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From Seattle Grace to the Vegas Strip
from Laura on 07/16/2026 10:17 PMThe lights of Vegas glittered like a field of stars spilled across the desert. Laura Sloan stood at the floor-to-ceiling window in nothing but her new Barry Manilow t-shirt, of their hotel suite; one hand wrapped around a coffee much as she watched the Bellagio fountains dance below. The city never seemed to sleep as music drifted up from the strip. Helicopters buzzed overhead and somewhere far beneath them a crowd erupted into cheers. It couldn't have been more different from Seattle, which Laura missed terribly, but she was having a good time. And even more importantly, she was now a married woman to the man, who still acted like a big child, but stolen her heart without even trying. Behind her, Mark Sloan was sprawled across the king-size bed, hands behind his head, looking far too relaxed for someone who spent the better part of two decades pretty much living inside Seattle Grace Hospital. And for a moment, she even thought he was asleep until he said that he thought this was the longest she's ever stood since coming back from the Barry Manilow. Laura smiled without even turning around. "I can't stop looking at how beautiful Vegas is at night," she told him, though her thoughts were really on the Barry Manilow concert. Mark chuckled as he said that Vegas can be a beautiful lady when she wants to be. Then he went on to say that he knew Laura too well not to know that she was still thinking about the Barry Manilow concert and the surprises that came with it. Laura laughed softly. "Okay, guilty as charged. I'm still thinking about the concert and how you went to all that work just for me," she told him softly and then she took a sip of her hot tea. After the most memorable night of their lives, not to mention actually getting married in front of Barry himself, she just needed something calming. It was then that Mark pushed himself up off the bed and crossed the suite until he stood behind her. He then slid his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder.
That was when he whispered so in her ear. "So?" she asked puzzled as she looked at him in the reflection of the windowpane. That's when he said they actually did it. For a few minutes, Laura still had no idea what he was talking about until she saw him move his finger with the wedding band on it. She couldn't help but chuckle as she took another sip of her hot tea. "You know, that's the strange part," she told him softly once her mouth was empty. Mark didn't say anything as he listened to her speak. "There was a time when I couldn't get you to ask me to marry you," she added thinking briefly about their first break up and how they went from broken hearts to now her being his wife in all that time was still unreal to her. For months after they got engaged, they only talked about the wedding, with no real plans. Of course, their work didn't help much with all the plane crashes, shootings, ferry accidents, explosions, heartbreak, impossible surgeries. It never really left them much time to plan for anything, let alone a wedding. Laura took another drink of her hot tea and once her mouth was empty, Laura then began to speak again. "I had almost given up the dream of us getting married altogether because of how much we worked," she told him honestly as she paused. This was Mark's time to speak to her. So, after tightening his arms around her waist a little more and softly kissing her shoulder and then the back of her, he then told her that there was a time that he probably would never propose. But after spending all that time without her really changed him. And when she said that because of their work, she almost given up on even getting married, he softly kissed the back of her neck and shoulder again. That's when he told her that when this opportunity came up for him to have two weeks in Vegas, he couldn't pass it up to bring her with him so that they could get married. "Well, I'm glad you did that," she whispered now starting to feel sleepy. "We have had a very productive day from flying here to the concert," she whispered as she gently placed her hand over his arm softly. "I think we deserve a little bit of a rest before we go through any more surprises that you might be hiding," she said which caused Mark to smirk, which she knew there was more coming her way.
ReplyA Special Mother’s Day Surprise at Seattle Grace Hospital (2026)
from Laura on 07/16/2026 08:36 PMThe rain began before dawn and at the time, it was a light rain. But by sunrise, Seattle had disappeared behind sheets of gray water as thunder rolled across Elliot Bay and lightning flashed over the city skyline. From the bedroom, Laura Sloan watched the storm through the window, one hand resting over the very pregnant curve of her stomach. For a few days now, she hadn't been feeling quite right and after talking with Addison over the phone, they decided that bed rest was the best plan until she went into hard labor. "It looks like someone picked a dramatic weather for Mother's Day," she said to Mark but also to their little one, which they still had so much to do, including picking out a name. Mark Sloan, who insisted on making her a breakfast tray, looked up from what he was doing. And despite years of confidence in the operating room, that was nothing compared to his cooking, which was out of this world. After glancing at the storm, Mark went back to finish up the tray, which consisted of heart-shaped pancakes, which made Laura smile, fresh strawberries and a glass of chocolate milk. Once he was done, he carried the tray into the bedroom and sat it beside her on the bed, where he sat closer to her feet. He told her that he had reservations for brunch. Mark let out a sigh as he went on to say that instead they were getting hurricane conditions. "It's Seattle," she told him softly as she picked up a strawberry and began to eat it slowly. Mark looked at her as he said it's biblical Seattle. That's when another clap of thunder crashed and it shook the entire apartment complex. Laura chuckled and was about to say something when her expression suddenly changed and she sat the half-eaten strawberry back on the plate. She froze and Mark became concerned, which is why he called her name. She didn't answer immediately, which really worried him as he watched her moving both hands over her stomach like she was feeling for something or rather feeling for the baby.
