WEDDING PLANS

part 13

by Poet

It was after midnight when Luka awakened, slightly confused to why he was not alone in bed. It took a moment for his thoughts to clear and he smiled slightly as he remembered that it was Roza lying by his side. He reached out to touch her cheek, so gently that she wouldn't awaken.

Lying in the darkened room, Luka's mind drifted back to his last patient--the little girl who'd been so brutally stabbed. It was VERY hard for him to comprehend that she'd been discarded like so much trash. No one to claim her and perhaps a family desperately seeking her whereabouts. He sighed, trying to force his thoughts to anything else but THAT! "Think about your own children or the woman lying beside you or her children. Anything but that little girl!"

Little Luka began crying, and Luka, grateful for the distractions, got up to check on him. Being very quiet as not to awaken Roza, he got out of bed. "Hush. Don't cry," he whispered as he picked up the baby carrier and diaper bag to take to the living room.

Little Luka was still crying when he set the carrier down on the couch. He picked up the baby and whispered, "You wouldn't want to wake your mama, huh?" He began gently rocking Little Luka.

After a moment, the baby quieted down and Luka whispered, "Ah, that's better. Let's see if you need changed and then I'll get you your bottle, okay." He unsnapped the sleeper to check the diaper. Then he carried him into the kitchen to change the diaper and get the bottle ready. After getting Little Luka into a clean diaper, he washed his hands and quickly warmed up a bottle of formula.

The baby in his arms, Luka sat down on the couch and began feeding him the formula. "Mala Moja," he whispered. "Little One, how I wish that your papa could be holding you instead of me. You would've loved your papa, I know it. He would have loved you so much like he loved your mama and your brothers and sisters. When you're older, we'll tell you all about your papa; your mama, brothers and sisters will tell you all about him. This is a promise." Still holding Little Luka, he drifted off to sleep.

Roza awakened to find herself alone in the bed. Since she wouldn't be disturbing Luka, she decided to get up and check on her son. Seeing that the carrier was not beside the bed, she headed for the living room. "Luka?" she asked softly.

Luka was still asleep on the couch, the baby cradled in his arms and the bottle dropped on the floor. He jerked awake when he heard footsteps stared at her. "Roza? What are you doing here?" he asked, in confusion.

"I might ask you the same thing," she replied as she sat down beside him to gently take her son.

"I-I couldn't sleep and I heard Little Luka crying," Luka stammered. "I guess I'm not used to sharing my bed."

"Except with Katica," Roza commented.

The cat was curled up asleep on the back of the couch. She raised her head when she heard their voices and meowed. *Did somebody mention my name? Hey! Everybody's up--let's play!*

Roza ignored the cat as she placed the baby in the carrier and covered him up. She then reached out to take Luka's hands. "Luka, are you all right? Did something bad happen today?" she asked softly.

"No-nothing happened," he stammered, staring at the floor.

"Come on, Luka, you need to go back to bed," she said gently, as if she was talking to one of the children. She got to her feet, still holding his hands.

After a moment, he slowly stood up and moved to the bedroom. Lying down, he faced the wall.

Roza set the baby carrier on the floor and lay down beside him. She wrapped her arms around him and quietly asked, "Luka, please tell me what happened.  You don't need to keep these things to yourself anymore. I'll ALWAYS listen."

After a few moments he slowly rolled over to face her and began. "I-I had just gotten back to the ER when a policeman brought in a little girl...He said that he'd found her on a pile of trash...She was bleeding to death from EIGHT stab wounds...I-we-did everything possible to save her...But it was just too late..." Suddenly he pulled away from Roza to dash for the bathroom. Just talking about what had been done to the child was making him physically ill again. He made it just in time, knelt in front of the toilet  and was immediately violently ill.

Roza had noticed his sick look as he'd abruptly gotten out of bed. She got up to follow him, asking, "Luka? Luka, are you all right?" She lightly knocked on the bathroom door. "Can I come in?"

