.
�For what?� he asks, wiping them away.
�For our baby, I'll always love you for that.�
�My pleasure,� he grins, �I love you to Luce. But I want you to promise me,
if you're ever not feeling well, PLEASE tell someone, don't let your
stubbornness take over, like I know it could.�
�Don't worry, our baby is as important to me, as you are, and I'm not going
to do anything that would jeopardize our baby's health,� she says seriously, �That's why I'm glad I have you watching out for me,� she says giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Knowing Benton would soon be coming to take John out to breakfast, he
and Lucy sit on the sofa, holding each other and occasionally touching
Lucy's stomach.
Being lost in their own little world, the knocking at the front door brings
them back to reality.
�I guess this day is about to begin,� John laughs.
�I'll get the door, you get your coat.�
Lucy opens the door and lets� Dr. Peter Benton in, �Dr. Benton, please
come in. John will be down in a minute. I'm sorry you had to work last night.�
�Someone, had to work, since some of the ER and surgery staff were off.�
�I know John has always admired your work, and it really means a lot to
him, you standing up with him.�
�He's been a good friend and has turned out to be a good doctor, and if
you ever tell him that, I'll deny every single word of it. I do have a reputation to live up to,� he laughs.
When John returns, he takes Lucy in his arms and gives her a tender
kiss.
Holding on to him tight, she can't bear the thought of him leaving her,
even though, she knows the next time he kisses her, he will be her husband.
�I don't want you to go,� she whispers in his ear.
�I don't want to either, but I promised your mom, I'd make an honest
woman out of you today.�
�When you put it that way...�
�I'll take the bags out to the car, then come back for a proper goodbye,�
he says.
�Huh, I'll um, meet you in the car,� stammers Benton and turns to Lucy,
�I'll see you in a few hours.�
When John returns, he once again takes Lucy in his arms, holding her
tightly, �I love you, Luce.�
�I love you too.�
Giving her a final kiss, he turns and heads to the Jeep, where Benton is
waiting.
�So, where do you want to go for breakfast?� he asks.
�Doc Magoos will be fine.�
�Are you sure? I'm buying.�
�Yeah, today, even the Breakfast Special sound goods,� he laughs.
Back at John and Lucy's house, waiting for her mom, Lucy begins thinking about her life with John, and tried to imagine, what it would have been like without him. She wanders upstairs, knowing she should be getting ready, but is drawn to the nursery. There she goes to the crib, where her attention turns to the little teddy bear with the little blue dress, sitting in it. Picking up "Lucy Bear" and sitting in the rocking chair, begins to reflect on what her future will be as a wife and a mother and still be the best doctor she can be. Lost in these thoughts, she drifts off to sleep, completely forgetting her mother and family were coming to help her get ready for her wedding.
Not getting any answer after knocking several times, Barbara and Elsie
Knight, Millicent and Barbara Carter decide to call John.
�John, this is Gamma.�
�What's going on, you ladies getting my bride ready?� he laughs.
�We'd like to but-�
�But what?�
�Lucy's home, right?�
�She should be.�
�I think there might be a little problem.�
�What�s wrong?�
�She's not answering the door. We've been here for about ten minutes, but there's no sign of her and the house looks pretty dark.�
�I'm on my way, be there in a few minutes.�
By now, the group, which had started out to be Carter and Benton, had
grown to Jerry, Dave, Doug, and Mark, all still marvelling at the fact of Carter and Lucy finally getting married.
�Guys, I've got to go home,� he says concerned.
�Is there a problem?� Mark asks.
�I hope not,� he replies.
�I bet the two of you, both planned this out, you just want to do 'it' BEFORE the wedding.�
�Actually, my grandmother and Lucy's mom, have been standing outside
our house for fifteen minutes, and they can't seem to get Lucy to answer the door.�
�Sorry man, I just thought-�
�You know Dave, I'm really getting tired of that kind of thinking,� John snaps back.
As John leaves Magoos, Dave turns to Doug Ross- �Do you want to make
this wedding REALLY interesting?�
�What do you have in mind?�
�How about: the number of times they do it before they leave on their
honeymoon?�
�Sounds like an interesting bet, you're on.�
�Okay, I figure, they can't keep their hands off each other-ten times," grins Dave.