Instead, she looked down towards her feet as she felt a warm rush of water between her legs, causing her to look as though she peed on the bed. "Oh...that can't be good," she said as she kept looking down at the wet spot. Mark frowned when he saw the wet spot. It was then that he asked if that was what he thought it was. "Yep," she said as she slowly looked back up at him. "I am pretty sure that my water just broke," she said and then silence. The only thing that Mark could do at the moment was blink. "Mark, honey," Laura said as she gently put a hand on his shoulder, causing him to blink a second time. That's when he asked he she what. "My water broke, meaning it's time to go to the hospital," she said as a contraction hit almost immediately. This caused Laura to grip not only the edge of the bed, but also the sheets, though she was mindful of the tray. She began to breathe through it until it finally passed. "Okay, that definitely wasn't practice," she told him. Mark sat there perfectly still as if he didn't know what to do. He was the renowned Head of Plastic Surgery, who had rebuilt faces after devastating traumas without breaking a sweat, and looked completely helpless. By this time, Laura had made her way off the bed and was over by the dresser by the time Mark finally managed to get the words our baby out of his mouth. "Yes, our baby," Laura said as she nodded her head. It was then that another contraction hit and Laura was close enough to the dresser that she gripped the edge of it as she was breathing through it. Mark still hadn't moved but he did ask her if the baby was coming today. Laura laughed and she began to speak. "I think the baby skipped checking your schedule or the weather," she told him as she began to laugh through another contraction. That snapped Mark into motion. The first thing he did was take the tray back into the kitchen so it wouldn't make a mess. Once he got back into the bedroom, he then cried out hospital, though he was talking more to himself than to Laura. Mark grabbed the overnight bag, the baby bag and his phone.
Love is the Best Medicine This Easter (2026)
from Laura on 07/16/2026 07:04 PMThere was two week before Easter, and the first hints of spring had settled over the Seattle area. The dogwood trees outside Seattle Grace Hospital were beginning to bloom, patches of lavender and yellow flowers lined the walkways, and volunteers were already decorating the lobby with pastel ribbons and handmade Easter baskets for the children's ward. And of course, the interns were all busy doing their normal duties and studying at the same time. Dr. Mark Sloan smiled as he stepped through the hospital entrance with his morning coffee. Laura was usually with him, but she had physical therapy that left her in a wheelchair after her bad accident over Christmas week. Even with physical therapy, the doctors didn't know if Laura would ever walk again. But the Christmas miracle was that somehow and someway, the baby that Laura was carrying survived with no visible injuries, but they were keeping a close eye on her and the baby anyway. Easter had always been one of his favorite holidays, not because of the candy or brightly colored eggs, though those things do tend to help. But because it reminded him that even after life's darkest moments, hope had a way of returning. It was a lesson he'd learned countless times as both a plastic surgeon and a husband. And he would carry that lesson and teach it to his child when he or she is old enough. This year, however, Easter felt especially meaningful, not just for Seattle Grace hospital but for Mark and Laura Sloan. Anyway, by the time that Mark had his stuff put away in his locker and finished joking around with some of the other doctors in the locker room, Laura was sitting at her desk with a smile on her face, working as hard as ever. Everybody in the hospital knew that Mark and Laura had fallen into a quiet rhythm in their lives after months of nonstop emergencies, difficult cases, and long nights spent comforting frightened patients. And of course, there was Laura accident. And because of all that, both Mark and Laura had promised each other that, no matter how hectic work became, the week leading up to Easter would be different.
They had planned for family dinners, doing a Easter egg hunt for the neighborhood children, church on Sunday, though neither one of them was promising since they both loved sleeping in. And, if Mark had anything to say about it, at least one afternoon where neither of them answered a page or even picked up a phone, unless to order pizza. Laura laughed when he suggested. "Mark Sloan voluntarily ignoring is pager?" she asked teasingly. "Now that qualifies as a miracle," she added. Mar grinned as he told her that the baby surviving her accident was a miracle, his was more of sheer willpower. Then he went on to say, besides, miracles happen, which was what Easter was all about. She leaned up and kissed him before heading off to physical therapy. "We'll see," was all she said as she left. And now they were at work, and both looking forward to the weeklong vacation that Richard had given them after making Laura's position at the hospital permanent. After Mark left the locker room with his coffee and went, he saw Laura sitting at her desk working, he knew right then that he better get his butt to the café and get her a French Vanilla cappuccino, which he did and within ten minutes later, he was standing in front of the reception's desk, sitting down a hot French Vanilla cappuccino. Laura didn't look up for a few minutes as she was already busy working on her daily data sheets. When she finally had a point that she could stop, she stopped and looked over at the cup that sat next to her and then up at Mark. "You almost forgot, didn't you?" she asked with a chuckle. Mark smiled as he said maybe just a little. Then he asked how physical therapy was and she gave him a don't ask look. "It hurt like hell," she told him. "But it's still not as bad as day one," she told him and they both laughed. "Anyway," she said as she picked up her drink and took a small sip of it. "We are almost to the week before Easter and you know that means," she reminded him as he nodded. He told her not to worry that he hadn't forgotten what they talked about as Laura chuckled. He asked her what was so funny. "Nothing, except that you are forgetting you have rounds that you should be doing right now," she told him with a playful smile on her face.
