SO MANY THINGS

part 19

by Poet


Little Luka DID have a peaceful night.  When Luka woke up in the middle of the night, he was concerned because he didn't hear the baby crying.  Quietly, he slipped out of bed and headed for the nursery.  Going over to the crib, he could see in the dim light that Little Luka was sound asleep. Smiling slightly, Luka quickly returned to bed.

When the alarm went off, Luka sat up and quickly hit the snooze alarm.  He lay back down, reluctant to get up and go to work.  Roza stirred slightly and opened her eyes.  "Good morning, Luka," she said softly.

"Good morning, Roza," Luka said.  "I checked on Little Luka during the night and he was sound asleep."

"Maybe he'll feel like taking his bottle today."

Luka quickly kissed her and reached to shut off the alarm.  "Much as I HATE to, I need to get up," he sighed.

"Marjorie said that she'll fix your breakfast this morning.  In fact, she insisted on it."

"She's OUR guest--she doesn't have to do that," Luka replied.  He yawned and stretched, getting to his feet.

"Well, you know HOW determined she can be," Roza reminded him and smiled.  "I had to convince her that you've been behaving yourself with me.  Or YOU might be sleeping on the COUCH!"

"All right.  But as soon as we're MARRIED, I can STOP behaving like a gentleman?" He asked, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"At least in BED," Roza replied.  "Now, go take a shower and get ready."

"Maybe I'd better make it a COLD one," Luka teased.  He gathered up his clothes and headed for the bathroom, missing the pillow she tossed at him.

Roza was smiling as she got up and headed for the nursery to check on Little Luka.  "Good morning, Bebe."  She picked him up.

After quickly showering--not a cold one--Luka got dressed in a forest green shirt and dark grey slacks.  Returning to the bedroom, he saw that Roza had gotten up so he decided to see if she was in the nursery.

Roza was sitting in the rocking chair, Little Luka on her lap.  She looked up at Luka, smiled and said, "You look SO handsome>"

"Thank you," Luka replied.  He bent down to take the baby.  "Good morning, Moja Mala.  Being a good boy for your mama, huh?"

"He is.  As soon as you leave, I"ll give him his bottle."

"I thought YOU were driving me to work," Luka said.

"I was.  But Marjorie said she'd do that."

"Is SHE also going to pick me up THIS evening?"

"Come on, Luka.  You know that I will so we can go see the minister," Roza reminded him.  She wasn't sure whether to be amused or exasperated by his attitude.

"I-I was wondering...is Marjorie going to insist on fixing MY breakfast EVERY morning?" Luka asked after a moment's pause.

"Luka, we will be ALONE together after we go out to eat.  And we're ALONE at night."

"I know.  But mornings--they just won't seem as MUCH FUN anymore," he stated.

She was barely suppressing a smile as she said, "Luka, I WILL talk to Marjorie about it.  Now, you'd better go on downstairs and have your breakfast."

"All right," Luka said and gave her a kiss before heading down to the kitchen.

Katica was busily eating her food.  Marjorie said, "She woke me up, meowing.  I'm surprised you didn't HEAR her upstairs."

Katica looked up at her and meowed. *Well, I HAD to something to GET your attention!*

"She can be pretty demanding when she wants to be," Luka commented.  He walked over to the sink to was his hands.

"Good morning, Luka.  The baby let you sleep?" Marjorie asked.

"Good morning, Marjorie.  Yeah.  He did.  He was still asleep when I got up."  He stood looking at the pan she'd removed from the oven.

"I fixed a special breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese, ham and sausage.  You just sit down and I'll get you some in a minute."

"All right," Luka said.  He sat down at the table.  "You know, you DON'T have to go to all this trouble."

"I know.  But I've told you before, that I like doing it," Marjorie said firmly.  She set a plate of casserole and a glass of juice in front of him.

"It looks delicious," Luka said and began eating.

"My own special recipe," Marjorie told him.

As soon as Luka finished eating, he picked up his dishes and carried them over to the sink.  "I need to finish getting ready."

