THE GOOD TIMES CONTINUE...

part 18

by Poet

They had been asleep just a little over an hour.  The over the baby monitor came the sound of Little Luka crying--LOUDLY.

Luka was the first to wake up.  He quietly slipped out of bed, padding barefooted to the nursery.  Entering the room, he went over to the crib and picked up the baby.  "What's wrong, Moja Mala?  Having a bad dream, huh?" he softly asked.

Little Luka just cried louder.  Holding the baby close, Luka whispered, "Hush, hush..."  He began rocking the baby back and forth, rubbing his back.

"Luka?  What are you doing up?" Roza asked as she stood in the doorway.

"I heard Little Luka crying so I got up to see what was wrong," he replied.

"He's probably teething.  The others did when they were his age," Roza said, reaching to take her son.

"Makes a baby feel pretty miserable," Luka commented.

"There's some stuff to rub on his gums.  It's in the medicine cabinet in our
bathroom."

"I'll get it," Luka said.

"Hush, hush, little Bebe," Roza crooned, rocking Little Luka.

Luka returned with the numbing medicine.  He squeezed some on his finger and when Little Luka opened his mouth to cry, Luka quickly stuck his finger in the baby's mouth.  "This'll make you feel much better," he said as he rubbed the medicine on Little Luka's gums.

"It's okay, Bebe," Roza said.  She rocked him back and forth for a minute before she laid him in the crib.  Slowly, he settled down and was soon fast asleep.

Luka and Roza silently left the nursery and wearily climbed back into bed.  "I hope he sleeps for awhile," Roza murmured as she snuggled up against Luka.

Several hours later Little Luka began crying again.  "Wah!  WAH!"

The crying woke Luka up.  He quietly slid out of bed to check on the baby.  "Hush, hush, Moja Mala," he whispered as he picked up Little Luka.  Holding him in one arm, he switched off the baby monitor and then reached for the numbing medicine.  "This will make you feel better."

"Wah!  WAH!"

"We don't want to wake your mama now, do we?"  He carried the baby over to the rocking chair and sat down.  After applying the medicine, he began rocking back and forth.  "Hush, hush, little baby," he began crooning in Croatian.

After what seemed a LONG time, Little Luka quit crying and fell into an exhausted sleep.  Luka, not wanting to take the chance of waking him up, stretched out his legs.  Still holding the baby, he drifted off to sleep.

Roza awakened to find herself alone again in bed.  It didn't take her long to realize that Luka had gotten up to tend to the baby.  "He NEEDS his sleep," she said to herself as she headed for the nursery.  The night light was on, and in the dim illumination, she could see both Luka and Little Luka--sound asleep.  Smiling softly, she gazed at Luka, debating whether to wake him up or let him sleep.  Deciding to let them both sleep, she sat down on the floor and waited for either Luka or the baby to wake up.

About 3:30, the numbing medicine had worn off and Little Luka began crying again.  Luka woke up with a start, briefly confused as to where he was.  Looking about, he saw Roza sitting on the floor and asked, "Did we wake you up?"

"No," she replied, getting to her feet.  "I've just been sitting here."  She took the baby in her arms.  "Go on back to bed, Luka.  I'll tend to him this time."

"All right," Luka said.  He yawned and stood up on stiff legs.  "This is getting to be a LONG night."

"You need to get some sleep," Roza said gently.  She reached for the medicine.

"I'll see if there's something better I can get at the hospital," Luka said.  He gave her a kiss and headed back to the bedroom.  Laying down, he was soon fast asleep and didn't even wake up when Roza finally got back to bed.

The alarm went off and Luka reluctantly sat up, not at ALL wanting to get out of bed.  Still half asleep, he switched off the alarm, and whispered to Roza, who was beginning to stir, "Go back to sleep.  I'll find something to fix for breakfast."

"All right," she murmured, rolling over to go back to sleep.  "Check on Little Luka?"

"I will."  He got up and headed for the nursery.  Finding the baby peacefully asleep, he whispered, "Good boy," and returned to the bedroom.

"Bebe okay?" Roza asked drowsily.

"Sleeping like a baby," Luka replied as he quietly grabbed boxers and a T-shirt.  Clothing in hand, he went to take a quick shower.  The hot water revived Luka somewhat and he was more awake as he quietly got dressed and headed downstairs to feed Katica.

