Waking up in her husband's arms, Lucy wakes to the baby's kicks. Laying quietly, she smiles, as she secretly hopes their daughter will be a morning baby, as lately, she's been very restless, especially during the night. As John releases her, she gets out of bed, and immediately slips into her robe and goes to the bedroom window, looking out at the beautiful day that's already begun. Seeing her husband sleeping soundly, she decides to shower and dress. Entering the bedroom, dressed in a pair of sweats and baggy sweatshirt, she sees John begin to wake up, “You finally awake?” “Good morning, Mrs. Carter, how long have you been up?” “Actually it's noon, and not long. The baby was pretty active, so I didn't get much sleep.” “I didn't either, but that's not why I couldn't,” he replies with a sly grin. “Please,” she says laying back on the bed and giving him a kiss. “So, what's the plan for today?” “Definitely go see grandpa, and if all possible, NOT see anyone other than family.” “You mean, like not letting anyone else know we're there?” “Absolutely,” she smiles giving him a little kiss. “What do I tell Richard about the cabin?” “As much as being alone with you, miles away from everyone sounds enticing, let's just stay here. It doesn't make any difference where we stay, as long as it's just the two of us. Tell him, we'll take a rain check.” “So, what's the plan, for what's left of the day, as if I didn't know?” he grins mischievously. “How about we start decorating the nursery?” “I take it, WE'VE decided on a theme?” “Absolutely,” she smiles. “Well, are you going to let me in on it?” “Yeah, Noah's Ark, bears, or the Alphabet, or maybe Winnie the Pooh.” “Lucy, you still don't have the slightest idea, do you?” “Well, no, not really, but we could at least start painting the room.” “Do I dare ask, what color?” “I was thinking a pale yellow-or off white.” “Lucy!!” John laughs, playfully hitting her on the head with his pillow. “I'll go down and get some coffee started, you get cleaned up.” “Be sure and put something on your feet.” “No way, my feet are still a little sore from yesterday.” “Be careful, I'll be down in a few minutes.” “Are you hungry, do you want me to fix something?” “What I'm hungry for doesn't have anything to do with food,” he says lifting both eyebrows. Now it was Lucy's turn to hit him with her pillow, and a good hearted pillow fight begins. “Okay, okay, you win,” he laughs. “Of course, I ALWAYS do,” she smiles getting out of bed and heading downstairs. Getting our of bed and putting on a pair of sweat pants and tee shirt John heads to the bathroom to shower and shave, as he begins, he hears Lucy yelling from the kitchen, “DAMN IT!” Running downstairs, John enters the kitchen to find Lucy leaning against the kitchen table trying to see what she had stepped on, “What the hell is going on?” he asks, shaving cream on his face and hands. “I must have stepped on a piece of that broken cup from yesterday. Go ahead and say it!” “Say what?” asking concerned. “ I told you so,” she says trying to smile and obviously in pain. “Let me wash my hands, and I'll take a look.” He goes to the kitchen sink and washing the shaving cream off, “Can you put any pressure on it?” “I don't think so.” “Go ahead and try.” Very carefully putting her left foot on the floor, she immediately pulls it back up. “That does it, we're going to the hospital.” “Great,” she answers sarcastically,”Just how I wanted to spend the first day of my honeymoon: in the ER.” “Let me help you to the couch. Then I'll go shave and throw on some clothes and then we'll go.” “John, forget about the shaving, just get dressed, it's starting to hurt.” Carrying Lucy to the couch, John carefully sits her down and props up her foot.” “I'll be right back, don't go anywhere,” he teases, and gets up to leave. “John?” “Yeah?” “Don't forget my shoes and socks.” “Okay, anything else?” “Nope.” Heading up the stairs, John turns around, “Lucy?” “What?” “I told you so,” he laughs. “Just go,” she yells, playfully throwing a magazine towards him. After helping Lucy, very carefully down the steps of their house and into the Jeep, they drive to the all too familiar emergency room. Carrying Lucy through the ambulance bay doors, they are met by Dr. Weaver, “John, what's wrong with Lucy? Is it the baby?” “No thank God, she stepped on a piece of glass where can I take her?” Looking at the board, “Exam two looks clear. I'll be in, in a few