“It may be, but believe me, I wouldn't do anything to put me or my baby in danger.”
At that moment John enters the kitchen, to reaffirm his promise, he had
made to Barbara a few weeks earlier, not to let anything happen to Lucy
or their child.
“As long as I'm with her Lucy and our baby will be safe, you have my
word.”
“Mom, I'm sorry I blew up at you, you know I love you so much, let's not
ruin dinner, okay? We still need to talk about the wedding.”
They head back to the table and Barbara asks, “Have you decided on a
date yet?”
“Yeah, but I don't think you're not going to think it's very appropriate.”
“Why?”
“It’s the fourteenth of February,” Lucy announces.
“That that’s when-”
“Yes it is, but it's important to have it on that day, because for better and for worse, that day changed my life forever.”
“Doesn't the fourteenth fall on a Friday this year?” Millicent intercedes.
“So?” replies John.
“Wouldn't it be better to have the wedding on the weekend? Of course it's
up to the two of you.”
“What about it Luce, the fifteenth,” John asks.
“Why not, the fifteenth it is,” she says with a smile.
After dinner, Lucy, Barbara, and Millicent go in the kitchen to clean up.
“Lucy do you have any ideas about where the ceremony will be held?”
Millicent asks.
“We both want a small ceremony, someplace that has a special meaning to us. I'm kind of thinking maybe the hospital chapel, if we can arrange it.
That way all our friends can come. And of course immediate family.”
“What about the reception?”
“Haven't really given it that much thought yet.”
“Your mother and I would love to help in that department, if you like?”
“Can I suggest having it at my house?”
“John!” Lucy yells from the kitchen.
“What?” he says as he enters and puts his arms around her waist.
“Your grandmother has offered to have our reception at her house, what
do you think?”
“I think it's up to you, you're the one in charge,” he laughs.
“It sounds wonderful, but please don't get carried away.”
“Alger is waiting with the car downstairs, Barbara. Let's go back to the
house, it seems we have a reception to plan and a short time to do it
in,” Millicent says.
“Goodbye, sweetie, John. Don't worry, I will be in touch before I go,” Barbara adds, after seeing Lucy's disappointed look.
“Gamma, talk to you later,” John says giving Millicent a little kiss on the
cheek. Turning to Barbara, “I know Lucy was pretty upset when we weren't
able to make it to Boston over the holidays. Have a safe trip home,” he says giving her a little kiss on the cheek also.
“Lucy, I do believe you gave Gamma a purpose in life, by letting her help
plan our reception.”
“The key word, I hope is *help*.”
At that moment they both break out in laughter and head to bed.
NEW YEARS EVE
“Come on Lucy, it's almost eight, we're suppose to be there at eight,”
John said impatiently.
“I'm coming, I couldn't decided what dress to wear, then I had to find the
right shoes.”
“Yeah, Yeah, come one let's go.”
They arrive and don't see any familiar cars, “Are you sure Mark said eight
o'clock?” she asked.
“You were standing right there beside me when he said it, “Whatever,
maybe they changed the time or something, I don't know, it looks pretty dark in there.”
“Lucy, it's suppose to be dark, it's a nightclub. Let's go on in there, and
just wait-”
“SURPRISE!” the gang shouts.
“What's going on?” a stunned John asks.
“Somebody suggested making our New Year's Eve party into a Carter, Lucy engagement party. And you know how everyone loves a party. Besides, we really haven't had a good one, since Amanda Lee left,” cracks Randi giving Mark a sly look.
“Thanks a lot guys,” smiles an embarrassed, but happy Lucy.
“We even have a few surprises for you, Carter. Whenever they get here,”
replies a mysterious Mark.”
“Now why don't you take off your clothes, I mean coats and enjoy the
evening, an obviously already drunk Elizabeth tells them.
As they get settled, the music begins, “Do you want to dance?” he asks.
“Loved to.”
They dance a song and a half, when John sees two familiar faces walk in, “Hey, isn't that your mom and Gamma over there?”
“Where?”
He answers by spinning her, their direction, “Yup, that's them, I thought
mom was on her way back home tonight?"
“Evidently not, let's go find out what's going on.”
“Mom, Millicent, what are you guys doing here?”
“Dr.Greene asked us if we'd like to come to this little party for the two of you, and how could we turn down a chance to meet some of your friends.”
“Besides, I hate to fly on New Year's Eve, you never know how much
celebrating your pilot has already done. I'm flying out tomorrow instead.”
“John, Barbara and I have something for the two of you. Can we sit down?”
“Sure Gamma, over here.”
As they're being seated, John asks, ”Can I get anybody anything to drink?”
“Nothing for me, I'm fine,” Barbara replies.
“No thank you, John,” Millicent adds, “Lucy?”
“Not right now, thanks.”
Millicent begins, “John, Lucy we all know the two of you want to be self reliant and not depend on family for anything, but there comes a time when family has to take care of their own and the two of you are beginning a life together, so now is that time. Besides, it's not just the two of you, it's the three of you that we need to consider. So, as a gift from me, your grandfather, and sister,” looking at Lucy, Barbara continues, “and from me, and your grandparents, we want you to have this,” she gives them a legal looking document and keys.
