The song lyrics used in this chapter are from "Hero" by Enrique Inglesias.

Chapter Three: Hero

It was a few weeks later and I was sitting with Abby on the floor of the living room. I was up against the couch with her in front of me, leaning back against my chest. Abby had the phone and we were trying to decide whether or not to find out the sex of the baby. I wanted to know, but was leaving the choice to Abby.

"I don't know, Luka. It would be nice to let it be a surprise, but I want to know how to decorate the baby room." She relaxed fully against me.

"It's up to you, Abby."

"Do you want to find out? Because if you do, we can." She craned her neck to look at me.

"I would like to find out, but I don't mind either way."

"Liar, don't give me that bullshit, Luka." She sighed. "I'm calling the clinic." I smiled. Hey, she made the decision. I just helped. I listened to her end of the conversation and waited to hear the verdict once she hung up.

"A girl. We're having a girl." Abby said, and I could hear the wonder in her voice. I was a bit shocked myself, but pleased.

"A baby girl. I was hoping for a girl; one that would look just like you." I rested my hands on Abby's stomach, leaving them there when she covered my hands with her own.

"Really? No, I want her to have your features. My nose is the only good thing my mother gave." I smiled, she sounded so sure.

"I have to disagree. You've got a lovely neck." I kissed her neck where it met her shoulder. "And ears." I rubbed my nose on the sensitive spot behind her ear. Abby squirmed a bit. She was ticklish. "And I would be perfectly happy if she had your lips." She turned her face towards mine, meeting me in a kiss.

"As long as she gets everything else from you." I kissed her jaw line, just below the ear.

"She will be beautiful just because she's yours." She rubbed my hands in response, suddenly silent. "Abby, you'll do fine with a girl. You are not your mother."

"I know, but it still scares me sometimes. I don't know if I ready for this." The fear in her voice was heartbreaking. I was almost undone when I felt a drop splatter on my arm. She had lived with her fears and insecurities for so long. Couldn't she see that that things were going to work out? Not sure what else to do, I simply held her and let her cry. I spoke gently to her in Croatian.

"Ne placi. Sve ce bit dobro. Ne placi, Abby."

The tears eventually subsided and we sat there. After some time, she got up on her knees and turned around, taking my face in her small hands.

"I don't deserve you, Luka. You're too good to me." I shook my head.

"No, Abby, you deserve to be happy." I took her into my arms. "Let me love you and take care of you. You don't have to worry. I am not going anywhere. This is our reality, now." Abby pulled back to look at me. I could see in her eyes that she believed me. Her face softened.

"I know, it's just taking sometime to make it from my heart to my head." She paused, thinking. "Is that what you were saying, just now, in Croatian?" I ducked my head, blushing a little.

"No. I was saying, 'Don't cry, it will be okay.'" She thought about that for a moment.

"You know Luka, I want the baby to have a Croatian name. It's such a beautiful language." I stared at her, not sure what to say.

"Honestly?" She nodded, making my heart swell. I loved this woman so much.

"Just as long as it's pronounceable." She said, with a mischievous grin. I laughed and kissed her for that. She makes me so happy.

"I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away"

xxxxxxx