For personal use and select distribution only © September 1998 by Mandy Curran

A New Beginning



Author's note: Anything between { }'s are that character's thoughts. This is my version of the season finale. I have always been a fan of Colleen and Andrew getting together and was very disappointed with the lack of screen time that they got in "A New Beginning". So I decided to write this. (I can't take all the credit. It was a challenge put on the Colleen and Andrew message board.) I hope you enjoy! Please email me! I love feedback! (Just keep in mind that this is my first fanfic, so please be gentle!)



Oh, and I don't own any of the characters mentioned in this story. They all belong to CBS and Beth Sullivan. No infringement intended! I have no money! Please don't sue! Oh, and if you want to post my story on your site, please let me know! Okay, I'm done rambling now! Here's the story! :o)



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This takes place during the final episode, starting as Colleen comes in and announces the wedding has been postponed.



Colleen threw herself on the bed in tears. {Dr. Mike can be so stubborn! She has to have everything her way. How dare she accuse me of accepting Andrew's proposal just so I won't be lonely at medical school--how absurd! And now the wedding has been postponed--all because of her. I don't believe her sometimes!}



She thought back to the day she and her love had spent together. Dr. Mike had asked her where she had been, but Colleen had been too upset to talk to her. She and Andrew had ended up at Grace's Cafe, just spending time together, since they would be separated in less than two weeks. After lunch, they had gone back to the Chateau to begin unpacking the boxes that Andrew had prepared to take to Philadelphia..



***Only a few miles away***



Andrew walked home in a daze. He hadn't known that days could be so long! He's woken up nearly ecstatic and now he was unbelievably depressed. He couldn't believe that he and Colleen had decided to postpone the wedding. He loved her so much! He knew, however, that he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he in any way interfered in Colleen's path to achieving her dreams. But it still hurt. These past two years had seemed like an eternity; how was he ever going to be able to wait two more?!?



The rooster's crowing seemed to come too early for Colleen. She'd hardly had any sleep, and just when she started to doze off, that stupid rooster had to go and wake her up. She groaned to herself as she rolled out of bed to begin preparing for a "lovely" day of helping Dr. Mike at the clinic.



Later that day, Andrew came to the clinic to get supplies from Dr. Mike. He ran into Colleen on the way out the door.



"Ummm, Colleen, would you like to go on a picnic?" Andrew asked.



"I'd love to." Colleen exclaimed. She ran inside the clinic to tell Dr. Mike she was leaving and they were off.



About five minutes later, Colleen and Andrew found themselves waiting for the food at Grace's Cafe.



"I'm almost dreading going away to school," Colleen stated. "It just seems so far away. I'll never get to see you or the family. College wasn't so bad--I always knew that Colorado Springs was only a train ride away. But now..."



"Colleen, don't worry. You'll be fine," Andrew said in a soothing tone. "Philadelphia is also only a train ride away. The ride's just a little longer, that's all. And I promise I'll come and visit you. I haven't taken any time off from the clinic in a while, and I'm sure I'll be able to convince Preston to give me some time off."



"Thank you, Andrew. That makes me feel a little better," Colleen said. "I still wish that we hadn't postponed the wedding. I love you so much. I just want for us to be together."



Andrew leaned over the table to kiss Colleen gently on the lips. "I love you too," he said. "You know how much I want this wedding to happen. But you also know how much you and I both want you to become a doctor. That has been your dream for as long as I have known you. I could not live with myself if I in any way interfered with your dreams. And just think--in just two short years, we can be partners in every sense of the word. In business, in love..."



Colleen's heart sped up when Andrew said that last sentence. Now it was her turn to kiss him. {If only we had just eloped! Then Dr. Mike wouldn't have been able to stop us!}



"I am really looking forward to that, Andrew. That is the one thing that pushed me to do well in college," Colleen said. "Whenever I felt discouraged in my studies, I just thought of the time we shared our first kiss. Do you remember that?"



"Of course I do."



"You asked me to join you at the clinic after I became a doctor. I remember my mind seemed like it was spinning because I had so many thoughts running through my head. I didn't quite know what to say. I thought you meant you wanted me to work for you, not with you," Colleen explained. "But you corrected me right away."



"and then I kissed you," Andrew added.



"Just like this," Colleen said before leaning over and brushing lips with her fiance.



"Just like that," Andrew commented, smiling.