"Take ALL the time you want," Marjorie said as she began washing the dishes.  "I'll be waiting down here."

"All right," Luka said and headed for the stairs.

Roza had taken a shower and gotten dressed by the time Luka returned upstairs.  She was making up the bed when he entered the bedroom.  "Enjoy your breakfast?" she asked.

"Yeah.  It was good," Luka replied.  He reached into the dresser for a tie.  "Tell Jasiminka that we won't be home until after she's in bed so she won't be waiting for a story."

"I'll tell her.  Today, I think we'll go shopping for my wedding dress and the children's' clothes.  We'll also get the flowers ordered."

"Sounds good to me," Luka said as he knotted his tie.  Then he took her in his arms for a kiss.

"Just keep thinking about this evening, Luka," Roza said when she finally stepped away.

"I will," he promised and headed for the stairs.

"I'll see you at 7:00," she called after him.

Marjorie had folded back the couch and was sitting on it.  "Ready to go?" she asked when Luka came downstairs.

"Yeah," he replied, hands in his pockets.

"All right then.  I think I can find the way to the hospital."

"I'll tell you what--I'll drive," Luka suggested.  "That way we might not get lost."

"Good idea," Marjorie said as she tossed him the keys to the Blazer.

Luka caught the keys in midair and moved to open the door.  "After you."

"Thank you," Marjorie said.

Luka held the car door for her and then got in before getting behind the wheel.  "Roza said that you're planning on shopping for her wedding dress today," he commented.

"I think that's the plan."

Luka drove directly to County and pulled to a stop outside the ER.  "I'll see you this evening."

"Have fun tonight, Luka," Marjorie said as she slid behind the wheel.

"Oh, I DEFINITELY will," he replied.  Giving her a wave, he headed inside.

Amira was already at the admit desk when Luka signed in.  She gave him an admiring look.  "You CERTAINLY look handsome today, Dr. Kovac."

"Thank you, Amira," Luka replied.  He headed off to grab some scrubs and put them on.  With no time to go home and change clothes, he didn't want to take the chance of getting anything on what he was wearing.

As soon as breakfast was over, Roza sent the children upstairs to get ready while she helped with the dishes.  "Marjorie, I need to talk to you," she
said.

"Certainly.  What about?" Marjorie asked.

Roza blushed slightly as she said, "I think Luka would like it if I fixed his breakfast.  You see--he likes to sneak up behind me--and kiss me."

"Ah, yes.  A little lovers' 'game'.  I understand perfectly.  Just don't make TOO much noise in the kitchen," Marjorie replied.

Roza blushed again.  "We don't--we're TOO busy kissing," she admitted.

"Well then, DON'T burn breakfast."

"We make sure we don't.  I think I'd better check on Little Luka," Roza said and headed for the stairs.

Marjorie laughed softly as she put away the dishes.  "I'm REALLY going to miss having them around," she said to herself.

Entering the nursery, Roza picked up Little Luka to check his diaper.  "You get to see mama pick out her wedding dress.  Won't that be fun, Bebe?"

Little Luka laughed and waved his hands.  Zelika stuck her head in the doorway to ask, "Need any help, Mom?"

"If you don't mind getting the diaper bag."

"Sure," Zelika answered.  She looked at her mother.  "What ever dress you choose--Luka will love it."

"I know.  I just want our wedding day to be special."  She placed Little Luka in the baby carrier.

"Viktor and the twins are already downstairs," Zelika said as she picked up the diaper bag.

As soon as Little Luka was strapped in place, Roza got behind the wheel of the van.  "I made a list of places to shop at," she said.

"And I'm treating us all to lunch," Marjorie spoke up.

"Now, don't argue about where we go.  Let Marjorie choose the place," Roza said firmly.

Their first stop was a shop called 'Francine's Formals & Fashions'.  Roza parked in front of the store and said, "Today, we're only looking for a dress for me and matching ones for the girls.  We'll look another day for suits when Luka is with us."