She looked up from her empty food dish and meowed. *Well, it's ABOUT TIME you got HERE!  FEED ME!!*

"Shush, Katica, before you wake up EVERYBODY," Luka whispered.  He quickly got her food and went to fix a pot of coffee.  He had a feeling that this was going to be a day when he'd really need the caffeine.

After she finished eating, Katica rubbed up against Luka, meowing and purring.  *Now, I want to play.*

Luka absently petted the cat while quickly drank a cup of coffee and idly glanced at the newspaper.  Then he headed upstairs for his keys and wallet and to check on Little Luka.  Both the baby and Roza were still sleeping peacefully, so he lightly kissed her on the cheek and whispered, "I love you."  Quietly, he went downstairs and out to his car.

"Morning, Dr. Kovac," Randi said when he signed in.

"Good morning, Randi," Luka said, stifling a yawn.

She studied him for a moment.  "You look like you had a LATE night."

"Roza's baby is teething and he kept us up part of the night," he replied, heading for the lounge.

Kerry was in the lounge drinking a cup of coffee and making notes in a chart.  Looking up, she said, "Mark's off so I'm working a double."

"Okay," Luka replied.  He walked over to the coffee pot to pour himself a cup.  "Busy night?"

"Not too bad."

"THat's good," he said and drank the coffee.  Setting down his cup, he headed for his locker.

He yawned as he opened his locker.  Kerry looked over at him and said, "You
look beat."

Luka yawned again and replied.  "Little Luka kept both Roza and I up most of the night.  It's been a LONG time since I've stayed up with a teething baby."  He grabbed his lab coat and stethoscope.

"Getting in a little parenting practice before your wedding?" she asked with a smile.

"I guess you could say that," Luka replied, also smiling.  "I've been reading and telling stories to the twins.  But the two oldest--Viktor and Zelika--I'm still trying to find a common ground with them."

"It just takes time," Kerry said.

"Probably.  I told Roza that I'd see about getting some medicine for Little Luka.  The numbing stuff she has isn't very good--wears off quickly."

"Ask Cleo about it.  If he hurts bad enough--he won't want to eat or anything."

"He was pretty miserable last night," Luka said.  "Thanks."  He went to look for Cleo.

Cleo was in curtain 2 examining an obviously unco-operative six-year-old girl.  Catching sight of Luka, she asked, "Need anything?"

"I'll talk to you later since I can see you're busy," Luka replied.

"Since you're here, mind giving me a hand?  Could you hold onto Amanda so I can draw some blood?"

"Sure," Luka replied.  He looked down at the little girl.  "What's wrong, Sweetheart?"

"DON'T LIKE NEEDLES!" she wailed.

"I don't like needles either," Luka confided.  "Why don't you hold onto me while Dr. Finch draws your blood.  Grab my hand--TIGHT.  You won't hurt me.
"Okay," she sniffled.

"I'll be gentle," Cleo promised as she swabbed the girl's arm and located a vein.  She carefully inserted the needle to take the sample.

"OW!" Amanda yelled, grabbing onto Luka's hand.

"All done," Cleo said as she withdrew the needle.  She quickly applied a bandaid and piece of gauze, holding it in place with blue tape.

"Good girl, " Luka said, smiling at her.  "You didn't hurt ma a bit."

"Your mom will be back in a few minutes," Cleo said, pulling off her gloves.  She looked over at Luka.  "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Roza's son is teething and pretty miserable.  I was wondering if I could get some numbing medicine.  The stuff we have doesn't do very well," he explained.

"I'll get you something.  Did he keep you up all night?"

"Most of the night.  It's been a long time since I sat up with a teething baby."

"Well, I'm sure he'll sleep better tonight."

"Thanks," Luka said.  He headed for the admit desk.  "Randi, I'm going across the street."

"I'll let Dr. Weaver know," Randi said, looking up from her magazine.

Entering DOC MAGOOS, Luka took a seat in one of the booths and idly looked at a menu.  He knew that he needed to eat something.  But nothing really appealed to him.

"Ready to order?" a young waitress asked.

"I guess so," he replied.  "I'd like a cup of strong black coffee and two poached eggs with toast."

"Any bacon or sausage?" she asked as she wrote down his order.

