Waking up first, John looks down at Lucy sleeping peacefully with her head on his chest. Gently moving a strand of hair that had fallen in front of her face, smiles as he begins wondering what their children are going to look like. Would they be identical, like Allison and Olivia? Or each one have their own distinct features. As he lightly strokes her nose, Lucy begins to wake up, “Good morning,” he whispers, giving her a kiss on her nose. Subconsciously, she brushes her nose, “Wiping off my kiss, huh?” he laughs. “The beard tickles,” she giggles, smiling. “So, do you want me to shave?” “Over my dead body,” she jokes. “Lucy Christine Carter, that's not even funny,” he scolds. “Sorry,” she answers sheepishly, “So, what’s the plan for today?” “How about you shower, and I'll take care of these, pointing to the plates and glasses, left from the previous night.” Getting up, Lucy stretches and yawns, then lays back down, “I think things went rather well last night, don't you think?” “Yeah, and if you don't get upstairs now, I'm going to have to take ANOTHER cold shower, he says, giving her a playful push off the couch, “And that would be bad?” she smirks, as she starts up the stairs. “Just go!” he says, throwing a pillow her direction. After her shower, Lucy goes into the kitchen, where she sees John washing dishes and talking on the phone. “I'll ask Lucy,” he says into the phone. “Ask Lucy what?” coming up behind him she attempting to wrap her arms around his waist. “Gamma wants to know if we want to come over for lunch tomorrow?” “I don't know,” she sighs. “Well, let me put it this way- Richard and Elizabeth are leaving tomorrow night, and somebody promised two six year old's she'd spend some time with them before they had to leave.” “In that case, definitely,” she sits down in a chair. “Okay Gamma, we'll be there around twelve thirty or one. Love you too. Bye.” “Now it's my turn,” holding her hand out for the phone. “Coburn?” “Might as well,” she punches in the seven digit number and talks to the receptionist as an appointment was made for later that afternoon. “So, what time?” John asks finishing up the dishes. “Two thirty,” she sighs, “John can we go somewhere, do something? I really don't want to stay around the house and worry about it all day.” “How about we go order paint for the nursery, then grab a bite to eat before your appointment. How hard can it be to pick out yellow paint?” “Sounds good, but-” “What?” he questions. “Do you know how much paint we're going to need for the nursery? AND please don't take me to Doc Magoos for lunch.” “No and why not?” he muses. “Everyday, it's Doc Magoos, every time it's ‘let's get a quick bite it’s at Doc Magoos, and frankly, I'm a little sick of that place,” she complains. “Someone's in grouchy mood this morning.” “Well, excuse me, I've got a lot of things on my mind, this morning,” she snaps back. Knowing when to back off, he drops the subject and suggests they get ready to leave. After a quiet ride to the home centre, John and Lucy head to the paint department, where they come face to face with a wall full of paint samples, “John,” Lucy whines, “There's so many different shades of yellow, how are we going to decide?” “Take it easy, you find ten, you like, I'll find ten, I like, then we'll compare and go from there.” “On your mark, get set, go,” she laughs and begins pulling samples. After a few minutes. “Okay, I've got mine,” bragging, she turns around. “What took you so long?” he grins, holding up his samples. Punching him on the shoulder, “Let's see what we got,” she says. Laying the samples on a near by box, they begin comparing their choices. Realizing each had chosen different colors, “What about, Yellow Summer?” he suggests. “Too green, what about, Poached Pear?” “Don't you think a little too gold?” “John, this isn't working.” “I know. I've got one left,” he sighs. “Me too,” she says sounding hopeless. “We both put it down together, okay?” “Yep,” Putting the last sample out for the other to see, and as they do, they both begin to laugh, they had both picked the same color. “That's why we're so compatible, Bluebird it is.” Making arrangements to have the paint, wallpaper, paintbrushes, rollers, edgers, and other decorating accessories delivered the next morning, John and Lucy leave to have some lunch. Heading south, out of the city, they travel past the railroad tracks, to