Christmas In London, Part VIII - December 26 (NC-17 Version)
By: Lori (SixteenOzs)

DISCLAIMER: "ER," the characters and situations depicted within are the property of Warner Bros. Television, Amblin Entertainment, Constant c Productions, NBC, etc. They are borrowed without permission, but without the intent of infringement. The story presented here is written solely for entertainment purposes, and the author is making no profit.

THIS STORY CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR READERS UNDER THE AGE OF 17. Please do not continue reading if you are offended by graphic scenes depicting consensual heterosexual intercourse. A PG version of this part can be found here.

Please do not post or redistribute without the disclaimer above, or without the consent of the author.

Feedback is welcome. Please send all questions, comments or criticisms to SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com

SUMMARY: Follows Christmas In London, Part VII.

RATING: NC-17

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Trigg for ALL of her help with information on London. I could NOT have done this without her. Thank you so much for putting up with my endless barrage of questions! I would also like to thank Jen for constantly giving me feedback on the scenes as I write them. THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH!

PART VIII - Tuesday, December 26, 2000

Mark smiled as he turned on his side and watched Elizabeth sleeping the next morning. She was lying on her side with her back to him, her hair falling across her face, one hand resting on the pillow. He watched her for several minutes, then gently brushed her hair back. As he caressed her cheek, he saw her eyes flutter slightly, and then he knew that she wasn't really asleep.

Laughing to himself, slipped his arm around her and lightly ran his fingers over the inside of her wrist, which was lying on the pillow, then moved up and gently stroked her palm. When his hand was directly over hers, she laced her fingers with his.

"I knew you weren't asleep," he chuckled.

"So?" she questioned as she turned to lay on her back.

"Good morning," he said, kissing her softly.

"'Morning," she smiled. After a moment, she sighed quietly. "Our last full day here."

"Yeah," he nodded. "How would you like to spend it?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "There's so much we could do."

"How about letting me plan our day?" he questioned.

She studied him curiously. "Why do I get the feeling that you already have something planned?"

"Maybe," he grinned.

"What is it?" she inquired.

"It's a surprise," he replied.

"You know I hate surprises," she said in protest.

"You'll like this one. I promise," he assured her.

"Mark!"

"No!" he laughed. "You'll just have to wait and see."

She folded her arms across her chest, glared at him for a moment, then looked away.

"You know, you're awfully sexy when you're sulking," he said as he began to place a slow trail of kisses along her neck.

She tired to ignore him, but she knew it was useless. She slipped her hand behind his head and guided his lips to hers. As the kiss intensified, she shifted her body and pushed him down on the opposite side of the bed, so that she was on top of him. Once the kiss ended, she wondered, "So, what do you have planned?"

He laughed. "No. You are not getting this out of me. It's going to be a surprise."

"Fine," she said in annoyance as she climbed out of bed. "Then I suppose I should take a shower so I can get ready for this little excursion."

"Need someone to scrub your back?" he asked with a grin.

"That's okay, I think I can manage," she said before closing the door behind her.

"Fine with me," he called with a chuckle. He knew her grudge wouldn't last long after she saw what he had in store for her that day. "I'll just go down and get some coffee."

They stepped out of the Tube and made their way to the street. "So, are you FINALLY going to tell me where we're going?" Elizabeth wondered.

Mark just laughed. Looking around, he commented, "This place looks pretty deserted. If we were at home right now, the streets would be busy with everyone returning all of the Christmas gifts they didn't want."

It took her a moment, but then she remembered what day it was. "Boxing Day."

"What?" he asked, sounding confused.

"Now, it's just a bank holiday, really," she shrugged. "Everyone gets an extra day off from work, so they're happy."

He chuckled as they continued to walk down the street. "What did this holiday stem from originally?" he inquired.

"Hmm, let's see if I can remember," she said thoughtfully. "I know we went over this at boarding school. If I recall correctly, they think it began with lords presenting Christmas gifts in boxes to their servants on December 26. Another possible origin was that it came from the priests who would open their charity boxes the day after Christmas and distribute the contents to the poor."

"Nice tradition," he said with a smile.

"Yeah," she agreed. "Too bad it faded over time."

Mark stopped walking. "We're here."

She looked around, and her jaw dropped slightly. "The London Eye," she said softly. "I told you I'd love to come here when we came in from the airport."

"I know," he said softly. "We have a car reserved in about fifteen minutes."

"Just the two of us?" she questioned.

"Just the two of us," he confirmed with a smile.

She took a step closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you. This is wonderful."

"You're welcome," he whispered before kissing her gently.

"This is perfect," Elizabeth reiterated twenty minutes later as they stepped into their car. "Shall I point out the sites?"

"Sure," he nodded with a grin.

"Well, obviously that's the Thames in front of us. Westminster Bridge is on our left."

"Did you know that we'll be about four hundred and fifty feet in the air when we hit the top?" he asked.

"Really?" she grinned.

"Yeah," he nodded.

Looking out the window, she remarked, "The view from here is amazing."

"It is," he said, staring at her.

She turned to look out him and laughed. "I was talking about out there."

"I know what you were talking about," he said with a grin.

She chuckled as she turned back to the window.

After a few moments, he returned to their earlier conversation and asked, "So, the original idea behind Boxing Day was to give a gift in a box?"

"Basically," she nodded.

"Like this?" he questioned as he withdrew a small velvet box with a gold bow from his pocket and handed it to her.

She looked at him curiously as she took the box. "Mark? What is this?"

"There's one way to find out," he grinned.

Her hand trembled slightly as she opened the box, and gasped at the diamond ring she found inside. Turning back to Mark, she found that he'd bent down on one knee in front of her.