"As I was saying," Colleen continued, "I thought of that day whenever I was having troubles at school. I realized how much That promise meant to me. It gave me a 'push'. It made me want to finish college so I could move on to bigger and better things--medical school, becoming a doctor, you. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you. So much has happened since I first met you. We've had good times and bad. You've been there when I needed you the most. That really matters to me."



Andrew didn't quite know where to begin. "You're welcome, Colleen. But I also need to thank you. You've been there for me too. I love you so much, Colleen."



"I love you too, Andrew," Colleen said as she leaned over to kiss her fiance. {He's my fiance! I like the way that sounds!}



That was when the food for their picnic came. They gathered their belongings and left for the meadow. It was a beautiful day for a picnic--the sun was shining, the birds were singing. It was as if this day was meant just for the two of them. The food was good, but the company was even better.



"You know, Colleen," Andrew said after putting the leftover food away, "I thought of you often while you were away. It was so hard for me to bear being apart from you for so long."



"I did the same thing, Andrew," Colleen informed him. "I remember the first time we met. If my memory serves me correctly, you were face down in the mud," she said with a smile.



"Ahhhh, yes. I was so embarrassed! I was rather hoping that you'd possibly forgotten some of the details of that day. But apparently not, huh?"



"Now Andrew, you should know me better than that. It's not every day that you meet the love of your life. Did you really expect me to forget that day? The moment I laid eyes on you, I felt something. I knew we'd become friends, while at the same time. hoping we could be more, in time."



"Well, it looks like you got your wish, doesn't it?" Andrew said, smiling.



She sighed. "It certainly appears that way, doesn't it?" She leaned over and gave Andrew a firm kiss on the lips.



"And I'm loving every minute of it," Andrew said with a smile.



"Well, I'd hate to disappoint you, my love," Colleen said in a teasing manner, before leaning in for another kiss.



Before either knew what had happened, they found themselves lying down on the blanket, with Colleen underneath Andrew. One kiss became two, two became four, and before long, neither could (or wanted) to stop. Colleen found herself kissing her love with a ferocity she never knew she possessed.



Suddenly Colleen felt Andrew's tongue enter her mouth. {Whoa. This is pretty new to me. Andrew's never kissed me like this before. But this, unfortunately, isn't the first kiss that I've had like this. Patrick Collins--the jerk!--forced it on me.}



Colleen shuddered at that last thought, trying desperately to get that horrible person out of her mind.



Andrew felt her shiver and immediately pulled back.



"Colleen, are you all right? Did I push you? Oh, honey, I'm sorry."



"No, Andrew, don't be sorry. You didn't push me at all. I promise, I'm fine. Really. Actually, I enjoyed it."



"Then what's wrong? Are you cold? Maybe we should go ba.."



"No, I'm fine. I promise. It's just, for some reason, Patrick Collins popped in my mind. Do you remember him?"



"Yes I do. I was so angry with him that day! But in the end, I guess I owe him everything. It's hard telling when I would have worked up enough courage to tell you how I felt, I mean feel, about you."



"Oh, that's sweet, Andrew. But there is one thing you don't know about that day. I just couldn't get the words out to tell you."



Andrew's face displayed a worried expression when she said that last sentence. "Colleen, did he hurt you?!?"



"Oh, no, Andrew, nothing like that. It's just that he forced himself on me. He made me kiss him. At first, I thought it was my fault. But then Ma helped me realize that I'd done nothing wrong. I'd gone out to the hotel to send him back to the rock he crawled out from under, but he just wouldn't listen. And I believe you know the rest..."



"Awww, honey, I had no idea. I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you. But I promise I won't let anyone or anything hurt you again."



He pulled her into his lap and gave her a comforting hug. He was feeling an overwhelming urge to protect her. This just felt so right--her here, with him. He never wanted it to end.



Colleen pulled back from the hug just enough to look into her love's eyes. She saw nothing but the love her held for her looking back at her--the same thing that Andrew saw when he looked into her eyes. She reached up and caressed his face while leaning in for another kiss.



Andrew had a newfound respect for his love--she was so brave! She stood up for what she believed in, no matter what the consequences may be.



This new position felt so right to Colleen. She felt so safe in Andrew's arms. The only way this moment could be more perfect was if they were man and wife.



Andrew leaned back against a nearby tree after they broke from the kiss.



"Come here," he told his love.



After obeying, she merely said, "just hold me."



About five minutes later, Andrew pulled his pocket watch. "Wow," he said. "It's nearly three o'clock. It doesn't seem that late, does it?"