Re: Green Beer, Lots of Cheer and Shamrock n' Roll (2026)
from Laura on 07/16/2026 05:29 PMLaura glanced down at the appointment schedule on her monitor before looking back at him. The corners of her mouth twitched despite herself. "You are impossible, you know that?" she asked him as she sook her head. Though there was really no anger behind it but rather more playfulness. Mark grinned and he told her that, yet she still loved him. "I question my judgement daily," she told him playfully not taking her eyes from the computer screen. That's when he said uh-huh and Laura let out a quiet laugh before checking the clock on the computer. "And in answer to your question, my lunch break is in about twenty minutes, if nobody comes in bleeding or deciding that I don't need lunch today," she told him, this time being serious. Mark nodded dramatically and told her that was excellent and the he will reserve her for lunch. That's when Laura stopped typing and looked up at him as she folded her arms. "Reserve me?" she asked him. That's when he said absolutely, still wearing that childish smile that she couldn't help but love. "I'm not a table," Laura said playfully offended but there was no real offense to it. Mark chuckled as he said no that she was much prettier. That's when Laura rolled her eyes so hard he was sure she could see the back of her head. "Mark," she started as she went back to typing on her keyboard. That's when he asked her what followed by telling her that what he said was a compliment. "It was a terrible compliment," she told him to which he answered her by saying it was an honest compliment. She stopped once more to look up at him. "You know," she said. "You're lucky you're charming," she added as she then went back to entering the rest of the data. Mark couldn't help but tell her that he preferred devastatingly handsome. "Mark, you know that's not what I said," she said playfully. He answered her by telling her that it's what she meant. Laura removed her hands from the keyboard and put them in her lap for a few minutes. She then picked up a pen like a sword and pointed at him. She wasn't really going to hurt him with it, just scare him a bit. "Don't put words in my mouth," she told him. Playfully Mark put his hands up in surrender as he said he would never dare to do that. She narrowed her eyes, though there was no real annoyance behind them anymore. Laura finally put the pen down and went back to entering data.
"So," she asked as her eyes were now locked on the computer screen and what she was doing. "What's this mysterious thing you want to talk to me about that couldn't wait until I got home?" she asked him. Mark rocked back on his heels, deliberately refusing to answer her. But he did say that if he told her now, it wouldn't be a surprise. Laura sighed dramatically. "I swear you thrive on suspense." Mark smiled as he told her that he thrived on her curiosity. "I was just curious," she told him. That's when he looked at her with a quizzical look and asked were. "Now I'm considering ignoring you for the twenty minutes," she told him as he mouthed ouch. "Maybe even thirty," she added as he placed a hand over his heart as though he was physically wounded. Then he asked her if she really would deny a hardworking plastic surgeon his lunch date? Laura once again stopped and turned to look at her as she tilted her head. "Didn't you just finish telling me that you're one of the perks of being in love?" she asked him. Mark nodded and he said he did. "Then surely you can survive thirty minutes," she told him, which caused Mark to chuckle as he told her that he probably could survive. "Probably?" she asked him. He then said that he made no promises. Laura laughed, the sound drawing a few amused glances from nearby nurses. "You know," she said softly as she turned to go back to work. "You always seem to show up right when I need a distraction," she added as she began typing again. Mark's expression softened immediately. He then went on to say that he had a feeling today might've been one of those days. In his voice was more sincere and compassionate rather than the playfulness he had before. Laura shrugged as she spoke to him. "It hasn't been bad. Just busy with different things. Lots of new faces on top of me still trying to remember everyone's name," she said with a half chuckle. Mark then said he noticed which caused her to look at him curiously. "You've been watching me?" she asked in a bit of shock but not really surprised.
