Six weeks had past since John and Lucy had become parents, getting two babies on the same schedule took sometime, but they were able to work through it, and both babies were sleeping more or less through the night. Any doubts Lucy had, were just a silly reminder about a time when she had been so overwhelmed by the thought of being a mother. Her own mom, was surprised how at ease Lucy and John were at taking care of their children.
The day had come for Lucy's six week check up and a trip to the hospital daycare, to enroll the children. Waking up in the bed, by himself, John knew exactly where he could find her. Going to the nursery, he found her asleep in the rocking chair.
Bending down and giving her a kiss, he whispers, “Morning kids.”
“Shh, I just got Bobby back to sleep, he's been awake off and on all night. You go shower, I'll start the coffee.”
“Sounds good to me,” she smiles, helping her to her feet.
Each going their separate ways, Lucy grabs the baby monitor, listening closer, she smiles to herself, as she realizes her husband has waken both babies up.
“I thought I told you to be quiet,” she playfully scolds, as she sees John carrying both babies in their infant carriers into the kitchen.
“I haven't seen that much of them lately, awake that is,” he grins, “Besides, they're hungry.”
“Since you woke them up, which one do you want to feed?” she reminds him smiling.
“Beth. Can you grab me a bottle?” he says, with a little grin.
“So, what time you on?” she asks, feeding Bobby.
“Seven. What time is your appointment with Coburn?”
“Around ten, mom's going to pick us up and take us to the hospital. Do you feel like some visitors later this morning?”
“Absolutely, I'm catching hell from the staff, that you haven't brought them in for a visit. At least Carol brought them in for a visit while she was off.
“Well, I'm NOT Carol,” she mutters.
“I know you're not, don't get so defensive,” he says, putting Beth down in her infant seat, and taking Bobby from Lucy and putting him back in his seat.
“What's the problem?”
“I'm going to be starting back to work soon, I just don't know if I can stand to be away from them for an entire day.”
“Come here,” he says, taking her in his arms. >They're going to be fine, they'll just be upstairs. I imagine Heather will get pretty tired of seeing you-and me checking up on them.”
“Now I know why I love you so much. You know just the right things to say. I'll finish here, you'd better get ready for work,” she says, giving him a quick kiss. “Guess you'll have to grab something on the way, sorry,” she apologizes.
“No problem, see you in a few minutes,” he says, as he heads upstairs to shower.
After his shower, he goes downstairs where he hears the rhythmic sound of two infant swings in motion, looking at the scene of his children asleep and his wife sitting on the couch and smiling, he quietly walks over behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders, as she looks up, he gives her a little kiss. Getting up she walks him to the door.
“I'll see you later,” she smiles. “Don't forget, we're going to your grandparents for the Fourth. You're off right?”
“Yes ma'am.”
“Guess I'll see you later, Love you,” she smiles, giving him a long kiss goodbye.
“Love you too, take care of my babies,” he says, beginning to hesitate.
“You know I will. Now go, someone in this family has to work,” she smiles, grabbing his bag and practically pushing him out the door.
LATER THAT MORNING
“Well, I don't believe who I see,” a delighted Haleh smiles, “Girl you are looking good! Now let me see those babies,” she says, going over to the double stroller Lucy is pushing into the ER. “May I?”
“Sure, take your pick, they're both awake.”
“Lucy, I'm going upstairs to see... I'll meet you in the daycare, let's say, in twenty minutes,” Barbara offers.
“Sure, tell him hello for me,” Lucy teases.
“What's that all about? Chunni asks.
“I'd rather not say right now.”
“Haven't you heard the latest, about Lucy's mom and Romano...” Lydia adds.
“Guys listen, mom's not one of us, I don't want her to become the subject of the rumor mill.”
“All right, but you'd better let us know if anything happens. You having twins, slipped past us, we're not going to miss out on anything else.”
“Absolutely,” Lucy lies. “Now where's John?”
“The lounge, I think he went to call you. We'll watch the babies.”
Entering the lounge, Lucy sees John on the phone, having an obvious conversation with their answering machine, “...so I guess I'll talk to you whenever. Love you, Luce.”
“Love you too,” she giggles, as she goes over and gives him a
kiss. “So, what's up?”
“You're not going to like this. Dave called in sick tonight, I've got to take his four hours.”
“Damn it!! You've been working nights the entire week. Can't someone else do it,” she whines.