"Not today."

"Okay.  I'll be back with your coffee."

"Thank you."  He rubbed a hand across his forehead as he felt the beginnings
of a headache.

"Here you are, Sir," she said as she returned with his coffee.

Luka nodded and took a sip of the hot liquid.

"Morning, Doc," Andrew said as he took a seat across from Luka.

""Good morning, Andrew."

"Kelli told me about what time we're to get together tomorrow."

"Yeah.  If Roza and I are running a little late, can you wait for us?  We're not sure when we'll get through talking to the minister."

"No problem."

"Good," Luka said.  He looked at Andrew.  "Would you happen to have any aspirin?"

"Sorry.  Not on me."

"I'll just get something when I get back to the ER.  Roza's baby kept us up most of the night and I'm still pretty tired." Luka said.

"Kelli and I want children but being a parent is going to be a totally new experience," Andrew confessed.

"It's something that once you experience it, you wonder how your life was ever complete before," Luka said.  "Trust me.  I WAS a parent once before."  He thought *And I'M getting a second chance.*

"Don't tell Mrs.. Lukovic, but the school is going to do something to honor Viktor's memory.  That's what I'm going to tell her Tuesday night."

"I promise that I won't say a word."

"Good.  Well, I'll let you eat your breakfast," Andrew said, getting up."

"I'll see you tomorrow night."

The waitress brought him his toast and eggs.  "Anything else?" she asked.

"Not right now," Luka told her.

"I'll just bring you a refill on your coffee."

"All right."  He picked up his fork and took a few bites of eggs before pushing the plate aside.  The taste was making him slightly queasy so he settled for just the toast.
After paying his check, Luka headed for the ER.  Entering the lounge, he found the large bottle of aspirin kept there.  He quickly swallowed two,hoping that it would put a fast end to headache.

Kerry was studying the board when he approached.  "Talk to Cleo yet?" she asked.

"Yeah.  She'll give me something," he answered.

"Good."  She watched as he headed to Exam 2 to check on a 'rule-out' MI.

The morning turned out to be a fairly busy one.  Luka saw a number of patients including a four-year-old girl who'd overdosed on children's' vitamins.  Fortunately the vitamins weren't nearly as toxic as other medication.  Still, Luka ordered charcoal to be administered, just as a precaution.  "I don't doubt that they taste good but you CANNOT eat them like candy," he lightly scolded the sobbing child.

"Don't worry, Doctor, she won't do it again.  WILL YOU, Leslie?" the mother said.

"No, Mama," the girl whimpered.

"THe charcoal will help absorb any vitamins she may still have in her stomach," Luka explained.

"Thank you, Doctor," the mother said.

"Just keep the vitamins out of Leslie's's reach," Luka replied.  He turned his attention back to the crying girl.  "Now, this isn't going to hurt."

"I DON'T WANT IT!" she wailed.

The aspirin had worn off by the time Luka finished treating the the girl.  His headache had returned and it was starting to make him feel a little nauseous.  SO he headed for the lounge to take a break.  Sitting on the couch, he massaged his temples.  "Damn!" he swore, hoping that he wasn't coming down with some bug.  Getting sick was the LAST thing he WANTED or NEEDED this week.

"Luka?" Kerry asked when she entered the lounge and saw him sitting with his head in his hands.  "Are you all right?"

He raised his head and managed a ghost of a smile.  "I'm fine, Kerry.  I just have a pounding headache that's making me feel a little sick.  It's probably just lack of sleep and TOO much coffee catching up to me," he explained.

"Especially if you haven't eaten very much," she pointed out.

"I had--some toast.  Didn't feel like eating anything else," Luka admitted.

Kerry studies him for a minute.  "Take anything for your headache?"

"A couple of aspirin--but it's worn off now."

"Go find an empty exam room and lie down for awhile.  I'll go get you something a little stronger than aspirin," Kerry said.  She smiled at him.  "We'll wake you up if we need either you or the room."

"All right, Kerry.  But only for a little while," Luka said.  He wearily got to his feet and went to check the board.  Finding that Exam 2 was free, he headed there.

Kerry watched him leave and then went to get a couple of Tylenol 3 caplets and a glass of water.  Checking the board, she saw that Exam 2 was empty.  "Randi, keep Exam 2 empty for a few hours.  I told Dr. Kovac to go and lie down for awhile."