Re: Flowers, Candy, and Hearts...It Must be Valentine's Day (2026)
from Laura on 07/16/2026 04:11 PMLaura laughed softly, her cheeks still warm as she rested her forehead against Mark's for a moment. She wrapped her arms around him, smiling as he kissed the side of her neck. "Mmm....you certainly know how to make a girl consider canceling every plan for the day," she teased, gently brushing a hand through his damp hair. "A lazy with you, pizza, movies and absolutely nowhere we have to be? That sounds pretty close to perfect to me," she added as she leaned up as she leaned up and placed a tender kiss on his lips before looking into his eyes with an amused smile. "But now you've gone and made me even more curious," she said. "You can't tell me you've got some mysterious Valentine's surprise planned and then expect me not to spend the rest of the week trying to figure it out," she finished as she playfully poked him in the chest. Mark looked at her and chuckled as he said she could try to guess all she wanted, but she was never going to figure out what he had in mind for Valentine's Day. Laura shook her head. "You know I'm terrible with surprises," she told him as her smile softened into something more affectionate as she rested her hand over his heart. Laura stole another gentle kiss before grinning mischievously. "And as for your suggestion," she whispered with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "I suppose we can spend a little more time relaxing before we order those pizzas. After all, it's not every day we get to forget about the rest of the world," she added as she laughed quietly, took his hand into hers, and led him towards the bedroom, grateful for the rare, peaceful day they could spend together. Mark followed with a grin on his as he asked her about calling into work before anything else. Laura just smirked and didn't say anything for a few minutes as they got into their bedroom. Once Laura was over by the bed, she let go of his hands. "Well, you tell me if you want to call them first," Laura finally told him as she opened her towel and let it drop to the floor, standing there completely naked as the day she was born. The smile on Mark's face grew as he stood there for a few minutes enjoying what he was looking at.
Finally, Mark started towards Laura, saying that the phone calls could wait because there was more important things to be done at the moment. Laura raised an eyebrow playfully as she watched his towel fall to the floor as he slowly made his way over to her. He, too, was naked as the day was born as he stood so close to her that he could literally touch her. Mark then gently put his hands on her waist as Laura wrapped hers around his neck. Neither one of them spoke at the moment but somehow, they still knew what they were saying. Finally, after a few minutes of just looking deeply into each other's eyes, they both fell onto the bed, getting lost in the bedsheets as they spent the next few hours making love. When they were done making love, they laid there in each other's arms contently as they enjoyed the welcome silence. Finally, Laura glanced over at the clock and knew right then that they needed to make their phones or else they might get in trouble. "Mark, honey," Laura said softly as she gently touched his face. "We really need to get up and call work before we get into trouble," she told him. "I just got this job and I'm really enjoying it," she told him. "And I really don't want to lose it," she told him as she finally got up to sit on the edge of the bed. "I promise, after you call the hospital and then order the pizzas, we will come back to bed and never leave until the sun comes up," she told him. It was then that Mark turned over and gently began to rub her back while taking his finger and gently tracing her back as if he was almost drawing on it with the tip of his finger. She couldn't help but let out soft moans. She knew what he was doing and although it was working, she knew she had to resist or else they could get fired. "I know what you are doing," she said trying to be serious but knowing she had failed. Finally, she had no choice but to force herself to get up, which wasn't easy considering all she really wanted to do was stay in bed with her husband for the rest of day. Laura slipped on his shirt and as she made her way to the doorway of their bedroom, she turned to look at him with a smile. "Come on Marky," Laura said in a tone that she knew would get him up. "The quicker we get this done, the quicker we can get back to our nice, warm bed and back into each other's arms," she added as she looked at him with almost a puppy dog look on her face.
Re: Christmas Magic is in the Air (2025)
from Laura on 07/16/2026 03:19 AMMark stood just outside the trauma room, his feet refusing to move. Through the open doorway he caught only brief glimpses of Laura as the trauma team surrounded her. Nurses cut away her winter coat and clothing while Owen directed the room with calm authority. It was then that someone yelled that Laura's BP's dropping while another said she's barely moving any air. But it was Owen who yelled at someone to get him another large bore IV. Mark's hands curled into a fist at his sides, wishing like hell that he could be in there with his wife. Every instinct he possessed screamed at him to go to he, to take over, to save her himself. But he couldn't this time. It was then that Owen glanced toward the doorway and he called to Mark, which caused their eyes to meet. After a few minutes of staring at each other, Owen told Mark that he's got her. Mark swallowed hard, forcing himself to trust the man who had become both his colleague and his friend. Mark answered quietly that he knew his wife was in good hands. Then Owen told Mark that he needed to take care of his patient and for several agonizing seconds Mark couldn't move. Then out of nowhere Richard Webber appeared beside him. Richard then reminded Mark gently that he knew the rule, which Mark nodded without looking away from Laura. Then Mark let out a broken I know. Richard also went on to say that he couldn't be her surgeon, which again Mark let out another broken I know. It was then that Richard placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and told him that she was in good hands. Meanwhile, inside the room, Owen continued his assessment. Owen told his trauma team that there could be a possible head injury, but there was definite decreased breath sounds on her left side. That's when he called for the portable chest x-ray as well as full trauma labs as he told his trauma team to move. One of the paramedics stepped forward and began to tell Owen everything he knew abut Laura. She was 25 years old, restrained driver who lost control on black ice, crossed into the oncoming traffic. Front-end collision with a pickup. The paramedic went on to say that the airbags deployed upon impact. He went onto say that she was unconscious at the scene and GCS was a six and her blood pressure eighty over fifty on arrival.
