“Hurry up or we'll be late our first day back, and I don't think the Boss would appreciate it,” Lucy laughs, poking her head through the bathroom door as her husband attempts to shave off his beard.
“I guess I should have done this last night, huh?” “I asked you if you wanted me to do it, but NO, you said, ‘wait till we get up’,” she teases. “Well, I remember the last time you helped me. Besides, if I had done it last night, we wouldn't have been able to ...you know,” he grins, wiping the last of the shaving cream off his face. He takes her into his arms, “I wish you would keep it,” she smiles. “I don't think Weaver wants her Chief Resident looking like a bum, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.” “The sacrifices we have to make, right?” standing on tip toes and giving him a kiss. “We'd better go, I'm getting anxious to get back to work.” “What? Spending a whole week, 24/7 with me is boring you?” he jokes. “Of course not,” pulling him over to the bed, “I'm just saying, I need to get my hours in before I have to go on maternity leave. And if you're planning on taking time off, we'd better hit the road, before Weaver changes her mind about letting you off for a week,” she logically concludes. Reluctantly, he agrees and they both get off the bed and head off to work. Arriving at the ER entrance, John parks the Jeep and helps Lucy out. As they enter, they are greeted by Haleh. “Look who decided to come back to work, sure has been quiet without the two of you. You're looking pretty healthy Lucy, how you feeling?” she says giving Lucy a hug. “Fine, thanks. So what's been going on?” “Same old, same old. Carter, Dr. Weaver would like to see you upstairs. Some Chief Resident stuff to go over with you.” Giving Lucy a kiss, he heads up stairs. “I'll catch up with you, as soon as I find out what's up.” “Okay, see you later.” John heads upstairs and Lucy to the lounge, where she sees Malucci resting on the couch. “Man! You've gotten REALLY big!” he grins. “Nice to see you too, Dave,” she says sarcastically, going straight to her locker.” “Where's Carter?” “Weaver wanted to see him as soon as we got here, why?” “You know that Jeep's going to be a little impractical for you guys pretty soon, I was wondering if Carter would be willing to sell it to me?” “Are you finally going to join the twenty first century and trade your bike for a car? What's this world coming to?” she laughs. “I figure, women really go for the type of guy that drives those SUV type vehicles.” “You do have a point about us needing more room, but that Jeep is John's baby, so it's his decision about what to do with it.” All of a sudden, the door crashes open, “Malucci! Get your ass off that couch, you're not being paid to sit around and drink coffee, when there are people out there, who are sick and dying,” Weaver yells. Seeing Lucy, she adds, “Glad you're back, John will be down shortly. See you in a few minutes.” “Thanks Dr. Weaver. Do you need me to clock in now?” “No, just needed Malucci to get back to work,” she smiles and gives her a wink. As Lucy checks her reflection before closing the locker, she hears the door open and being slammed shut. “SON OF A BITCH!” a familiar voice bellows through the lounge. Turning, she sees John throwing down his bag on the table. “John, what's wrong?” she asks quietly, hoping her quiet voice would calm him down. “First day back and I'm stuck with a couple of third year med students. It's not enough that I have to make sure everyone does their job, answer to Weaver and Romano, now I have to play baby sitter to a couple of students, who don't know anything about how the ER runs. You wouldn't consider taking...” “Hey! I'm only an intern, I can't be responsible for anyone else but myself. If you recall, I had my own set of problems, she smiles, “How else are they going learn if they can't learn from the best?” “Come here,” he says, holding her as close as he can, “Sucking up to the boss already, huh?” “Can't hurt can it?” Lucy laughs, “Seriously though, I remember what Dr. Greene told me, students are here to learn and you have to make it hard for them, because it all comes down to a matter of life and death. Just remember, they're just as nervous about being in an uncontrolled situation, as you are having them around.” “You've turned into quite the philosopher, haven't you?” “Oh please,” she smiles, giving him a little kiss on the lips then wiping any trace of lipstick off. “We're on in five minutes. Can't be late,” she giggles, pushing playfully away from him, just