"Sure thing, Dr. Weaver.  He looked pretty worn out this morning.  Said the baby kept him up." Randi replied.

Luka had turned off the lights and was lying down with his arm over his eyes.  Hearing the door open, he sat up and asked, "Kerry?"

"I brought you some Tylenol 3's.  They should take care of your headache.  Just grab a couple of hours sleep and you'll feel better," Kerry said.  She handed him the medication and the glass of water.

"Thank you, Kerry," Luka said.  He quickly swallowed the caplets and took a sip of water.

"You're welcome, Luka.  Now, get some rest.  AND stay away from the coffee--unless it's decaf," Kerry told him.  She watched as he lay back down and and closed his eyes.  Quietly, she left the room, making sure that the blinds were drawn.

Roza was sitting on the couch in the living room.  She'd been rocking Little Luka, trying to comfort him yet again.  With his gums hurting, he didn't want his bottle and was growing more cranky and inconsolable by the hour.  "Poor, poor, Bebe," she said softly, wanting to fall asleep herself.

The sound of the doorbell caused her to look up and for Little Luka to begin crying even LOUDER.  Placing him in the baby carrier, she got up and went to answer it.  "Who is it?"

"Rozalija, it's Marjorie."

"Oh, Marjorie, I'm SO GLAD you're here!" Roza exclaimed as she opened the door.

Marjorie dropped her suitcases and swept Roza into a hug.  "And I'm GLAD I'm here," she said and looked at the younger woman.  "My dear, you look worn out."

"I FEEL worn out.  Little Luka has been teething and I've gotten VERY little sleep," she replied.  "Luka didn't get much sleep either."

"Is he at work?"

"Yes.  He'll be here sometime after 7:00," Roza answered.  "Come on in and sit down."  She picked up Little Luka to comfort him.

"Let me try," Marjorie said, taking the baby.  She sat down and started rocking him.  "Hush, hush, little baby."

"I have some numbing medicine upstairs.  Luka said he'd try and get something stronger at the hospital."

"Don't worry about the little one, Rozalija.  You go upstairs and take a nap.  Then take a bath and put on your prettiest dress for Luka," Marjorie instructed.

"But what about supper?"

"Don't you worry about it.  The children and I will take care of EVERYTHING. You just go on upstairs."

"Thank you, Marjorie.  I'll go get the medicine," Roza said and headed for the stairs.  Marjorie picked up the baby and followed her.

After Little Luka had been given his numbing medicine, soothed and tucked into his crib, Marjorie gathered the other children around her.  "Your mother is sleeping.  So we are going to go to the store and get something tofix for a very special meal."

"What kind?" Jasiminka asked.

"You can help me pick out what to fix," she replied.  "Now, come on.  QUIETLY."

"I'll stay home--there's not enough room in your car," Viktor volunteered.

"Next time we need to take mama's van," Nikola spoke up.

"Maybe next time."  She led the way out to her car and made sure that everybody was buckled in.

"Can we stop for ice cream?" Jasiminka asked.

"If you're good--we might.  Now, any ideas for supper?" Marjorie asked.

"PIZZA!"  Jasiminka yelled.

"How about we have that another time?  Besides, I heard that Luka treated you to pizza on Friday.  I was thinking about a baked ham or something like that.  You can help me pick out desert," Marjorie suggested.

"Nothing chocolate.  Luka don't like chocolate," Jasiminka said seriously.

"Nothing chocolate it is, then," Marjorie said.  She quickly drove to the discount store and parked.  "After you help me shop, then you can look at toys for a few minutes.  A little birdie tells me that there are TWO birthdays coming up."

"And both on the same day," Zelika added.

Luka was awakened by Kerry shaking his shoulder and calling his name.  He sat up slowly, asking, "What is it?"

"Major trauma five minutes out.  How's your headache?" Kerry said.

"Gone," Luka replied.  He slid off the bed and reached for his lab coat and stethoscope.  "How long was I asleep?"

"About three hours." She headed for the doors.  "Gang fight at a school yard."

"I'm on my way."

They were waiting out in the ambulance bay when the paramedics began arriving.  Doris and Zardo quickly unloaded a gurney.  "Eleven-year-old girl with GSW to the left chest.  Tubed her and started one liter saline IV.  Pulse 120, BP 80 over 60," Doris reported.