The paramedic wrapped up by saying that they had to intubate her while en route to the hospital after her respirations became inadequate. It was then that Mark felt his stomach twist. Mark then started to piece together that Laura was driving in the storm and hit some black ice. But what he didn't know was why she was out in the storm to begin with. It was then that a nurse suddenly emerged from the trauma room carrying Laura's purse and several personal belongings. The nurse then called out to Mark and immediately his eyes went to the clear plastic bag. Inside sat Laura's fully charged phone. It still looked in pretty good condition, though there were a few drops of blood on it, probably happened after the accident, when she tried to reach for it before she passed out, though Mark could only guess at that. She was also holding a small specimen cup in which Laura's wedding ring was in since it had to be removed for swelling precautions. And though he would never admit it out loud but seeing that ring separated from Laura's left hand hurt more than he could have ever imagined. Mark then took the bag silently as he felt his phone begin to vibrate. He pulled it out and that's when he noticed Laura's name. Confused, he realized the call came from the phone now sitting in the belongings bag. But Mark answered it anyway as he heard only silence before the voice mail recording began to play through the hospital system for the whole hospital to hear. And after the message ended, Mark closed his eyes. She was coming to surprise him with lunch. It was then that Mark felt his chest tightened until it hurt to breathe. It was at that point that Richard quietly took the phone from Mark and slipped it back into the bag, even though it was Mark's own phone. He told Mark that he could listen to it again later as Mark shook his head. Mark told Richard that he had told Laura to stay at home if the weather got bad as he still couldn't believe this was happening. Richard didn't answer because there wasn't anything that he could say. From inside the trauma room came Owen's voice calling for a chest tube tray asap. Mark instantly knew what that meant. It meant that Laura was bleeding or had a collapsed lung. Neither one of them really giving him comfort.
Re: Going to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married
from Laura on 07/16/2026 12:48 AMMark couldn't help smiling as he watched Laura's expression to transform from confusion into complete disbelief. For a heartbeat she simply stared at him. "You....what?" she whispered as Mark laughed softly as he told her that she heard him. Her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes grew wide. "Barry Manilow?" she squealed with excitement. "We are going to a Barry Manilow concert?" Mark laughed and said the one and only. But before Mark could say anything more, Laura threw her arms around him as best she could while they sat in the slowly moving line of cars. "Oh Mark!" Laura said laughing happily. "You planned all of this?" Mark chuckled as he told her that he had been planning this for months. Laura looked down at the sparkling engagement ring on her finger and then back up at him. "I thought the proposal was the surprise," she told him honestly. That's when Mark told her that this was only the beginning. Laura shook her head, laughing through the happy tears. "First you propose, and then you tell me we are getting married tomorrow and now Barry Manilow?" Mark grinned as he told her that he still had one more surprise. That's when Laura narrowed her eyes playfully. "No, you don't," she said playfully, which his reply was oh yes. Laura shook her head as she sat there for a few minutes before she finally spoke again. "No more surprises tonight," she said half serious and half playing. Mark looked at her with a smile and told Laura that he didn't know if he could promise that. That's when Laura leaned back in her seat, folding her arms with an exaggerated sigh. "You know, you are impossible," she told him. And of course, he said and yet as he paused waiting for her answer. "I said yes," she told him as he reassured her that she did say yes. "I must be crazy," she told him playfully. Mark agreed and then he said that she was his kind of crazy. Laura laughed again as the line crept forward the parking attendants. Cars surrounded them, many with Barry Manilow songs blaring from open windows. Groups of fans wearing concert T-shirts crossed in front of them, excitedly talking about what songs they hoped he'd perform. In fact, the entire area buzzed with excitement and anticipation.