�Too high. If I know Carter, he'll use some self-restraint, it will be closer to five.�
�What? Fifty bucks?�
�Sounds good too me.�
�Deal.�
John arrives home, and immediately opens the door and enters, followed
by the concerned relatives, �LUCY?!� he shouts, moving from room to room downstairs, even checking the kitchen, where he notices the broken cup still on the floor. Nothing. Taking the stairs, two at a time, he goes upstairs, �Luce? Come on babe, where are you?� he checks the spare bedroom, then theirs.
�John, have you tried the nursery?� Barbara suggests.
He opens the nursery door and sees Lucy asleep in the rocking chair,
holding Lucy Bear.
�I found her. We'll be down in a few minutes,� he quietly tells them. John
goes back to wake her up and quietly kneels and gives her a light kiss,
�Hey, Sleeping Beauty, time to wake up.�
As she wakes up, she's surprised to see him there, �What are you doing
here?�
�Concerned about you,� he gives her a kiss on the forehead.
�I thought I'd just take a little nap before- oh my God, my mom and-�
�Gamma come over.�
Realizing what happened Lucy asks what time it was.
�About ten thirty, I don't know about you, but I'm planning to be at a wedding in an hour and a half.�
�I need to go down and apologize to everyone.�
�No, you go and make yourself beautiful, or whatever you women do. I'll
go get your mom.�
�Thanks,� she says quietly.
They part, �I love you, Lucy.�
�I love you too, John,� she says, giving him a long kiss.
�Lucy?�
�Yeah?�
�Don't be late,� he smiles.
�Oh please,� she smiles.
John heads downstairs, �Lucy's fine, she just fell asleep and lost track of time.�
He turns to his future mother in law, �Barbara give her a few minutes to
freshen up, then she'll be ready to start getting dressed. I've got to go, I'll see you all a little later,� giving each a kiss, he leaves.
�MOM!!!!,� Lucy yells from upstairs, �I NEED SOME HELP!�
All four women don't waste any time going upstairs to see what the problem was. Entering the bedroom, they find Lucy sitting at her dressing table, trying to figure out what to do with her hair, in the least amount of
time.
�It's hopeless,� she says near tears.
�Lucy, calm down,� her mom says in a soothing voice, �What's the matter?�
�My hair, I had all these plans for it, and now I don't have the time.�
�How does John like it?� Barbara Carter asks.
�Down, with the sides pulled back,� she sniffles.
�Well, there you go, pull it back, like this,� she shows Lucy and the other
women, �Then put the flowers in the back.�
�Flowers? Have they-�
�Yes dear, they arrived earlier,� Millicent smiles, �They are beautiful.�
�I'll go get the ones for your hair, I'll be right back,� her soon to be
sister-in-law volunteers.
Lucy turns to her mother, �What about, the something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new? Any bit of luck, won't hurt,� she smiles.
�Well, let me see-�
Returning with the flowers, Barbara Carter says, �Look what I just happened to have right here,� holding up a blue garter and laughing.
�Here dear, these earrings would go nicely with the flowers,� Millicent offers.
�Millicent, thanks for offering, but I really can't.�
�Nonsense, my mother gave them to me when I married John's grandfather, and I loaned them to John's mother, and I�d like for you to have them.�
�I couldn't.�
�Lucy, pass them down to your daughter when she gets married.�
�I'll treasure them always Millicent, thank you,� she says near tears.
�Thank you Lucy for coming back into John's life. Hard telling what might
have happened to him if you hadn't.�
�He's a strong person, who comes from a family that loves him. He would
have been okay.�
�And don't you worry about his parents, they'll come around eventually,� she says giving Lucy a wink and a smile.
�Okay, we've got something blue and old. What about borrowed?�
�Mom, what about your necklace?� Barbara asks Elsie.
�Barbara, can't you see, she's already has one on,� Elsie points out.
�Grandma, PLEASE?!� Lucy whines.
�How can I deny my only granddaughter? Here,� Elsie takes off her tear
drop necklace and places it around Lucy's neck.