“What's this? John asks.
“It looks like a deed to a townhouse.”
“Let me see that,” taking them from her, he studies them briefly, “Yup
that's what they are alright.”
“Mom, we just can't-”
“Nonsense, it's the least we can do to help.”
“But-”
“Before you make a final decision, just take a look at it and see how you
like it. It's on Michigan Ave, not far from the hospital. There are three nice size bedrooms, one and a half baths, and plenty of closet space. Just
what you've been looking for right?”
“Well, yeah,” admits Lucy.
“I'll just put these in a safe place and we'll take a look at it in the next day or two and get back to you,” he put the paper in the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
”But John-”
“Lucy, they love us enough to give us this wonderful gift, the least we can
do is go look at it. Who knows it maybe just what we want. Gamma, thank
grandfather and Barbara for us, turning to Barbara Knight, he continues,
“Thank Lucy's grandparents too, we're both lucky to have family, who really care. Thank you both.”
“Yeah, thanks a lot mom. Millicent, we really do appreciate everything
you've done for us. She in turn, gives each a kiss on the cheek.”
“Barbara, I think we need to get going and let the kids enjoy their night.
You two have a great evening. Happy New Year, John, Lucy.”
“I'll give you a call when I get home. I gave Millicent my fax number, so we can get the reception planned. I'll be back in a couple of weeks, see you
then. Love you both.”
Good byes and kisses are exchanged and the two women leave.
“I didn't know mom even had a fax machine,” she states out loud.
“Parents, just when you think you know them, they go and do something
totally unexpected,” he says patting the documents in his pocket.
“I'm going to get us something to drink, what do you want?” John asks.
“A club soda, with a twist of lemon,” Lucy says loud enough to be heard
above the music and conversations going on.
“Be right back.”
As John leaves, Lucy catches her breath. A lot had happened in the last
few minutes, the whole party, the generous gift from their families, and
the baby was being quite active at the moment. She was calming the baby, by gently rubbing her stomach.
“Lucy can I join you for a few minutes?” someone asked. She looked up
and saw Susan Lewis standing there watching her, “Sure.”
“I was just wondering how your relationship with Carter started, if you don't mind me being nosy?”
“No, not at all. I guess I had a crush on him from the very beginning when I came here as a med student, but to him, all I was, was a pain in the ass
med student, who couldn't do anything right. Then after we tried to find this little girl's father, because he was the only one with her blood type, I really thought we had a chance at something, but he was a by the book kind of guy and wouldn't get involved, because of him being my teacher. After that we just kind of drifted apart. Then after the attack,” she continued, but her voice became a lot quieter, “I recovered at home in Boston and graduated, but always regretted never having the courage to tell him how I really felt. When we both came back to County in September, both of us had realised how much we really meant to each other.”
“And the baby?”
“Of course, not planned, but we're both happy to be bringing a new life
into this world.”
“I'm so glad to hear all this, because the "old Carter" didn't know what the word commitment was.”
At that point, John returns with their drinks, “Did I miss anything?”
“Not really, Susan and I were just getting to know each other.”
“Hey congratulations, I hear you're coming back to the hospital.”
“Yeah, I hope I'm not making a mistake.”
“Believe me things have really changed around there.”
“Oh?”
“The only thing that hasn't changed is Weaver,” John laughs.
“John, she isn't *that* bad, she did have a big part in saving my life, as
you recall,” Lucy says seriously, almost offended.
“Come one Luce, I know how you feel about Weaver,” he kids.
“I'll take that as my cue to leave. See you guys later,” Susan replies as she leaves.
They sit there, looking at each other, then burst out in uncontrollable
laughter, “You know what, I'm hungry,” Lucy finally says.
“The buffet table's this way. I'm right behind you,” he says with a
smile.
As they go down the table filled with all kinds of delicious looking
food, Lucy's not shy about taking a little of everything. John, who is walking
behind her, keeps taking food off her plate and putting it on his.
“Hey take it easy, you maybe eating for two, but don't get carried away.”
“Here, have some vegetables, their a lot better for you.”
A voice from behind him says, “Did you here the one about the guy who
swallowed a whole carrot?”
They both turn around and there standing behind them is Doug Ross, “Dr. Ross, what are you doing here?” he asks.
“I came in for the Peds Conference, but when Mark told me about you two
I just had to come and join in the fun!"
“How's Carol?” John asks.
“And the girls?” Lucy adds.
“Their all doing great. Carol's working part time at Harbour View Medical
Centre, and Tess and Kate just celebrated their first birthday. But I don't
need to ask what you two have been up to,” he says, laughing.
“It's been great seeing you, be sure to stop by the ER and say hello to
Weaver,” John says jokingly.
“John, don't even get started on that again,” Lucy playfully scolding him.
“We'd like you all to come to the wedding next month, if you can. It would
be nice for everyone to be there.”
“I'll check it over with Carol, and see if she wants to travel across country with the girls. We'll let you know. See you both later.”
As they return to their table, they begin to eat, when John sees yet
another familiar face walk in the door.
“I don't believe it,” he says.