the warehouse district. Lucy begins to get concerned that John has either lost his mind, or is just plain lost. “Do you have any idea where we're at?” “It's around here somewhere," talking more to himself, then her. “We must be in Indiana by now.” “There-over there, remember that burger joint?” he says pointing to what looked like a converted railroad car. “How on earth did you remember this place?” she asks. “After yesterday, and everything you were going through, I was thinking about all we've been through together, and how it all began that night we spent looking for that little girls dad. And....” he smiles, “Since Doc Magoos, wasn't good enough for you today, I thought I'd take you where we shared one of our better moments,” he grins. “Yeah, I guess that was when I realized you really weren't the ass I thought you were,” she smirks. Helping her out of the car, “What's it gonna be?” “Cheeseburger, coke.” Talking to the man at the window, “Two cheeseburgers, fries, two cokes,” turning to Lucy, “You want fries?” “Naw, I'll just have some of yours,” she smiles. Completing his order, “Make that two orders of fries.” “But she said...” the man questions. “Believe me, I know what she said,” continuing quietly so Lucy couldn't hear. “What she meant was, "I'm hungry and I'm going to eat all yours and I'm going to let you have what's left." “You must really know how to read her,” he turns to give the cook their order. “Like a book,” he grins. After receiving their food, they return to the Jeep and John heads back to town and civilization, “Now, where are we going?” she asks, beginning to munch on the french fries. Realizing she probably wouldn't be told anyway until they got there. She was just happy to be alone with John and not seeing family or friends, it really did feel like she was on her honeymoon. Walking along the river front they find a bench and Lucy begins pulling their food out of the bag, “Here's your sandwich and coke, John, and mine,” she says giving him his and setting hers in her lap. “And "my" fries?” “Mine and yours, giving herself the box that had the most in it.” “Hey, where'd mine go? I thought you didn't want any?” “I'm eating for three now, what do you expect?” she grins. After eating, they walk hand in hand along the water's edge, being past by people running and on bicycles, enjoying a warm winter day. “This was a great idea, thanks,” she says, standing on her toes, giving John a kiss on his bearded cheek. “I have an even better idea.” “Oh?” she answers with curiously. “No matter what happens at your appointment, we go out someplace REALLY nice, for dinner?” “I don't know John, let's just stay home.” “I'm not going to take no for an answer... We haven't really celebrated, and if you haven't noticed, we are on our honeymoon and we've spent it how? Everyday at the hospital in some capacity, it's time we have some fun!” “Well- I thought we were having fun,” she answers, with a mischievous grin. “In that department, I have no complaints, he grins. “Okay, it's a date.” “Dominic's sound okay to you?” “Dancing?” “If you want, it's your night.” Looking at his watch, ”It's time we get you to that appointment.” Arriving at the hospital, they enter by the main entrance, forgoing the familiar ER one, for the one thing they wanted was- privacy. After checking in, Lucy joins John, who is sitting in chairs, and begins glancing through a baby magazine. “Lucy?” a nurse announces. Lucy stands and takes John's hand to go with her. However, the nurse stops him, “Dr. Coburn will speak to you husband after the examination, the nurse informs them.” “It's alright, I'll just wait,” he reassures her. Entering the exam room, the nurse takes Lucy's blood pressure and weight, “Blood pressure's good, but you've gained quite the weight since your last appointment.” “One of the quirks when having twins, I guess,” she says with a little sigh. “Lucy put on the gown, Dr. Coburn will be in shortly,” the nurse says as she leaves. “Thanks, I know the drill,” she groans. After a short wait, Dr. Coburn comes in, “Well Lucy, I wasn't expecting to see you for another two or three weeks. I see you had some problems.” “Yeah, yesterday, some cramping. Since I was down in the ER, I had Susan Lewis check me out. She did an ultrasound and found out I'm having twins.” “What did she say about the cramping?” “More likely stress. She told me to rest, which