When she heard the sound of retching cease, she quietly pushed open the door. Luka was sitting on the edge of the tub, his head in his hands. He didn't look up at the sound of her footsteps. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Roza sat down beside him and gently brushed back a lock of damp hair. "Luka, it's okay," she said softly. She got up and dampened a wash cloth. "You have nothing to be sorry about."

"But..I was SO happy and excited to see you and Little Luka...looking forward to getting home. Then the policeman brings in that little girl. She-she looked SO much like Jasna that I thought I was imagining things. And when she died," he said quietly.

"She didn't die alone and abandoned. She had people around her, wanting her to live," Roza told Luka as she handed him the wash cloth. "You need to remember that fact."

"I'll try to," he said as he took the cloth.

"I'll be back in a moment," she said and headed for the kitchen to get a glass of Sprite. When she returned, she noticed that he'd wiped his face off and didn't look quite so sick. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah. A little. Thank you," Luka said and took the glass, taking a sip of
the Sprite.

"Do you think that you can come back to bed now?" Roza quietly  asked.

"Yeah. I think so," he replied as he got to his feet.

As soon as he was once again lying beside her, she gently stroked his forehead and whispered, "Luka, I promise that whenever you have a bad day and need to talk, I WILL ALWAYS LISTEN. If you don't want the children to hear, we'll find time to be alone."

"They're not usually like this."

"But when they are--just tell me. Try and go back to sleep now," she whispered, still stroking his forehead. After he'd finally drifted off into an uneasy slumber, she lay quietly thinking about how much she loved him.

Luka awakened with the alarm clock, feeling somewhat rested and ready to face the day. He quickly moved to shut the alarm clock off, not wanting to awaken Roza. He hadn't wanted her to see how bad the little girl's death had affected him. But still, he'd been somewhat relieved to be able to talk  about it and her promise that she'd always listen.

Roza opened her eyes, smiled at Luka and said, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Pretty much," he admitted.

"Good. You get ready for work. And as soon as I see to Little Luka, I'll fix your breakfast," she told him, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

"You don't have to do that," Luka protested, getting up.

"I'll be fixing your breakfast soon enough so I might as well start now," Roza replied as she got to her feet. She reached into the baby carrier to pick up her son.

Luka quickly showered and shaved, getting dressed in a pair of navy blue slacks and a dark blue shirt. Draping his tie around his neck, he headed for the kitchen. He could smell the odor of cooking and found himself surprisingly hungry. Finding Roza standing at the stove, he quietly moved behind her and quickly kissed her cheek. "What's for breakfast?" he asked.

"Oh, Luka, you startled me," she scolded but with a smile on her face. "I can see that you're feeling better. French toast--I hope you like it." She
turned back to her cooking.

"I didn't think that I had any eggs," he said as he opened the refrigerator door and pulled out a bottle of juice. "I see that you've already fed
Katica."

"Yes. She was starting to become quite vocal. You didn't--I bought what I needed last night," Roza said as she set a plate of French toast along with syrup and cinnamon/sugar on the table.

"I think I can get used to not having to fix breakfast every morning," Luka commented as he reached in the cupboard for a couple of glasses. "Is that the reason that you're marrying me?" she asked with a smile. "That-- and the children. What other reason is there?" Luka replied. He set the glasses on the table.

"I'm sure you'll find OTHER reasons," she told him and sat down.

"Taking care of Katica?" Luka suggested, pouring the juice. He was starting to enjoy the morning and was reluctant to have to go to the hospital.

"THAT wasn't what I was thinking," she said, still smiling. "Sit down, Luka, and eat your breakfast."

"All right." He reached for a slice of French toast. "What are you planning on doing today?"

"Check on the house and pack up some of Viktor's things. I need to get the place ready for us to stay during Spring Break," Roza answered.

"I'm sure the children will be happy to see their friends again," Luka commented.

"They will. And Nikola can have all his Pokemon again. And Jasiminka will be happy to see her 'Dr. Luka'. I want you to stay with us at the house so we can spend more time together," she said and poured herself more juice.