their short conversation was enough to change his mood. Lucy leaves the lounge and goes to admit for her first patient, who had already been taken to the suture room with multiple lacerations. She is followed by John, who goes to the two med students and begins the introductions. “I'm Dr. Carter, and you are?” “Mitchell Roberts.” “Alex McGuire.” “Welcome to Cook County ER, I'm going to give you the nickel tour, then you will each be assigned a resident, but feel free to help anywhere you're needed. And PLEASE, if you have any questions, ask. This is a teaching hospital. As an afterthought adds, “My last student wanted to make a good impression and ended up getting into some trouble.” “What happened?” Roberts asks “I married her,” John laughs, as the tension between teacher and student is eased. Continuing the tour, “Exam one, exam two. Trauma one, trauma two. As you can see, both quiet at the moment, that’s the way we like it.” Seeing Luka coming towards them, “Luka, do you have a minute?” “Sure Carter.” “This is Roberts and McGuire, third year students, beginning an ER rotation. This is Dr. Kovac.” “Gentlemen, welcome, if you want some interesting cases, look me up later,” he says, shaking their hands. He leaves them to continue the tour, which takes them to the suture room. Opening the door, they see Lucy working on an unconscious man. “Lucy, this is Roberts and McGuire,” he says smiling. “Welcome to the ER,” she smiles back. “What do you have?” “Well, Mr. Taylor decided he wanted a certain piece of jewelry, but didn't want to pay for it. Smashed a display case at Marshall's.” “Is he on anything?” “Tox screen came back negative.” “Whew! How many sutures so far?” “Already passed forty five,” she grins. “How about lunch later?” he asks walking behind her and taking a closer look. “Meet you in the lounge around two? That is course if you can tear yourself away from your academic endeavor, motioning her head towards the two students.” “They'll be with Luka and Deb later, I guarantee it.” “I'll find you, then we'll grab a bite, they maybe find someplace quiet, where we can spend sometime alone,” he whispers even quieter. “Sounds good to me,” she smiles. “I'll see you later,” he says giving her a tweak on her nose, and leaves with the med students close behind. Noticing the obvious attraction between John and Lucy, the students smile, “So that was the med student, wasn't it Dr. Carter?” “Yep, sure is, didn't turn out to be a bad doctor either. Let's get you two assigned to a couple of residents and get you started learning some procedures.” Having assigned Roberts and McGuire to Luka and Deb, John returns to the suture room to check on Lucy. There he finds her finishing up her patient and going over care instructions to his armed escort. “Everything going okay?” he asks. “Yeah, I finally finishing him up. Now it's the County Correctional System's turn with him,” she laughs, “Things busy out there?” “Not too bad, don't push yourself, you need to take it easy.” “Dr. Carter?” Halah interrupts. “Yes?” they both answer at the same time. They all begin to laugh. “You were waiting for that to happen, weren't you?” John grins. “You bet,” she smiles. “I want Dr. "John" Carter,” Haleh says, smiling as they all turn to leave. “We're going to have to do something about that.” “How about ‘Dr. Lucy’,” John jokes. “How about over my dead body?” Lucy shoots back. “Lucy!” “I know, don't even joke about that,” she smiles, playfully pushing him out the door in front of her.” “Excuse me? I hate to interrupt you guys, but would one of you Dr. Carters’ take a look at the man in curtain three and the other get ready for a GSW coming in, in about three minutes?” Looking at Lucy, “Up to you.” “I think I'll stick to the "dull" stuff today, unless you really need me, if that's okay?” “Guess I'll see you later,” he says with a little wave, and a long look, after they part.” Thinking and smiling to himself, ‘Six months pregnant and still has a nice looking ass.’ Entering Curtain three, Lucy finds Milik taking vitals of a young man of twenty four. Reading the chart, she learns the patient is complaining of a persistent headache, which has lasted for three days. Seeing the color drain from Lucy's face, Milik suggests, “Why don't you get Carter, I'll stay here and keep Mr. Munoz company.” “Thanks, Milik. Be right back.” Looking through the trauma room door, she sees John finishing with the GSW victim, who was DOA. Going in, she doesn't waste anytime, letting him know what's going on. “John, I've got a case, I don't think I can handle.” “Be there in a second,” he says, taking off and disposing of his protective gown. Taking her aside, she hands him the chart, looking it over, he immediately realizes her concern, “Just because he's presenting with a headache, doesn't mean it's going to be like before. What is your first instinct to do?” “I’d order a CT scan to see if there's anything physically wrong.” “Then do it,” he says handing the chart back to her. Turning to leave, she grabs the chart and pushes the doors open, bumping into Dr. Weaver, “Lucy, slow down. What's the problem?” “I've got a patient, with similar symptoms as Sobriki did and John just brushed me off... again!” she complains. “I can't believe, after all we've been through and said about being there for each other, he'd pull something like this.” “Maybe you just caught him at a bad time. I'll see what the problem is?” “Is there anyone in there with you?” “Yeah, Milik is in there.” “Good, just tell him to stay with you, I'll go see what John's problem is.” “Thanks, Dr. Weaver,” she sighs, as the two part. Seeing John talking to Chunni, Weaver interrupts, “What the hell were you thinking, telling Lucy to go back in there with that patient? Kerry yells.” Looking around, John notices the staff, starting to stare at the two of them. “Can we talk about this in private?” he asks quietly. Going into the empty trauma room, John begins to explain, “She can't be afraid to treat anybody who comes in complaining of a headache, thinking it's some psychopath trying to kill her. If I don't force her to take charge, she won't.” “You know she's going to resent what you've done.” “Yeah, I know I'm going to get hell when we get home,” he sighs, shaking his head. “It's my bet, sooner,” Weaver smiles, “I'll just go and see how things are going.” “Thanks Kerry.” After they both leave, John encounters a group of nurses, obviously talking about him, “She said, that he told Lucy to get back in there and treat the guy. Man, how insensitive can he be? I really thought he had changed,” Connie says sarcastically. Walking past the group, John feels all eyes on him, not bothering to explain his actions, he continues. Thinking to himself, it's none of their business. As Lucy reenters the room, Milik is surprised to see she's by herself “Where's Carter?” the nurse questions. “It looks like it's my call.” “So?” “Okay, Mr. Munoz, I'm going to order a CT scan, and MRI, to determine the cause of you headaches. The test consists of, is lying on a table, while a special X-ray machine takes a picture of your head. Milik will wait with you, bring the pictures back, and we'll go from there. I'll be right back, it will take a few minutes to write up the orders, call Radiology, and you'll be on your way.” Going to the admit desk, where John, Weaver, and Haleh are each doing computer or paperwork, Lucy begins writing up her orders for Mr. Munoz. Turning to Haleh, she sees this as the perfect opportunity to offer a solution to their earlier conversation. “Haleh?” “Yes Lucy?” “Remember earlier, when you were asking about the title situation?” By this time, everyone at the desk had become interested in the conversation. “So, what do you have in mind?” “I'll just keep "Dr. Knight",” she says with an air of decisiveness. She looks over to her husband, as if to say, "I can play this game too." “Are you sure?” Haleh asks. “Yep, seems this hospital is only big enough for one, all knowing John Carter.” “Ouch! That one hurt,” Weaver mumbles and smiles to John. “Don't you think, you'd better tell her why you did what you did?” “You're probably right. Lucy, can I see you in private?” “Sorry, I have to finish these orders on this CT scan.” Tossing the papers in the air he was working on, John storms off in the opposite direction. Feeling she had gained the upper hand, she smiles and gives Milik the patient's orders. “Guess the honeymoon's over,” Randy says, blowing a bubble with her gum. “Randy, if you need me, I'll be in the lounge.” “You can't go in there,” Randy hurriedly replies. “Why not?” “They're doing touch-up painting, you know the fumes?” “How do you expect us to take a break?” “There's always the roach coach.” “Great. Maybe some fresh air will do me some good. If you need me, just page me.” “Sure thing, Dr. Car...Knight,” she smiles. Going to a somewhat secluded area, Lucy leans up against the wall and takes a deep breath. Thinking that this wasn't the way it was suppose to be, their first day back. But John had started it, and she wasn't going to let