DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

part 16

by Poet

Luka awakened before the alarm went off.  He smiled as he saw Roza asleep with her head on his chest.  Reaching out a hand, he tenderly stroked her cheek and whispered, "You are so very beautiful."

Roza stirred and slowly opened her eyes.  "Good morning, Luka.  What time is it?" she asked sleepily.

"It's 5:15.  Go back to sleep," he replied.

"All right.  But wake me when you get up," she said and closed her eyes again.

Luka stroked her cheek and closed his eyes.  He was hoping to get some more sleep before he had to get up and face the day.  Saturday was usually a busy day in the ER,  and he hated to leave Roza and the children.  He thought briefly about calling in sick but decided against it since Kerry had already given him extra time off during the upcoming week.

The alarm went off and Roza opened her eyes.  "I'll see to Little Luka and then fix your breakfast," she said and kissed him.

Luka quickly switched off the alarm.  "You, don't have to get up if you don't want to," he said, sitting up.  He yawned and stretched, swinging his feet to the floor.

"Luka, I insist.  I can always go back to bed after you leave," Roza said.  She picked up Little Luka.  "Good morning, Bebe."

"He finally slept through the night, huh?" Luka asked.  He reached out to tickle the baby

"This is his first time," Roza said.  She set Little Luka on the bed and proceeded to check his diaper.

Luka gave Roza a kiss and and headed for the bathroom to get ready for work.  He quickly showered and shaved and got dressed.  Heading downstairs, he found Roza in the kitchen, busy at the stove.  A big smile on his face, he crept up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her.

"Luka!  Quit doing that!" Roza scolded but she was smiling.  Letting the spatula drop to the stove, she eagerly returned his kiss, lingering in his embrace.

The smell of burning eggs brought their attention back to the cooking.  "Now, look what YOU made me do," Roza said as she took the skillet off the burner.

"I"m sorry," Luka apologized.  He turned off the burner and led her over to the table.  "But I just couldn't resist holding you."

"Are you going to do this with the children around?"

"Maybe.  Speaking of the children--are they still asleep?"

"Yes.  I said that they could sleep until 8:00.  We have a lot to do today," she replied.

Luka grabbed two glasses and the bottle of juice.  Placing them on the table, he set to work fixing some toast.  "I have missed having you and the children around," he said softly.

"And I've missed you," Roza told him.  "But, in less than two months, we'll be together--EVERYDAY," she reminded him.

"Yes.  You, me, the children and Katica.  Is she hiding out somewhere?  I haven't heard her yet," he commented.

"I fed her already and I think she headed for the couch.  She'll get used to us, Luka.  We just have to give her time."

He nodded, sitting down at the table with a plate of buttered toast and jelly.  "Tonight, after we eat, we can have the children help us decide on colors and flowers," he said after a few minutes.

"Anything special that you want me to fix for supper?"

"Anything you fix will be all right with me.  But I sometimes can't tolerate really spicy foods," he replied.

"I'll keep that in mind.  There's a lot I need to know about what you like and don't like."

"I"m pretty easy to please," he told her.

"I think I can manage that.  I have a couple of Croatian cookbooks so I'll try fixing a meal at least once a week."

"Good old home cooking, huh?  That'll be great since I'm so used to American cooking.  Although there is a Greek restaurant that I'm quite fond of.  We'll have to go there sometime this week," he continued.

"After Marjorie is here to watch the children."

"How about on Tuesday before we go talk to the minister?" Luka suggested.  Picking up his plate, he carried it over to the sink.  "Don't bother with the skillet--it's MY fault the eggs got burned."

"Don't worry about it, Luka.  Next time you sneak up on me--I'LL take the skillet off the burner," Roza said and smiled.

Luka was laughing as he quickly cleaned off his plate and knife.  "I think I'd better go upstairs and finish getting ready."

"I'll go with you so I can check on Little Luka," she said and followed him out the door.

Katica was curled up on the couch, well fed and content.  She looked up at Luka and meowed.  *I think I can get used to this, SHE feeds me sooner than you do.*

"Good morning, Katica," Luka said as he stopped to pet her.  "You be good for Roza and the children."

"I'll make sure that Nikki doesn't bother her TOO much," Roza said.

"I think she'll appreciate that," he replied and headed upstairs to the bedroom.  Once there, he quickly knotted his tie and turned to pick up Little Luka.  "I'll see you tonight, Moja Mala."