Finally, Mark and Laura got up to one of the parking attendants, which after Mark paid the attendant, he took the parking pass and carefully followed the attendant's directions. "I can't believe you got tickets," Laura said, still shaking her head as she could feel the excitement building deep within her. "These concerts sell out so fast," she added wondering if she really wanted to know exactly how he got these tickets. That's when he shook his head and said he knew. "And the backstage passes? Those sell out quicker than the regular tickets," she told him as he nodded in agreement, as he said that he work a little harder to get those. That's when Laura looked at him suspiciously. "Just exactly how much work?" she asked him. But Mark just simply smiled and told her that she would find out soon enough. "Oh no," she said laughing when she saw the look on Mark's face. "That smile means your hiding something," she said as he said that he might be. "You definitely are. I can see it in your eyes," she told him. Mark didn't say anything as he was busy parking the car. Once parked, Mark shut off the engine but didn't immediately get out. Instead, he reached over and took Laura's hand. "What?" she asked him as she looked at him curiously. He smiled as he told her that he just wanted to remember this moment. She smiled softly as she gave his hand a soft squeeze. "What moment?" she asked with curiosity. That's when he said the moment he gets to spend an evening with his fiancée. Laura's eyes filled with tears once more. "I like the sound of that," she told him softly. "My fiancée," she said as she began to admire her ring before looking at him. "I love the sound of that," she whispered happily to him. It was then that Mark leaned over and kissed her gently. And then once he broke the kiss, he smiled at her and whispered that he loved her. "I love you too," she told him. "Now, let's go get me some Barry Manilow souvenirs, get something to drink and use the bathroom before we find our seats," she told him. "And before it starts getting too crowded," she told him, though they already could see people coming in large numbers.
Re: Hopelessly Devoted Only to You
from Laura on 07/15/2026 08:22 PMThe elevator gave a soft chime as it climbed. Mark leaned back against the polished wall, one hand tucked into the pocket of his jacket while the other absently rolled the velvet ring box between his fingers. He wasn't planning to propose in the middle of an office building, though he knew that if he did, it would be in the most romantic way that the world would ever know. But instead, he was saving his romantic proposal for Las Vegas, though carrying the ring somehow made everything feel more real. He could still remember the excitement in Richard Webber's voice after he finally agreed to give her a chance. But only as a receptionist for now, Richard told Mark and then went on to say that if she works as hard as Mark said she did, then he'll make it permanent. Mark smiled and told Richard that he wouldn't regret it. He knew Laura better than anyone. She was kind, organized and patient, and impossible not to like. Seattle Memorial would quickly discoer what he's known all along. The elevator slowed and finally came to a stop on the third floor. The elevator dinged and then soon the doors opened and Mark stepped off the elevator and into the hallway and immediately recognized the familiar office layout Laura had described countless times. Cubicles stretched across the room while printers hummed in the background. Phones were ringing nonstop, keyboards clicked and conversations drifted through the air. It was then that Mark walked up to the reception desk and asked the receptionist if Laura was around. The receptionist looked up from her computer and knew right away who he was. She then went on to say that he must be Mark. He couldn't help but chuckle as he asked her if it was that obvious and soon the receptionist was grinning. That's when he told him that Laura talks about him all the time. And that made him smile even wider as he asked the receptionist if Laura was free. The receptions glanced toward the rows of cubicles before her expression softened.
That's when she told Mark that Laura was in a meeting with her supervisor right now. Mark frowned slightly and asked as if it was a bad meeting. That's when the receptionist hesitated before finally telling Mark that she really wasn't supposed to say. That answer was enough for Mark. Mark thanked the receptionist and quietly made his way towards the conference room that the receptionist pointed out. The door wasn't completely closed and as he approached, raised voices drifted into the hallway. As she was sitting in her boss's office, Laura couldn't help but think about the upcoming two weeks off that she had coming to her. She closed her eyes for a few minutes as she imagined herself and two weeks away from deadlines, rude customers, impossible supervisors and the soul-crushing routine that had slowly stolen Laura's smile. It was Laura's supervisor's voice who came through the hallway by saying that she didn't care how many hours Laura's worked, Laura had way too much work for her to take two weeks off. Laura remained calm despite the harsh tone directed at her. "But that's not fair," Laura started her voice loud but calm, though there was a bit of irritation in her voice. "I have finished every assignment you gave me," she added as her supervisor rolled her eyes and said and yet she was still behind. "I stayed three hours late yesterday," Laura told her boss. "In fact, most nights I stay at least three hours late," she added. That's when Laura's supervisor smirked as she told Laura that was her problem, which caused Mark's jaw to tighten. He had heard enough stories about Laura's supervisor to know exactly who was speaking. Laura closed her eyes for a just a few seconds so that she could collect her thoughts. Mark was surprised that Laura's voice stayed remarkably composed. "I've done everything you have asked me to do and more," Laura told her boss when she finally opened her eyes again. It was at that moment that Laura's supervisor said something that would change Laura's life forever. Her supervisor stood up and leaned over her desk and told Laura that maybe she just good enough. And she said it loud enough that Mark heard her.