I did, I seem to be feeling better now.” “You've had a busy few days, or so I've heard. The wedding and your grandfather's illness.” “And stepping on glass,” she laughs. “Didn't hear about that. Let's see, your last ultrasound was-“ checking her chart, two months ago. “Go ahead and lie back, we'll do another and see what we can see.” Squirting the gel on Lucy's stomach, the transducer instantly picks up dual heartbeats, upon further examination, Lucy was indeed carrying twins. “Do you want to know the sex? We can take a closer look if you like?” “No, we've decided to wait until their here. We already know about the girl, right?” “Definitely, one of them is.” “Good,” she sighs. “Are you still planning on a natural delivery?” “Absolutely, but the word epidural will be high on my list that day,” she smiles. “Feet in the stirrups, after we finish, we'll talk about what happens from here.” After examining Lucy, Coburn determined, it was stress, that had caused all the concern. Finishing up and pulling off her gloves, Dr. Coburn begins making notes in Lucy's chart. “Everything looks fine, but I do want to keep a close watch on you for the rest of the pregnancy. Continue to take your vitamins and get plenty of rest and exercise. I want to see you every two or three weeks, if you need for me to talk to Kerry about scheduling your appointments, I would, but I think you have more connections in that department,” she smiles. “I'll see you in a few weeks, I hope the rest of your honeymoon goes better. Have John come to my office, in a few minutes, so I can let him know what I'll be discussing with Kerry about your schedule.” “Thanks for everything, Dr. Coburn, I guess I'll see you in a few weeks.” After dressing, Lucy leaves the exam room and goes directly to sit down next to John. “It was stress, thank god, and it "is" twins,” she smiles. “Dr.Coburn wants to talk to you in her office, about my work schedule, the closer my due date gets. I'll go and make my next appointment and meet you back here,” she says, as they both stand, give each other a little kiss, before they part ways. After making her next appointment, Lucy wanders down the hall to the Newborn Nursery, just to look at the babies. Seeing her friend, Kit working, she smiles and waves. Opening the door, Kit asks, “Do you want to come in for a few minutes?” “Is it alright?” “Sure, you're a doctor, checking on a baby you just delivered. It's feeding time, what better way to practice?” “If you're sure?” “You'll do fine, just go with what feels natural,” Kit instructs. Lucy enters the nursery, scrubs up and puts on a protective gown, sits in a rocking chair, as Kit places a newborn in her arms and hands her a bottle. “Let her take a few ounces, then hold her against your shoulder and gently rub or pat her back, so she can burp. Gently rocking and feeding the baby, Kit marvels how much Lucy feels at ease. Meanwhile in Dr. Coburn's office, John and the doctor begin their conversation about Lucy. “John, first off I want to assure you Lucy is in fine health, the scare she encountered was due to all the stress she's been under. That's why you need to let Kerry know, her hours need to be shortened or her case load lightened, the closer her due date approaches. I'm also concerned about her wanting to go through the delivery with little or no medication.” “Why's that?” “Looking through her chart, it was noted that her heart stopped, while they were working on her, last year. I'm just afraid the stress of delivering twins, might be too much for her. “She's determined to go through it awake, but we've got sometime before we really need to decide about that, don't we?” “Yes, we just need to be aware of the possible problems- I want healthy babies AND a healthy mother.” “We're both in agreement on that, but you don't know how stubborn she can be.” “Like we said,we still have some time to convince her.” “I'll talk to Dr. Weaver about her schedule and then to Lucy about the other thing. Thank you for letting me know. I'm not looking forward to bringing up the subject though,” he sighs, shaking his head. “Well, that's all I needed to talk to you about, I'll let you get back to your wife. And John, congratulations.” “Thanks for being so open with me.” Entering the waiting area, John looks for Lucy, but doesn't see her anywhere, going to the reception desk, “Have you seen my wife?” “And your