it drop, until he apologized, big time! Until then, she could play this game too. “Rough day?” a friendly voice interrupts. Tuning around, Lucy sees Susan, standing and studying her. “More than you know,” she replies, quietly. “So, is this how you two were during the early stage of your relationship?” “Actually, it was worse,” Lucy smiles. “Listen, why don't you hang out with me the rest of the day?” “Sounds good to me,” she replies with a heavy sigh. Going back into the ER, “Lucy, hand lac in three,” Connie tells her, passing her the chart. “Thanks,” she whispers. Entering the room, she finds a young woman, holding a towel on her hand. After examining the wound, she begins to suture the affected area, when she is interrupted by Dr. Kovac. “Lucy, the results are back on your CT scan, I'll finish up here.” “Thanks, Dr. Kovac.” “Yeah, I don't understand why Carter would make you see him by yourself.” “Your guess is as good as mine,” she sighs. Studying the scan, Lucy is relieved to see there is a definite cause for her patient's headache. Entering his room, she begins to tell him, that with the symptoms he presented, the results of the CT scan showed that a Berry aneurysm had formed, which fortunately was caught in time before any serious damage had been done. “I'm going to refer you to Neurology, and they will discuss your options, as far as treatment goes,” Noticing his frightened look, she takes his hand and continues, “I know this is a lot to dump on you and you must have a million of questions. But we've caught it early and there IS hope,” she empathizes. “I'm afraid, of what's going to happen to me.” “I know you are,” she says quietly, “The doctors upstairs will go over the CT scan, and determine whether the aneurysm can be treated medically or surgically. Is there anyone you'd like for me to call?” “Yeah, my wife, please. Here’s her number,” he writes a local number on a piece paper and gives it to Lucy. “Would you like for me to stay with you until transport comes?” “No thank you, I just need some time to myself. Would you make that call to my wife?” “Okay.” “Thanks for everything, Dr. Knight.” “You're welcome,” she answers quietly, as she leaves the room. Going to the admit desk, she calls Mr. Munoz's wife and explains her husband is ill and needs her a the hospital. As she is hanging up the phone, Mr. Munoz is wheeled past her on his way upstairs. As Tony pushes the gurney, Lucy turns to her patient, “Rachel, is on her way, I told her to go directly to Neurology and let the desk clerk know who she is. They'll make sure she finds you.” “Thank you again, Dr. Knight.” “You just concentrate on getting better,” she whispers, patting him on the shoulder. Lucy turns to Randy, at the desk, “Have you seen John?” “Yeah, he's in there,” she says, not looking up from her magazine, pointing to an exam room. Going into the room, she finds him struggling to examine a patient. “John, do you have a minute?” “That's about all. Yosh, see if you can find something to calm our friend down. So, what do you want?” “I was kinda hoping we could talk.” “Can't you see I'm a little busy here,” sounding annoyed. Not so much at her, but the fact that he was having a problem with a patient. “Yeah, I can see that, but I was hoping we could talk about-" “I told you, I don't have the time for this right now, we'll talk at home,” he says, blowing her off once more. “Whatever!” she mumbles, as she stomps out the door. When she gets to the other side, she lets out her frustration, “DAMN-IT!!” Poking her head out of a trauma room, Susan smiles, “Hey Lucy, still having a bad day?” “Yeah, and it seems to be getting worse by the minute.” “Do you want to help me with this patient?” “Might as well. What do we got?” “Twenty eight year old, in her twenty fifth week, having contractions about ten minutes apart.” “Have you ruled out Braxton Hicks?” “Yeah, she's already eighty percent effaced.” “Are you thinking pre-term labor?” Lucy asks quietly. “Yeah, we need to prepare for the worse,” Susan continues in a whisper. “Do you want me to tell her?” “No, I'll do it, it might be too hard on the both of you.” As they continue to discuss the patient's condition, they hear moaning coming from the gurney. “I've got to push!” she yells. “Lucy, check and see what's going on, I'll get the baby warmer ready.” Feverishly gowning up, Lucy determines a birth is near. “Amniotic fluid is leaking and the baby's crowning,” she says calmly. Silently knowing how ever this child looks, that times two, is what her babies look