Instant Attraction, Part 24
At Last
By Miesque
miesque48@hotmail.com

RATING: PG
SPOILERS: Possible for season 7

STORY SYNOPSIS: A wedding, a delay, a second-floor honeymoon and other stuff...

DISCLAIMER: The characters of Luka Kovac and Kerry Weaver are the sole property of NBC, Warner Brothers, Amblin, and Constant C.

SONG: ‘At Last’, by Etta James

PRAISE TO: My Canadian mentor and Ellen Hursh for editing, as well as my friends in Oklahoma for continued support, and encouragement.

CROATIAN TRANSLATIONS: ‘Kako ste’ (How are you?); ‘Ovo je moj muzh’ (This is my husband); ‘Ovo je moj sin’ (This is my son); ‘Ovo je moj kcerka’ (This is my daughter)

PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS: Instant Attraction; Room For Rent; Fired; Blackout; On The Line; Point of Refuge; Heart to Heart; Double-Take; Broken Valentine; In Memory...; Paint It Black; Hope Springs Eternal; Bridges; My Brother’s Keeper; Getting the Shift; Sister Wolf; Before the Storm; Grounded; Learning to Fly; Safari; Safe Harbor; A Burning Thing; Fortune



Luka came away from the wedding ceremony feeling relieved that it was over. He had felt the same way after his first wedding. He knew he wouldn’t remember a lot about it, except that Kerry looked lovely and the priest kept it short and sweet. Mark was there, looking a little startled at being asked to be best man, while Haleh, Lydia and Chuny sat in the front row, grinning from ear to ear. Dr. Anspaugh had surprised everyone by arriving just moments before Kerry walked down the aisle. He only smiled his approval and sat down.

At noon, Luka and Kerry were husband and wife. A simple, quiet ceremony, very dignified but still, according to Haleh, very romantic. “You know, she’s glowing,” she whispered to Chuny.

“She’s got it bad!” Lydia said, smiling.

“Oh, but I have a feelin’ she’s gonna be gettin’ it good tonight,” Chuny grinned.

The nurses giggled and got up to congratulate the couple. Luka allowed Jeannie and each nurse to kiss him on the cheek, startling them by kissing them each on both cheeks in return - Kerry’s watchful eye on them all the time - and was surprised to receive an approving clap on the shoulder from Mark. Haleh, Lydia and Chuny were giggling, Jeannie blushing to her roots. “Wow,” Chuny whispered. “European men!”

Just then, somebody’s pager went off.

“Oh, great,” Kerry said. “It’s me!”

“And me...” Luka muttered darkly. His pager had a simple message: “Come to ER”.

“Well, that’s just perfect,” Kerry growled. “We just got married and we have to go to work!”

“I’m on at two,” Mark said. “Must be something major, since they know I’m coming in.”

“Well, we’d better go...” Luka said. He looked at Kerry, who looked crushed. “I’m sorry.”

She sighed. “It’s not your fault. Duty calls...and always at the wrong time.”



“Luka, Kerry...so glad you could join us,” Dr. Romano said. “What, are you all traveling together?” he asked as Mark came in behind them.

“A traveling band,” Mark said. He glanced back at Kerry and Luka, who hung back a moment. Kerry suddenly stepped forward.

“Robert, I need to say something.”

“All right, but be quick about it.”

Luka’s expression hardened a little. He had never liked Romano much, but for the little toad to be speaking so disrespectfully to his wife made him angry.

“I have decided to resign as Chief of Staff. Effective immediately.”

“What?” Romano actually looked surprised, but Kerry’s expression was unreadable. She only gave him a tiny smile.

“I said I have decided to resign, Robert. I have better prospects these days, actually.”

“Better...prospects?” He was struggling now, totally off-guard. He glanced from her to Mark to Luka, then back to Kerry.

“Yes. I just got married, Robert. Today, in fact. To Dr. Kovac.”

“Dr...Kovac?” All the wind was gone from Romano’s sails now. “When did this...start?”

“In Hawaii, basically. I have decided that I would prefer the life of an attending to that of an ER chief. Give it to someone else.  I’m sure you’ll find an excellent replacement.”

Mark kept an eye on Luka, who was in turn keeping an eye on the nurses who hadn’t yet been informed of the day’s events.

Luka and Kerry had discussed her decision to resign, and she had been adamant. For her, as ER Chief, to be married to an attending in the same department, would open her up to charges of nepotism.  It would be best if they were of the same rank, she had argued. Luka hadn’t liked the idea of her giving up a position she had fought so hard for, but in the end, he had to concede defeat, realizing it was for the best. She had made up her mind.

“So you were in Hawaii together...”