He took her hand in his. "I love you, Elizabeth. I'm not sure how, or even if, I could have made it through this last year without you. That's why I'm sure I never want to face a day without you in my life. Will you marry me?"

She smiled, even as the tears began to trace their way down her face. She didn't even have to think about her answer. Nothing had ever felt this right before. "Yes, of course I'll marry you."

He carefully took the box from her hand, removed the ring and slipped it on her finger. Standing up, he slipped one arm around her waist and pulled her closer as he caressed her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she whispered.

As their car reached the top of the observation wheel, she turned in his arms so that they could both look out the window. "I can't believe you were able to arrange all of this," she said softly.

"It wasn't that hard," he admitted. "I already had the ring, and I first got the idea of where to do this when we were coming in from the airport. After that, it was just a matter of calling for a reservation."

"How long have you had the ring?" she questioned.

He laughed. "Since the Friday after Thanksgiving."

"That was a month ago!" she said in amazement.

"Yeah," he nodded. "The restaurant wasn't the only place Rachel and I went that evening. I asked her if she'd be okay with the idea of us getting married. I also wanted a second opinion on the ring."

"Well, it's beautiful," she confirmed.

"I'm glad you like it," he smiled.

She laughed, then sighed softly. "I think I'm still in shock. I can't believe you managed all of this."

He pulled her closer and kissed her neck. "So, does this mean you won't start pouting the next time I tell you that I have a surprise planned?"

"I wouldn't dream of it," she smiled.

As they walked away from the Eye about ten minutes later, Mark wondered, "So, what would you like to do now?"

"You don't have any other surprises up your sleeve, do you?" Elizabeth questioned with a grin.

"No," he laughed. "I just thought I'd let you show me some of the sights."

"Unfortunately, most places are closed because of Boxing Day, but if you give me a few minutes, I'm sure I can come up with something."

"Okay," he nodded.

After a moment, she smiled, "How about a walking tour?"

"Sounds like fun," he smiled.

After walking across Westminster Bridge, she explained, "This is Horseguards Parade." Glancing at her watch, she added, "We should be able to see the Changing of Guard in a few minutes."

As they waited, he slipped his arm around her back and wondered, "Having fun?"

"Yes," she said with a broad smile. "How about you?"

"Perfect," he confirmed. "Are you still in shock?"

"No," she laughed. "I think the reality is starting to set in, and I like it."

"Good," he nodded, "so do I."

As the Guard began to change, he whispered in her ear, "This is great."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," she said as moved closer to him and rested her cheek on his shoulder.

They continued their walk a few moments later. "So, where to next?" he inquired.

"I thought we'd walk down The Mall to the Palace," she suggested.

"Sounds great, just one second," he said before walking over to a street seller. A minute or two later, he returned carrying two cups of coffee and a white rose. Handing her one of the steaming cups, he said, "This is for you."

"Thanks," she said softly as she took the coffee from him.

"And this is for you, too," he smiled, offering her the rose.

"Thank you," she smiled, "but why?"

"Because you said yes," he replied simply.

"Have I told you how much I love you in, oh, I don't know, the last five minutes?" she wondered.

"Now that you mention it, I don't think so," he grinned.

"Well, I do love you," she said as she took a step closer and kissed him gently.

"Good, because I love you, too," he said softly as the kiss ended. "Now, didn't you say something about a walk down The Mall?"

"Yeah," she nodded as they started walking again. "Thanks for the coffee, I really needed this."

"It's so cold out here that it almost feels like we're back in Chicago," he commented.

"I know," she replied, "I still can't believe we had a white Christmas."

"This week has been perfect," he said softly.

"Yes, it has," she grinned. Looking in front of them, she pointed out, "And that's Buckingham Palace."

"Wow," he remarked. "Have you ever been in there?"

She laughed. "Not hardly! Actually, it just opened to the public a few years ago."

"Ever dream about living there?" he wondered.

She thought for a moment. "Not really," she shrugged. "I always pictured myself in a hospital."

"Then I guess your dream came true," he smiled.

"All of them have," she said softly as she looked into his eyes.

He gently wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer as they walked down the street. He heard her stomach growl a few moments later. Laughing, he asked, "I guess this means you're hungry?"

"Maybe just a bit," she said with a laugh. "But I'm not really sure what we should do for lunch. Most of the restaurants are closed."

Noticing that there were several vendors moving about on the streets, he suggested, "Why don't we just get something from the street sellers?"

"Where are we going to eat?" she questioned. "It's about twenty-five degrees out here!"

"So?" he grinned.

She shook her head and laughed. "You're crazy. Do you know that?"

"Come on," he chuckled, "what do you want?"

"Something hot," she proclaimed. "How about soup and a sandwich?"

"Sounds good," he nodded.

"Saint James Park is just ahead here. They have picnic tables, so I suppose we could eat there," she said after a few moments.

"Perfect," he grinned.

"I still think you're crazy," she laughed.

"Do you want to get us a table while I get lunch?" he offered.

"Sure," she nodded, "but somehow, I doubt we'll have much competition for tables in this weather."

"It'll be fun," he said with a grin.

"Sure," she said skeptically. "Can you get some hot chestnuts, too? Being out here in the snow, it's just not right without them."

"Okay," he assured her as he walked over to the vendor.

"Having fun?" he wondered ten minutes later as he bit into his half of the sandwich they were sharing.

She laughed. "Strangely enough, yes, I am. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled.

"I was thinking, would it be okay if we went to Daddy's office after we finished lunch? I want to tell him the news," she said with a broad smile.

"That's fine," he nodded. "He already knew I was going to ask."

"He WHAT?" she questioned in shock.

Mark laughed. "Friday, when we spent the day at the hospital, I told him that I was planning to propose."

