The first verse is from "Reasons" by Earth, Wind, and Fire

Second verse is from "It's Now or Never" by Elvis Presley

Chapter Six: It's Now or Never

I'd been awake for a while, thinking of nothing in particular. Luka's arm was slung over me, tucking me securely against him. I will never get tired of waking up with him next to me. It was out last day off and I was beginning to feel more like myself. It would take a little more time for my blood counts to return to normal, but I was getting there. I turned in Luka's arms to face him, watching him sleep. Without thinking I kissed his chin, the hair there tickling my lips. I stifled a giggle and Luka shifted in his sleep.

"Luka." I called softly. He groaned, mumbling in Croatian. I smiled, tracing a random pattern on his chest. He cracked an eye open and sighed.

"Abby, go back to sleep." He closed his eyes again and tightened his hold on me. I really did try to fall asleep. I lay my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. It wasn't working. I slipped out of bed and headed to the shower. The water felt wonderful on my skin. I stuck my head under the tap, nearly jumping out of my skin when a pair of arms wrapped themselves around my waist. Luka. I turned around and smiled up at him, giving him a quick kiss.

"I thought you were asleep." He nuzzled my neck.

"I was, but I missed you so I thought I'd join you." He looked at me and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. I laughed, kissing him again. Luka backed me up against the wall of the shower, taking my face in his hands. I gasped a little into his mouth, the tile cool against my skin. I busied myself with his hair. Luka deepened the kiss, his strong hands gently grabbing a hold of my growing waist. I melted into Luka as his lips traced a path down my neck. My hands slowly fell from his soft hair, lightly resting on his shoulders. There's a reason I love showers. This time there were no distractions, no interruptions, and (most importantly) no work. It was just us and a very long shower.

"Now, I'm craving your body,
Is this real
Temperatures rising, I don't want to feel
I'm in the wrong place to be real
Woahh and I'm; longing to love you
Just for a night,
Kissing and hugging and holding you tight
Please let me love you
With all my might"

Once we were done in the shower, Luka got out the 'special lotion.' I'm in love with the stuff and the guy who rubs it on me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him as he finished up.

"You're so good to me, Luka." He winked at me.

"I do try."

xxxxxxxx

Things were returning to normal as Abby regained her strength. I'm a bit worried about her returning to work tomorrow but she's getting stir-crazy in the apartment. And driving me up the wall.

One of the few things we've managed to accomplish is finding a house. We've been out to a few places, but Abby fell in love with the last house. It's ten minutes from the hospital. It has three bedrooms with plenty of space. There's only one floor, which I was insistent on- that and a backyard. It's perfect for us. The amazing thing is that we'll be in within a few weeks.

I look at Abby now and am so glad that we're doing this. I'm so glad just to have her again. I can't bear to think that I nearly lost her. I still can't believe I let things get so bad. I feel responsible- I mean we're doctors, we should know better. It doesn't matter that it's a common problem- especially among pregnant women.

Sitting next to her bed in the ER felt as though I was losing another family and all I could do was watch and pray. It's a heartbreak I won't survive this time. It's the reason why I'm being a little overprotective now. I know she finds it annoying. We really are perfect as a couple: we drive each other crazy. Which is exactly why I'm taking her out for breakfast.

"Abby, where do you feel like going for breakfast?" I said suddenly, once we were, finally, dressed. She looked me quizzically.

"Really?I caneat whatever I want?" I rolled my eyes at her. I wasn't that bad.

"Yes." I said, pulling her closer. She looked up at me.

"Nookies. It's right on the lake, remember?" I nodded my head, it does have a great view.

"Nookies it is." I kissed her. "Let's go."

We were at the restaurant and I was sitting there watching her, in awe. I have never seen someone so small eat so much. Abby's order was larger than mine! Then again, a lot of Abby's 'symptoms' are the same ones Danijela had. This pregnancy thing is a bit like riding a bike. You may be out of practice but you still remember how to do it. I chuckled at the thought and Abby looked at me.

"What?" She asked, her mouth half- full.

"You. I don't think I've ever seen you eat so much." Her face fell and she dropped her fork onto the plate. Damn. So I'm a bit rusty.

"What!" Abby said.

"I didn't mean it like that, Abby. It's a good thing." I felt like smacking myself when I saw the tears in her eyes. She bent her head, dabbing at them with a napkin. Shit. Hormones or not I was in for it. "Abby. Come on." I sighed and stood up. Throwing money down onto the table, I took Abby's hand and pulled her up. I held her once we were outside.

"I'm sorry. I should watch what I say." I kissed the top of her head.

"It's not your fault. I just need to learn not to be so sensitive." She looked up and everything was okay again. My heart skipped a beat when she smiled at me. God, I love her. I kissed her cheek and she took my hand. It was at the spot where Abby first told me she wanted this baby that we sat, talking. It was better this time. Everything was more settled, more grounded. All fears had been banished and we were free to dream…

"When I first saw you
with your smile so tender
My heart was captured,
my soul surrendered

I'd spend a lifetime
waiting for the right time
Now that your near
the time is here at last."