"You do have a fold-out couch as I recall," Luka said thoughtfully. "I thought that Marjorie would probably sleep there when she comes to help me shop for a wedding dress," Roza told him.

"We definitely HAVE to set a date and make it as soon as possible."

"Well, school won't be over until May 25th. We need time to finish moving back here. And you need time to move your things to the house. Do you want to get married on a Saturday?" she asked.

"Saturday...Sunday...I don't care which day we get married on."

"Well, a lot of people attend church on Sunday and they work Monday to Friday. So, how does Saturday sound? Is June 9th soon enough for you?" Roza  asked. "We should be finished moving in by then."

"I'd marry you today if we didn't want the children to have a part in the wedding. June 9th it is. Now I need to tell Kerry Weaver what day I will NOT be working," Luka answered. He abruptly got up from the table and went over to Roza, taking her in his arms and kissing her.

After a moment, she broke free of his embrace to say, "Finish your breakfast, Luka. And then you'd better get to the hospital."

"Yeah. Or get in trouble for being late. Kerry's really firm about being on time or calling in to explain why," Luka commented as he sat back down again.

"And you want to stay on her good side and try to get some time off for our honeymoon," Roza said with a smile as she watched him eat.

As soon as he finished eating, he stood up and said, "I need to finish getting ready for work." He picked up his plate and glass to carry them to the sink.

She got up and followed him into the bedroom. She watched as he stood in front of the mirror, knotting his tie. "I'll have your supper ready when you get home."

Luka reached down into the baby carrier and picked up Little Luka. "Bye, bye. I'll see you tonight," he told the baby, making faces at him.

Roza took her son and looked at Luka. "You'd better get going."

He leaned down and softly kissed her lips. "I'll try and be home as soon as possible," he promised. Car keys in hand, he headed for the door.

Roza watched him leave and then headed for the kitchen to start clearing up the breakfast dishes. Stacking them in the sink, she decided to call Marjorie and let her know the wedding date. Picking up the phone, she quickly dialed her friend's number.

Marjorie was getting th children's' breakfast when the phone rang. She picked it up to answer, "Hello."

"Marjorie, it's Roza," the younger woman said.

"Oh, hello, Rozalija. I'was expecting you to call last night. I'm in the middle of getting the children ready for school. How's your visit with Luka going?"

"We went to bed early. It's going all right but not exactly how I expected. I'll tell you about it later. Where are the children?" Roza asked.

"Getting dressed. Do you want to talk to them?"

"For a moment. Then I need to give Little Luka a bath," she replied. Marjorie looked over at the children. They were heading for the kitchen to eat. "Your mother is on the phone," she announced.

They all scrambled over to where she stood. She handed the phone to Nikola.  He put it to his ear and said, "I miss you, mama," in his soft voice.

"I miss you, too, Nikki," Roza said. "But mama will be home tomorrow. Let me speak to Jasiminka."

He silently handed it over to his twin who took it and said, "I miss you, too. Does Dr. Luka miss me?"

"He misses you," Roza assured her youngest daughter.

"Does he know when my birthday is?" she asked.

"No. But I will be sure and tell Luka that it's during Spring Break. Will you give the phone to your sister?"

"Dr. Luka misses me," she said happily and handed the phone to Zelika
.
"Hi, Mom. I got an A on my spelling test yesterday," the older girl happily announced.

"I'm so proud of you. We'll celebrate when I get home. Let me speak to Viktor for a minute."

"Hello, Mother. We prayed last night that you and Little Luka arrived
safely," he said.

"Thank you for the prayers. Make sure you brother and sister obey Marjorie until I get home on Friday," she said.

"I will," Viktor promised and handed the phone back to Marjorie.

"Rozalija, I need to give the children their breakfast so call me later," she said.

"I'll call you from the house. I wanted to talk to the children before they left for school. Bye now," Roza said and hung up the phone. She went back to getting the dishes done, and cleaning up the kitchen.

