March 3 2020
AJ AND DAVE'S HOME — LATE EVENING
The soft hum of the city filtered through the open window as AJ and Dave sat at the kitchen table, which was covered with an organized chaos of wedding invitations, floral catalogs, color swatches, and scribbled notes.
AJ's laptop glowed with a spreadsheet of RSVPs, while Dave flipped through a booklet of venue options, his brow furrowed in concentration.
AJ - So
AJ said, stretching her arms and smiling tiredly,
Aj - August 6, 2020. Just over three months away.
Dave looked up from the booklet and smiled, a warmth in his eyes that made AJ's heart flutter.
Dave - Feels like forever and no time at all
he said softly
Dave - After everything we've been through — the crash, the surgeries, all the chaos — it's like this is our fresh start.
AJ reached out and took his hand, her fingers curling around his. She glanced over toward Mateo, who was peacefully asleep in his bassinet in the corner of the room. The sight of her son filled her with a quiet kind of joy and determination.
AJ -This isn't just for us anymore
she said, voice soft.
AJ - It's for Mateo, too. We're building a life — a family. And I want him to grow up knowing what love looks like.
Dave squeezed her hand gently.
Dave-We're giving him everything — strength, hope, and a home full of people who'll always protect him.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, letting the weight of those words settle around them. The past year had been a storm, but here, in this quiet kitchen, with the chaos pushed aside, there was peace.
AJ's smile grew.
AJ- I never thought I'd get here again. Planning a wedding, laughing about centerpieces and cake flavors. It's almost surreal.
Dave chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
Dave- Well, you deserve all the happiness in the world. And I promise to make this day — and every day after — the best for you both.
---
LIVING ROOM, LATER THAT NIGHT
The couple moved to the couch, spreading out a wedding planning notebook. Mateo stirred in his bassinet but remained asleep.
AJ leaned her head against Dave's shoulder.
AJ - We still have so much to do. The invitations, the dress, the seating chart...
Dave laughed softly.
Dave -Don't forget the playlist. You know I'm the DJ.
AJ rolled her eyes playfully.
AJ - Only if you promise not to embarrass me on the dance floor.
They laughed together, the sound easy and warm.
Dave - Promise
Dave said, kissing her forehead.
---
THE NEXT DAY — AJ'S OFFICE
The buzz of the hospital was a stark contrast to the calm at home. AJ's interns, Lexie, Jackson, Ben, and Parker, gathered outside her office, whispering excitedly.
Lexie knocked and smiled as AJ looked up from her paperwork.
Lexie - Dr. Sanchez
Lexie said teasingly, holding up a small desk calendar marked with a big heart on August 6.
Lexie - The countdown is officially on.
Jackson smirked-Better get ready for all the 'honey-do' lists, Doc.
AJ eyes sparkling with joy.
AJ- I would invite you guys but I know you guys would mess something up I'll send pictures. But right now, we still have lives to save.
The interns exchanged looks, inspired by their mentor's strength and spirit.
---
AJ AND DAVE'S HOME — NIGHT
Later that night, AJ and Dave stood by the window, looking out over the city lights.
Aj - No matter what happens next
AJ said
AJ- we face it as a family.
Dave wrapped his arm around her.
Dave - Together. Always.
AJ- please don't hide anything from me
Dave - I learnt my lesson
The both smiled