"Why did you do that?" she asked curiously.

"You know, tradition. Asking for your hand, that sort of thing," he replied somewhat hesitantly.

She smiled. "That's sweet."

"Your mother also knows," he added.

"So, I'm obviously the last one to find out about this," she laughed.

"Rachel is the only other person I told," he assured her.

"Is she okay with the idea?" Elizabeth asked a bit nervously.

"Yeah," he nodded. "She knows you make me happy."

She smiled softly. After a moment, she commented, "We should do something tonight, to celebrate."

"Already taken care of," he grinned.

She laughed. "What do you have planned now?"

"Dinner with your parents," he replied.

She stared at him in shock for a moment. "Mark, please. Tell me you didn't do what I think you've done," she said with a slightly sick expression.

"What?" he questioned in confusion. "Your mother is coming over tonight, and we're all having dinner together. Charlotte's probably cooking up a storm right now."

"Mark, no," she said with a heavy sigh. "This has 'disaster' written all over it."

"What do you mean?" he wondered.

"Do you know the last time I saw my parents together at some event?" she asked.

He thought for a moment. "When you graduated from medical school?" he suggested.

"No," she shook her head sadly and stared at the table. "My sixteenth birthday party. It was a really big deal. I'd been looking forward to it for months. All of my friends were there. I guess we were about half-way through the party. We hadn't gotten to the cake or the presents yet. Mother and Daddy started arguing about something, I don't even know what it was. They were in the dining room, where all of the food was, but you could hear them throughout the house. My best friend tried to tell me that it wasn't a big deal, that no one noticed, but I was mortified. I spent the rest of the day curled up on my bed, sobbing into my pillow. I had my friend tell everyone I was sick. I finally went downstairs that night after I knew Mother was asleep. I opened all of the presents, and wrote thank you notes to my friends, apologizing for not being able to stay for all of my own party."

"I am so sorry you had to go through that," he said sincerely.

She looked up at him and offered a feeble smile, but he could see the tears brimming in her eyes. "When I was eighteen, I was moving into the halls at the university. It's safe to say I was pretty nervous. My parents were supposed to come with me. The day before, Daddy called and told me he wouldn't be able to make it. I knew it was because he didn't want to take the chance of another scene with Mother. Then, when I graduated from medical school, Mother didn't show up." She stopped and drew in a deep breath. "So, it's so much easier to deal with them separately."

He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "I understand what you're saying. I do. But that was fifteen, twenty, years ago. Maybe they've grown up a lot since then. In fact, inviting your mother was your father's idea. I told him that I thought it would be nice to celebrate our engagement at dinner tonight, since it's our last night here. He knew you'd want to share this with your mother, too, so he suggested that I invite her. And your mother seemed to understand that, too."

"I know," she sighed, "it's just easier to keep them apart. Then I know there won't be any problems."

"So are we going to have two weddings?" he wondered with a slight smile. "One for your father to attend and one for your mother?"

She sighed again. "I don't know."

He stood up and walked around to her side of the table. As he wrapped his arm around her, he said, "Why don't you look at tonight as a dry run of sorts? We'll get your parents together, and I'll be there to help in making sure there are no fireworks."

"I don't know why I'm letting you talk me into this," she said warily as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Because you want to share this with both of them," he reminded her. Chuckling, he added, "And because you know I'm right."

She laughed in spite of herself. "Thank you."

"For what?" he wondered.

"For making me laugh," she said softly.

"Anytime," he smiled as he kissed her gently.

"I'm bloody insane for letting you talk me into this," Elizabeth muttered as she walked into the bathroom. Walking back into the bedroom a moment later, she asked, "Where the hell are my earrings? The ones Daddy gave me yesterday."

Mark just watched her, a slightly amused expression on his face, as he tucked in his shirt.

"This is going to be a disaster," she proclaimed. "I just know it! My parents together for an evening? NO good came come of this." She searched through the jewelry that was on the dresser. "Where did those bloody earrings go?"

He raised his shirt collar and slipped the tie around his neck. Walking over to her, he simply said, "Elizabeth?"

"What?" she snapped as she turned towards him.

He didn't say anything. He just slipped his arms around her and pulled her closer until their lips met.

The kiss slowly came to an end, and it took a moment for her to catch her breath. Looking up at him, she asked, "What was that for?"

He chuckled softly. "I needed something to calm you down. I figured you'd respond better to this, than if I had to throw a glass of water in your face."

"I think you're right," she laughed before drawing him back for another kiss.

"Feeling better?" he questioned as he gently rubbed her lower back, knowing that always helped her relax.

"I suppose," she sighed. "I still need to find those earrings."

He reached behind her and picked up something from the dresser. Holding out his hand, he wondered, "You mean these?"

She stared at him for a moment, then took the earrings. As she was putting them on, she had to ask, "How do you do that?"

"Just lucky, I guess," he laughed.

"You'd better be lucky if this evening is going to work out," she said warily.

"It will," he assured her.

"We'll see," she replied skeptically.

Glancing in the mirror, he wondered, "Do you want to do my tie?"

"What?" she questioned in a teasing tone. "You don't feel up to handling it yourself?"

"No," he retorted, "it's just that you'd end up redoing it anyway, so I thought I'd save us both the hassle of my attempt."

"Okay," she laughed, "that works for me."

As she was adjusting his tie, he commented, "This is the best part about working in the ER: no ties."

She chuckled, then reminded him, "You were wearing one the day I met you."

He thought for a moment, as he tried to recall that day. Groaning, he said, "Ugh, you had to bring that farce up, didn't you?"

"What? You didn't enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame?" she grinned.

"It wasn't quite what I had in mind," he admitted.