“Yes. By accident.” She was hedging a little, waiting, playing her cards carefully. “You know things like this happen sometimes. So long as we keep our personal life personal and continue to perform our duties here in this ER to the best of our ability, our private life would have no bearing... correct?”

Romano couldn’t argue with her there. He had heard no rumors about Kerry and Luka being an item. The grapevine at the hospital was usually buzzing with any new romantic developments, but in this case...

“All right, Kerry, your resignation is accepted.” He turned to Mark, glowering up at him. “I suppose for now, Dr. Greene, you’re our top candidate for the job.” He nodded to Kerry, then glanced at Luka, who’s face was impassive. “Congratulations on your...marriage.”

“Thank you, Robert,” she said, smiling sweetly. “I would have invited you, but I knew you were in surgery.”

“They don’t let demons in Catholic churches, Kerry,” Luka muttered when Romano left. She snickered.

Dr. Malucci strolled up, grinning. “Hey, we got a lot goin’ on today. Big busload of kids showin’ up, all battered and bruised...”

“And your reason for smiling about it would be...?” Luka said, straightening and studying Dave.

Dr. Malucci frowned. “Plus countless patients in chairs... we’re overloaded.”

“Well, then let’s get to work,” Luka said, giving Kerry a rueful smile. She sighed sadly. Delays, delays, she thought as she crutched toward the trauma room.



It was an exhausting, trying day for everyone. Luka had to pronounce so many deaths he was beginning to feel like he was a pathologist rather than a emergency physician. He hoped he’d be a little luckier later.

He barely saw Kerry - she was dealing with numerous traumas, a huge backload of patients in chairs, along with the adjustment of no longer being the one in charge. They didn’t even have time to sit down in the lounge to talk... just rush, rush, rush. He worried about her being on her feet all day, but never got a chance to object and make her sit for a moment. His own feet were killing him, his back had a kink in it, his neck and shoulders ached from lifting so many people onto gurneys. By midnight, he was falling asleep on his feet every time he stood still. He used his tried-and- true method of keeping a nurse at his side at all times to double-check his orders. Lilly, grinning almost constantly after hearing of his marriage, proved invaluable to him. She thankfully said little about it, but even in his semi-conscious state he could tell the nurses were bursting with curiosity and wanted to ask him about it.

“Luka?”

He started and looked around, momentarily confused. He had fallen asleep, leaning against the wall.

Mark grinned at Luka, shaking his head. “The board is clear. No new patients. Go home.”

Luka looked up, breathing out slowly. “I can go home?”

“Yep. Everything’s under control. The new shift is coming in right now.”

“Hallelujah,” Luka said tiredly. He paused for a moment, then touched Mark’s shoulder. “I never did tell you, Mark... how sorry I was to hear about your father.”

“Thanks,” Mark said quietly. He didn’t know what else to say, so he just nodded. “See you... Monday, I think... is that right?”

“Yeah. I don’t know how, but we’ve got the weekend off. A very short honeymoon, I guess.”

“Well, better than no honeymoon at all.”

Yeah, Luka thought. Only problem is that right now I can’t remember my own name. Walking toward the lounge, he kept his eyes half-closed, somehow managing to keep himself upright. Going inside, he bumped into Kerry, who was coming out.

“Hello, Mrs. Kovac,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “I hope you’re able to drive.”

“Actually, I am full of energy right now,” she said, smiling at him, blushing. Jeannie had been the first person to call her ‘Mrs. Kovac’ and it had a nice ring to it. But Kerry Kovac? No, that didn’t sound quite right. They hadn’t really talked about it, but she was leaning toward remaining Kerry Weaver, at least professionally. At home, with her Alpha Wolf, she would be happy to be called Mrs. Kerry Kovac.

“How?” he asked, suppressing a yawn. “I can barely see straight.”

She sighed. Another delay. What kind of wife wouldn’t let her husband rest after a hard day? She smiled, touched his arm, and watched as he walked stiffly to his locker, pulled his lab coat off, and got his keys. “You drive,” he said, tossing them to her. “I think I’ll take a nap on the way home.”

For a moment, he was alert, looking right at her, giving her that shy smile again. “Home.”

“Yes. Our home. If someone had told me, two years ago, that I would be going home with my husband right now, I would have laughed in their face.”

He couldn’t keep from yawning now. He wanted Kerry, but he knew he wouldn’t be at his best in his current condition. He could barely read, much less think about sex at this point.

“Are you ready?” she said.

“Yep. Let’s go.”

Heading out of the lounge, they were both startled by a loud “Surprise!” from the entire ER staff. Luka checked his pulse, making sure he was still alive, and forced a smile. Inwardly, though, he was groaning with frustration. He wanted to go home and rest up for... he grinned suddenly. It had been way too damned long.