like. Turning her attention back to the patient, Lucy begins taking care of her, as she had been trained to do. “Susan, I don't think I'm going to be able to do this.” Taking Lucy aside and putting her arm around her, she begins quietly giving her the confidence she needs. “I know this is hard for you, but there's a time when we need to put our feelings aside and focus solely on that of our patient's well being. You're gonna be okay.” Taking a deep breath, Lucy turns her attention back to the patient with renewed confidence. As she goes, Susan whispers to Lily, “Page Carter.” After Susan delivers a very small baby girl, Lucy gently carries the child to the waiting baby warmer. Weighing a mere 1.7lbs, she gives the baby a seventy six percent chance of survival. “Come on little one, give me a little cry,” she whispers, as she gives it oxygen. As if the child heard her, the baby gives a small cry. She returns to the new mother to tell her the optimistic news. Unknown to Lucy, John is watching through the trauma room window, thinking it's time they both end this little charade they've been playing all day. Susan noticing him watching at the door, acknowledges him with a smile and a look, as if to say, "she's doing fine". Acknowledging her back, he leaves. After Susan and Lily take the infant to the NICU, Lucy begins cleaning the room and comforting the new mother. “What's going to happen to her?” “Dr. Lewis is taking her to the Newborn ICU, where the doctors will monitor her and watch her very carefully.” Noticing Lucy's condition, the patient asks, “How far along are you?” Taking a seat next to her, Lucy welcomes the time to sit and get off her feet. “About twenty six weeks. I feel like I've been pregnant forever, she says, slightly smiling, for the first time all day. “I know what you mean. No offense, but you're a little big for twenty six weeks.” Looking around, to make sure they were alone, before answering, “We're having twins,” she says quietly. “That's wonderful,” she says, almost falling asleep. “Someone will move you to another room shortly, so why don't you try to get some sleep.” “What about my husband? He should be here anytime.” “I'll leave word at the desk, to have someone show him where you're at. You'll probably transferred to OB/GYN, hopefully pretty soon, then you'll get to see your baby. I hope everything goes well. “Thanks for everything, Dr. Knight.” “You're welcome, take care.” Leaving the trauma room, Lucy picks up a small stack of charts that she needs to finish before leaving. “Randy, the patient in trauma one, is going to be moved, make sure her husband finds her when he comes in. Thanks.” Looking at the board to find an empty room, she finds several. “I'll be in exam six, working on these charts, page if you need me. “Sure thing, Lucy.” Entering the room, she tosses the charts on the empty bed, pulls up a chair and rests her feet on the bed. Deep in thought, instead of working, she feels John's presence enter the room. “Lucy we need to talk.” “I've got to finish these charts before I go home,” she says curtly, turning her attention to her work. “Lucy, we need to talk, NOW or this isn't going to work.” “Excuse me! I wasn't the one who just blew me off when...” “When what?” he asks defensively. “When you knew I was so… afraid,” she whimpers. Bending down and looking her straight in the eyes, he begins, “First off, you know I would NEVER let anything happen to you, I love you too much. Second, if I hadn't made you take that patient, you would have never been able to get back your complete confidence back. There would always be that little doubt in your mind about whether you were making the right diagnosis. “I know,” she whispers, “Would you do something for me?” “Sure, what is it?” “Just hold me.” Holding her closely, they both feel the tension that had been building up all day, disappear into a single passionate kiss. Reluctantly pulling away, Lucy looks into his eyes and says, “It's not fun fighting with you anymore,” she smiles. “Why not?” he asks, scrutinizing her. “You know, like we were in the beginning?” she says. Laughing at the thought of how they were, what they had been through, and their life together, made him pull her back into his embrace, “You thought that was fun? I thought you were just being annoying,” he smiles. “Oh please, you knew what you were doing.” “Did not.” “Did so.” “Did not.” “Listen, we can be at this all night, I really need to get these charts done, or the boss is going to have my ass,” she laughs. “The "boss" is going