Turning serious, she softly said, "It took a lot of courage to speak of your attack like that."

He shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe."

"It did," she assured him with a smile and she finished the tie and kissed him gently.

Turning back to the mirror, he grinned, "Not bad."

"You're welcome," she laughed. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she made a quick checklist, "Earrings, bracelet, ring. What else do I need?"

"You might want to consider shoes," he suggested.

"Very funny," she replied sarcastically as she walked to the closet. After finding the shoes she was looking for, she walked back to the mirror and smoothed the skirt of the green velvet dress she was wearing.

He watched her for a moment, then smiled. "You look beautiful."

She turned to look at him and smiled back. "Thank you," she said softly.

He took a step closer to her. "You don't have to thank me. It's the truth."

She drew in a deep breath. "I suppose it's time that we get this thing started."

"It'll be fine," he reminded her. "I'll be right here with you."

With a shaky smile, she took his hand and they started down the stairs.

They found Charles in the kitchen with Charlotte. Elizabeth chuckled and asked, "Charlotte, you're keeping him out of trouble, aren't you?"

"But of course, Miss Elizabeth," Charlotte replied. "That's what he pays me for."

Elizabeth chuckled. "So, what's for dinner?"

"Well, I thought we would begin with cauliflower, stilton and almond soup. Then, chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, new potatoes and carrots. I know that was one of the dishes you and your mother always enjoyed."

"And for dessert?" Elizabeth questioned with a grin.

"Gingerbread pudding," Charlotte replied.

"Gingerbread pudding?" Mark asked curiously.

"It's wonderful," Elizabeth said with a sigh. "It's a steamed pudding with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and apples."

"It certainly sounds delicious," Mark smiled.

"Have I mentioned how much I'm going to miss you?" Elizabeth asked Charlotte.

Charlotte laughed. "I know your father's schedule, and he works in a practice. With both of you working for the hospital, I'm sure I don't even want to know your schedules, or what you do for dinner."

Glancing at Mark, Elizabeth laughed, "I suppose we shouldn't tell her about Doc's."

"Doc's?" Charles inquired. "Wasn't that the greasy diner you took me to for breakfast?"

"Not a place you easily forget, is it?" Mark laughed.

"Not hardly," Charles assured him. "And to think, someone was criticizing my diet last week."

Before Elizabeth could think of a comeback, they heard the doorbell chime.

"That must be your mother," Charles remarked.

"Yes," Elizabeth said with a deep breath as she reached for Mark's hand and started towards the foyer.

She rested her hand on the doorknob for a moment. "If this is a disaster, I'm holding you responsible," she muttered with a glare in Mark's direction.

"It'll be fine," he smiled.

"Good evening, Mother," Elizabeth said as she opened the door.

"Hello, Elizabeth," Isabelle said as she stepped into the flat. "Mark."

"Hello, Isabelle," Mark said as he stepped behind Elizabeth and lightly placed his hand on her back.

With a smile, Isabelle said, "I hear congratulations are in order."

"Yes," Elizabeth nodded, smiling broadly.

"Well, congratulations. I hope you both are very happy together," Isabelle said sincerely as she gave them each a brief hug.

"Thank you, Mother," Elizabeth replied.

"I'm just surprised it took you so long," Isabelle said with a laugh. "I've known this was coming since February."

"Well, Mark's been holding onto the ring since Thanksgiving," Elizabeth laughed.

"I just wanted it to be perfect," Mark said softly.

"It was," she assured him.

"And speaking of the ring," Isabelle smiled.

Elizabeth chuckled as she held out her left hand.

"Very nice," Isabelle said admiringly.

"Good evening, Isabelle," Charles said as he stepped into the foyer.

Isabelle looked in his direction. "Charles," she nodded with a slight smile.

Mark could feel Elizabeth tense as she stood in front of him. "Why don't we get a drink before dinner?" Mark suggested.

Elizabeth nodded. "Let's go upstairs to the lounge."

Almost two hours later, they returned to the lounge and were sipping coffee, after enjoying the feast that Charlotte had prepared.

"Well, Mark, I am definitely impressed that you were able to keep the proposal a secret from Elizabeth," Charles said with a chuckle.

"That makes two of us," Isabelle laughed.

"Yesterday, I was telling Mark how we could never leave her alone before Christmas," Charles explained.

"Do you remember that time, I think she was about five, when we got back from the Applewhite's Christmas party?" Isabelle asked.

"Mother, I'm sure Mark doesn't want to hear about that," Elizabeth said, trying to change the subject as her face flushed.

"Oh, no," Mark grinned, "I think this is EXACTLY the kind of thing I do want to hear about."

"That's fine," Elizabeth retorted, "I just hope you know that when we get back to Chicago, I'm going to invite Doug and Carol over for dinner, and make sure they tell me about all of your most embarrassing moments."

"Go right ahead, this will be worth it," he assured her. Turning to Charles and Isabelle, he said, "Please, go on."

Isabelle laughed, then began to explain, "Charles and I had plans to attend a Christmas party. It was probably two or three weeks before Christmas, I think Elizabeth was five. Charlotte agreed to stay late and keep an eye on Elizabeth while we were gone. Well, Elizabeth always loved it when Charlotte stayed with her, because she knew she had free reign over the flat. The party was an incredibly dull affair, so we left early. We arrived home even before Elizabeth was to be in bed. After looking through the house, we finally found her in the guest suite. She'd discovered her Christmas presents, which we'd hidden on the top shelf of the closet."

"She was having a great time with the microscope that we'd gotten her," Charles added. "She was so intent on what she was doing, that she didn't even realize we were standing there for five or ten minutes."

"I told you we should have hidden the presents in the basement," Isabelle chided. "She was always afraid to go down there."