As soon as Luka got to the ER, he headed for the lounge, wanting to talk to Kerry alone. She was hanging up her jacket when he walked in saying, "Good morning, Kerry."

Kerry turned at the sound of his voice and carefully studied him. She was relieved to see that he looked a lot better than he did yesterday afternoon. "Good morning, Luka," she said.

"Kerry, I wanted to let you know that Roza and I set our wedding date. It's going to be June 9th."

"I'll keep that day open on my calendar," Kerry promised. "And I'll see about scheduling you off for the next five days."

"That'll give Roza and me a few days to get away alone. Thank you, Kerry," Luka told her. He opened his locker to get his lab coat and stethoscope. "I'll tell Roza that."

Mark was impatiently waiting to run the board with them. "I need to get home," he complained. He looked at Luka. "I heard you went home early because you were sick."

"Something like that," Luka said. He glanced over at Kerry.

"Well, glad to see that you're feeling better," Mark said and began running the board. It had been a slow night so there were only a few patients still being treated. Luka picked up a chart and went to work.

After getting dressed, Roza bathed Little Luka and got him into a clean diaper and playsuit. The baby carrier and diaper bag in hand, she headed for the van. She needed to sort through Viktor's clothes and pack away what she wanted to keep of his possessions. Everything needed to be ready for their return during Spring Break. Luka would need room for his clothes, books and whatever else he decided to keep when he moved in. Arriving at the house, she turned on the heat and sat down to call Marjorie.

Marjorie was waiting by the phone and picked it up on the first ring. "Hello?"

"Hello, Marjorie. I promised that I'd call you back. I didn't want the children to overhear what I told you," the younger woman said.

"You said that the visit wasn't going as you expected. Wasn't Luka happy to see you?"

"Oh, he was definitely happy to see us. When we got to Chicago, I had a late lunch with Luka and he was looking forward to getting home. Then he ended up treating a little girl who died. He said that she'd been stabbed and a policeman found her. She also looked exactly like his daughter and that really upset him. He came home early but wouldn't say why and acted like he wasn't feeling well. We went to bed early and when I tried to get him to talk about what happened, he ended up getting sick," Roza explained.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is he feeling better today?" Marjorie asked, concern in her voice.

"Oh, Luka seems to be feeling MUCH better. He had a good breakfast and left for the hospital. I wanted to let you know that the wedding will be on June 9th."

"A June wedding--how traditional. I can hardly wait."

"Neither can Luka. But, by then, we should be all moved in," Roza commented and paused a moment. "I was going to call last night but I was concerned about Luka. He insisted that I take the bed and I wouldn't let him sleep on the couch. So, we ended up sleeping together. Besides, I didn't want Luka to be alone last night."

"I guess I'm old fashioned but I believe a couple should wait for the wedding night."

"Luka and I agree. We don't want to set the wrong example for the children. ALL we did was sleep side by side and I held him part of the night," Roza stated.

"I trust what you say. Well, I'm going to write the date down on my calendar. Are you calling tonight?" Marjorie asked.

"Probably. Unless Luka comes home upset again. Still, it is better that I see how he is after a bad day at the hospital," Roza answered.

"Marriage is a combination of good and bad days. Bye, Rozalija."

"Bye, Marjorie," Roza said and hung up the phone. She picked up Little Luka and wandered into the nursery. She thought of the day Luka had painted it, and her realization that she needed to sort out her feelings for him. "Soon this will be your home."

The day had been VERY busy for Luka. He'd seen one patient after another, treating everything from heart attacks to gang fight victims. Barely taking time for a quick lunch, he'd worked straight through the day. By the end of his shift, he was feeling exhausted and more than ready to head home. He was taking a few minutes alone in the lounge when Mark arrived

Mark glanced at his tired expression and asked, "Have a busy day, Luka?"

"Yeah. There's still a few waiting in chairs and the board is full," Luka replied. He pulled off his lab coat and hung it up. "Mark, I was wondering if you'd do me a favor."