"No, it doesn't. But I'd better get back," Colleen said reluctantly.



"Yes, that's probably a good idea," Andrew said.



"Would you like to come to dinner tonight?" Colleen asked.



"That would be wonderful, Colleen. I'd love to."



"Good. But before we go, I want another kiss."



Andrew looked at her with a puzzled expression. Not wanting to keep his love waiting, he (very) willingly leaned forward to do as he was told.



"Thank you Andrew," Colleen said after the kiss ended. "Today was so much fun. And thank you for being so understanding. I love you."



"I love you too," Andrew said. "And you're welcome. I had a great time as well."



"Well, shall we go?" Andrew asked after a few moments of silence.



"I guess we should. Dr. Mike is probably worried by now," Colleen said.



Andrew grabbed Colleen's hand and helped her up. The two never separated during the stroll back to the horses.



During the rather quiet ride back into town, Andrew thought of the riding lessons that Colleen had given him. He had been nearly petrified of horseback riding when he came to town, but look at him now! He had changed so much since he first came to Colorado Springs. He had performed his first solo surgery (with Colleen's help--he couldn't forget that!), gotten his own home, and even gotten engaged! He couldn't have been happier! (Unless, of course, they were on their honeymoon..)



Andrew suddenly broke the silence. "You know, Colleen, we never discussed where we want to go on our honeymoon. Any ideas?"



"Oh, I don't know Andrew. I kind of figured we would take the train somewhere. Where would you like to go?"



"I had thought you might like to go to Denver or maybe Boston."



"I don't really care, as long as I'm with you." she said truthfully.



"We don't have to decide tonight--we do, after all, have two years."



"Don't remind me. I'm so sorry about all of this. I had no idea that Ma would react the way she did. Especially after the way that her mother acted during her wedding."



"What do you mean, Colleen?"



"Oh, Grandma was very controlling. She brought Dr. Mike a dress, gave her 'suggestions', which were more like orders, and different things like that. She didn't respect the fact that Dr. Mike and Sully had their own ideas as to how they wanted their wedding to go."



"Oh, I see. That is a little surprising, but I can wait. I waited for two years; what's two more?"



"I know, Andrew, but it still isn't fair. Ya know?"



"Yes, honey, I know. But I guess we're just going to have to wait this one out."



"I know, it's just that I'm not sure I can wait. I've never wanted anything more in my life!!"



"I know exactly how you're feeling, Colleen. I was so excited when you said 'yes'! I love you and I want you to be my wife. That will never change. As long as you know that, we'll be fine."



"I love you too, Andrew. And I always will."



Andrew slowed his horse, and Colleen did the same. He leaned over for a kiss. Colleen leaned over as well, more than willing to oblige to her love's wishes.



When Colleen returned to the clinic, Dr. Mike was more than a little worried. "Where have you been?!? I have been worried sick!!!"



"What do you mean, Ma? You knew exactly where I was. I was on a picnic with Andrew, just like I told you I would be. Why are you so upset?"



"I don't know, Colleen. I was just really worried. I was afraid something had happened."



"Like what, Ma? That Andrew had forced himself on me? You know that he would NEVER do anything like that!"



"Of course he wouldn't. I was afraid that you may have gotten hurt! I didn't know what to think--you left over three hours ago!"



"I'm sorry, Ma. I didn't intend to worry you!"



"It's all right, Colleen. I guess you're right. I know now that I had nothing to be afraid of. Andrew is in love with you. He'd never let anything bad happen to you."



"Thank you, Ma. I hope I didn't worry you too badly!"



"You didn't."



"Oh, I hope it's okay, but I invited Andrew to dinner tonight."



"Okay? Of course it's fine! You two are engaged, after all! He's always welcome, and I believe you both know that!"



"Thanks, Ma." Colleen said before giving her adoptive mother a hug.



***The next day***



Colleen was beaming. Dr. Mike had finally given her permission for them to get married now. {Dr. Mike said that the sooner we get married the better. My thoughts exactly!} Colleen rode out to the Chateau and knocked on the clinic door.



"Colleen, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?"



before Andrew got his answer, she was in his arms kissing him.



"Ummm, honey, what was that for? Not that I didn't enjoy it, but that was a little out of the blue."



Colleen was smiling from ear to ear. She put the closed sign on the door before shutting it. "To answer your questions, I came to see you, and yes, everything is okay. Now sit down." After her sat down, she continued. "Andrew, I love you with all my heart and soul." She knelt down. "Will you marry me?"