"Trauma Two," Luka ordered as he followed the gurney inside.  He looked at Doris.  "Gang member?"

"No.  Cops said that she was hit by a stray bullet," Doris replied as the girl was transferred to the hospital gurney.

Malynda took over squeezing the ambu bag.  "Chest tube?" she asked.

"Yes."  He looked over at Abby.  "Get the rapid infuser and run in two units o-neg."

She hurried out to get the infuser.  Conni began hooking up the pulse ox and other monitors.  "Pulse ox is 96."

"Conni, take over bagging.  I need a subclavian," Luka said as he began to prepare to insert the chest tube.

"Lost her pulse--we're in PEA," Malynda announced as she began starting compressions.

"Charge to 250!" Luka ordered and grabbed the defibrillator paddles."Clear!"  He quickly applied the paddles.

"She's in v-fib!" Malynda stated.

"Charge to 300!  Clear!"  He applied the charge again.  "Come on, little girl."

"Normal sinus rhythm at 50," Malynda reported.

"Call the OR and tell them we're sending her up," Luka said.  He began inserting the chest tube.  Abby returned with the infuser and quickly set it up.

Elizabeth had been summoned down to the ER.  She stuck her head in the trauma room.  "Is your patient stable?"

"She needs to go up as soon as possible," Luka replied as he continued working.

"Benton will take her as soon as you get her up," Elizabeth said and headed for Trauma One.

It was 6:00 by the time Luka had finished treating the gang fight victims. Running his hands through his hair, he looked at Kerry.  "If NOBODY had guns--I think we'd lose at least half our business."

"I doubt it--they'd just find something else to use on each other," Kerry replied.  She pulled off her trauma gown.  "Elizabeth called to say that the eleven-year-old died in surgery"
"Damn," Luka swore softly.  "She was just an INNOCENT BYSTANDER."

"Got a new customer for you,Doc," Doris said as she approached them.  Zardo was looking VERY unhappy as he limped in behind her.  "He slipped in a pile of dog poop."

"Exam 2," Luka said, reaching for a nearby wheelchair.  "What happened exactly?"

Zardo sank into the wheelchair and glared at Doris.  She was barely suppressing a laugh as she began to explain.  "We went to this house on a call about an animal bite.  Well, it turns out that a little girl was BARELY bitten by a cat.  Zardo, MACHO MAN that he is, leaves me to look after our patient while he takes off after the FEROCIOUS kitty cat.  He slips and falls--as you can see--but still manages to catch the FEROCIOUS kitty cat By the time he returns, it's purring all over the place and trying to lick his face."

"The bite victim?" Luka asked.  He was having a hard time looking professional as he listened to her narrative.

"She was okay.  The FEROCIOUS kitty cat--a big calico--had her rabies shot,"
Doris replied.

"The mother kept yelling, "'Critter bit my baby!'  We didn't know what KIND of critter we were dealing with," Zardo added.

"'Kritter' was the cat's name.  Owner said she likes to 'bite and run'," Doris explained.

In Exam 2, Luka helped Zardo onto the bed.  "Do you hurt anywhere else besides your ankle?" he asked.

"No," he said and looked at Doris.  "Out!"

Luka added, "I think for my patient's sake--you'd better wait outside."

"Okay, okay.  I'll go grab some coffee, Doris said and backed out the door.  "Is he going to live, Doc?"  Once outside the door, she began laughing.

"See, what I HAVE to put up with," Zardo grumbled.  "SHE is not going to let me live this down."

"I'm going to order an x-ray for your ankle just to make sure that nothing's broken," Luka said as he began his examination.  "Maybe by the time you get back on duty, Doris will have forgotten all about this."

"Don't count on it," Zardo stated.  "I can just imagine the report she's
gonna write up."
Luka finished his examination and quickly called Radiology.  Turning away from the phone, he said, "Somebody will take you up in a few minutes."

"I can HARDLY wait," Zardo muttered.  "I should've let her go after that damned cat."

Luka suppressed a smile as he said, "Excuse me for a moment," and headed for the door.

Kerry was standing by the admit desk when he approached.  She looked up and said, "Luka, as soon as you finish with the paramedic, you can take off."