"Well, I didn't think she'd be able to reach the top shelf of the closet," Charles said in his own defense. "She was only five!"

Elizabeth sighed heavily, then Mark interrupted, "A microscope, huh? I guess your interest in science began at an early age?"

Elizabeth gave a weak smile. "Something like that."

"Actually, I think it's safe to say her interest in medicine began at about eleven months," Charles said with a chuckle.

"What do you mean?" Isabelle inquired.

"Don't you remember her 'great escape' as a baby?" Charles asked.

"Oh, my, yes," Isabelle replied.

Elizabeth stared at her parents curiously. She wasn't certain of the story which they were referring. "What are you talking about?"

Charles took a sip from his coffee cup, then began to speak. "It wasn't too long after you started walking. Your mother was out for the afternoon. I moved your playpen into the study, so that I could keep an eye on you while I finished some dictation. I'd been working for a quite a while, when I felt you tugging on my leg."

Mark stared at him with a confused expression. "How did she get out of the playpen?"

Elizabeth laughed as she remembered the story. "I ripped the floor out."

"What?" Mark asked in disbelief.

"The playpen had a foam floor beneath the blankets," Charles explained. "Apparently, Elizabeth got bored waiting for me to finish, so she started pulling up the floor. She managed to make a hole large enough to crawl through and made her way out and over to my desk. She wanted to sit in my lap and help with the dictation."

"You were certainly a precocious child," Mark laughed.

"That's why I couldn't let Charles baby-sit after that. Who knows what she would have gotten into?" Isabelle said with a sneer.

Charles chuckled softly. "Isabelle, you always worried too much. She wasn't a China doll that would break at the slightest little thing. She was a little girl, who would fall down, -get hurt and then get better."

Elizabeth looked down at her hands, which were folded in her lap.

Gently, Mark reached over and took one of her hands in his. "So, tell me, do you have any memorable medical moments from when you were little?"

"You remember your first 'trauma,' don't you?" Charles asked his daughter with a grin.

She thought for a moment, then smiled. "When I cut my lip?"

Charles nodded.

"Is that how you got the scar on your lower lip?" Mark wondered.

"Yeah," Elizabeth replied softly. "I actually don't remember it happening, but I was playing in the lounge, tripped and fell. I landed against the fireplace hearth."

"So, she immediately starts screaming her head off," Charles added.

"I was eighteen months old, what was I supposed to do?" Elizabeth asked.

"Isabelle and I came into the lounge to see what was wrong. She had blood everywhere. It was dripping down her chin and all over the front of her dress." Charles stopped for a moment and chuckled. "I ran to the bathroom to get a towel to stop the bleeding. Isabelle was worried about not wanting to get blood on the new white carpet."

"I was not," Isabelle said curtly.

Charles just gave his former wife a knowing glance.

"Did she need sutures?" Mark inquired.

"No," Charles said, shaking his head. "I was able to stop the bleeding with a little pressure, and the tears with an ice cream cone."

Elizabeth thought for a moment, then said, "That would probably still work today."

"Strawberry," Mark supplied.

"Of course," she grinned. Looking to her father, she said, "But that wasn't the only time I called on your medical expertise when I was little."

"What do you mean?" Charles asked.

"Don't you remember that bird I found with the broken wing?" Elizabeth wondered as she lifted the coffee cup to her lips.

Charles laughed. "How could I forget? She'd been outside playing, and found this robin with a broken wing that had fallen out of a tree. She brought it inside and told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was to 'fix it' because I was a doctor."

"That definitely sounds familiar," Mark said with a laugh. "A couple years ago, Rachel was staying with me in Chicago. Somehow, she came across this colicky horse. I ended up giving the horse an enema in the ambulance bay of the ER."

"I heard Jerry was really happy with you after that one," Elizabeth chuckled.

"Who's Jerry?" Isabelle inquired.

"He's the desk clerk in the ER," Mark explained. "He was on the receiving end when the enema kicked in."

"In that case, I'm surprised he's still speaking to you," Charles laughed.

"I don't know," Elizabeth said, shaking her head, "I think my favorite ER mishap would have to be 'The Glue Brothers.'"

Mark laughed. "That was a good one."

"'The Glue Brothers?'" Isabelle questioned suspiciously as she sipped her coffee.

"There were these two brothers in the carpet-laying business," Mark began to explain. "They got into an argument while they were driving somewhere and had a wreck. By the time the paramedics brought them to us, there was carpet glue EVERYWHERE, and they were stuck together. It was a mess! We'd do one thing, then have to change gloves because we were contaminated with the glue, or the gloves were getting stuck."

"And one of the brothers had been impaled with some kind of tool," Elizabeth added. "We needed to shock him, but we had to get them apart first. While we were trying to do that, I got stuck to one of them." Laughing, she said, "Mark ended up pulling me off, just in time."

"It certainly was a good thing that you were there," Isabelle smiled.

"When was this?" Charles wondered.

Mark sighed, then admitted, "I don't even remember. How about you?"

"Let's see," Elizabeth said after a moment, "I was an intern, I think it was before we got together, so probably about two years ago."

Charles nodded thoughtfully as he sipped his coffee, then grinned said, "While we're reasonably on the subject, have you told Mark your most embarrassing story?"

An uneasy expression crossed Elizabeth's face as she asked, "Which one?"

"The golf tournament, of course," Charles chuckled.

"Oh, please," Elizabeth moaned, "don't tell this story."

"Elizabeth, you should know better than to make a statement like that," Charles teased his daughter. "Now, we have to tell the story."

"Great," Elizabeth mumbled.