�There, now I have everything.�
�Wait a minute, sweetie, what about new?� her mom asks.
�I've got that right here,� she says, as she touches her stomach.
�Now, I guess I'm ready for the dress.�
Still somewhat self conscious of her body, Lucy chose a dress that would
cover a majority of the scars. It was a simple cream coloured, silk dress,
with a lace overlay and tiny hand sewn crystals. The neckline was all that�bothered her.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her smile suddenly turns to a
frown when she notices more of the scars showing and the dress not
fitting quite right.
�That's it, the wedding's off,� she says in disgust.
�Lucy, you don't mean that,� her mother says softly.
�Look at me, the scars show too much and the dress doesn't fit right.�
�I am looking. Do you want to know what I see?�
�What?�
�I see a woman who had major surgery a year ago to save her life and a
woman, who in four months is going to be a mother, but most of all I see
my little girl, who's not going to let a few scars or the fact that she's
pregnant, stop her from marrying the man she loves,� she reaches into her bag, and pulls out a matching silk scarf, �I had a feeling this might
happen, so I bought this. Just drape it around your neck.�
They all notice the time, �Ladies, I do believe we all have a wedding to
attend shortly. I think we need to leave. Lucy are you ready?�
�Absolutely,� she smiles.
Meanwhile, the men, with permission from Dr. Weaver, have taken over the ER doctor's lounge.
Carter, Benton, and Mark were involved in a card game, while Dave and
Doug were discussing the wager, they had made earlier in the day.
�Dave, I'm going to give you the chance to change your number,� Doug
jokes.
�No way! They can't keep their hands off each other anyway, do you think
they'll be able to do it today?�
�You got a point Dave, just giving you a chance,� Doug laughs.
�Hey Carter?�
�Yeah Dave?�
�When you went home earlier, did you and Lucy, you know?� he smiles.
�You know Dave, why are you always so interested in my sex life? Oh, I
know, maybe it's because you don't have one,� he laughs.
�I'm outta here, I think I'll head upstairs, make sure I get a good
seat.�
�You still have time to change your mind, you know.�
�Dave, just get out of here,� John laughs.
Then he� takes a seat next to Doug, �Can you believe that guy?�
�You know he's got a bet going on about you guys today, don't you?�
�No, what?�
�He's running numbers on how many times, you guys have sex between the wedding and end of the reception,� he smiles.
�Are you serious?�
�Yeah, totally.�
�Your number?� John laughs.
�Five.�
�And Dave's?�
�Ten,� he laughs.
�Boy! He's giving me more credit then I deserve. Listen, I really need to
ask you something.�
�Sure.�
�What's it like being-�
�Married? You should know by now, you guy's have been living together
what, four months?�
�No, what's it like being a father?� he asks.
�You have to remember, Tess and Kate were already six months old when Carol came out to Seattle. I'm not going to kid you, it's scary at first,
knowing you're responsible for someone else's life. But when you hold that little life in your arms for the first time, all your doubts disappear. I
imagine. Lucy's gone through the same feelings too, but you guys are together and with the both of you working towards the same goal of raising a happy kid, you should be okay. I'm not saying everything will be easy, but the good, will outweigh the bad.�
�I know it will. Thanks.�
�Turning to more important things, like fifty bucks. If you should be in the mood to want some time to yourselves after the ceremony, there's a certain storage room in the basement, I can highly recommend. Equipped
with an old bed and even a candle to set the mood, if you know what I mean,� Doug says with a wink.
Randi enters the lounge, �Carter, your grandmother just called. Everyone
has arrived.�
�I guess it's time,� John announces.
By this time the group had been joined by John Senior, George, and the
other staff members attending the wedding, they were all leaving, �Hey
people, where do you think you're all going?� asks the one person who
could wreck the day's plans, Dr. Robert Romano.
�We're heading upstairs, Carter's wedding,� Chunni says.
�What? I wasn't invited? If it hadn't wasn't for my brilliant skills as a surgeon, Ms. Knight wouldn't be here. I should think an engraved invitation
was in order.