"So he can get his suit?" Jasiminka asked.

"Right.  We want Luka to look his best for his wedding," Roza replied.

"I don't think it would matter to Luka what he gets MARRIED in," Marjorie commented as she got out of the van.

When they entered the store, they were greeted by a young woman who said, "Hello.  I'm Layle.  How may I help you?"

"We're looking for a wedding dress for me and matching dresses for my two daughters," Roza explained.

"Let's see what we have," Layle replied.  She looked at Roza.  "I take it that this is not your first marriage."

"No.  Both my fiancéé and I have been married before."

"In that case, you're probably not wanting the traditional white gown with train and veil," Layle continued.  She led the way to a rack of dresses.

"I hadn't really thought about that," Roza admitted.

"In that case, may I suggest a cream colored or off-white gown?" Layle asked.  She selected an ankle length dress of white satin and lace.

"It's lovely," Roza said as she looked at it.

"You try it on and we'll tell you what we think," Marjorie said.  She sat down on a chair and set the baby carrier on the floor.

Roza took the dress and followed Layle to a fitting room.  Once inside, she quickly took off her blouse and slacks and slipped the dress on.  The slightly flared skirt came to her ankles and fit her slim waist.  The lace trimmed sleeves were just the right length and the neckline showed just the smallest bit of cleavage.  She stood in front of the mirror, trying to imagine how she'd look with Luka beside her.

"Need any help, Mom?" Zelika asked.

"No.  I'm coming out.  I was just thinking about how I'd look beside Luka," Roza said.  She hesitantly stepped from the fitting room.

"Oh, Mom, it's beautiful," Zelika said softly.

"My dear, it fits you so well," Marjorie added.

"Do you think Luka will like it?" Roza asked.

"Why do you even ask?  You know he'll LOVE whatever dress you choose," Marjorie answered.

"Can we get our dresses?" Jasiminka asked.

"Do you have matching dresses?" Roza asked Layle.

"I think I can find something to match.  And we can alter dresses to fit," Layle said.

"Now, if this isn't TOO expensive," Roza said thoughtfully.

"Don't worry about the price.  I'll BUY it for you.  Think of it as part of my wedding gift to you and Luka," Marjorie said.  "You two are like children to me."

"Thank you, Marjorie," Roza said softly.  She went back to the fitting room to put on her own clothes.

"Now, who are you looking to fit first?" Layle asked.

"Let's get my youngest daughter first," Roza decided.

"Aren't we going to check out other stores?" Zelika asked.

"No.  I don't want to go rushing about trying to decide which dress to choose.  This one looks lovely and it fits me.  If I can afford matching dresses for you both, then I'm satisfied," Roza said.

Layle selected an off-white flower girl dress with lace trimming on the sleeves and satin skirt.  "How about this?" she asked Jasiminka.

"I'll help you try it on," Roza said as they headed for the fitting rooms.

"As for you, since you most likely won't want a veil, may I suggest a woven hat in matching colors?  We can trim it with ribbons and flowers to match your wedding colors," Layle said.

"It sounds lovely.  We aren't having a really formal wedding," Roza said.  Inside the fitting room, she helped Jasiminka on with the dress.

"Do you think Dr. Luka will like it?" Jasiminka asked as she stared at her reflection.

"Oh, Sweetheart, Luka will love it.  He's going to think that you are the prettiest girl in the world," Roza said.  "Let's go show the others."

"He'll still think YOU'RE prettier," she pointed out.

"Prettiest LITTLE girl then," Roza told her.

They stepped out of the fitting room.  Jasiminka twirled around and asked, "You like?"

"It's VERY lovely," Marjorie said.  She glanced over at the others.  "Don't you THINK so?"

"It does go with Mom's dress," Zelika agreed.

"Want to try on any more dresses?" Roza asked Jasiminka.

"Yes!"

"All right," Layle said and went to select another dress.  This one was a little longer with the skirt overlaid in lace and a bow in the back.  "How does this look?"