to have you ass tonight anyway you look at it,” he grins. “Promise?” she says with a mischievous smile. “You bet,” he says, tweaking her nose, “How long are these gonna take?” she asks, indicating the charts. “At least forty five minutes, maybe longer, if you don't get out of here,” she smiles. “Tired of me already, huh?” “No, but if you don't leave pretty soon, well...the thought of us, together, in this room might, just lead to...” “I get the picture. Have Randy page me when you get done. Love you,” he says, kissing her and getting ready to leave. “Love you too, John.” Finishing the charts in record time, Lucy drops them off at the desk. “Randy, would you call John and let him know, I'm finished and ready to leave.” “Sure, but that patient you and Dr. Lewis had earlier, wants to see you before you leave.” “You mean they haven't moved her upstairs yet?” “Nope, but I do think they will soon, they just called down for all of her information.” “Where's she at?” “Exam four.” “Thanks.” Before going to the room, she calls up to the NICU to check on the little girl. Entering the room, Lucy is greeted by the woman and her husband. “We just wanted to thank you again, for all you've done.” “I haven't done anything, that anybody else here, wouldn't have done.” “You took the time to reassure me that everything will be alright, the woman answers.” “I'm not going to fool you, she's still in serious condition, but she's responding to treatment. Soon you'll get to see her and in no time at all, she should be responding to you and your husband's voices.” “Lucy?” Turning around she sees John standing behind her smiling. “My husband,” she says with an obvious twinkle in her eyes. “Listen, I'll try to come up to see you all tomorrow, you guys take care.” “Thanks again, Dr. Knight.” “You're welcome, actually it's Dr. Carter.” Leaving the room, John gives her a puzzled look.” “So now it's Dr. Carter, huh?” “Absolutely,” she smiles, giving him a little kiss. “And tomorrow?” “I’ll go to security and have it changed for good. I think County can handle, two Dr. Carter's, don't you? We'll work something out.” Walking into the lounge, Lucy is surprised to see her mother waiting. “Hey baby, how you doing?” Barbara exclaims. “Great! What are you doing in town?” going to her mom and giving her a hug. “I had a meeting with Millicent, and by the way, John, I met your mother. She seems real nice, concerned about you and Lucy.” “Are we talking about the "same" Eleanor Carter?” he whispers to Lucy, who gives him a swift elbow to the ribs, yet a fake smile to Barbara. “Besides, I come bearing gifts, from all us grandparent's-to-be.” Then adds, “Robert and I have dinner plans too. If that's alright?” she asks, hesitantly looking for a reaction from Lucy. “Yes it is, mother,” Lucy laughs. “Robert and I will bring everything over, as soon as he finishes up his rounds, it shouldn't be too long.” “Romano coming to our place? John, we'd better get home and make sure the house is clean,” she says with a hint of panic in her voice. “It's not like we're going to have him over for dinner,” John says trying to calm her down. “But he's OUR BOSS,” she whines. “Lucy, we're going to drop off the gifts, then we're going to leave, the rest of evening is yours, Barbara replies, trying her best to reassure her daughter, they weren't going to stay. “Just get out of here, we'll see you later,” she smiles, turning Lucy toward the door and giving her a little push. The short drive home was a quiet one. Lucy fidgeted with anything she could get her hand on, especially the button on the radio, switching it from one station to another, and John just smiling at her nervousness. Finally, reaching home, Lucy doesn't wait for John to open the car door for her beating a path straight to the front door, where she impatiently waits for him to let her in. Once in, she starts up the stairs, but is stopped by John, who leads her towards the living room. “You go rest, I'll check the upstairs, you've been through enough stress for one day,” he orders. “But-” “Doctor's orders,” he interrupts. “Okay,” she answers, reluctantly. After checking the upstairs, throwing things under beds and closing doors, John returns to find Lucy sitting on the couch with her legs stretched out the length of it. Sitting down next to her, he begins massaging her swollen ankles. “That feels... so good,” she says resting her eyes and relaxing. “What a day!” Noticing the headlights in the driveway, “Yeah it was, wasn't it? Guess what? It's not over yet, guess, who's