"You have to let me know what it is first," Mark replied.

"I'm sure you've heard that I'm getting married again. I'd like for you to be my best man when I do," Luka said slowly.

"What about your own family?" Mark asked.

"I have a brother and my parents but I haven't seen them in a number of years. I rarely even talk to them. I am not certain that the can come all the way from Croatia to attend. I'm sure that they will understand if I choose a friend to stand up with me," Luka replied.

"In that case, I'll be your best man. Have you set a wedding date yet?"

"Yes. It is June 9th. We need to wait for Roza and her children to move back here from St. Louis."

"Elizabeth and I will certainly be there. I need to check with Jen but Rachel may be visiting that weekend. Is it okay to bring her?"

"Of course, it is. Roza's oldest children are all having a part in the ceremony," Luka replied.

"How many children does she have?"

"Five--the youngest is just a baby but the other four will be involved. We can talk more at a later date. Goodnight, Mark," Luka told him. He shut his locker and headed for the door.

"Goodnight, Luka. If your family does come and you decide on your brother--I'll understand," Mark said. He left the lounge to have Kerry run
the board for him.

When Luka got home, he opened the door, saying an old line from TV.  "Honey, I'm home."

Roza smiled and kissed him.  Looking up, she asked, "Did you have a good day?

"For the most part--yeah.  A busy one," he replied and stifled a yawn.  "I'm glad to be home."

"Supper will be ready in a little while," she said and took his jacket.

"So, how was your day?" Luka asked as he made his way over to the couch and collapsed upon it.  He began unknotting his tie.

"It was good.  I called Marjorie this morning so I could talk to the children.  And I called again later--from the house.  She can't wait until our wedding day," Roza answered.

"The children all right?"

"They're all fine.  Jasiminka asked if you missed her and I said that you did.  I wasn't lying, was I?" she asked.

"No.  I miss her--and the rest," Luka admitted.

"I'm supposed to tell you when the twins' birthday is," Roza continued.

"When is it?"

"It's April 19th."

"They will be six-years-old?"

"That's right.  April 19th is during Spring Break so you can help them celebrate their birthday," she replied.

"THat will be fun," Luka commented.  He looked at Roza.  "I will need to get presents for them."

"Don't get TOO carried away," Roza said and laughed.  "Nikola is still crazy about Pokemon but Jasiminka has discovered 'Precious Moments' now."

"Precious Moments?" Luka asked curiously.

"Yes.  They have the most darling pictures and figurines.  She got a little figure from a friend at school and now she loves them," Roza explained.

"Now, that we've set the wedding date, we need to let our families know so that they can try and come," Luka said after a few moments.

"I know.  I have yet to tell Viktor's family that I'm getting remarried.   They will probably say that it's too soon.  Even though they know you," she said quietly.

"I forgot to tell you this morning that I don't work again until tomorrow night.  So we can see about wedding invitations tomorrow," Luka told her.

"Marjorie had her minister recommend one for us to talk to.  I'll call in the morning and see about us coming in to look at his church," Roza told him.  She brushed back his hair.  "I'll see to supper."

Luka reluctantly got off the couch and followed her.  "I see you fed Katica since I don't hear her complaining," he said.

"She was--before you got home.  I decided that feeding her would be the best way to shut her up."

"Good idea."

"Tonight we can work on the guest list and wording the invitations," Roza suggested.  She lifted the lid on a pot of soup and stirred it.

"Whatever you're cooking--it sure smells good," Luka commented.

"Getting used to have someone else cook for you?" she teased.

"Starting to.  You ARE definitely a better cook than me," he stated.

"Why don't you set the table while I finish up the soup?" she suggested.

"I told Kerry Weaver the wedding date and she said she'd try and give me the next five days off," Luka said as he got the plates out of the cupboard.

As soon as supper is over, I need to call and talk to the children," Roza
told him.

The children were doing their homework and Marjorie was helping them when the phone rang.  She quickly picked it up, saying, "Hello?"