"Call me when you get a chance, Luka.  And be careful.  You never know what can happen," Roza said softly.  She took the baby and placed him back in the carrier.  Wrapping her arms around Luka, she quickly kissed him.

"I'd better get out of here before I really WANT to stay home," Luka said with a laugh as soon he'd broken free of her embrace.  "I love you, Roza."  He gently kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Luka," she said softly.  She lay down on the bed, looking up at him.

"Going to get some more sleep before the others get up, huh?" he asked as he stuck wallet and keys in his pockets.

"I think so," she answered.  "Drive safely."

"Roza, I promise to make it back safe and sound tonight," Luka said, smiling.  He headed for the door.

"You'd better," she warned.

As soon as Luka arrived at the ER, he headed directly for the lounge.  Pushing open the door, he saw Kerry sitting on the couch, talking to an attractive dark haired young woman.  "Excuse me, Kerry.  Am I interrupting anything?" he asked.

"Not at all, Luka.  I was just talking with Dr. Malyinda Chastain.  She's transferring here from Boston to finish out her residency.  Malynda, this is Dr. Luka Kovac, one of the ER attendings," Kerry said.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr. Kovac," the young woman said pleasantly and stood up to shake his hand.

"An honor, Dr. Chastain," he replied.

"Luka, if you wouldn't mind, could you give Malynda a tour of the ER?  Mark's going to be late so I'm filling in until he gets here.  His daughter's flying in from St. Louis."

"Of course, Kerry.  Just give me a couple of minutes, Dr. Chastain," Luka said.  He opened his locker to grab his lab coat and stethoscope.

"I'm in no hurry," Malynda replied, watching him.

"I'll run the board for you and when Mark arrives, I'll bring him up to speed.  I've talked Robert into hiring a temp attending to work nights until Spring Break is over," Kerry continued.  "Since I know that neither you or Mark want to be working any extra shifts."

"Thank you, Kerry.  I appreciate that.  Roza and I have a lot of preparation to do this week," Luka told her.  "Who's on for today?"

"Chen and Carter.  And that medical student--Ms. Wright."

"We should be okay then," he commented as he and Malynda followed Kerry to the board.

"Good morning, Dr. Kovac," Kelli said as she hurried in.

"You're late, Ms. Wright," Kerry said sharply.

"Sorry about that.  But traffic was bad--MVA near my home.  Did they come here?" the medical student asked.

"No MVAs for several hours," Kerry replied.  She pulled down the board.

"Just let me drop my things in my locker and I'll be right with you," Kelli said as she headed for the lounge.

Roza was awakened at 8:15 by Jasiminka saying, "Mama!  I'm hungry!"

"Yeah, Mom.  YOU didn't want us sleep past 8:00," Zelika added.

She rolled over and looked at her two daughters.  "I fell asleep after Luka left for work," she said.  She smiled slightly, thinking of the kisses and the burned eggs.

Zelika had picked up Little Luka.  She looked over at Roza and said, "You get up to fix Luka's breakfast?"

"Yes.  Jasiminka, go wake your brothers.  Zelika, could you give me a hand in the kitchen?" Roza asked.  "How about pancakes?"

"Yes!" Jasiminka exclaimed.  She hurried off to wake up Viktor and Nikola.

Zelika waited until she'd left before turning to Roza.  "Luka really makes you happy?" she asked.

"Very happy.  After your father died, I thought I could never fall in love or be happy ever again," Roza admitted.  She picked up her clothes and headed into the bathroom to change.

"I'm glad he makes you happy.  Maybe someday I'll find somebody."

"You will someday.  For now, just enjoy being young," her mother replied.

"Okay," Zelika said and headed downstairs.

Roza was busy at the stove when Jasiminka and the boys scrambled into the kitchen.  She smiled at them and said, "Good morning, sleepyheads.  We have a lot to do today."

"Shopping?" Zelika asked.

"Yes, shopping.  There's not a whole lot in the refrigerator.  And we can't, expect Luka to be taking us out for pizza EVERY night," she answered.

"Why not?  I LOVE pizza," Jasiminka asked.

"It's too expensive for one thing and not good for you for another," Roza told her.  "Now, sit down and breakfast will be ready in a few minutes."

The day had been a busy one--there had been a fight at a swimming pool involving two rival groups of kids.  Luka had spent most of the afternoon treating the fortunately, not too serious injuries, incurred.  He had just replaced the last chart and was ready to sign out when Andrew arrived.

