Thanks to everyone for the reviews. Thanks especially to Eva and Hanah. Eva, all your wonderful suggestions and help were priceless. Hanah, thank you for the names.. I was dying to use them, but had already found the name I wanted. They are still beautiful names.

First verse is from "Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse

Second verse is from "In Other Words" by Ben Kweller

Last verse is from "Silver Lining" by Amanda Ghost

Chapter Five: Hanging by a Moment

Abby opened her eyes. It took effort just to turn her head. She felt so drained. And exhausted, incredibly exhausted. Her heart melted when she spotted Luka. He was sleeping with his head near her hand, his tall frame folded into a tiny chair. No, not sleeping. He was praying. He jumped when she touched him.

"Abby."

"Hey." She closed her eyes again, desperately trying to fight sleep. Luka rubbed her arm.

"I need you to take these, Abby." He held up a cup. "Then you can sleep again." She nodded her head, opening her eyes once more. Luka helped her get the pills down. Then the exhaustion won as she drifted back to sleep.

Abby woke a second time, feeling much better. Luka was holding her hand, whispering in Croatian. He was praying again.

"I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you"

"Luka" She said softly. He looked up, relief evident on his face. Luka stood up quickly, prayers forgotten.

"You're awake." He kissed her hand. Abby found his relief odd. It only made sense when she realized she was in a hospital bed; a fact she had failed to realize before.

"Luka, what happened?" His eyes softened and he lifted a hand to stroke her cheek.

"You passed out in the ambulance bay." She touched a hand to her stomach.

"The baby-"

"She's fine." He covered her hand with his. "You were severely anemic and dehydrated, but you both are okay now. Gave us all quite a scare. Kerry and the staff wanted to keep you down here where they can keep an eye on you. You were supposed to be transferred up to OB." They both smiled at that.

"How long have I been out of it?" Luka shrugged.

"Not long. Maybe three or four hours. I think most of it was sheer exhaustion. You've been working pretty hard; we've never realized what a toll it was taking on you." Abby made an effort to sit up, for once allowing Luka to help her. She patted the bed next to her and Luka sat down, pulling Abby into his arms.

"Mind your IV. Neela and I agree that you should be put on bed rest for a few days. No arguments, doctor's orders. I'm sure between the two of us we can get you on a better diet, in addition to your prenatal vitamins and iron supplements. Once you get back, Kerry wants you to take it easy."

"In his eyes I see the fear
That only time could disappear
If only time could reappear
Now's the time"

"I'm sorry, Luka." Abby reached up to touch his face.

"You shouldn't be. This wasn't your fault. Anemia is common during the second trimester."

"I know. You must've been out of your mind with worry. You've already been through so much, you don't need this."

"It doesn't matter anymore." He whispered into her hair. "You're fine. Besides, this just means I get my choice for the baby's name." Abby laughed, turning to look at him.

"Oh it does, huh? Well, as long as I get the final word on the new house." Luka raised her eyebrows.

"Sounds like a deal. How does Vesna Aaralyn sound?" He winked at her.

"Vesna? I thought we liked Ana?" Luka gave Abby a look. "Vesna Aaralyn Kovac." She thought about it a moment. "What does it mean. Vesna?"

"Goddess of Spring. I know she's a summer baby, but…" He trailed off, waiting for Abby to speak.

"It's a beautiful name, Luka." Abby said softly. She kissed his cheek.

"Oh, Abby, you're awake." Neela said as she walked in. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thanks to you." Neela smiled.

"Splendid. There isn't really much of a reason to keep you here. Dr. Coburn is coming down, she wanted to see you before you left." Neela looked at Luka. "When she's done, you can take her home, Dr. Kovac. Oh, and Dr. Weaver has given you both the next few days off." Abby and Luka looked at each other, surprised.

"Really?" Luka asked.

"I believe her exact words were, 'With Abby on bed rest, Dr. Kovac will be useless. Might as well give them both some time off.'" The three of them laughed. It was true, out of character for Weaver, but Luka would only worry at work.

"Well, some of us have more patients to see. Enjoy your vacation." She looked down at the charts in her arms. When she looked up again, a sad smile marred her beautiful face. "Know you'll be envied." She walked towards the door, turning around at the last moment." I'm glad everything has worked out. You two deserve to be happy." And with that, Neela left.

"Scared of the things that people say
Knowing my confidence might fade
I feel the world's weight, upon my breaking back
I see uncertainty, and the visible crack

Silver Lining, I bathe in your light
I'll always believe in, your place in my life.
Silver, Lining, I know that I'm right
I'll always believe in, your right to shine."

(The song is for Neela and Gallant, in case you were wondering.)

"It's really sad about Michael. They were so happy in November, and then he just… left."

"War changes people, Abby. It changed me, it's changed Gallant. I'm sure they'll get through it. They are both strong people." He tightened his hold on her.

"I just hope he comes back alive this time. It's crazy over there, things change in seconds." Just then, Coburn walked in. Luka moved out of the way, to give Janet room to work.

"Hey Abby, Luka. Let's see how Mom's doing today." Coburn did a quick examination, talking all the while to an amused Luka and Abby.

"Well, the dehydration has been sorted out. That leaves the anemia; but I don't need to tell you what to do. Plenty of folic acid, take your prenatal pills, you know the drill. And, since you both have the next few days off," She turned to look at Luka. "I want you to make sure she takes care of herself and watch her fluid intake." Luka nodded.

"Of course. We'll be more careful, pay better attention." He said.

"Okay, you're all set." She signed off on the chart, looking up again with a smile. "Take care of yourself and I believe I'll see you in… a month."

"Sure thing." Abby confirmed. "Thanks, Janet."

"No problem. Now get out of here, you two." Once Coburn left, Luka walked over to Abby, taking her in his arms again.

"Can we go home now?" She said into his chest. "I want a real bed." Luka laughed.

"Yes, let's go home."