"When Elizabeth was six, we took her to the final round of the British Open. The crowd was silent as Arnold Palmer attempted to make a putt on the fourteenth hole. He overshot and didn't make it. All of a sudden, there was this little voice in the crowd that yelled, 'Missed!'" Charles said, trying not to laugh.

"You didn't?" Mark said, laughing so hard tears came to his eyes.

Elizabeth's face turned as bright as her hair. With a cagey expression, she nodded. "You just wait. I KNOW you've got a skeleton or two in your closet. Just wait until I find them."

Mark continued to laugh.

"Isabelle, I don't know whatever possessed you to think a six year old belonged at a golf tournament anyway," Charles said dryly.

With a glare, Isabelle replied, "Well, excuse me for trying to expose our daughter to a bit of culture at a well-respected athletic event."

Before Charles could reply, the sound of a pager filled the room. Out of habit, Mark and Elizabeth both reached for their waists, then looked to each other and laughed as they realized their pagers were an ocean away.

"It's me," Charles announced. "Excuse me for a moment while I call the hospital."

"Why doesn't this surprise me?" Isabelle huffed.

"Mother," Elizabeth said in exasperation.

"I just don't understand it, Elizabeth," Isabelle explained. "How can you have a life, when ALL of the plans you make are subject to change because of that damn black box?"

Elizabeth sighed. "It's not that bad, Mother. And it's not all of the time."

"How can you live like this?" Isabelle reiterated. "For Heaven's sake, you couldn't even go out for Valentine's Day without interruption."

"That was different, Mother," Elizabeth said curtly.

"How so?" Isabelle persisted.

Elizabeth stared at a spot on the floor. After a moment, Mark spoke. "What happened Valentine's Day was personal. It wasn't just another patient to come in off the street. The victims were two people that we worked with everyday," he said quietly.

"And the girl died, didn't she?" Isabelle pointed out flatly. "How can you go back to work there after that?"

"Because there are still people who need us," Mark said simply. "Because the violence and the illness doesn't stop, and because we can do something about it."

Isabelle sighed. "I respect what you do, but after what I saw in the hospital that night…" She paused for a moment. "I just wish it was safer."

"So do we," Mark admitted, "and hopefully, what we're doing will help us achieve that."

"I hope you're right," Isabelle said seriously.

Charles returned to the lounge a few moments later. "I'm sorry, but I have to go into the hospital. A patient developed complications. We may have to go back in tonight."

"I'm sorry, Daddy," Elizabeth said with an understanding smile as she stood up and walked over to her father.

"I should be back in time to go with you to the airport tomorrow morning. Your flight leaves at nine, right?" he asked.

"Right," Elizabeth nodded.

"So, you'll need to leave here around six. I'll try to call between five-thirty and six if I won't be able to make it," he assured her.

"That's fine," she smiled.

"If I don't see you in the morning, it was wonderful having you here, and I'm going to make sure you don't wait so long next time. I hope you have a safe flight back," he said, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "I love you."

"It was great being back again," she replied softly. "I love you, too, Daddy."

Turning to Mark, who'd stood up and walked to stand next to Elizabeth, Charles said, "It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Likewise," Mark smiled.

"Take care of her for me," Charles requested with a smile.

"Of course," Mark promised solemnly as they shook hands.

"And congratulations. I hope you are very happy together," Charles smiled.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said quietly.

Finally, Charles addressed his former wife. "Since I'm going out, could I give you a lift?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I drove myself," she replied with a polite smile.

"Well, good evening, all," Charles said before leaving the room.

A moment later, Isabelle said, "I suppose I should be leaving as well. You should get some rest. You have an early fight."

"We will, Mother," Elizabeth nodded.

"I know you'll find this difficult to believe, but I actually agree with your father. It was good to have you back, and you shouldn't wait so long next time," she smiled.

"I'll see what I can do about that," Elizabeth laughed.

After retrieving Isabelle's coat from the hall closet, they walked to the front door.

"Congratulations, once again," Isabelle smiled as she opened the door.

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"I love you," Isabelle said with a quick hug. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mother," Elizabeth said as Isabelle started down the walk.

"'Night," Mark echoed.

Once her mother's car pulled away, Elizabeth closed and locked the door. Turning around, she leaned against the door and sighed heavily.

Mark gently caressed her cheek, then said, "Well?"

"Well, what?" she asked with a weak smile.

"Ready to kill me for bringing your parents together for dinner?" he wondered.

She laughed slightly. "No. It wasn't perfect, but it was no where near as bad as it could have been. Thank you."

"For what?" he asked with a shrug.

"For helping me get through this, for playing diplomat all night," she said softly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You're welcome," he said as he kissed her softly. After a moment, he commented, "You look tired."

"Dealing with both of them has that effect of me," she said ruefully.

"Why don't you go upstairs and take a nice hot bath?" he suggested. "I need to call Rachel. It's still pretty early in Aspen, and yesterday, I promised I'd let her know what your answer was."

"I need to clear the dishes in the lounge, and straighten the kitchen for Charlotte," she sighed.

"I'll take care of it," he assured her.

"Are you sure?" she questioned.

"Positive," he nodded.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"Don't mention it," he whispered before initiating another kiss.

"We seem to be running into each other quite a bit out here," Mark said with a laugh as he stepped onto the balcony an hour and a half later.

She turned slightly to look in his direction and smiled. "I told you this was my favorite part of the house."

"Yes, you did," he nodded as he walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. They both stood at the railing, staring out at the darkened park and the few houses that were below.

"I don't want to go back tomorrow," she said quietly.

"Why not?" he asked, a slight trace of anxiety in his voice.

She turned slightly and gently caressed his cheek. "Don't worry, I still want to be with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It's just that this week has been wonderful. I'm not quite ready to face the hospital and work and everything else. I'm not ready to face reality again," she said with a rueful laugh.