minutes.” “That's okay, if it's all the same, I'll take care of her myself.” “I'll put you up on the board, just so we know the room's being used.” “Thanks.” “Yeah thanks Dr. Weaver,” Lucy says quietly. Sitting her on the bed and turning the overhead light directly on her left foot, he carefully begins poking and probing the affected area. Every time he touched it, she would wince and let out a little cry. “You definitely have glass in there, it's going to have to come out.” “Oh man!” she says exasperated, falling back on the pillow. “Lucy be careful!” “I'm alright!” she snaps back. “I'm going to get the lidocaine, just try to relax,” he says getting up to leave, giving her a kiss before he does. After he leaves, Lucy takes some deep breaths trying to do just what the doctor ordered. After administering the lidocaine, John sits and waits for it to take affect, gently stroking her hair, which calms her down considerably, as she softly begins to cry, “You're going to be a great daddy.” “Shh, what brought this on?” he quietly asks. “I don't know, I've just been thinking about it a lot lately.” Realizing pregnancy hormones are probably coming to the surface, he quietly agrees. Lydia walks in. "Dr. Weaver thought you might need some help.” “Yeah, she's pretty much out of it, between the lidocaine and hormones I don't think she'll feel much pain.” “Pooh,” Lucy says through her tears. “What?” John and Lydia say together. “What's she talking about?” smiles Lydia. “I have no idea,” John replies, while working to remove the embedded glass out of his wife's foot. “Winnie the Pooh, you idiot,” she mutters under her breath. “Oh yeah, I think she's talking about the nursery,” he replies sheepishly. “How'd this happen?” pointing to Lucy's foot, “She throw a breakable objects at you already?” she grins. “No, she had a contraction yesterday morning and with the wedding and all, evidently missed some glass when she cleaned up. Sorry, no juicy gossip for the rumour mill. “Yeah right,” looks at him skeptically. “Okay Luce, we're all done, you need to stay off your feet for awhile.” “John, you know as well as I do, that's impossible.” Thinking for a minute, “Okay, how about a compromise?” “I'm listening,” she replies with a hint of doubt in her voice. “On crutches, while we're here visiting your grandfather, and we'll leave them here when we go.” “But-” “Lucy?” he says sternly, but with a smile. “Okay, okay,” she gives in. “Lydia, would you please stay with my patient? Last time she was here, she kind of wandered off,” he says leaving the exam room to get a pair of crutches. “Lydia, would you please, hand me my shoes and socks?” “Nope. Carter would have my ass, if you turn up missing-again. Trying to think of a way to keep Lucy from leaving, Lydia asks, “By the way, how did this really happen?” points to her foot. “I was getting a cup of coffee and had a contraction, and I just dropped the cup. Why?” “We had a little wager-” “You guys are terrible. Well, how much and who won?” Lucy laughs. “Fifty dollars and Dr. Lewis.” Hopping off the bed, she hobbles over to a chair, where her shoes and socks sit. Slipping them on carefully, especially her left one, begins to put on her tennis shoes. As she's ties her shoes, she notices another familiar pair, right in front of her. Looking up, she comes face to face with a stern faced Carter. “Lucy Christine Carter, what do you think you're doing?” “I, uh, well--” she stammers. “Busted!” Lydia says quietly. John motions for her to leave, which she does in a hurry. Bending down, looking directly into her eyes, “I'm waiting?” “I thought, I'd-” “You'd take off again. Let's put it this way, it's either crutches or a wheelchair. I know neither one sounds good to you, but it has to be one way or the other.” “We can't compromise?” “Not this time, sorry.” “Crutches,” she whispers. “What did you say?” he says smiling at her. “I said, give me the damn crutches,” grabbing them out of his hand and smiling. “I thought you'd see it my way. Now, why don't you go and wait for me in the lounge, and see what's going on, and I'll shave.” “For one thing, I did not see it YOUR way, I only remember what a pain being pushed around in a wheelchair was when I was in the hospital, at least with these,” indicating the crutches, “I'll have some sense of independence.And I already know what's going on out there, Susan won fifty bucks, in a pool on what really happened to me,” she laughs. “Fifty. Remind