"Hello, Marjorie.  I said I"d try and call tonight."

"Oh, hello, Rozalija.  How's Luka tonight?"

"He's fine.  We're going to work on the guest list and what to say on our invitation.  Since Luka doesn't have to work until tomorrow night, we'll talk to the minister that Reverend James recommended.  Are the children busy?" Roza asked.

"They're doing their homework,"  Marjorie replied.  She turned to the others.  "Children, your mother is on the phone."

They immediately left the table and hurried over.  Marjorie handed the phone to Nikola and he softly said, "Hello, Mama."

"Hello, Nikki.  Are you being a good boy for Marjorie?"

"I am," he proudly replied.

"Good.  Could you please hand the phone to Jasiminka?"

"Okay," the little boy said and handed it over to his twin.  "Mama wants to talk to you."

"Did you tell Dr. Luka about my birthday?" Jasiminka asked.

"I did, Sweetheart.  He's happy to help you celebrate your birthday," Roza assured her.

"Can I talk to him?  Please?" the little girl begged.

"Just for a moment," her mother said and handed the phone to Luka.  
"Jasiminka wants to talk to you."

He took it and said, "Hello, Little One.  Are you being a good girl?"

"I'm being a VERY good girl, Dr. Luka," she replied.

"That's nice to hear. I'm looking forward to your birthday.  Could you please give the phone to your sister now?" he asked.

"Okay," she said and handed the phone to Zelika while Luka handed the phone back to Roza.

"Hi, Mom.  I've been thinking about what you could put on your invitation.   What do you think of this?  'The children of Rozalija Lukovic request your presence as she is united in marriage to Dr. Luka Kovac.'  You'll have to tell me the time and place," Zelika said.

"that sounds wonderful.  I'll be sure and tell Luka."

"Let me know what he thinks," Zelika said and handed the phone to Viktor.

"Hello, Mother.  We miss you," her oldest son said.

"I miss you all.  Now, you'd better get back to your homework.  Bye, bye, darlings," Roza said.  She hung up the phone and looked at Luka.  "Get a pen and paper to work on the list."

"I couldn't help but overhear.  What is it you said that you'd tell me?" he asked curiously.

"Zelika was working on what to put on our wedding invitation.  How does this sound?  'The children of Rozalija Lukovic request your presence as she is united in marriage with Dr. Luka Kovac.'"

"It sounds nice.  It's probably as good as anything we could come up with ourselves," Luka replied.

"Rozalija Jelena Lokovic and Luka Alen Kovac.  Sounds good together," she commented.

"I like Rozalija Jelena Kovac even better," he said and leaned over to kiss her.

"After we find the church, we can add the place and time,"she said as they sat down on the couch with a pen and paper.

"Even though Marjorie is invited, we still should send her an invitation.  I invited Kerry Weaver but I'm not sure who else to have attend.  Except for Haleh and Mark Greene--I asked him to be my best man," Luka said thoughtfully.

"We need to send invitations to our families even if the may not be able to come.  And I want to invite Andrew McKray," Roza told him.

"I'd call my parents tonight and tell them about the wedding but it's after midnight over there," Luka commented and tried to stifle a yawn.

"You look like you're ready to fall asleep right where you are.  Come on, Luka, and go to bed.  We can work on the wedding tomorrow," she said and reached to take his hand.

"It has been a long day," he admitted as he got to his feet.  "Good night."  He kissed Roza and headed for the bedroom.

She bathed and changed Little Luka, getting him all tucked in.  Baby carrier in hand, she headed for the bedroom.  Finding Luka already in bed asleep, she quietly undressed and lay down beside him.  Silently she leaned over to kiss his cheek and whisper.  "I love you.  Pleasant dreams, my Luka."

Luka awakened to the sound of the baby crying.  Carefully, as not to disturb Roza, he got out of bed.  Picking up Little Luka, he gently rocked him, whispering, ""Hush, hush, my mala moja.  You don't want to wake your mama."  He picked up the diaper bag to carry both it and the baby into the living room.