"Okay.  Have you see Doris?" he asked.

"She was heading for the cafeteria last I saw her," Kerry answered.  "Why?"

"Zardo is convinced she's going to give him a hard time over this," Luka answered.  He looked over at Malik.  "Can you take the patient in Exam 2 up to Radiology?"

"Sure," Malik answered.

"Let me know as soon as you get back down here," Luka continued.  He grabbed a blank chart and began writing in it.  "I'll prescribe some demerol for the pain."

By the time Zardo was done with being x-rayed, Doris had returned to the ER.  She was waiting in 'chairs' when Luka located her.  He sat down and said, "Doris, Zardo just sprained his ankle.  I'm prescribing something for pain and ordering him to stay off it for at least a week.  I trust that while he's unable to work, you won't drive his replacement crazy."

"If I get stuck with a rookie--I might go crazy," she said.  "Anyway, our shift's nearly over so I'll drive him back to the station."

"Don't give him a hard time over this, okay?" Luka asked as he got to his feet.

"I won't.  But you've gotta admit--it was funny," Doris replied, a smile on her face.

"I'm sure it was," Luka commented as he headed back to Exam 2.

As soon as he'd released Zardo, Luka headed for the lounge to grab the numbing medicine and put away his lab coat and stethoscope.  Quickly, he headed home, anxious to see Roza and the children.

Roza had put on one of her prettiest dresses.  She was waiting in the living room when Luka opened the door.  Before he could say a word, she drew him into a quick embrace.  "I'm so glad you're home," she whispered and gave him a lingering kiss.

"I really like YOUR welcome," Luka commented when he'd reluctantly broken free of her embrace.  "Did Marjorie get here yet?"

"Yes.  She's in the kitchen with the children.  They've fixed a special meal for you," Roza answered, leading him to the couch.

"I got the numbing medicine.  Little Luka should rest easier tonight--and so should we," Luka said.

"He's upstairs in his crib.  I'll put it on as soon as he wakes up," she told him.

Zelika stuck her head in the door and said, "I thought I heard somebody in here.  Good evening, Luka.  Supper will be ready soon."

"Good evening, Zelika," Luka said.  He headed for the kitchen to locate Marjorie.

She turned away from the stove and gave him a hug.  "It's good to see you again, Luka."

"You too, Marjorie.  I trust you had a safe trip."

"It was a nice day for a drive.  Now go upstairs and wash up.  I'll have supper ready in about fifteen minutes," she said, waving him toward the door.

"Yes, Marjorie," Luka said.  He went back to the living room and saw Katica lying on her back in the recliner.  He reached down to tickle her stomach.  "Are you a ferocious kitty cat, huh?"

*I'm ALWAYS sweet.* she meowed as she sunk teeth and claws into his hand.  *But NOT when you bother me THERE!*

"Ouch," Luka said and withdrew his hand.  "I guess you are ferocious after all."  He headed toward the stairs to wash up.

He and Roza were sitting together on the couch when Zelika entered and said, "Supper is served."

"I'm starting to wonder what Marjorie's got planned," Luka commented as they followed Zelika into the dining room.  He held Roza's chair while she sat down and then took a seat beside her.

"I'll say the prayer, " Zelika volunteered when they were all seated.  She ignored the warning glance from Roza.  "Lord, bless this meal.  Thank you for bringing Marjorie to us safely.  Amen."

"Amen," the others echoed.

When supper was over, she turned to Luka and Roza.  "Now, don't worry about the dishes.  The children and I will handle everything.  Why don't you two go take a walk in this nice weather?"

"Now, that is a good idea," Luka said.  He took Roza by the hand and led her toward the door.  "I REALLY like the idea of us being ALONE together."

"Just as long as you behave yourself, Luka," Roza said with a smile as they stepped outside.

"Mmm.  I'll have to think about that," Luka said and pulled her into his arms for a kiss.

Hand in hand, they strolled along the street.  Not speaking; just enjoying each other's company and the chance to be alone together.  Finally Roza said, "We'd better get on back before it gets dark."

"All right," Luka reluctantly agreed and turned to head back to the house.  When he got there, he sat down on the porch swing and pulled her close.  "We can stay out here awhile and talk."

"Sounds good to me," she murmured.  "Did you have a good day at the hospital?"