"I'm a little confused. I thought we were going to wait until you finished medical school."



"Ma said we could get married now. If, that is, you still want to."



Now Andrew was the one grinning from ear to ear. "Of course I still want to!!! Why would you think any differently?"



"I was just playing with you," Colleen said with a smile. She leaned up and kissed him. "So, I guess this means we need to decide where to go for the honeymoon, huh?" She had a huge smile on her face by now.



Andrew could only smile when he saw how happy his fiancee was. "Where do you want to go?"



"I don't know. I was thinking maybe Philadelphia. That way, we could have some time to see the sights, try to find a house, and above all, honeymoon, of course. What do you think?"



"That is an excellent idea, Colleen!"



"So, Philadelphia it is, huh?"



"Philadelphia it is." Andrew said before leaning over for a kiss.



Later that night, after dinner, Colleen walked Andrew out to say good night. She loved the feel of his hand at the small of her back. It was the little things like this that made her sure of her decision to go ahead with the wedding. Her heart sped up as she realized that tomorrow was their wedding day. She was so excited! She could hardly wait to be his wife!



Andrew was having the same thoughts. He was once again ecstatic! Tomorrow was their wedding day! His dreams were coming true. He was just realizing that by this time tomorrow, he and she would be married and on their honeymoon. He could hardly wait!



"I can hardly believe we're getting married tomorrow."



"Me neither. Colleen, are you absolutely sure about this?"



"Of course, aren't you?"



"It was the saddest day of my life when we decided to postpone the wedding and the happiest when we changed our minds." Andrew assured her before reaching up to caress her face before leaning over for a kiss.



Colleen loved the safe feeling she had whenever she was around Andrew. Especially now with his right hand at the small of her back and his left hand caressing her face and then her arm. She felt as if nothing could or ever would harm her.



About five minutes later, Colleen went inside to attempt the impossible--trying to sleep--while Andrew went to look for his horse that had walked off while he was, ummm, preoccupied. :o)



The next day at the church, Andrew had to remind himself to breathe when he saw Colleen in her beautiful gown. She was literally glowing. She looked radiant!



Colleen was sure that everyone could hear her heart beating as she walked down the aisle on Sully's arm. She wasn't really nervous, just extremely excited.



As the Reverend announced that "...the union of husband and wife in heart, mind, and body is intended by God for their personal joy...". Colleen noticed a sly little smile on Andrew's face. She couldn't help but smile--he looked so handsome when he smiled like that!!! :o)



Andrew couldn't hide his happiness. {Bliss. That's what I'm experiencing. And I'm lovin' it!} Here he was, entirely in love, standing across from his beautiful bride, leaving for his honeymoon in a few short hours. He had to smile! Who could blame him?



Before he knew it, he and Colleen had both said their vows, and were now man and wife. "You may now kiss the bride" caught his attention. He somehow got his fingers to stop trembling long enough to lift Colleen's veil away from her face. He mouthed "I love you" as he lifted his hand to his wife's chin. He gently lifted her face to meet his in a brief kiss.



Colleen and Andrew, walking hand in hand, led everyone outside for the reception. As Colleen grasped her husband's hand during their first dance as man and wife, she realized how lucky she was. She had a wonderful, supporting husband. She was going to be a doctor soon. She couldn't have been happier!



Soon, the happy couple looked up to see Grace and Robert E. carrying the enormous cake to their table. It was beautiful! After the traditional "shoving of the cake in the spouse's face", everyone sat down to enjoy the delicious yellow cake with white icing.



Everyone had a wonderful time at the reception. The gifts were beautiful and very thoughtful. Time seemed to fly by and before they knew it, it was time to leave for the honeymoon. Colleen and Andrew said their good-byes to everyone and got up on the back of the train to wave good-bye as the train pulled out of the station. The newlyweds waved until they could no longer see their family and friends. Andrew turned to his wife and kissed her as he scooped her up into his arms. All that was heard was Colleen's sweet giggles as he carried her over the threshold...



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What'd you think? Please let me know at MandaRe_2000@yahoo.com Like I said before, this IS my first fanfic, so don't be too harsh! I left the story at a point where I could continue if I wanted, so it will all depend on the people who read it. Do you want to hear about the honeymoon? About what comes next in the lives of Colleen and Andrew? (Since CBS isn't gonna show us) Then let me know! Hope you liked it! :o)



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