Everyone turns to look at John, who knew he had been invited, �He was
asked, but if I recall, declined the invitation, so Elizabeth and Benton
could attend.�
They all head upstairs, to the chapel but Romano stops John, �You know,
I do have a reputation to live up too. Congratulations, I'm planning to attend the reception though.�
�I know Lucy will be glad to hear that. See you later.�
HOSPITAL CHAPEL-NOON
Lucy and John's friends and family are wondering were the bride was. The two families decide to sit together as one, to watch as their children bring together two very different families.
Meanwhile, Lucy is pacing the hall in front of the chapel, as George opens the door, �Are you ready, Sweetie?�
�I think so. Grandpa? Thanks for being my grandpa. I've always
considered you the dad, I never had. I love you.�
�I love you�too, Pumpkin, just be happy.�
�I am.�
�Come on, let's go,� he says, offering his arm to escort her while John
nervously awaits her arrival.
He turns to Benton, �Do you think she-�
Before he could finish, Benton points towards the door, where Lucy,
looking beautiful, enters on the arm of her grandfather, who walks her to the front of the chapel. There, he places his granddaughter's hand into that of John Carter.
The ceremony begins, �We are gathered here today to join, John and Lucy in marriage. I don't think anybody will object, but I have to ask anyway,� the priest says, adding a bit of levity to the mood. There were no objections so he continues, �John, I believe you have something to say to your bride.�
Looking directly into Lucy's eyes, he begins, �Lucy, not too many people
get a second chance, but we both did. A year ago, fate dealt us a cruel
hand and I thought I had lost you forever. It's said, you never know what you have until it's taken from you. And that's the truth. From the first day
we met, you have surprised me and challenged me in a way no other person ever had. And being closed off,� he smiles, �I had never been able to tell you, but today in front of our friends and families, I can. I love you, Lucy Knight, I love you,� as he finishes, he wipes the tears coming from Lucy's eyes.
�Lucy?� the priest asks.
Regaining her composure, she begins, �John, I too got that second
chance... Because of you. You have given me the strength to face anything that life has in store for us. I've often asked myself, what would my life be
without you. I know now, I would have NO life, because you ARE my life and always will be. I love you so much,� after she finishes, he gives her a kiss on the forehead.
�The exchange of rings, represents a love, with no beginning or end. John?�
�I, John, take you Lucy, to be my wife, my love, and the mother of our
children. I will be yours in good times and bad, in sickness and in
health, in failure, and in triumph. I will cherish you and encourage you today, and for the rest of our lives. As he slips the ring on her finger.�
�Lucy?�
�I, Lucy, take you John, to be my husband, my love, and the father of our
children. I will be yours in good times, and in bad, in sickness, and in
health, in failure, and in triumph. I will cherish you, and respect� you,
comfort you and encourage you, today and for the rest of our lives. As she slips the ring on his finger.�
�By the power given to me by the State of Illinois and Almighty God, I
pronounce, you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man undo. John, you may now kiss your bride.�
He then takes her in his arms and gives her a deep kiss, �I love you,� he
whispers.
�I love you too,� she whispers back.
�Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present, Mr and Mrs John
Carter.
All their friends and families erupt into cheers and whistles. After accepting congratulations from everyone, Susan stands up to say something, �Carter, everyone got together and ordered food down in the lounge, that is of course, if you guys plan to stick around for a while,� she smiles.
�Sounds good, but I better check with the boss,� he laughs, motioning
his head towards Lucy.
�Well, I am a little hungry,� she says smiling.
�We'll be down in a few minutes, there's something we've got to do.�
�Like what?� Lucy asks.
�You'll see, come on,� he says grabbing her hand and pulling her towards
a waiting elevator.
�Thanks Mark, see you shortly.�
�Yeah, right,� he replies with a knowing smile.
Pulling Lucy into the elevator, kissing her, he punches the button, going
all the way to the top, arriving at the roof, �John, it's freezing up here.�
�Come here, let me warm you up,� he says holding her close, �You should have known we HAD to come up here today.�
�Yeah, this has always been a special place for us, hasn't it?�
�In good times AND bad,� he reminds her.
�And this would be?�
�The best,� he gives her a kiss.