"Evening, Doc," the young man said as he entered the ER.  "Is Kelli ready to go home?"

"Wait here a minute while I go see," Luka replied.  He paused a minute.  "I wanted to tell you 'Congratulations'.  Roza told me that you and Kelli are getting married."

"Thanks," Andrew replied, taking Luka's hand.  "Congratulations on yours."

"Roza and I have a lot of preparation to get done this week.  Tuesday night we're going to talk to the minister again.  And then we're going out to eat at 'Athenos'," Luka continued.

"The Greek restaurant?  Kelli and I LOVE that place!  Great food--great wine," Andrew said enthusiastically.

"Why don't you and Kelli join Roza and I?  I know she'd love to see you again," Luka suggested.

"That sounds great.  I have something that I want to tell Mrs. Lukovic," Andrew replied.  "What time do we need to meet?"

"I'll talk it over with Roza and tell Kelli tomorrow," Luka replied.

"I'm ready," Kelli announced , heading toward the two men, purse and sweater in hand.

"Kelli, the Doc's invited us to join him and Mrs. Lukovic at Athenos on Tuesday night," Andrew told her.

"I love that place.  What time do we meet?" Kelli asked.

"I need to talk it over with Roza so I'll tell you what time tomorrow," Luka replied.

"See you later, Doc," Andrew said as he linked arms with Kelli.  Together they headed for the door.

"Nothing in the rules about double dating with a medical student," Kerry observed.

"Mr. McKray is a friend of Roza's so we invited him and Ms. Wright to our wedding," Luka said.

"So, how's everything with your guests?"

"Great.  Last night I took them out for pizza," he told her.

"That can get expensive," Kerry commented.

"The only other time I plan on taking everybody out is for the twins' birthday," Luka said.

They were interrupted by a tall blond haired man saying, "Excuse me, but I'm looking for Dr. Kerry Weaver."

"I'm Dr. Weaver.  You must be the temp attending for this week," Kerry said.

"That's me--Dr. Bryan Whyte.  Just got here to Chicago from New Orleans
three weeks ago," he said.

"Let me show you around, Dr. Whyte," Kerry said, making introductions.  "This is Dr. Luka Kovac, one of the ER attendings."

Luka and Bryan stared at each other.  "Weren't you a fourth year medical student doing an ER rotation at the New Orleans General Hospital?" Luka asked after a moment.

"Yeah.  And you were the resident I was assigned to," Bryan replied, realization dawning.

"For a while.  It was good to see you, Dr. Whyte.  I think I'm going to have to get used to the 'doctor' part," Luka said.  He turned to Kerry.  "I'll see you in the morning."

"Enjoy your evening, Luka," Kerry said.  She looked at Bryan.  "Let's meet the staff and take a tour of the ER."

"Lead the way."

"so, what brings you to Chicago?" Kerry asked.

"I thought that a change of scene was in order..."

After putting away his lab coat and stethoscope, Luka headed for his car.  Running into Bryan had been a surprise as well as bringing back unwanted memories.  His stay in New Orleans had not been a particularly good time and there were things he'd tried to forget.  He firmly put the memories aside, thinking about Roza and the children.  Especially about how sweet her kisses tasted.

The children were no where in sight when Luka arrived home.  He noticed Katica curled up on the back of the couch fast asleep.  Quietly, he made his way to the kitchen and saw Roza busy at the stove.  He crept up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.  A smile on his face, he quickly gave her a kiss.

"Luka!  Stop it before I burn supper," Roza scolded, returning his kiss.

"I've got it, Mom," Zelika said as she stepped up to the stove.

Looking somewhat embarrassed, Luka stepped away and stammered, "I-I thought we were alone.  Where are the others?"

"Viktor went to visit a friend and the twins are upstairs playing," Zelika replied.  She looked up at Luka.  "Mom explained the sleeping arrangements.  As long as you make Mom happy, I don't mind the kissing."

"I think I'd better go wash up," Luka said, still unsure how to reply.  He headed for the door.

Zelika caught up to him in the hall.  "Luka, I know you love Mom and she's happy when you're around.  I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to make you all embarrassed," she said quietly.

"It's okay, Zelika.  You just startled me."

"Just don't burn any more meals," she said and headed upstairs to her bedroom.

Luka shook his head and went back to the kitchen to wash up.  "What have you been telling that child?" she asked.

"She's eleven years old and growing up fast.  She asked me where you were sleeping and I felt I couldn't lie to her.  I carefully explained that since we're not married, all we're doing is touching, holding and kissing.  I'm pretty sure she understood."