The Cartwright Honeymoon is Where Love Begins
from Laura on 07/15/2026 05:08 PMThe first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the towering pines surrounding the Ponderosa as birds greeted the new day with cheerful songs. The ranch house was unusually quiet, save for the clatter of dishes from the kitchen where Hop Sing was packing a basket filled with fried chicken, biscuits, apple pie, and enough food to satisfy even Hoss Cartwright's legendary appetite. Hoss stood near the front door, grinning from ear to ear as he tied an extra blanket to the back of the wagon. "Are you sure we are going to need all of this?" Laura asked teasingly, folding her arms. It wasn't that long ago, before the wedding, that she and Hoss decided to go camping. Hoss said he knew the perfect spot, but they would have to take the wagon and horses because it was in a spot that they couldn't get her car or his truck into without damage. It was then that Hoss scratched the back of his neck with a sheepish smile as he said maybe not all of it but according to his father it's always better to have too much than not enough. Laura couldn't help but laugh softly as she stepped closer, straightening his neckerchief. "I think you are just worried you'll get hungry," Laura said playfully as her smile grew. Hoss then proudly admitted that he always gets hungry, which earned him a kiss on the cheek from his beautiful wife. "That's one of the many reasons why I love you so much," she told him as she gave him another kiss on the cheek. It was then that his face started to turn pink beneath his hat. Inside the house, Ben smiled knowingly while Adam pretended to keep reading his book. Little Joe chuckled as he said that he gave it three hours before Hoss ate half that picnic. That's when Hoss yelled that he heard what Joe said and Joe yelled back that he was supposed to. That little banter between Hoss and Joe made everyone laugh. It was then that Ben stepped outside carrying a polished coffee pot and said for their first camping trip as husband and wife. Hoss accepted it carefully as he thanked Ben. Ben rested his hand on his son's shoulder.
Ben then went on to tell Hoss and Laura to take their time and enjoy the mountains and the scenery. He also told him that the Ponderosa will still be there when they got back. Hoss smiled and hugged Ben as he told Ben to give Lynda his best. Then he yelled to his brothers to be good or else he would pound them when he got back. Joe yelled back that Hoss had nothing to worry about and that he should concentrate more on having fun with his new bride, which of course, brought a roar of laughter as Hoss climbed up onto the wagon. It was then that Laura hugged Ben warmly, telling him to give Lynda a hug for her. Then she yelled goodbye to Adam and Joe, which they both yelled goodbye in union. And once she had her goodbyes out of the way, both Ben and Hoss helped Laura into the wagon, where she would sit beside Hoss as they went on their merry way. With a gentle snap of the reins, the horses started down the trail beneath the whispering pines. As the ranch house slowly disappeared behind them, Laura slipped her arm around Hoss's, bringing a smile to both of their faces. "No chores, no brothers, and no interruptions," she said as she took in a breath of fresh air and then let it out. Hoss glanced over at Laura and smiled at her with that same warm and honest expression that had stolen her heart a long time ago. "Just you, me, nature, and all the memories that we are going to make together," she finally added as she rested her head against his shoulder. He couldn't help but turn his head momentarily and softly kiss her on top of her head. That's when he whispered to Laura that their honeymoon began right there on that wagon as they continued to gently take their time on the trail. They both knew that far ahead of them, a crystal-clear mountain lake shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, surrounded by wildflowers and towering evergreens. They knew that it was the perfect place for their first adventure-a quiet weekend beneath the stars, where campfire stories, laughter and new memories would mark the beginning of their lives as husband and wife. Several hours of riding on the wagon uncomfortably, Hoss and Laura finally arrived at the spot where they would be spending the weekend. Hoss was the first one down off the wagon. Once she was down, Laura couldn't help but rub her butt. "That is the most uncomfortable seat known to man," Laura said as Hoss was making a hitching line for the horses. "Next time, I say we just take your truck and drive around the states," she said with a chuckle as she was getting an eyeful of where they were at. "But then again, I wouldn't miss this view for anything in the world," she told him as she looked back at him, wondering if he was actually listening or too busy tying off the line for the horses.
A Special Ponderosa Visitor on Mother's Day (2026)
from Laura on 07/15/2026 02:52 PMThe first light of Mother's Day spread across the Ponderosa in soft shades of gold, turning the morning dew on the meadow into tiny diamonds. Birds began to sing from the pines and somewhere beyond the barn a foal called its mother. Inside the Cartwright main ranch house, however, the morning was anything but quiet as Ben, Hoss, Joe and Adam were preparing a special Mother's Day breakfast for Lynda and Laura. Lynda was sitting on the couch as Ben brought her a hot cup of coffee, while Laura shifted carefully in the rocking chair by the fireplace. She had one hand resting protectively beneath the curve of her very pregnant belly. She smiled as she felt another strong kick. "My goodness," Laura murmured with a laugh. "She's certainly awake so early today," she said to the baby as Lynda let out a chuckle after thanking Ben for the coffee. It was then the baby replied to Laura with another determined nudge. From the kitchen came the unmistakable clatter of oversized hands, along with three other sets of hands trying very hard to be gentle. It was then that Joe came out to tell Lynda and Laura to close their eyes, which they did, as Ben and Adam plated Lynd's plate and Hoss clumsily, yet as gently as he could, plated Laura's plate. It was then that Hoss called Joe back into the kitchen, which he did and soon came back with a tray of fresh berries, with Adam following behind with a pitcher of milk and two glasses. Finally, Hoss yelled now don't you go peaking as both he and finished up. "I wasn't planning to," Laura called back as her smile grew wider. Hoss then yelled that she better not be. He then went on to say that Adam said that Mother's Day means that mamas aren't supposed to lift a finger. It was Joe who then chimed in with Adam also knows that you burn biscuits, causing Hoss to yell back that he does not. Then there was a suspicious silence for a little bit before Hoss finally yelled maybe the first back. Laura laughed until she had to stop and catch her breathe. The baby had settled low over the past few days, making every laugh, step, and deep breath a reminder that the long wait was nearly over.