“Lucy, you know it's my job to make sure the ER is covered, even if that means I'm the one doing it. You knew what it would be like when I took the job.”
“Great,” she fumes. Looking at her watch, “Gotta go to the daycare and pick up the enrollment forms,” she says, disgustedly about the turn of events.
“Luce, don't be that way, at least it's only four hours, not twelve.
We'll have most of the day to ourselves before we have to go to Gamma's.”
“God! I really hate it when you're right,” she smiles. “I really got to go, I'll call you later,” she says giving him another kiss. “Hey, there's two babies out there, who would love to see their daddy, if he can tear himself away from his work for a few minutes.”
“You bet, I'll walk you guys to the elevator.”
Leaving the lounge, John sees his staff behaving like children themselves, making silly noises at the babies.
“All right guys, back to work. It's my turn,” he says, taking Bobby in his arms and carrying him to the elevator, as Lucy pushes Beth, as she's being called, in the stroller. “I thought your mom brought you? Let me guess, upstairs visiting...”
“You got it,” she smiles.
As the elevator door opens, he gives Bobby a kiss, puts him in the stroller, gives Beth a kiss, kisses Lucy, and returns to work.
After meeting her mom at the hospital daycare center, they go to Obstetrics, where Lucy received a clean bill of health.
As Barbara drives Lucy and the twins home, she talks about the upcoming Fourth of July picnic at the Carter's, as Lucy inattentively stares out the side window, not really paying attention to the conversation, “I'm pregnant,” Barbara says.
“That's nice,” Lucy sighs.
“Okay, you going to let me know what's bothering you or am I going to have to guess?” Barbara inquires.
“John's got to work a late shift tonight, I was kind of hoping we could...wait a minute, I can't be talking to my mother about... this.”
“Your sex life?” Barbara smiles.
“Mother!”
“Tell you what, how about I bring a pizza over and we can have an old fashion, girls night in, until you get tired. That way, we can make your evening go faster, and I can spend some time with my grand kids, Barbara suggests.
“That really sounds like fun,” Lucy says smiling. “About seven?”
“Sounds good to me. What kind of pizza?”
“I don't care, but no anchovies,” Lucy laughs. Changing the subject, “What went on upstairs with Romano earlier?” she asks.
“You don't want to talk about your sex life, I don't want to talk about mine,” she teases.
“Mom,I don't want to hear this,” she laughs and covers her ears.
“Only kidding, we'll talk later.”
As seven o'clock approaches, Lucy dressed in sweats and a tee shirt, is sitting on the floor in front of the twins, who are in their infant seats, when there is a knock at the door.
“There's grandma,” she says, getting up and going to the door. Opening the door, she is surprised to see her mother is not alone.
“Mom? Eleanor? Millicent? What are you guys doing here?”
Barbara told us you were feeling a little down because John had another late shift tonight,” Eleanor says, going straight to pick up
Bobby.
“So, we decided we'd have a grandmother's night in take the children home and watch them all night,” Millicent adds.
“That's really thoughtful, but I don't know,” Lucy carefully considers. “They do have a routine, you know, and...”
“And mommy doesn't think she can let them out of her sight, right?” asks Barbara knowingly.
“Well, yeah.”
“They'll be fine at the house, with the three of us, and the staff, there shouldn't be any problems.”
“I don't know.”
“Barbara, take your daughter upstairs, help her pack what the children will need and help her pick out something to wear, we've got to get back, Richard, Elizabeth, and the girls are expected in soon, and I know they can hardly wait to see these two precious little babies,” Millicent says, picking up Beth and walking around the room with her.
“You forgot to tell her the best part of the whole plan, Millicent,”
Eleanor continues.
“Oh?” Lucy asks, curiously.
“On our way home, we're going to drop you off at the hospital, so you can ‘hang out’ with John and your friends until he gets off. Then tomorrow, when John's rested, the two of you can make your appearance.”
“Nope, can't do it.”
“Why not?” Millicent answers, beginning to get irritated at her.
“I'm nursing, what about their milk?”
“Lucy, I know for a fact, there are extra bottles in the frige. AND if we do run out, there's plenty of formulas that are acceptable,” Barbara intercedes.
“God! Fine, take ‘em,” she relents. “I'll just go pack their things. Mom? I could use some help,” she asks sarcastically.
Starting upstairs, a thought enters her mind, “They can't go, no car seats.”