"Do the others know?" Luka asked.

"I didn't say anything but I'm sure they can figure it out.  Luka, supper will be ready in fifteen minutes," she told him.

"Okay."  He gave her a quick kiss and went to wash his hands.  "I invited Andrew and Kelli to join us at Athenos after we talk to the minister.  Andrew said that he had something to tell you."

"I wonder what it is," Roza said thoughtfully.

Luka shrugged and replied.  "I guess you'll find out Tuesday."

"When are you going to find time to get the birthday gifts?"

"I'll do it Wednesday after I get off," Luka answered.  He finished up washing and went to sit down at the kitchen table.

"Jasiminka will like whatever you get her.  She's just happy to have you here."  She set aside the pan and sat down across from him.  "I'm just happy to have you here."

"We're hungry, Mama," Jasiminka announced as she and Nikola scrambled in.

"Go wash up.  Supper will be ready in ten minutes," Roza said and smiled at the children.  "After supper, we'll discuss flowers and colors."

The phone rang and was quickly picked up.  A moment later Zelika entered the kitchen.  "That was Viktor.  He wants to know if he can stay all night with Kevin," she announced.

"All right.  I wanted him to help us decide.  But he hasn't seen Kevin since before we moved," Roza sighed.

"So what do you want me to tell Viktor?"

"Tell him it's okay," Roza told her.

Five minutes later they were all seated at the dining room table.  Roza set a plate of rolls and a baked ham in front of Luka.  "You serve after we have our prayer," she told him.

"All right."

"I'll say the prayer," Zelika volunteered.  She bowed her head.  "Lord, bless this meal we are about to eat.  And thank You for having Luka during this week.  Amen."

"Amen," the others echoed.

"We've been trying to say a prayer before meals.  It's a nice thing to do as a family," Roza said and smiled at Luka.

After supper was over and the dishes washed, they all settled in the living room to discuss wedding plans.  THe door opened and Viktor walked in.  "I told Kevin that I'd be back in an hour," he explained as he took a seat beside Zelika.

"We should be finished by then," Roza told him.

Luka glanced around the room and said, "As you know, the wedding is less than two months away.  So we need to decide on the colors and flowers.  We will seriously listen to whatever suggestions you have."

"Let's do the colors first," Roza suggested.

Nikola looked up and said, "I like purple and orange.  Mamma would look so pretty."

"You'd certainly stand out," Zelika said.

"Can we get a purple wedding dress?" Jasiminka wondered.

"It's a nice suggestion, Nikki.  But Luka and I were thinking about lighter colors," Roza told her son.

"How about light purple and orange?" he asked.

"Let's hear someone else's suggestion," Luka said.

"How about mauve and spring green?  Like that dress you used to wear.  Dad always said it was your prettiest and his favorite," Zelika said quietly.

Roza's eyes misted over with tears.  "I haven't worn that dress since your father died.  I didn't even take it when we moved to St. Louis," she said softly.

"Can I see you in the dress?" Luka asked.

"I'll show it to you sometime," she replied.

"Roza, I NEVER want you to think that I'M taking Viktor's place in your heart.  He'll ALWAYS be a part of you just as Mirjana, Marko and Jasna are a part of me," Luka said quietly.

Roza dabbed at her eyes and said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to go with Zelika's suggestion.  At least in the colors, your father can  be part of this wedding."

"I think Father would've liked that," Viktor said.

"Can I choose the flowers?" Jasiminka asked.

"You can make a suggestion, Little One," Luka told her.

"Okay.  How about lilies?"

"Lilies are pretty.  Anybody else have another suggestion?" Luka asked.

"Sunflowers," Nikola spoke up.

"Roses.  Soft pink and ivory.  They would go so well with the colors," Zelika said.

"THey would look really nice," Viktor added.

"We'll need my bouquet, one for Zelika and the petals for Jasiminka to scatter.  Also small flowers for Luka, Viktor and Nikola," Roza said.

"Don't forget Mark.  And some to decorate," Luka reminded her.

"Roses and some pretty greenery and ribbons would be so nice," Zelika said thoughtfully.

"We do want a simple wedding," Roza commented.

"We'll need to rent tuxedos for Viktor, Nikola and myself," Luka said.

"Black would look so good on you," Roza told him.

I agree," Zelika said.