�Luce, you know all I want to do is give you the best that life offers.�
�Don't you know, you already have?� You've given me you, and you've
given me our baby. I've got the best,� she says holding him even tighter.
�Well, I've got something else for you,� he says with a devious grin.
�Why, Mr. Carter, are you trying to-�
�Seduce you? You bet,� he smiles.
�Where?�
�Doug told me about a place, down in the basement. Come on, let's go.�
Going down to the basement and finding the right storage room, John
immediately begins to unzip her dress, and she begins unbuttoning his
shirt....
ONE HOUR LATER
Laying in each other's arms, on an old bed, �Do you think they're still
waiting for us?� Lucy laughs.
�With our luck, yes,� he smiles.
�We'd better go, as much as I hate to.�
�We'll have more time for this later,� he says, winking.
Entering the lounge, John was right, nobody had left, all eyes turned
toward them, the moment they walked in, �Boy, I'm really hungry now,�
Lucy says, as she heads to the buffet table, trying to ignore the knowing smiles on everyone's faces.
�Nothing like sex, to work up an appetite, hey Lucy?� remarks Chunni.
�I don't know what you're talking about,� she replies, trying to act innocent.
�The flowers that were in your hair earlier, are gone.
Giving Chunni a look, the two women reminisced of the look she had, when she was caught with John in exam six.
�May I have your attention, please?� John Senior asks, �I would like to
purpose a toast, to my grandson and his bride.�
The room goes quiet, �To John, we haven't always agreed on too many
things in life, but we both agree, you made the right choice in asking Lucy to be part of our family. Congratulations, son.
�Thank you, grandfather,� John replies, giving him a warm hug.
�Hey Scooter, come here a minute.�
John moves over to Chase, Doug, and Mark
�We were wondering?�
�What?�
�What exactly, took you guys so long to get here?�
Looking at Doug, John just smiled, �Something came up.�
The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Mark and Chase, who both tried to
contain their laughter.
�When are you guys going to stop?� Mark laughs as John joins in.
Lucy, meanwhile comes across Allison and Olivia pouting on the couch,
�Hey guys, what's the matter?�
�Mamma says, we shouldn't ask you why you have those marks up by your neck.�
Taking a deep breath, she quietly begins to tell the horrible story to the
girls, hoping she doesn't scare them, �Last year, John and I treated a man
who was very, very sick. We couldn't help him get better. We did some tests on him, and he thought we were trying to hurt him.�
By this time John had come behind her, and placed both his hands on her shoulders for support. By now, the room grew quiet, everyone listening to the story. She continues, �Somehow, he got a knife and when I went to check on him, he stabbed me, and when John went to look for me, he got stabbed too.�
�Did they catch the bad man?� asks Olivia.
�Yes, sweetie, they did,� Lucy reassures her, stroking her hair.
�Is he in jail?� asks Allison.
�No, he's in another hospital, so he can get help,� she quietly finishes.
�We're so glad, you're okay, Lucy.�
�So am I ,honey, so am I,� she says with tears coming to her eyes.
John gives Lucy a kiss on the top of her head, �Luce, it's time to go,� he helps her off the couch, �Thank you all for this little party. We'll see you at the house later this afternoon.�
�Yeah, thanks for being here. It made today even more special.�
John leads Lucy out the ambulance bay doors, where a limousine waited to take them to the Plaza Hotel, where they would spend the afternoon
preparing for the reception, to be held at the Carter family house, later that
afternoon.
�John, this is too much!� Lucy exclaims.
�You can thank Gamma, I'm afraid, after the reception, it turns back into a
Jeep,� he holds the door open for her, �After you, Mrs Carter,� he laughs.
�I love the sound of that,� she kisses him and steps into the limo.
�Come here,� he says pulling her to him.
�Ever do it in a limo?� he whispers, kissing her neck.
�Why Dr. Carter, what kind of girl do you think I am,� she kids.
John laughs and knocks on the glass between them and the driver, �Alger, please take us to the Plaza.� he looks at Lucy and smiles. �Oh yes, and take the LONG, scenic route.�
�My pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, we should be there, in oh, I'd say about
an hour. Long enough?�
�Absolutely,� John says, closing the door, so they can have some privacy
the entire trip.