“Lucy, grandma's think of everything, you know, Millicent already has two installed in her town car. Please let us help you out, you've been trying to play super mom. It's been six weeks, and you haven't stepped one foot out of this house, to get away from the babies, it's your time now. Besides, earlier this morning you were complaining about... you know,” Barbara smiles.
“Oh please,” Lucy rolls her eyes, and then continuing up the stairs.
Going to the nursery, Lucy begins throwing diapers, clothes, and stuffed animals into diaper bags.
“I sure hope you realize what you're getting yourself into,” she groans.
“Lucy Christine Carter, stop all this whining, just let someone do something for you, for a change.”
Going to her bedroom, Lucy picks out a pair of tan pants and a simple white tank top.
“This look okay?” she asks her mom.
“You look great, let's go,” Barbara says, as they make their way downstairs.
Meanwhile, Millicent and Eleanor had been busy getting the babies ready for their first trip to the Carter house. By the time Lucy and
Barbara came back downstairs, everything was ready to go.
The entire ride to the hospital was made in silence. Sitting between her babies, she alternately kisses and plays with each of them, trying to memorize every single detail of their being.
“Lucy, we're here, it's time to go,” Barbara quietly whispers.
“There's no chance of you guy's changing our minds, is there?” Lucy asks.
“Absolutely none.”
Giving each of the babies one last kiss, Lucy is helped out of the car by the driver, who returns to the car and drives away, leaving Lucy standing alone in the darkness, watching as the car drives out of sight.
Taking a deep breath, she enters the ER, where she sees some of the staff sitting around the admit area.
“You here again? Can't stay away, huh?” Jerry sarcastically asks.
“Nice to see you too.”
“Hey, where are the kids?” asks Connie. “I didn't get to see them this morning.”
“Well, they've been kidnapped by their grandmothers. Where's John?”
“Exam four.” Jerry teases. “And Lucy?”
“What now?” Lucy turns around, rolling her eyes.
“I thought you might want to know, he had a real bad trauma earlier.
He's taking it pretty hard.”
“Listen, I'm sorry about earlier, this evening hasn't turned out the way it was suppose too,” she sighs. “Thanks,” she finally grins.
She quietly opens the door, where she sees her husband holding his head in his hands, “I told you, I didn't want to be disturbed,” John says gruffly, not looking up.
“I'll leave if you want me too,” Lucy whispers.
“What are you doing here, are the kids all right?” he asks anxiously, jumping up and walking over to her.
“Yes, they're fine, everything's okay,” she assures him, meeting him halfway and holding him close.
“So, where are they?”
“Probably halfway to your grandmother's house by now,” she sighs.
“Why?”
“Mom, Eleanor, and Millicent, took the kids there to spend the night.
They said we needed a break and I didn't want them too, but they insisted, and I miss them already.... I here you had a bad trauma. Do you feel like talking about it?”
Pulling her to the back of the room, holds her and quietly begins, “An infant was brought in, in respiratory arrest, she reminded me so much of Beth. We couldn't save her.”
“Beth's okay John. We just have to do the best we can to keep them safe.”
“I'm sure glad you came tonight,” he says holding her close.
“Actually,” she says, brandishing a mischievously grin, “When Beth found out I was going to see daddy, she told me to give you this,” she says, giving him a kiss on his cheek.
“Oh she did, did she?” he grins.
“Uh huh,” she smiles seductively. “And Bobby told me to give daddy this, she says, giving him a kiss on his forehead.
“So, I'm gone one night and they begin to talk, huh?”
“Yep, see what you're missing?”
“Does mommy have something to make me feel better too?” he smiles, mischievously.
“Yeah, she does,” Lucy smiles, as she presses her body tightly to his, giving him a long lingering kiss, which he willingly returns, and begins to wake up the feelings, they had so carefully kept buried for the last six weeks.
Gently laying Lucy's head on his lab coat, John begins to slowly explore her body. Removing her top, he begins alternately kissing and
caressing her. She in return, begins unbuttoning his shirt, continuing to willingly accept his kisses.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he quietly whispers, looking into her eyes.
She smiled and nodded her head, both knowing to do something now, could be taking a chance, as they both feverishly continue to undress each other. Posing over her, he lightly traces the familiar lines and curves of her body, as she does the same to him. As he gets ready to enter her, she eagerly raises her hips to receive his love. As they become one their passions ignite to an unimaginable proportion. As they lay in each others embrace, John playfully plays with a loose strand of her hair.
“I've missed you,” he whispers, kissing her nose.