"It looks nice," Roza said.  She took the dress and headed back to the fitting room.

Marjorie smiled at Nikola, who was looking bored, and whispered.  "We'll go some place you boys will like."

"Promise?" he asked.

"Promise."

Inside the fitting room," Jasiminka quickly changed into the other dress and stared at her reflection.  "I look more pretty," she said.

"Yes, you do, Sweetheart.  And Luka will surely agree to that," Roza replied.

"And it looks more like YOUR dress," Jasiminka added.

"Yes, it does.  Now shall we see what the others think?"  She pushed aside the curtain.

"Oh, VERY lovely," Marjorie said when she saw Jasiminka.

"It looks kind of like Mom's dress," Zelika added.

"You look very pretty," Viktor told his youngest sister.

"Nice dress, Minka.  Now, can WE go?" Nikola asked.

"Well, which dress do you like?" Roza asked her.

"This one!" she decided.

"We'll take this one then.  Now, we need a dress for my other daughter," Roza told Layle.

"Come with me," she said to Zelika.

"Let's get you changed," Roza told Jasiminka.

"YOU will wait until we are ready to leave.  Or you WILL NOT go where I have in mind," Marjorie scolded Nikola.

"Sorry," he said quietly.

Zelika selected a satin and lace trimmed dress.  It was almost identical to Roza's, except that the neckline was a little higher and lace edged.  She put it on and went to show everybody.

"it's very pretty, Sweetheart," Roza said when she saw her.  "It makes you look all grown up."

"Thank you, Mom," she said and looked over at Layle.  "I think I want this dress."

"Get changed and I'll ring up your purchases."

"Excuse me a minute," Marjorie said as she pulled Roza aside.  "I'm buying ALL the dresses."

"But--" Roza began.

"Isn't it traditional that the bride's family pays for the wedding?" Marjorie interrupted.  "Well, you're ALL my family."

"All right.  But Luka and I will pay for the rest," Roza said firmly.

"You know, if your daughters like it, we can fix up matching hats for them also," Layle suggested.

"I want a hat," Jasiminka said.

Zelika returned, carefully carrying the dress.  "What about a hat?" she asked.

"I was saying that we can easily fix up hats to match the one your mother is going to wear," Layle said as she took the dress.

"That sounds nice," Zelika said.

"Okay.  Matching hats it is," Roza said.  She looked at Layle.  "What will the cost be?"

"I need to check on it first.  Can I get back to you in a couple of days?" Layle asked.

"Of course, will we be able to pay for everything then?" Marjorie asked.

"I don't see why not.  Just let me get your name and phone number."

Roza quickly gave it to her and added, "We are actually living in St. Louis at the moment and will only be in Chicago until the end of the week."

"I can have everything ready by then."

"Would it be possible to keep everything in the shop until we move back here in early June?" Roza asked.

"I don't see why not."

"We'll pick up everything then.  Thank you," Roza said.  She picked up the baby carrier and headed for the door.

"Where are we going?" Nikola wanted to know.

As soon as they were out in the van, Roza looked at her watch and said, "It's only 10:15.  TOO early for lunch.  We could go to the mall.  Marjorie, will you take the twins for about an hour while the rest of us go birthday shopping?"

"All right.  I'll take them someplace special," she replied.

"We can go to the Northridge Mall since it's close to home," Roza continued.  "Besides I need to know what time the Pokemon movie will be playing on Thursday."

"Is Luka working on Thursday?" Marjorie asked.

"Yes.  But only until 1:00.  That way, he can go with us to the movie on Thursday."

"Dr Luka coming with us?" Jasiminka asked.

"Yes.  He's making sure he gets off just for you and Nikki," Roza said as she started the van.

'Good."

It didn't take them long to get to the Northridge Mall.  Roza parked the van as close as she could to the entrance.  "Now, Jasiminka, you and Nikki go with Marjorie.  We'll meet at the Carousel in about half an hour."

"I want to look at toys," Nikola said.

