Epilogue

Where, oh where, oh where is Abby?

Three years later

It was their special day to celebrate, well one of their special days anyway. It was three years ago, to the day that Abby had been told her cancer was in remission. It was now etched on the calendar in the kitchen along with all the other special dates in their lives. So many dates, so much information.

December the 19th 2004 - The day Abby was told she was in remission.

December the 25th 2004 - The day John proposed properly and gave Abby the ring he always wanted to. "Merry Christmas Princess." John wakened Abby from her happy slumber. They had both beenliving on cloud nine for the last few days since she had been given the all clear from Doctor Bader.
"Morning baby, why are we up so early?" Abby softly said, her voice still laced with sleep.
"I have somewhere I want to take you." He proclaimed, slipping the duvet from round her body. He was noticing differences already. She had put on weight since he had first found her and her hair was slowly coming back.
Once they were both dressed, he place a blindfold over her eyes and led her out to the car. After a short drive they arrived at John's special place. Abby had no clue to where they were, until he finally took the blindfold off. They were on the roof of the hospital. "John why are we here?"
"I wanted to do this properly." John dropped down onto one knee and took her left hand in his. "Abigail Lockhart, you know you mean the world to me. I have wanted to do this properly after my first failed attempt. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Tears streamed from Abby's eyes. "Of course I will." She answered as he slipped his grandmothers engagement ring on her finger.

May the 25th 2005 - Susan and Chuck's Wedding Day
It was the day Susan had waited for. A proper wedding instead of a drive through wedding chapel in Vegas. She looked fantastic as she walked down the aisle. John smiled to her and she smiled back. They had both joked only the night before about his crush on her when he had first started at County as a med student. His smile got wider as he saw who was walking down the aisle behind her. Abby was maid of honour and looked stunning. Her hair now sat at jaw length. Not as long as she would have hoped it to be. But at least it was her own. She was so pleased for her friend, knowing that Susan would be returning the favour when she and John married.

March the 14th 2006 - John and Abby's Wedding Day
It was a day that they had both waited a lifetime for. They day tat they would finally be joined. Abby had originally wanted a small quiet affair but then realised just how many people she would be leaving out if she had done so. John then got his wish of the huge elaborate wedding, set in the grounds of the family mansion. He was only sorry that his grandmother and her mother were not there to join in the celebrations.
The day, although early in the year, was bright, sunny and somewhat warm. The sun shone from first light until it set in early evening. They married at three pm under an arbour of white lilies and pink roses. Her hair had fully grown back and she wore it long in curls that framed her face the way John loved it.
Everyone form County ER was there, excluding Kerry Weaver. She had declined the offer of an invitation, saying someone had to watch the ER. It wasn't entirely a lie but since her comments to Abby while she was sick, neither of them had seen eye to eye. Susan as promised was maid of honour although she didn't want to be. She was six months pregnant at the time and didn't want to look like a balloon in their wedding photographs. Abby didn't care though; everything was just perfect for that day.
As the minister pronounced them husband and wife, the sunset and fireworks went off in the sky. Everyone was so happy, including the bride and groom.

August the 30th 2006 - Abby announces she is pregnant.
"John, you home." Abby called out as she arrived in the door. John had finished work approximately an hour before Abby had walked in so he would hopefully be home.
"I'm in the study." His voice seemed to echo around the house. Abby ran towards the study with a huge grin on her face. She had the best news to tell John. "Hey honey, you okay?" He asked seeing the look on her face.
"I have just received the best news." John looked at her with questioning eyes. "We're pregnant." She shouted to him. He got up form his chair and ran across to her lifting her into his arms and swinging her around.
"I love you Mrs Carter."
"I love you too, Mr Carter."

February the 22nd 2007 - Baby Alyssa Margaret Millicent Carter is born.
Abby had the easiest pregnancy ever. Much easier than Susan's. Susan had given birth eight months earlier to a handsome little fellow they had named Michael John. She had such a rough time throughout and even while giving birth. 48 hours in labour before Michael decided to make an appearance.
Abby however had such and easy time and baby Alyssa ended up being born at home. The ambulance didn't arrive in time. Her father only just made it. She would arrive a week early before he had the time off work.
John was working a late shift, due to finish around 10pm. Abby was at home with only the staff to keep her company. John had decided that once they were married they should move into the mansion. Abby hadn't complained. It certainly was nice to have someone do everything for you.
While on her own with just Helen, the cook, Abby's water broke at around 9.30pm, with her labour progressing very quickly afterwards. Helen had managed to call John who came rushing home.
Arriving in the house her followed Abby's screams to the lounge where she lay in front of the fire. He went straight to her side where he could see his child's head already crowning. "Abby you can do this baby. Our baby is almost here."
"What about the ambulance?" Abby sounded panicky.
"It's all right princess, everything is all right." He moved down to between her legs and saw the head more prominently. "Abby on your next contraction I need you to push for me okay." Abby pushed with all her might and within a minute a newborn babies cry was heard. "Abby we have a daughter." John exclaimed as he held up their child to show her. He quickly laid the baby on top of Abby's chest while Helen placed a towel over them to keep the baby warm.
John came back to sit beside her. "You did it princess. We have our own little Angel." Abby looked up to John with so much emotion in her eyes. She stretched up and kissed him. They were finally a family after never thinking they would be.

December the 19th 2007
"Just think what has happened in three years." John said as he placed the star on top of the tree. He turned to see his wife and baby daughter watching him from the sofa. Susan, Chuck and Michael sat on the other couch. "Just think if I had never found you, we wouldn't be sitting here now."
"I am so glad you found me John. I couldn't ask for a better life." She said, kissing him before kissing Alyssa. "Thank you for everything."
"No thank you."

Author's notes: - I am so sorry if the epilogue is a bit long but didn't think all the little bits would make good long chapters. So I'll apologise now. Thank you for all the support throughout this story, (Especially Moon's tear.), I have loved reading you reviews and it has made me want to continue with it. I'd love to hear what you think of the ending so please don't be shy. Review and make me happy.