wife would be who?” the receptionist asks, not looking up from her magazine. Thinking to himself, how could the hospital be so fortunate to have, two ‘Randi Fronczak's’ working in the same place.” “Lucy Carter, blonde, just made an appointment,” he says sarcastically. “Headed down the hall, to the Newborn Nursery, pointing the way, still looking at her magazine. Shaking his head, and laughing to himself, he reaches the nursery and marvels at the scene he sees through the window. There, rocking a newborn she sees Lucy gently playing with the baby's hair and softly singing a lullaby. At that moment,Kit sees John looking through the window and nods to Lucy, his presence. Standing up, she places the baby back in the bassinet, and thanks Kit for letting her feed and rock the child. “Anytime, thank you, for the extra pair of hands.” As Lucy leaves the nursery, she John waiting by the door, “Hey,” she smiles, taking him in her arms, “How am I doing?” “Looks like you'll make the perfect mother,” he teases. “That?” Pointing to the nursery, “just getting in some practice. No, I mean, what did the two of you decide about my future in the ER?” “Just what she told you, your work schedule's gonna change the closer your due date gets.” “Are you sure that's all?” she asks studying him closely. “Yep, that's it.” “Liar. I know there was something else, John please tell me.” “You know me too well, don't you.” “As much as you know me, please tell me,” she says seriously. “Uh,” not knowing how to approach the subject, but deciding the truth was his best bet, “Coburn's concerned about the stress on your heart, during the delivery and hopes, as well as I do, you would consider a C-Section. “Nope, not even going to consider it,” she says matter of factually. “Coburn and I want you to consider it. I just don't want anything to happen to you.” “Does this have to do with the fact, that my heart stopped last year, after you know?” He nods his head sadly. With tears forming in her eyes, “Sobricki's always going to have some hold over us, isn't he? No matter how long it's been, or how hard we try to forget, he's not going to be far away.” “Yes, it is always going to be part of us, but we can't let him dictate to us, how we're going to live the rest of our lives. Besides, we've already beat him in a way-we're surviving and that's what's important,” he says drying her tears. “Of course, you're right,” she sniffles, “I'll think about it, okay?” “That's my girl. Now, let's go home, we've got a big night ahead of us, if you're still up to it?” “Hey, this IS our honeymoon, you bet I'm up to it.” Leaving the hospital, arms wrapped around each other, they head home to prepare for their night of surprises. As they enter their house, Lucy heads upstairs and John goes to the kitchen, “I'm going to get something to drink,do you want anything?” “Water will be fine, just bring a bottle up with you, I'm going to wash up a little, then take a short nap.” “Okay, I'll be up in a few minutes and join you,” he smirks. “I mean it John, I'm taking a nap!” she smiles, going up the stairs. Entering their bedroom, with the two bottles of water, John smiles as he sees Lucy laying on her side of the bed, already asleep. Setting the bottles down, he carefully covers her with a blanket and lays down beside her, protectively wrapping his arms around his family. Waking up about two hours later, Lucy turns over and playfully tugs at John's beard. “You awake?” she whispers. “I am now,” he groans, opening one eye slowly and then the other, then taking her in his arms and giving her a little kiss. “What time's our reservation?” “Seven.” “And what time is it now?” she asks. Looking at his watch, “Almost five. We'd better start getting ready. Knowing you, it's going to take you a good hour to get ready.” “I'm not going to deny it, can't seem to move as fast as I used too,” she laughs, getting up. “I'll just lay here, till you get finished,” he smiles, closing his eyes again. “Or?” she suggests. “Yes?” studying her closely. “There's plenty of room for you to join me,” she offers. “Why Mrs. Carter are you trying to take advantage of me?” he grins. “Damn straight, I am,” she laughs, and heads to the bathroom to begin her shower. Not knowing if he was going to join her, Lucy begins and is startled when he does, “You scared me,” she giggled. “Well, I thought, I'd better take advantage of the time