me next time to try to get in on the action.” Giving him a playful punch to the shoulder, “Besides, you don't really need to shave.” “Oh?” “Since you're not my teacher anymore, I guess I can FINALLY tell you how sexy, I thought you looked in that beard, and how it almost broke my heart, when I had to cut you from that carpet layer,” she laughs. “Broke your heart, huh?” he smiles back. “For about a second, you were such an ass back then, I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself.” “You know, I sure am learning a lot about you lately,” he says. “Oh please, now we really do need to go up and see grandpa.” “Tell you what? I'll give you a head start to the elevators, and I'll go get a cup of coffee and then still beat you. Or-” “What?” looking at him in mock disgust. “Or, I can do this,” he says, picking her up in his arms, to carry her to the elevators. As John carries her out of the exam room door, she drops the crutches, thinking to herself, *I won't be needing these anymore*. As they enter her grandfather's room, Lucy hobbles in and gives her grandmother a kiss, then going to her grandfather, “Hey, you're sure looking better then the last time I saw you. How are you feeling?” “Better, thanks to you and John. I owe you both my life.” “We couldn't have anything happen to you now, could we?” she says giving him a kiss on the forehead. “What's up with your foot, kiddo?” asks her grandmother. “Stepped on a piece of glass earlier, been downstairs for awhile.” “Let me guess, John, she was going barefoot, wasn't she?” she asks. “You got it,” he smiles. “Couldn't keep shoes and socks on as a kid, either. I don't know how many weekends we spent in the emergency room back home, getting her stitched up somewhere. It's no wonder she became a doctor,” grandpa adds. “Or it could have been all that playing doctor on all the neighbourhood animals. Remember Xander, and how she actually put a cast on one of his legs? Poor cat was unable to move, she used a whole box of plaster of paris.” “And now, you're treating humans? Did you tell all this to Weaver, before you came back?” John laughs. “Would you guy's stop it? In the last two days, you've told my new husband, whom I might add, you had never met, until three days ago, about past boyfriends and now, reinforcing his opinion of me when I was his student.” “And the word you would be looking for, would be?” he grins. “Challenged?” she answers. “Or klutzy,” he laughs. “Seriously, John, we were all so proud of her when she graduated, even though we knew she wasn't really happy. You were a good teacher and we know now, she made the right decision to come back to Chicago.” “I'm glad she came back too,” he replies quietly. For a short time, the only sound that could be heard was the steady beeping from the heart monitor. Suddenly, John's cell phone rings, “John Carter.” “John, it’s Gamma.” Turning to Lucy, “It's Gamma, I'll take it outside.” “Sure.” Stepping outside the room, he meets Barbara Knight, who is dressed for her date with Romano. “Hold on a second, Gamma.” “Barbara, you look great, going out tonight?” “Thank you John, as a matter of fact, Robert and I are going to dinner.” “I just want you to know, Lucy stepped on some glass at home, spent some time in the ER, but she's okay. Just a minor inconvenience, she's going to be slow for a few days.” “Going barefoot again,” she laughs. “Is she in there with mom and dad?” Yes, to both questions, I’ll be back in, in a few minutes,” he says, turning his attention back to his grandmother. As Barbara walks into the room, Lucy is getting up out of her chair, “Wow! You look great mom. Hot date?” “Actually, Robert and I are having dinner tonight, is that alright?” “Whatever. I can't believe you're still going out with him. I've got to go to the bathroom,” she says storming out of the room, as best as she could. As she heads out the door, John, who is standing just outside finishing his phone conversation with his grandmother is practically run over by his wife leaving the room. As she exits the tiny bathroom stall, she notices her mother waiting, “Are you having a problem with me going out with Robert?” “Honestly? Yes, I am.” “I thought we had worked this out?” “Maybe you did, but I still have my reservations.” “Lucy, it's ONLY dinner, it's not like we're going to sleep together.” “Finally, the hormones come to the surface.” “Well, that's the next step, isn't it?” she yells. “It's no use