here?” he says gently putting her legs on the floor. Jumping up from the couch, Lucy heads to the door, straightening her hair and clothes, as she answers the door. “Mom, come on in, where's-?” “Robert? Getting the packages out of the car. John would you go out and help him, please?” “No problem. I'm sure Lucy has something to tell you,” he says, patting her stomach. “Is everything okay, sweetie?” Barbara asks, showing concern. “I think you'd better sit down, mom.” “Is everything okay?” she asks again. “Yeah, it's just...well, we're having twins,” Lucy smiles. “TWINS!” shouts Barbara. “Shh!! We don't want anyone at work to know, so PLEASE, don't say anything to Romano.” “Don't worry your secret is safe with me. Do you know what you're having?” “No, we want to be surprised. There's not that many surprises left in this world, when it comes to finding out whether it'll be a boy or a girl. That's part of the fun. Besides, we already know about the one girl, that's good enough for us.” Coming in with an armload of gifts, John and Romano enter the house. “Luce, where do you want these?” “How about the nursery, no wait, there's no room in there,” Looking around, “What about over there in the corner. No, we would just have to take them all upstairs. What about-“ “Lucy will you make up your mind! Carter, is she this uncertain with the way she treats her patients? Cause if she is, maybe Psych SHOULD have been her choice,” Romano jokes. “Lucy, these packages are really starting to get heavy,” John adds. “Just put them in the spare bedroom, PLEASE?” she smiles sarcastically. After putting the gifts away, John and Romano make their way downstairs. “Nice place you got here. Dipping into the "family" trust Carter?” Romano says snidely. “Nope, actually it's a gift from both families.” “So Barbara is loaded, huh?” “I have no idea about that, only when Lucy's dad left the two of them, she put herself through law school and did a damn good job raising her daughter, John says, with a hint of annoyance in his voice. Entering the living room, Romano looks at his watch, “Barbara, are you ready to go? We've got to pick up a couple of things before we head home. Looking at her mother with a puzzled look, Lucy asks, “What's up?” “He's fixing dinner for me,” her mom smiles. “Another of my many talents,” Romano replies, putting his arms around her waist. “Oh John, by the way, your mother wanted me to give you these,” handing him a set of car keys. “She told me you might need it, for your growing family. At the time, I had no idea what she meant, now I do,” she smiles. “Have fun guys, I'll give you a call tomorrow,” Lucy says smiling. “Tell you what, I'll call you, maybe we can do lunch at that little place across from the hospital. Love you sweetie, you guys have a good evening.” “Love you too mom, see you later,” Lucy smiles giving her mom a kiss. “So, do you want to test drive the new Jeep?” John asks, dangling the keys in front of her. “Yeah, sounds like fun! Let me grab my shoes and jacket.” After driving through a burger joint to get dome dinner, John turns on to a private dirt road, and drives to a clearing and parks. “Bet you don't know where we're at?” “Bet I do,” she smiles. “Okay smarty, where are we?” he asks, taking her hand. “If I'm not mistaken, this is where we found our beautiful Christmas tree. “Well, if I'm not mistaken, it was kind of on the scrawny side,” he says, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I guess it was, wasn't it?” she slightly grins, “Still, it was a beautiful tree.” “You made it one.” For a short time there was silence, as if they were both remembering that time, only three short months ago, and all they had been through since. “Do you want to fool around?” he whispers in her ear. “Oh please, I'm in no shape to do it in the back seat of a Jeep,” she answers with a sly grin. “Ah, come on, Luce, where's your sense of adventure?” “Well, we do need to find out if it's big enough for two car seats, don't we?” she says smiling. “You got that right,” he says, smiling right back, “Come on, I'll help you.” Finally giving in, John helps her into the back seat, where she removes her jacket and gets comfortable. Climbing in, John leans back against one of the windows and motions her to come to him. Leaning her head against his chest, she closes her eyes. “I love you, Luce,” he whispers, as he pulls her close. “I love you too,” she whispers back. There they spend the night wrapped in each other's arms until the first hint of sun comes shining through the trees.