"You can.  But later," Roza promised.

"Remember that play land place I took you to last year?" Marjorie asked.

"It was a LOT of fun," Jasiminka replied.

"Well, let's see if it's still there," Marjorie suggested.  As soon as they got out of the van, she took the twins by the hand and headed for the entrance.

Viktor picked up the baby carrier and diaper bag.  "I'll carry Little Luka."

"I'll have to go and get a stroller for him soon," Roza commented.

"What are we going to do first?" Zelika asked?

"To get the gifts.  I found a really pretty 'Precious Moments' doll for one of Jasiminka's presents.  Then you and Viktor can go buy what you want for them," Roza answered.

The play land was still where Marjorie remembered it.  The twins headed for the 'mountain peak' and started climbing the steps.  "Race you," Jasiminka called out.

"No fair.  You're faster!" Nikola complained as he followed his sister.

"I get the flag first!" Jasiminka announced.  She reached out and grabbed the pole.

"I'm going to play with the 'bounce' balls," Nikola decided.  He scrambled back down the mountain.

After purchasing the doll for Jasiminka and a stuffed Hoot Hoot for Nikola, Roza and the others headed for the bookstore to shop some more.  By the time they arrived at the carousel, they were carrying several full shopping bags.

The twins were riding the carousel.  Nikola waved, nearly losing his balance as he yelled, "Mama!"

"Be careful, Nikki," Roza cautioned as she watched them.  "We don't want to take you to Luka's ER."

"I'M careful, Mama," Jasiminka stated.

"Of course you are."

"Why don't I stay with the children while you take the shopping bags out to the van?" Marjorie suggested.

"I'll give you a hand," Zelika volunteered.

"Thank you," Roza said.

When they were outside, Zelika stated, "It's going to be different--going back to St. Louis."

"I know.  I don't want to leave Luka.  But you and the others need to finish up school.  Besides, it won't be VERY long until June," Roza replied, unlocking the van.

When they returned to the carousel, Marjorie had the twins ready.  "Everything put away?"

"Yes.  Now, let's go look at the toys," Roza answered.  She took the baby carrier.

"The Pokemon toys!" Nikola declared.

"Of course, the Pokemon toys," Roza said with a smile.  She looked over at Marjorie.

"Don't run," the older woman cautioned as the twins headed for ToysRus.

"I checked on the movie.  It has a 4:00 matinee on Thursday.  That'll give us time for Luka and the boys to pick out their tuxedos before we go see the movie," Roza said thoughtfully.

"So much to get ready.  Have you got any family members coming to the wedding?" Marjorie asked.

"I'm not sure if any of my family can make it.  But I think Luka's parents might be coming."

"I'd like to meet his parents," Marjorie said.

"I don't think they speak much English," Roza pointed out.

"I'm sure that you and Luka can teach me how to say 'Hello' and 'Thank you'.  Enough to be polite.  When we get home, I'll take care of everything  while you take a nap and get ready for your date tonight."

"It's not really a 'date'.  We're just meeting with the minister and then joining another couple for dinner," Roza replied.

"Sound like a date to me.  Well, I'm sure you'll want to make yourself all beautiful for Luka," Marjorie said and laughed softly.

Roza blushed slightly as she said, "Thank you, Marjorie."

Inside the toy store, Nikola headed directly for the Pokemon section while Jasiminka was looking at coloring books.  She held up a 'Precious Moments' one and asked, "Can I buy this?"

"Of course, you can," her mother replied.

Nikola came up to them, carrying a large stuffed Mareep.  "Can I get this?" he asked.

"Nikki, you are going to have MORE toys than we have room for," Roza gently pointed out.

"But I don't have a Mareep."

"All right.  But ONE toy is enough for today.  Remember, your birthday is in two days," Roza gave in.

"Thank you, Mama," the boy said, hugging the Mareep.

"I just thought about what I need to buy," Marjorie said.  "I'll only be a couple of minutes."