trying to talk to you about this, while you're in this frame of mind. At which point Lucy breaks into tears and Barbara makes an attempt to comfort her, but she pulls away. “We'll talk when you calm down. Come one, let's go back, I'm kind of anxious to hear what happened to your foot,” Barbara says, making a vain attempt to cheer her up. “I just need to be by myself for awhile,” she says heading out the door and limping towards the elevator. Going into her father's room, Barbara indicates to John, that Lucy did not follow, “She said she needed time by herself. You know, she's blowing this whole thing, way out of proportion.” “I think it has a lot to do with the pregnancy thing, the hormonal balance, so I've been told. I know where to find her,” John smiles. Going up to the roof, John figures she wouldn't be in their usual place, since it was hard for her to climb. Looking around for her, he finds her sitting up against the building, staring out at the early evening darkness, tears streaming down her face, “She hates me, doesn't she?” Sitting down and putting his arm around her, “No, just concerned.” “All my life, we've been there for each other. When I was a little girl, she was always the one, who picked me up when I fell, she was always the one I cried to, when I thought my world was going to end, when I had a fight with a boyfriend, but most of all, she was there when I was fighting for my life. What happens if she falls for Romano and he turns out to be just another failure in the long line of men in her life, that takes advantage of her? I couldn't bear to see her hurt.” “You know as well as I do, she's got a level head on her shoulders, she's not going to jump into any relationship until she's sure it's the right thing to do.” “Yeah, you're right.” “Of course I am.” “And you've known mom how many months?” she says letting the slightest smile come to her face. “Long enough,” he says giving her a kiss. Giving a heavy sigh, “It's been a long day John, let's go home.” “Sounds good to me.” “Do you think mom's still here? I think I'd better apologize.” “That might be a good idea,” he says, helping her to her feet. Entering her grandfather's room, they notice he's alone, “Where's mom and grandma?” “Your mom's left with her doctor friend and grandma went downstairs.” “We're going to take off, but we'll see you later. I love you grandpa,” she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Take care George, we'll see you tomorrow,” John adds. Arriving back in the ER, they walk past the admit desk, where Randi looks like she's still reading the same magazine, she had been earlier, “Lucy, Weaver wants to go over your schedule for next week.” “Tell her, I'll give her a call tomorrow.” “We're already here, why don't you just see her now,” John insists. “Okay,” she replies, exhausted, “Where's she at?” “The lounge,” Randi says, not looking up. As soon as she walks in, “SURPRISE!!!” everyone yells. “What's going on?” she asks, with a puzzled look on her face. “Our families and friends got together, decided you should have a proper reception. So, with Weaver's okay and Gamma's connections we had the cake delivered.” “Mom, Millicent, it's beautiful!” Everyone who had been at the reception, was able to once again, help them celebrate: Doug, Richard and his wife Elizabeth and the twins, Barbara Carter, Barbara Knight, Elsie, and Millicent Carter, and all their friends from work, plus those who had been invited, but unable to attend. “Guy's, this is too much, thanks,” she says smiling. She goes to Millicent, “You've done so much for us, I don't know how I'll ever thank you.” “Just be happy, that's all I want for the both of you.” “You know we will,” Lucy replies, giving her grandmother-in-law a warm hug. “Now, how about you and John cut the cake?” Walking over to the four tiered wedding cake, John and Lucy hesitantly pick up the knife, “I don't think, I can do this,” she whispers, her hand noticeably shaking as she picks up the six inch cake knife.” “It will be okay,” he whispers back, as he places his hand on hers, steadying the knife, as they cut the first piece of cake. After feeding each other the traditional piece, they go their separate ways to receive the good wishes from friends and family. As luck would have it, John strikes up a conversation with Doug and Dave, “Hey Carter?” asks Dave. “Yeah Dave?” “Doug and I had this little bet yesterday-” “Yeah I heard, and Dave?” “Sorry, you