Monday, when we we go shopping for the dresses and accessories, we'll check out tuxedo rentals.  Hopefully by the end of the week, we'll have everything pretty much done,"Roza said.

"We still need to get the invitations mailed," Zelika stated.

"We'll have that done this week, too," her mother said.

Viktor leaned forward and said, "Kevin's mom invited me to go to church with them.  Is it all right if I do?"

"I don't see why not.  Luka has to work tomorrow and I'm not sure what the rest of us will do," she replied.

"Okay.  I'll grab my good clothes as well as my pajamas and head back over to Kevin's," he said, getting to his feet.

"Where does this 'Kevin' live?" Luka asked.

"Just down at the end of the block.  I'll be very careful in the dark," Viktor promised.

"You'd better.  We need you to give Mom away," Zelika told him.

"Time for your baths," Roza told the twins.

"Do we have to?  We're not dirty," Nikola protested.

"Yes, you do," she said, suppressing a smile.

"Can I hear more about the sad little princess, Dr. Luka?" Jasiminka asked.

"For a few minutes, Little One.  After you have your bath and get into bed," Luka promised.

"I'm first, Nikki!" Jasiminka yelled as she started running for the stairs.  
Her twin was quickly after her.

"DON"T run!" both Roza and Luka said simultaneously.  They turned to each other and started laughing.

"I'll be upstairs in case you need me," Zelika said as she got to her feet.  "Goodnight.  Don't stay up TOO late."

"Now that WE"RE alone..." Luka said softly and drew Roza into his arms for a kiss.

"You forgot about Little Luka and Katica," Roza reminded him as her lips sought his.

Viktor headed back downstairs, overnight bag in hand.  "Goodnight, Mom, Luka.  I'll see you tomorrow," he said as he let himself out the door.

"Be careful, Viktor," Roza said, pulling away from Luka's embrace.

"Let's go upstairs where we won't be interrupted," Luka suggested.  "I need to think a moment on Jasiminka's story."

"I need to put Little Luka to bed.  This'll be his first night not sleeping in the same room as me," Roza said.  She picked up the baby carrier.  "He is getting heavy."

"I'll carry him," Luka said, taking the carrier.  He headed for the stairs with Roza right behind him.

After getting Little Luka into clean diaper and sleeper for the night, Roza tucked the baby into bed and turned to Luka.  "Go tell the twins their stories while I get ready for bed."

"All right," Luka said.  He gave her a kiss and went to lightly knock on Jasiminka's door.  "Are you in bed, Little One?"

"I am, Dr. Luka.  Can I have my story now?"

"Yes you can.  But only for a couple of minutes," he replied, opening the door.  He took a seat on the edge of the bed.  "When all the clowns failed to make Princess Jasiminka laugh, her father decided to offer a grat reward for ANYONE who could.  He sent a notice through out all the world that if ANYONE could make the princess smile, even for just a moment, they could have whatever they desired in the kingdom."

"Anything?" Jasiminka asked.

"Yes, Little One, anything," Luka replied.  "Soon clowns and magicians and other very clever and funny people began arriving until they was no place left for them to stay in the kingdom.  The king ordered that they were to come before the princess and have five minutes to make her smile.  If they failed, they would leave with nothing."

"Were they sucessful?" Jasiminka asked.

"You will have to wait until tomorrow to find out, Little One," Luka said.  "Now say your prayers and go to sleep."

"Okay, Dr. Luka," Jasiminka said and gave him a hug.

"Goodnight, Little One," Luka said softly and left the room.  He headed to Nikola's room and sat down to read 'Meowth To The Rescue'.

Roza was already in bed when Luka entered the bedroom.  She watched as he quickly undressed and lay down beside him.  "Twins asleep?" she asked.

"Yeah.  I told Jasiminka her story and reread Nikki's Pokemon book.  Now, where were we?" Luka asked as he took her in his arms.

They were abruptly interrrupted by Katica jumping on the bed and grabbing a mouthful of Luka's hair.  *YOU didn't play with me all day and now I'm mad* she meowed.

Luka made a grab for the cat and said firmly, "Katica!  Off the bed now!"

She jumped back and meowed, *Make me!*

"Or you can spend the night in the bathroom," Luka continued.

*You wouldn't do that!* she meowed.

Luka got a firm hold of the cat and got up.  "I'll leave the light on for you," he told Katica as he shoved her in the bathroom and firmly shut the door.  Getting back into bed, he turned to Roza.  "Now, where were we?"

to part 17

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