"Take your time," Roza told her.  She took the Mareep from Nikola and placed it in the shopping cart.

"I'll be waiting on the bench outside the store," Marjorie said and hurried off.  Leaving ToysRus, Marjorie headed for the Baby World store she'd noticed.  Inside, she headed for the department with strollers and carriages, knowing EXACTLY what she wanted.  In the rush of packing up to head for Chicago, the baby stroller had been forgotten.  Quickly, she selected a stroller that also converted to hold a baby carrier.

After paying for the purchases, Roza and the children headed outside to find Marjorie seated on the bench.  "Finished shopping?" the older woman asked.

"Yes," Roza replied.  She set the baby carrier down on the bench.  She looked at the stroller.  "You shouldn't have."

"I realized today that it wouldn't be such a bad idea to get a stroller and keep it here," Marjorie said.  She picked up the carrier and buckled it in place.

"he is getting a little heavy to carry around," Roza admitted.  "But I'd have managed--"

"Consider it my gift," Marjorie interrupted.  She looked up.  "Luka is probably the only person who doesn't get tired of carrying him around."

"He is pretty strong," Roza said and smiled.

"Besides, you might want the stroller when you take Little Luka on your honeymoon."

"I AM NOT going to spend MY honeymoon dealing with bottles and dirty diapers!" Roza declared.

"Maybe Luka will take care of the diapers."

"DON'T say a word to him about it," Roza warned.

Marjorie help up a hand and said.  "I was just joking.  Don't worry, I'll take VERY good care of Little Luka while you're on your honeymoon.

"I know."

"Just don't be needing a second stroller so soon AFTER the honeymoon," Marjorie added.

"I will be sure to inform Luka of that fact," Roza said and blushed.

"What about a stroller?" Jasiminka asked.

"Nothing," both Marjorie and Roza said together.

"I'll take the sacks out to the van," Viktor volunteered.

"All right.  We'll wait right here until you get back," Roza said.  She rummaged in her purse to locate the keys.

Zelika sat down on the bench and asked, "What do we want to do next?"

Marjorie turned to the children and said, "Don't you think that your mother should get her hair fixed and have a makeover before she goes out on her date with Luka tonight?"

"That's a good idea," Zelika said.

Roza raised her hands and said, "All right, Marjorie.  But this is ENOUGH.  You're not spending ANOTHER penny on me the rest of your visit."

"Fair enough.  I can spend the money on the children--and maybe Luka," Marjorie said thoughtfully.

"Go!  Spend your money on Luka.  I'm sure he'll like that," Roza said.  She sat down on the bench and pulled the stroller close.

"Don't be mad, Mama," Nikola said and sat down beside her.

"I'm not mad, Nikki," she said and stroked his hair.  "I'm just...tired."

"Your mother is having a busy day," Marjorie explained.

"Why don't you take a nap?  Like I do?" he asked.

"I will later.  First, we have to get lunch and order flowers for the wedding."

Viktor returned a few minutes later and handed over the keys.  "Everything's all locked up."

"Thank you, Viktor," Roza said.  "It's been decided that I NEED a hairstyle and makeover before my date tonight."

"Well, you want to look your best for Luka," Marjorie pointed out.  "While you're getting your beauty treatment, I'll take the children and go shopping."

"Come on, then," Roza said.  She started pushing the stroller toward the
Beauty Boutique.

"What can I help you with?" a young woman asked as they entered the Beauty Boutique.

"We'd like a complete makeover for my friend here," Marjorie said, pointing to Roza.

"That will include a new hairstyle?" the woman, whose nametag read Carri, asked.

"Yes," Roza replied.

"Go and pamper yourself.  We'll be all right," Marjorie said.  She took the stroller from Roza.  "Come along now, children."

"Making yourself pretty for someone special?" Carri asked as she led Roza to a sink and a chair.

"My fianceé.  We're going out tonight and talk to the minister," Roza replied as she sat down.

"I see.  Any particular way you want your hair fixed?"

"Just as long as it looks good."