"Oh, pretty good.  One of the paramedics came in with with a sprained ankle and his partner was giving him a hard time about going after a 'ferocious kitty cat'.  Other than that, it was a fairly typical day.  I did find time to take a nap when we weren't busy."

"Me too.  Marjorie insisted that I TAKE a nap so I'd look my best for you."

"You look beautiful, my Rozalija.  More beautiful than the finest flowers," Luka said softly and kissed her.

"And I ALWAYS said that you have a way with words," Roza reminded him.  She rested her head on his shoulder.  "I wish we could stay here ALL night."

"Me too," Luka agreed.  He looked at his watch.  "But it's 8:30 and I promised Jasiminka that I'd finish her story."

"I'd better get the couch made up for Marjorie," Roza said and reluctantly got to her feet.

Marjorie was watching TV when they entered.  She looked up, smiled and said, "I was wondering when you were going to get home."

"We were just outside talking," Roza answered.  "The twins upstairs?"

"Yes, I sent them up to take their baths."

"I'd better go on upstairs and tell Jasiminka her story," Luka said.  He turned to Marjorie.  "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Luka.  And pleasant dreams," Marjorie said.  She quickly hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"I'll go get the pillow and blankets," Roza said.

"Do we have to rethink the sleeping arrangements or is Luka behaving himself?"  Marjorie asked with a smile.

"Luka is being a PERFECT gentleman.  Besides, I LOVE waking up beside him," Roza assured her.  She went to get the bedding.

"I don't doubt that you do," Marjorie said.

A few minutes later Roza returned and began folding out the couch.  "Just send the older children upstairs when you're ready to go to bed," she said.

Luka headed up to Jasiminka's room.  He lightly knocked on the door and asked, "May I come in?"

"Of course, you can, Dr. Luka," Jasiminka said.  She was already in bed. "Do you have my story?"

"Of course I do, Little One," Luka said as he took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Good.  I'm ready."
>"The Princess was sitting by the window, a bored expression on her face.  When she heard the door open, she asked, "What's next?"The boy entered and bowed before her.  "I am Stephan and this is my kitten  Scampers.  He is here to do some tricks for you," the boy said.  From his pocket, he pulled out a ball of paper on a string and pulled it across the floor while the kitten pounced on it.
The Princess watched, the corners of her mouth turning up.  When the kitten jumped up on her lap and began purring and licking her fingers, the smile got wider and she actually BEGAN TO LAUGH.  "He tickles," she said, stroking the kitten.
The King and Queen were waiting outside to escort the boy out WHEN he failed.  But to their astonishment, they heard the laughter.  "HE ACTUALLY SUCCEEDED," the King said in amazement.When they entered the room, they saw the Princess with the kitten on her lap.  She'd laughed SO hard that there were TEARS on her cheeks.  Standing before Stephan, the King said, "I grant you whatever you desire.""All I want is a home for me and my mother.  And that I be allowed to give Princess Jasiminka my gift," he said.  He pulled from his other pocket a white kitten.  "This is for you."  He handed it to the Princess.  "She will make you happy."
"I grant you your desires," the king said"

"Did she stay happy?" Jasiminka asked.

"Oh, yes.  She was VERY HAPPY whenever she played with her kitten," Luka replied.

"I'm glad."

"That is the end of the story, Little One.  Now give me a kiss and I need to go read your brother a story," Luka said.

Jasiminka gave him a hug and a kiss.  "Will you tell me more stories, Dr. Luka?"

"Sometimes, Little One," Luka said and tucked her in.  He headed for Nikola's room to reread 'Meowth To The Rescue' yet ANOTHER time.

Luka was already in bed by the time Roza finished getting Little Luka settled in his crib with the numbing medicine rubbed.  She quickly undressed and climbed in beside Luka.  "Did you finish the story?" she asked.

"Yes."  He pulled her close.  "I love you, my Rozalija," he said softly.

"I love you too, my Luka," she replied.

"Did you give Little Luka more numbing medicine?" Luka asked as he reached to turn off the lamp.

"Yes.  He's sleeping like a baby a baby," she replied.

"Good.  Maybe we'll get a peaceful night's sleep," Luka commented.  He turned off the lamp and pulled the blanket over them.

to part 19

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