“What?” she turns to face the door and sees a beautiful blonde walk in
the door.
He stands up and, so he makes sure she sees him, and motions her to come over to the table, “Anna, are you here for the conference too, I just
talked to Doug Ross.”
“Carter, it's great to see you. Yeah, I'm here with Max,” she gives him a
hug.
“So, I take it you two are still, you know- together?”
“Yeah, we got married shortly after we got back to Philadelphia, we even had a baby. How's Chase doing? And you? We heard about what happened last year.”
“Chase is doing good, his speech improving, as well as some of his motor skills. As for me, I'd like you to meet the reason I'm doing great.”
He turns to Lucy, “Lucy this Anna Del Amico, Anna this is Lucy Knight.”
“Please to meet you,” Lucy says quietly.
“Lucy, you were the other-”
“Yes I was,” again, she answered quietly.
“Actually, I go by Del Amico-Rocher now, what about you after you're
married?”
“Haven't given it any thought.”
John sees Lucy is somewhat uncomfortable around Anna and takes hold of one of her hands to give her moral support, “Anna, if you'll excuse us, I promised this dance to Lucy. Hope to see you soon. Turning to Lucy, he continues, “Shall we?”
“John, great to see you're doing so well. Lucy it was nice to meet you,” she leaves the table.
“You don't have to patronise me, I'm fine.”
“No you're not. What's wrong?”
“Like all of a sudden, I'm meeting people from your past, it's just-I don't
know that much about you-”
“Know this, right here and now. I love you, Lucy Knight, and nothing's
going to change that. Not Susan, not Anna, or any other-you know who, may show up from my past. Come on. This is suppose to be our party, so let's get out there and enjoy it.
Which they did, Lucy regained her old confidence back and was having a
great time.
“May I have your attention please,” Mark announces, as the room quiets
down, “Some of us do have to work tomorrow, so I'd like to purpose a
toast to Carter and Lucy. We're glad the two of you finally realised, what
we've all known for a long time. And that is, you two belong together. Chunni has something for the two of you from the all of us.”
“Thanks Mark. We didn't know what to get you until someone suggested a
weekend, of your choice, at the Chicago Plaza. Now maybe you won't be
using any more exam rooms to -you know,” Chunni says.
“Speech, Speech,” they all chant.
“Very funny. But seriously, we both want to thank all of you for everything
you've done for us, and all the patience you've shown me this past year,” John says.
“And be sure and keep February fifteenth free, because you all are
invited to our wedding,” Lucy adds.
“You guys aren't wasting anytime are you?” comments Lydia.
“We want to get married before the baby comes,” Lucy explains.
“But the fifteenth?” asks Chunni.
“It's a long story, but let's just say the fifteenth means something to the both of us, so that's when we decided to do it.”
“You know we're happy for the both of you, that's all,” Mark replies, “Now,
everyone can go on celebrating until the New Year or leave . Looking
directly at Carter and Lucy and giving them a mischievous smile.
“Boy, am I tired. Come on Luce, let's call it a night,” John says with a fake yawn and smile.
“You know, I was about to say the same thing. We've had a long day,” she says smiling back at him.
“I'll get the coats.”
“Mark, thanks so much for this great party, it really meant a lot to me. I
was kind of worried about coming back to Chicago, because I felt I really
didn't belong.”
“I'm sorry you felt that way, but as a med student, you were here to learn,
and it was our job to teach and make it as hard as we could, because it
all comes down to a matter of life and death, every time we treat someone.”
“I understand that now,” she replies quietly.
As John returns with Lucy's coat, Mark takes him aside, “I just wanted
to let you know, I received your application for chief resident. Considering
how you've really turned your life around, taken more responsibilities, and
overall proven yourself to your coworkers, it looks like you'll be our choice. The committee will meet in a few weeks for a final decision.”
“Thanks a lot Mark, I really do appreciate it.”
As John and Lucy walk out to the car, “How about packing a bag when we
get home and go to the Plaza tonight? It'd be a great way to ring in the New Year,” suggests John.
“And maybe stop and see the townhouse on the way,” she adds.
“You read my mind,” he smiles back.
After packing a small bag with the bare minimum of clothes and necessities, they head to Michigan Ave to see the gift their families had given them.
They parked the Jeep and walked up the steps to the door. John took out
the key and unlocked the door. Lucy started to go in first, but John pulled her back and carried her over the threshold, to what they both realised was going to be the home, where they would begin their life together as man and wife.
“John, this is perfect,” squealed Lucy, as she ran from room to room.
“Guess they knew exactly what we needed. Wait right here, I'll be right
back,” he says with a sly grin.
“What?”
“I'll be right back, don't move,” he goes outside and returns with the bag
they had packed earlier, “How about spending the night in our new house,” he says.
“Which room do we break in first?” she smiles with a devilish looking
grin on her face.
They go upstairs, to the bedroom they will eventually choose as the
master bedroom. They spread some blankets on the floor, remove their coats and settle in for the night. After laying in each others arms, John looks at his watch, “Happy New Year, Luce.”
“Yeah, it's gonna be isn't it?” she says, kissing him and wrapping their arms tighter around each other.