"It will.  Now, lean back,"  Carri told her.  She began to fill the sink with water while she reached for a bottle of shampoo.  "How about soft curls, pinned up?"

"That sounds lovely," Roza said.  "I'm sure my fiancé will like it."

Leaving the Beauty Boutique, Marjorie and the children headed for the Family Clothing store on the upper level.  "Let's get Little Luka some new clothes," the woman suggested.

"He's growing fast," Zelika commented as they headed for the baby department.

"Something nice for the wedding since we're ALL getting something new," Viktor agreed.

After having her hair shampooed and put up in rollers, Roza sat under the hair dryer and picked up a magazine to look at.  She was starting to enjoy the makeover and looking her best for Luka.  Still, she wished that Marjorie wouldn't spend so MUCH money.

"All done?" Carri asked about fifteen minutes later.  She lifted the dryer hood.

"I guess so."

"Hair seems dry.  Let's get those rollers out.

Once the rollers were removed and her hair combed out, Roza stared at her reflection.  She liked the way the curls softly framed her face and were pinned up above her neck.  "It's lovely."

"Yes, it is," Carri agreed.  "Now, we're ready for your makeover."

"Not TOO much makeup.  I never wear a lot.  Just some blush, a little eye shadow and lipstick," Roza told her.

"Don't worry.  You'll look like you're hardly wearing any," Carri assured her.

"You did a VERY good job."

"Well, we AIM to please," Carri said lightly as she led Roza to the makeup chair.

Marjorie and the children had finished shopping and were waiting outside the Beauty Boutique.  Seeing Roza, she got to her feet and said, "You wait right here while I pay for your mother's beauty treatment."

Carri was finishing adding up the bill and asked, "How do you intend to pay?"

"I'm taking care of the bill," Marjorie said as she approached the two women.  She took one look at Roza.  "Rozalija, my dear.  You look absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you," Roza said softly.

"Luka will definitely love it," Marjorie continued as she pulled out her
credit card.

"He will, won't he?" Roza asked.  She followed Marjorie out of the shop.

"Wow, Mom!" Zelika exclaimed when she saw her.

"I take it that you like it," Roza said and smiled.

"You ought to have your hair fixed like that for the wedding."

"I was thinking about that.  Right now, let's go to lunch."

"Sounds like a good idea," Marjorie said.

"I think WE can all find something at the food court."  She glanced at the
shopping bags.  "What did you buy this time?"

"Something special for the baby," Marjorie replied.

"I said spend your money on 'Luka' NOT 'Little Luka'."

"And I said that I'd spend it on the children," Marjorie calmly replied.

"All right."  She turned to the twins.  "No pizza today."

"Okay," Jasiminka reluctantly said.  "Can I get spaghetti?"

"Yes, you can."  She started to push the stroller toward the food court.

"You know, that sounds good to me," Marjorie commented.

"They have a good Italian restaurant there called Sbarros," Roza explained.  "I thought we'd eat there after the movie Thursday."

Fortunately everybody was satisfied with Sbarros.  When they all had found seats, Marjorie looked over at Roza's dish of grilled veggies and commented, "You'll want to save room for tonight."

Roza nodded.  "I am.  Luka says that Athenos is a great place to eat and I want to be hungry enough to enjoy the food.."

"The children and will have fun tonight so don't worry about us and enjoy yourselves."

"I'm not," she replied.  After everyone was finished eating, she purchased a tin of tiny cinnamon mints and passed it around.

Marjorie took a mint and said, "Thank you."  She leaned close to Roza.  "Cinnamon kisses tonight?"

Roza blushed and got to her feet.  "Next stop, the flowers and then home."

"What's Mama all red for?" Nikola asked.

"You wouldn't understand," Zelika told him.  She looked up and Roza and gave her a 'thumbs up' sign.

It didn't take long to get the flowers ordered and promised to be delivered at the church by May 8th.  Getting back in the van, Roza got behind the wheel, she said, "I will be glad to get home."

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