“I've missed you too,” she smiles.
Laying in each other's arms, the silence is broken but the sound of a single beeper. Taking a look at it, “It's the desk, I've been waiting on some chest films. As much as I hate to, I've got to go,” she smiles, as he begins dressing.
“I'll meet you in the lounge, when your shift's over,” she says, smiling, and starts to dress also.
“Sounds like a good idea, shall we go?”
“No, you go ahead, I've got to make a stop at the restroom.”
“See you later,” he says, giving her a kiss. Going to the admit desk, John unconsciously begins straightening his clothes, which Jerry and Deb notice.
“Betcha twenty, they did it,” Deb snickers.
“No way, she was only in there, twenty minutes,” Jerry says, “You're on.”
“Are these the films?” John asks, taking them from the desk and leaving in a hurry.
“You should have asked him,” Jerry says.
“Don't worry, I'll find out,” Deb smiles, slyly.
As Lucy passes the desk, Deb looks for any indignation about what had taken place.
“Deb, I'm just going to wait for John in the lounge,” she says, pointing to the door and smiling.
“Great, now we'll never know.”
Deb smiles, as she notices Lucy walking past them, “Lucy?”
“Yeah, what?” she answers, turning around.
“You're inside out,” Deb smiles.
“What?”
“Your shirt, it's inside out,” she points out, smiling.
“Oh please,” Lucy smiles, rolling her eyes, as she turns and leaves.
“Pay up Jerry,” Deb grins, as she holds out her hand and the desk clerk hands her the money.
After sleeping for a few hours, Lucy wakes to John giving her a kiss on the forehead.
“Hey baby, you ready to go home?”
“Yeah, I am,” she smiles, slowly opening her eyes.
They walk out of the ER, hand in hand.
During the drive home, John takes Lucy's hand, trying to make conversation, “So, they just came and took the babies, huh?”
“Yeah, I didn't have any say in the matter either, they just took 'em.”
“Remind me to thank them all later,” he smiles.
“Oh please. It was nice though, wasn't it?” she smirks.
“Well, I thought we might pick up where we left off later,” he says,
cocking an eyebrow.
“I thought we did finish,” she smiles.
ARRIVING HOME
“I'm going to start my shower,” she says, starting upstairs.
“I'll grab something to eat, be up in a minute.”
Starting her shower, Lucy contemplates what had happened this past evening, before she knows it, she feels a pair of strong hands, gently massaging her back. As she turns to face him, he begins to passionately
kiss her, and their feeling once again erupts in to pure ecstasy.
After drying off, Lucy excuses herself, “Give me a few minutes,” she breathlessly says, as she pulls herself away, leaving a stunned John in only a towel wrapped around his waist.
Going to the bedroom closet, she searches for that special something.
Finding it, in the back of the closet, she puts it on and quietly waits for him to join her. As John enters their room, he sees Lucy standing by the closed curtains, in the beautiful, white, form fitting nightgown, her mother had given her, one their first trip to Boston. It fit a little tighter, but she still looked breathtaking.
“You look absolutely beautiful,” John whispers, taking her in his arms and carrying her to the bed.
Tenderly kissing her, he lays her down and once again, they share that special intimacy, only two people in love can share. As the sun rises,
John and Lucy awaken, entwined, and very much in each other.
“You awake?” he whispers, kissing her forehead and nose.
“Yah,” she whispers, giving him a kiss in return.
“What time are we suppose to be at Gamma's?”
“They said to come over after you were rested, so are you?” she grins.
“Enough to start breakfast, I'll go down and start the coffee, while you get ready,” he slips into some sweats and a t-shirt. “By the way, it's still good, guess the old magic's still there, huh?” he grins.
Laughing, she playfully throws a pillow at him.
As soon as John leaves, Lucy quickly showers and dresses. On the way downstairs, she begins dialing the Carter house to check on their children.
“Carter residence,” the voice answers.
“This is Lucy, may I speak to my mom, please?”
“Of course, Mrs. Carter.”
Waiting for her mom to answer, Lucy walks into the kitchen, where John had made their breakfast.
“What’re we having?”
“The John Carter Special. Cereal, juice, toast, and coffee. Sound okay?”
“Sure. Speaking into the phone, “Mom, how'd things go last night?”
“Other than, all three of us forgetting how demanding babies can be, things went fine. Richard, Elizabeth, and the girls are here and they said something about you letting them hold the babies. Elizabeth said they had to wait until you got here.