After getting Little Luka into a clean diaper, he prepared a both of formula.  "I bet you're hungry, huh?" he said.  THe baby responded by waving his arms and wailing.  "Okay, okay, I'll give you your bottle."  He sat down on the couch with the baby in his arms.

A glance at the clock showed that it was 1:30 in the morning.  Knowing the time difference between Chicago and Croatia, he knew it would be morning there.  Settling Little Luka in one arm, he reached for the phone and his address book.

In Sibenik, Croatia, Sanja Kovac had just seen her husband off to work and was cleaning up the kitchen when the phone rang.  Thinking it was Pavle or one of her friends, she picked it up and casually said, "Hello?"

"Hello, Mother," her oldest son said in greeting.

"Luka!  Why are you calling?  Is everything all right?" she quickly asked.

"Everything is fine.  Can't I just call to say 'Hello'?" Luka responded.

"You can.  It's just that it must cost you a lot to be calling from Chicago."

"I can afford it," he assured her.

"I know you can.  Are you still working at that hospital?"

"Yes, I'm still in the ER at 'that hospital'.  Mother, do you remember Rozalija Lukovic--Viktor's wife?" Luka asked.

"Of course, I do.  I remember you called to let us know that her husband was killed.  Do you talk to her often?"

"We talk almost everyday.  Mother, Roza and I are getting married," Luka announced.

"Married.  When?" Sanja asked, clearly surprised by his announcement.

"On June 9th.  After Viktor died, I started spending time with her and the children.  I think I felt partly  responsible for Viktor's death because I was with him when it happened," Luka explained.  "Then, we sort of fell in love with each other.  I love spending time with her and the children."

"I know you miss having children around, Luka," Sanja said but was interrupted by the sound of Little Luka crying.  "Who's with you?"

"Roza's youngest son--Luka Alen Lukovic.  She and Viktor discussed naming him after me.  So she did," Luka said proudly.  He picked up the bottle that had fallen to the floor.

"Is Rozalija visiting this time of night?"

"Yes.  She's in bed asleep.  She and her children moved to St. Louis to stay with a friend.  They'll be moving back here in early June," he replied.

"June 9th, you said?"

"That's right.  We're not sure of the time or place yet but we'll be sending out invitations soon.  Tomorrow we're talking to a minister.  It probably won't be Catholic, I've hardly been to church in years and Roza and the children go to church with her friend who's Protestant."

"Well, as long as you're getting married in the sight of God, it's all right.  I'll have to talk to your father about attending the wedding.  I know how much you've missed having a family and if you tell me that you love Rozalija, I believe you.  And readily welcome her and the children into the family," Sanja said.

"I'm glad to hear that, Mother."

"Take care, Luka, and call us again soon.  We miss hearing from you."

"I will.  I need to stay in touch more.  I love you, Mother."

"I love you too, Luka.  Goodbye--for now."

"Goodbye, Mother.  Tell Father that I called."

"I will.  He'll be surprised to hear your news."

Roza awakened to find herself alone in bed.  She got up, saw the baby carrier empty and headed for the living room to locate both Luka and her son.  Standing in the doorway, she smiled when she saw him gently rocking the baby and whispering.

Luka glanced up to say, "We didn't want to wake you up."

"You didn't--I woke up on my own.  Is everything all right?" Roza asked.

"Yeah.  Little Luka was crying and needed a diaper change and a bottle.  I think you're getting low on diapers.  I called my mother and I think I really surprised her with the announcement that we're getting married.  She said that you and the children are welcomed to the family," he replied.

Roza sat down beside him and leaned her head against his shoulder.  "That's good to hear.  Maybe I'd better call my family today," she said and yawned.

"You can in the morning."  He looked over at her.  "Want to take Little Luka now?"  Getting no response, he smiled, seeing that she'd fallen asleep.  Not wanting to disturb her, he sat rocking the baby until drowsiness overcame
him and he too drifted off to sleep.

to Part 14

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