we have alone together, 'cause pretty soon that will be nothing but a "memory". One of us will have watch the kids, while the other gets ready.” “In that case, come here,” she says, pulling him to her, “Let's make a memory.” “If I'm not mistaken, we've already made two,” he replies, giving her a deep kiss. After showering, John picks out his suit, dresses and heads downstairs to wait for Lucy, who is having a difficult time deciding what to wear. After trying on several different dresses, she finally decides on a simple, but elegant black one. “Are you about ready? Our reservation are in thirty minutes... Lucy MOVE IT!” he yells, up the stairs. “I'm coming, I'm coming, give me a break,” she snaps, making her way out of the room. Watching Lucy come down the stairs, John can't help, but think, how the mother of his children looked absolutely radiant. “You look beautiful!” he exclaims, helping her on with her coat. “You don't look, so bad yourself,” she answers giving him a kiss. “So, we're ready?” “Absolutely,” she says, gathering her purse. After leaving the house, Lucy notices Millicent's limousine waiting for them. “Nice touch,” she whispers. “Only the best for my wife tonight,” he whispers back. “I love you, John,” as she takes her seat. “I love you too, Luce,” he whispers, as he takes his seat next to her and holds her close the entire ride to the restaurant. Arriving at Dominic's they are given a table in a secluded area, with a view of the city lights. Looking over the menu, they quickly decide what they want. “Come on John, I wanna dance,” Lucy giggles, pulling him to the dance floor. “Okay, okay, slow down,” John laughs. As the music begins, they only have eyes for each other, Lucy looking up to her husband's face and him smiling down at hers. “I could stay like this forever,” she says softly, burying her head against his chest, closing her eyes and listening to the words of the music.
At last my love has come along My lonely days are over And life is like a song Shh, just listen, he whispers, resting his chin on her head. And you smile, you smile And then the spell was cast And here we are in heaven For you are mine at last
After the music ends, they stand there, still in each other's arms, lost in the moment, and then they begin to laugh, “Did you feel that?” she says, taking his hand and placing it on her growing stomach. “Yeah, I did,” he smiles, “Do you think they're getting hungry?” “I don't know about them, but I know I sure am.” “I imagine our food is waiting, let's go back,” he says, as he leads her back to their table. During dinner, Lucy slips off a shoe and sensuously begins rubbing his leg with her foot. Startled by her boldness, he brandishes an acknowledging grin, which Lucy returns. They finish dinner, not saying a word,but continuing flirting with each other, when the waiter comes to offer dessert, “Can I interest either of you in dessert?” he asks. “Lucy?” “I think I'll wait till we get home to have some, what about you John?” she answers with a devious grin. “Sounds good to me, he replies, mirroring her smile, “Check please!” All the way home, they continue to play a sexually cat and mouse game. As they enter, their house, Lucy takes off her coat and slips out of her shoes. “Thank you for a WONDERFUL evening,” she smile, giving him a long kiss. “It's not over yet. Wait here,” smiling and going up the stairs. Sitting on the bottom step, she impatiently taps her foot, waiting for him to return. As he walks down, “It's about time!” “It's only been a few minutes, cool your jets!” he jokes. Offering her his hand, he leads her upstairs to their bedroom, where they enter a room, entirely lit by candlelight. “I don't think I left the room like this.” she grins. “I had some help,” he smiles. “Remind me to thank Susan, the next time I see her,” she grins. “And Elizabeth too.” “You've been keeping secrets, haven't you?” “Yep,sure have. Shh, don't talk,” he whispers, putting his fingers to her lips. Lucy loosens and takes off his tie and slowly unbuttons his shirt, kissing his chest, as she does. John in turn, unzips her dress and let's it fall to the floor, all the time kissing her neck and working his way to her swollen belly. As he does, she lets out a small gasp, but recovers by kissing the top of his head. Gently carrying her to the bed, he enters her and they celebrate the perfect end to a perfect day.