John takes the phone from Lucy, “Thanks for taking the twins last night, it was great having some time to ourselves. Thank mom and Gamma too. Here's Luce.”
“Yeah, mom thanks for everything. Sorry I was such a pain, about letting them go.”
“I know Sweetie, it's hard to let go the first time, and I'll let you in on a little secret, it's even harder when they grow up and they think they don't need your help anymore,” Barbara sighs.
“I'll always need you mom. Listen, we'll be there as soon as we have breakfast and John gets dressed. Is there anything we need to bring?”
“Just yourselves, the babies are missing mommy and daddy. I've got to go, it's my turn for diaper duty,” she laughs, “See you guys shortly. Love you both, bye.”
“Love you too, mom. Thanks for everything.”
Arriving at the Carter house, Lucy immediately rushes to the door, where Millicent with Bobby in her arms, greets her.
“Mommy missed you so much,” Lucy coos, as she takes her son into her arms. “I hope they weren't too much trouble?”
“Of course not dear,” Millicent smiles. “John nice to see you dear.
“Nice to see you too, Gamma,” giving her a kiss. “Thanks for taking the kids, it sure was quiet last night,” he says, with a sly grin, which Lucy sees and gives him a playful punch to his shoulder. “Where's Beth?”
“A friend of Barbara's came and they have her out on the terrace, I'll have someone let them know you're here,” Millicent offers.
“Oh?” Lucy asks, puzzled.
“Yes, a doctor.”
“Romano?” John asks.
“Yes, I think they're more than friends though.”
“Yeah, I think they are too,” Lucy smiles. “I want to feed them both before everybody starts passing them around.”
“I'll make sure your mother knows you're here.”
“Thanks Millicent. John would you help me?”
“If I'm helping, I'm holding my son, if you don't mind.
“Of course daddy,” Lucy says, handing him Bobby.
Before they could start upstairs, Barbara comes in with Beth, followed by Romano.
“To think, these two babies wouldn't have been here, if it hadn't
been for me,” Ramono smirked.
Lucy gave him a small smile and took Beth from her mom and goes upstairs to feed them.
After feeding the twins, they are put into their double stroller and the family make their first official appearance together.
“Lucy!” Olivia and Alison yell, as they see her enter the family room.
“My you two have grown,” Lucy smiles.
“And you're not fat anymore,” Alison announces.
“Your babies are beau-ti-ful, even though one is a boy,” Olivia exclaims, much to everyone's amusement.
“Can we hold them? You promised, and mama says we can't until you say so because your the boss of them.”
“Of course you can, just sit on the couch. Just make sure you hold on to their head. There you go.”
“Well, it looks like you have everything under control in here. I'm going to see what dad and grandfather are up to,” John gives her a little kiss on the cheek.
After a day of being with family, and having an informal picnic, the
Carter's all gather to watch an extensive fireworks display. As they sit on blankets with their children on their laps, John and Lucy, each quietly reflect on all that has happened to them the past year.
“You know, we wouldn't have all this, if it wasn't for you, you know,” John whispers, as he puts his arm around her waist. “If you would have told me at this time last year, we'd be married with kids, and my family would actually be civilized to one another, I wouldn't have believed it,” he says, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“Oh please,” she smiles, as the fireworks reflect in her eyes.
“Come on, you've had a major influence on this family, whether you want to admit it or not.”
“I'd like to think things would have worked out eventually,” she sighs, gently rocking Bobby.
“Ever the optimist, aren't you?” he says, giving her a kiss.
Two Weeks Later
Arriving home, they put the twins in their stroller, so John could carry the grocery bags in.
“Just set them in the kitchen I'll put them away after we get the kids to bed.”
John sets the bags on the kitchen table and returns to help Lucy get their children in bed. After the two little ones are settled, Lucy begins to head downstairs, but John pulls her into his arms.
He gives her a kiss on the top of her head.
Laying her head against him and closing her eyes. “You get ready for bed, I'll be right back up,” she says, reluctantly pushing herself back and heading downstairs.
“Do you want me to help?”
“No, it won't take long. You've had a busy night,” she laughs.
“Don't be long,” he smiles, giving her a playful pat on the backside.
Going to the kitchen, Lucy begins reminiscing about the days events, until she takes the last box out of the grocery bag, at which time her mind snaps back to reality. Taking the box into the bathroom, she follows the instructions, and then waits for the results........