"I know what you mean," he nodded with a smile. "So, why don't we try to make the most of our last night here?"

"Did you have anything in mind?" she wondered.

"I'm sure I could think of something," he said, lightly kissing the back of her neck. "That is, unless you had an idea?"

She thought for a moment, then chuckled and shook her head. "No, it's crazy."

"What?" he asked curiously.

"It's nothing," she shrugged.

"Elizabeth, what is it? I know you better than that," her persisted.

She sighed, then somewhat nervously said, "It's just that when I used to stay here, on breaks from school, I'd sometimes wonder what it would be like to make love out here." Quickly, before he had a chance to reply, she added, "It was a crazy idea."

He didn't say anything as he untied the belt of her robe and slipped his hands under her tee shirt, gently caressing her stomach.

"Mark?" she questioned. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to make your fantasy come true," he whispered into her ear as gently ran his hands along the side of her breasts, then brushed his thumbs over her nipples. "Want me to stop?"

She drew in a sharp breath at his touch, and all rational thought escaped her mind. "No," she said hoarsely. "Mmm, that feels good."

"You like that?" he questioned as he kissed the spot behind her ear that he knew drove her crazy.

"I think you already know the answer to that," she murmured as she moved her arm behind his head and began to gently caress the back of his neck.

He chuckled softly as he continued to mold her breasts with his hands, her nipples becoming erect and hard. Moving his right hand away from her breast, he slowly ran his hand over her stomach and whispered, "You're so warm."

"Well, you're definitely heating things up," she chuckled softly.

He moved his left hand across her chest, cupping her right breast, as his other hand moved lower, slipping under the waistband of her pajamas and panties. He let his fingers brush lightly over the soft patch of curly hair, gently teasing her by not moving down further.

"Ohh, Mark," she moaned as she let her head roll back on his shoulder.

He inhaled deeply, taking in the warm fragrance of her hair, as he kissed the side of her neck, her jaw, her cheek. Finally, she turned her head and his lips found hers. It was a slow, sensuous kiss that quickly escalated as he began to gently explore her mouth with his.

He was driving her wild, only she couldn't help but think that he was moving at an infuriatingly slow pace. She used her free hand to guide him lower.

He chuckled as he realized what she was doing, "Getting impatient, huh?"

"It's your fault," she grinned.

"And just how do you figure that?" he asked as he once again began kissing her neck.

She opened her mouth to speak, but gasped with desire instead. Finally regaining her voice, she answered, "For making me want you so much."

As he continued to knead her breast, he slowly moved his other hand lower, opening her outer lips and lightly brushing her clitoris.

She drew in a sharp breath, shuddering involuntarily at his touch.

He carefully advanced forward, slipping his fingers into her moist folds. She arched her back, wanting, needing, to be closer to him. He slowly began to move in and out of her. After a few moments, she met his rhythm, pushing her hips forward to meet him.

From the desire burning between her legs, the feel of his hand on her breast, the heat of his kiss on her neck and the cold night air against her face, she knew what little control she had left wouldn't last much longer. Slowly at first, she felt her body respond as the waves of pleasure began to wash over her. She wrapped her arm tighter around the back of his neck, pulling him closer, wanting to share this feeling with him.

"Mark," she moaned as her body trembled. She was grateful his arms were wrapped securely around her, because she wasn't sure she had the strength to stand on her own. As she came down from her climax several moments later, she stayed in his arms, resting heavily against his chest, her breaths forming thick clouds of vapor in the cool night air.

She slowly turned around so that she was facing him, slipping both arms around his neck. "You are too good to me. Do you know that?"

He didn't say anything, he just smiled and kissed her passionately. The kiss gradually came to an end. "You liked that, huh?"

"Very much so," she confirmed with a smile as she gently ran her finger along his jaw. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said, initiating another kiss, this one slower, gentler.

"Mmm," she said with a contented sigh. Grinning she said, "I'll have to find some way to show my appreciation."

"Oh, really?" he questioned.

"Yeah," she nodded.

"Did you have something in mind?" he wondered.

"Perhaps," she grinned as she reached behind her back and took his hand in hers, then led him in the bedroom, closing the balcony doors behind them. Turning back to him, she grinned and asked, "Now, where were we?"

He stepped closer to her and slipped his arms around her waist. "I think we were right here."

She smiled and wrapped her arms behind his neck. "You know, I think you're right."

"Mmhmm," he murmured in agreement as he lowered his lips to meet hers.

She parted her lips and slowly used her tongue to explore his mouth. Deciding that he was much too overdressed for what she had in mind, she ran her hands along the collar of his robe from the back of his neck to his chest. She then slipped her hands under the robe and pushed it off his shoulders.

He complied with her silent request, dropping his hands to his sides and letting the robe fall to the floor, his lips never leaving hers. He quickly moved his hands back to her body, needing that contact. He pulled back her robe, which was still open from their earlier adventures on the balcony, and slipped his hands around her waist, lifting her tee shirt and gently caressing her silken skin.

Tearing himself away from her lips for a moment, he lightly kissed her chin then her throat.

She chuckled softly, then murmured, "Mmm, that feels wonderful."

He gently turned her in his arms, so that her back was to him. He once again found that spot behind her ear, as he pulled the robe off her shoulders and let it fall.

She turned so that she was facing him once again. A slight grin on her face, she ran her hands under his shirt and over his back. Her eyes never leaving his, she slowly lifted the shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it behind him and letting it fall on a chair. "Much better," she chuckled as she kissed the top of his shoulder.

"What about you?" he wondered. "I think you're still a bit overdressed."