lost.” “Man, you're a great disappointment, you know that, don't you?” “Maybe to you, but NOT to my wife,” he laughs, giving him a slap on the back. Meanwhile, Lucy finds her mom and begins a somewhat difficult conversation, “Mom, I'm really sorry about earlier, I just haven't been myself lately, this whole wedding thing, and now with grandpa, and yes, even you going out with Dr. Romano. No, that's just an excuse I just don't want to see you get hurt.” “I know, Sweetie, we've been through a lot lately, but honestly, I am a big girl, I can take care of myself.” “I know you can, but we've both been lucky to have each other when times got rough. I guess, what I'm trying to say is- I know you have your own life and I to let you live it. And-” “And if I do make a mistake, it's my problem, NOT yours. But I always know I can count on your support, no matter what road my life will take.” “Boy! Does that sure sound familiar or what?” Lucy exclaims, remembering how her mother didn't want her to move back to Chicago, but respected her decision. Looking past Lucy, Barbara sees Romano motioning to his watch, indicating it's time to leave. “It looks like my date's here and ready to go. I'll say my good-byes to John and Millicent. How about we maybe get together or talk tomorrow about this or some girl talk, like we use to?” “I can call you at Millicent's, right?” “Lucy?” “Okay, I'll give you a call tomorrow,” she says smiling. “Now that's the Lucy,” I know, Barbara says giving her a kiss and hug, and turning to find her son-in-law. Gathering up courage, she goes to where Romano is patiently waiting for her mother. “So? Where are you planning to take my mother?” “I was planning to take her to Marche, is that okay?” “Yeah,” answering a little embarrassed, “I'm sorry I've been so hard on you and mom. The whole thing with you guy's, kind of took me by surprise. I hope you understand, we have a very close relationship and with what happened last year, we have become closer.” “She's a remarkable women, Lucy, just like her daughter, I'm not going to do anything intentionally, to hurt her. Besides, I know two of my doctor's that would have my ass, if I got on their wrong side,” he says, cracking a smile. “I guess I really needed to hear that from you, thanks.” As they were finishing their conversation, Barbara arrives ready to leave, “I think John's wanting to leave, saying something about a certain person, who's SUPPOSE to be taking it easy.” “I can take a hint. Have fun-but not too much,” she smiles, “I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye mom, Dr. Romano.” Going over to John, Lucy whispers in his ear, that she too is ready to go home, “May I have your attention please?” The room quiets down. “Lucy and I want to thank all of you for coming back and making today special for us. But with the wedding, Lucy's grandfather upstairs, and her little mishap today, well, it's been an exhausting day, and don't get me wrong, but I don't plan seeing ANY of you until the first of next week. “John, why don't you get our things, I need to talk to Millicent before we go.” “Okay, I'll get the jackets, see you in a few minutes,” he says, giving her a little kiss. Lucy moves to the group of Carter women, who are all marvelling at the fact of so many people in such a small room. “Thank you for all this-” “So what are your plans for the rest of the week,” Millicent inquires. “Are you still going to the cabin?” asks Elizabeth. “No, just stay home, I think we're going to try to start decorating the nursery. At that moment, John joins them and begins to help Lucy on with her jacket. “You mean, the nursery isn't ready?” Elizabeth asks, “When I was in my third month, we had everything ready and waiting. “WE couldn't make up our minds how WE are going to do it.” “What do you mean WE? john asks. “Okay, I couldn't make up my mind.” “So, what's it going to be?” Millicent asks intrigued. “Winnie the Pooh,” Lucy says, proudly. “That's nice, but-” starts Elizabeth. “But what?” Lucy asks. “Classic Pooh or Disney Pooh.” “There's a difference?” “Well, classic Pooh is like the original illustrations from the book, and Disney Pooh is more recent. “Oh great! Another decision WE have to make. Say good-bye Lucy,” he says, smiling and taking her by the hand and pulling her out the door. As they leave the hospital, light snowflakes, begin to fall, but as happy and in love that they are, they bask in each other's love.