It was then that Hoss and Ben appeared around the corner, each carrying a breakfast try with exaggerated care. Ben's tray looked as though Hop Sing had put it together. The eggs were perfectly straight, sitting next to the bacon, and even though some of the biscuits came out darker than normal, Ben managed to pick out the best one. And the rose that was in the small mason jar was completely perfect. Hoss's tray though looked a bit rough. The eggs were slightly crooked, the biscuit was a little darker than normal, and one beautiful flower that leaned sideways in a small mason jar. It was then that Lynda and Laura opened their eyes and their eyes started to glisten happily. As Ben whispered Happy Mother's Day to Lynda before softly kissing her and then laying her tray down in her lap, Hoss admitted to Laura that it was nothing fancy, but it was made with love. Laura's smile grew even bigger as she fought the tears. "Candyman, it's just perfect," she replied as he sat the tray down in front of her. It was then that he leaned down to kiss her forehead before kneeling beside her chair, resting a gentle hand against her stomach. He then asked how his two favorite girls were doing before he realized he forgot Lynda and changed it to three favorite girls. Hoss had a blush on his face as he said that and after Lynda's mouth was empty, she couldn't help but laugh. Then she said she was alright and not to worry about it. Hoss let out a sigh of relief but still had that smile on her face. It was that the baby kicked hard against his palm, which caused the smile to become a grin that grew from ear to ear. Hoss told Laura with a surprise tone that the baby has got quite a hello this morning, to which Laura nodded as she took a small bite of her breakfast. "She's been busy since before sunrise," Laura told Hoss with the rest of the family around them. As Laura and Lynda ate their breakfast and enjoyed the moments with the family, it was Hoss that chimed up. He asked her if she thought that the baby was going to wait a little longer before she made her grand entrance. And as Laura finished the food that was in her mouth, she smiled, though a thought look crossed her face. "I hope so," she started to say and then paused, which caused Hoss to look a little concerned as he asked what was wrong.
Laura ate a little more of her breakfast as everybody waited for her to finish her thought. "I've just had a feeling since yesterday," Laura finally said once her mouth was empty. Hoss looked both concerned and empty. Hoss looked both concerned and confused at the same time. He asked her a feeling to which she nodded. "I don't think this little girl is going to wait much longer," she said as she handed off her tray signaling, she was done, though Lynda was still eating her. Adam volunteered to take Laura's tray as she then turned to Joe and asked if he would mind pouring her half a glass of milk, which he did happily. As she was starting to drink her milk, Hoss looked towards her belly, suddenly less cheerful and more thoughtful. That's when he asked if she was already having pains. Laura finished off her milk and then handed the glass back to Joe, who asked if she wanted more and she shook her head no. Then she turned to look at Hoss and answered his questions. "Not regular pains, at least not yet," she told him to which he said but. That caused Laura to hesitate for a little bit. "Just...different. There's more pressure at the moment since she keeps settling lower," she finally told Hoss, who then reached for her hand, which she gladly accepted. It was then that Hoss said that they should probably stay close to the house. Everybody nodded in agreement as Lynda finished up her breakfast and after swallowing her food with a drink of her milk, she said she would go call into work, just in case, which again, everyone nodded. And as Ben, Adam and Joe began to clean up the breakfast dishes, Lynda went to make her phone call while Laura turned to Hoss. "I wasn't planning on going anywhere," she told him, though he came back and said except to bed to rest. At first, Laura started to open her mouth to argue, but then closed it, knowing that he was right. She did need her rest because she had this feeling that before the day was over, a new little Cartwright would be making her way into this world. "Alright, I'll go lay down, if you will help me up the steps," she told Hoss, which he did just that. And as Laura stood there with one of Hoss's arms around her as the other held her hand, she began to speak again. "I'm just sorry that I won't get to enjoy the rest of your Mother's Day that you had planned for me," she said as she was walking extremely slow, making each step as important as the last.