"We'll get to that," she assured him as she aimlessly trailed her hands down his chest and around his waist before slipping under the waistband of his pajama bottoms and boxers.

"I take it you've got something else in mind first?" he questioned with a grin.

"Oh, yeah," she said seductively while she pushed the offensive garments over his hips, letting them hit the floor. She ran her left hand back up his side, over his chest and shoulder, then wrapped it around his neck, pulling him closer until his lips met hers. Her other hand ever-so-gently brushed over his arousal, eliciting the pleasurable moan she'd been expecting. "You know, you look like you'd be more comfortable on the bed," she remarked as she gave him a light shove, pushing him back on the bed.

He laughed as he folded his hands behind his head. "You, uh, you going to join me?"

"In due time," she grinned. She slowly pushed her pajama bottoms over her hips and gracefully stepped out of them. She then folded them neatly and placed them on the chair.

"I feel I should probably point out that you are moving at an agonizingly slow pace right now," he said pointedly.

She raised her eyebrows suggestively. "That's the idea." Her eyes never leaving his, she slipped out of her panties and let them fall to the floor. She climbed onto the bed next to him, took his glasses off, placed them on the table, then began to place a trail of feathery kisses across his chest. As she finally made her way to his lips, she wondered, "Is that better?"

"Much," he whispered as he ran his hand through her hair and pulled her closer. They both noticed the difference in this kiss, the increased intensity, the urgency that they both felt. As the kiss ended, he gently caressed her cheek and wondered, "Do you know how much I want you right now?"

She smiled softly, "Yeah, I think I do, because I feel the exact same way about you." She briefly brushed her lips against his before shifting so that she was on top of him. She traced her hands across his chest as she moved to sit up, straddling his body with hers. She couldn't help but grin as she crossed her arms and reached for the bottom of her tee shirt, then pulled it over her head and let it land somewhere to her right.

He ran his hands over her firm thighs, the soft skin of her hips, and along her sides until he was cupping her breasts. At his mere touch, her nipples became hard and even more sensitive. She let her head roll back on her shoulders.

He sat up and slipped his arms around her back, pulling her closer and capturing her lips for another passion-filled kiss. He placed a trail of soft kisses down her throat, across her shoulders and chest. Taking her nipple in his mouth, he gently teased it with his tongue as he molded her other breast with his hand.

She ran her hand through her hair and moaned with delight. After a few moments, she wondered, "So, I wasn't moving fast enough for you, huh?"

Pulling away from her slightly, he looked up and grinned, "Yeah, something like that."

Chuckling, she pushed him down and rested her hands on the bed next to his shoulders. Her breasts lightly grazed his chest and her red curls fell around his face as she wondered, "So, who's impatient now?"

He laughed. "It's your fault."

"Then I suppose I'll just have to do something about that," she said softly, lightly brushing her lips against his. She slowly lifted her hips and guided him into her wetness.

He ran his hands over her back and down to her buttocks, drawing her closer as he pushed into her, causing her to gasp softly.

After a few moments, she met his rhythm, lowering her hips to meet his thrusts. She reached for the headboard in front of her, feeling a need to brace herself against the force of what she knew was coming.

"Elizabeth," he murmured, his voice heavy with desire.

Looking into his eyes, she was moved by the intensity of the passion she saw there. She dropped her hands from the headboard and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer and covering his mouth with hers.

Before too long, they were both swept up in the exhilaration of what they felt for each other. Her body trembled beneath the weigh of her climax as she responded to his smooth, powerful thrusts.

He watched her for a moment, her eyes were closed, her lips parted slightly. She was beautiful. He ran his hand through her thick curls just before he was overcome by his own climax.

She collapsed on his chest, her heart racing, her breaths ragged. He held her close, gently running his hands over her back.

"We're pretty good together, aren't we?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Pretty good?" she questioned with a laugh. "I think we're fantastic."

"We are," he confirmed before kissing her softly.

She shifted slightly, so that she was lying on her stomach next to him and pulled the comforter around them, before sighing contentedly. Grinning, she remarked, "You know, if I hadn't said yes when you asked earlier today, this definitely would have changed my mind."

He laughed, "Is this all you want me for?"

"Actually, I can think of A LOT that I want you for," she said enticingly.

"I bet you can," he retorted with a knowing smile.

She was quiet for a few moments before she looked into his eyes and softly said, "I'm not sure I've ever been as happy as I am right now, and I can't help thinking that you are a VERY big part of the reason for that."

"I feel the same way about you. You know that, don't you?" he said seriously.

"I know," she assured him as she rested her head on his shoulder.

He gently rubbed her back as they stayed like that in a comfortable silence for several minutes. She finally spoke. "We're getting married," she said, almost as if she was still trying to convince herself that it was true.

"Yes, we are," he said with a smile.

Turning over to lay on her back, she held out her left hand and smiled. "Did I mention that you have excellent taste when it comes to jewelry?"

"Only when it's for you," he replied as he took her hand in his.

She turned his hand over and lightly ran her fingers over his palm. After a moment, she remarked, "I must be losing my touch."

"What do you mean?" he asked in confusion.

"You have a scar," she said, pointing to a faint pink line.

He smiled weakly. "Did I ever thank you for being there that day?"

"You didn't have to," she said quietly. "You still don't."

"He really liked you. I wish he could be at the wedding. Mom, too," he admitted softly.

"It's clear that she meant a great deal to both you and your father. I wish I could have known her," Elizabeth smiled.

"So do I," he nodded. "I think she would have liked you. You keep me in line."

She laughed, "It is not an easy job, but someone has to do it."

"I'm glad it's you," he said, gently caressing her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she whispered as she turned and kissed him tenderly.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it! Please let me know what you think: SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com LLP

September 9, 2000

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