A wedding shower, of sorts. Of course, Luka thought. Feeling impatient, but too polite to say so, he just stood back and watched as the nurses gave Kerry various presents... including an embarrassingly sheer silk negligee. She held it up for a moment, unable to hide her blush. She glanced at Luka, and he raised an eyebrow. He could almost read her thoughts: ‘If I put this on, it won’t stay on for long!’

The gift from Dr. Malucci was the most intriguing, though. Luka peered sleepily over Kerry’s shoulder at the toy parrot, wondering what the hell it was about.

“It repeats everything you say,” he grinned. “See?” He took it out of the box and held it up. “Polly wanna cracker.”

The parrot repeated Dave’s words in a crackling baritone, causing everyone to laugh. Luka only shook his head, rubbing his eyes wearily. Kerry could tell he’d had about enough, so she smiled at everyone. “Well, since I’m no longer ER chief I can say this without fear of repercussion...you people are sick.”

The nurses collapsed into helpless laughter, Malucci and Chen grinned, and Mark chortled from his place behind the admit desk.

“Let’s go home, Luka. Good night everyone,” Kerry said, grabbing his arm.

Haleh and Lydia watched them leave, smiling. “Can you believe they kept this from us all this time? I wonder how long it’s been goin’ on?”

“I think it probably started in Hawaii,” Lydia decided. “It’s a very romantic place... and you did say that you thought Kerry had a thing for him... maybe she told him how she felt and he fell for her. You never know, do you?”

“Love is a funny thing... but it’s a good thing, too. Kerry deserves to be happy. And after what Luka’s been through, he really deserves it.” Haleh nodded firmly. “And he looked happy, as tired as he was tonight.”

“Think she knows how lucky she is?” Lilly whispered.

“If she doesn’t, she’ll know soon enough!” Haleh laughed.



Kerry wondered for a moment if she’d have to carry Luka in. He was beyond exhausted - it seemed like every step was an effort. He made his way to the couch, mumbling an apology to her, and collapsed. In just moments, he was asleep.

“Zonked out,” she said, laughing to herself. She got a blanket and covered him with it, bending down and kissing his forehead. She would have preferred to get him upstairs into her bed right now, but he was so tired she figured he might fall down. Finally, she gingerly lay down beside him, spooning against him. Almost immediately, his arm wreathed around her waist, his fingers splaying across her belly, and he nuzzled her neck.

She was surprised to hear him whisper her name. Even now, after he had told her so many times that he loved her, that he wanted her... that she was beautiful... it still caught her a little off-guard to be loved. But hadn’t Davor told her that when Luka loved, he loved with everything he had? That he didn’t play games? He was a man who chose his words so carefully, yet could be rather impulsive sometimes. She knew and understood his faults... perhaps better than anyone. She had recognized him as a member of her own tribe from the very start-his faults were extensions of his strengths. She knew they certainly didn’t agree on all matters. She was career-oriented, ambitious, driven, and he was... a chauvinist? She laughed to herself. Well, she'd seen no evidence of that. No, he was simply an old-fashioned, traditional man who loved and respected women, and needed to protect them.

Of course, she smiled to herself. I wouldn’t mind if he gets a little over-enthusiastic sometimes. She snuggled up against him, sighing softly. She had waited thirty-eight years for this... she could wait a few more hours.



“Rise and shine!” Kerry said, poking Luka in the ribs with her index finger. “Wake up... it’s eight o’clock and breakfast is ready.”

He sat up, and after stretching a little, rose and followed Kerry into the kitchen. She was playing Etta James full blast, and he stood for a moment, listening and enjoying the view.


At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Oh, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you

I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I could call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

Oh, you smile, you smile
And then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine at last...


She was standing at the counter, cutting up tomatoes for an omelet. He had noticed, the day he came here to look at the room downstairs, what a nice figure she had. A pretty face framed by that red hair, that slender kissable neck, firm breasts, a slim waist, gently curving hips, surprisingly long, slender legs. Luka actually had to think about it to even notice her handicap... the crutch, her limp... It barely even registered with him. All he could see was a beautiful, sexy, funny woman. He only saw his wife.

He wasn’t interested in food at all. “You actually want to eat... food?” he said incredulously.

She turned around and looked at him, smiling wickedly. “What do you want to eat, Luka?”

He grinned at her. Several times during the night, despite his own exhaustion, he had been awakened by her moving against him. It had been a sensation he had almost forgotten in the past nine years - the feeling of a warm body next to his. He had forgotten how good that felt.  And she felt good in his arms. She was a perfect fit.

“Well, there are a few things I like to nibble on,” he said, moving closer to her. She smiled as he bent down and kissed her, teasing and exploring her, making her whimper against him. He picked her up and lifted her onto the counter. She was still in her silk bathrobe, and for a moment he contemplated the belt around her waist. She was his wife now... but it had been so long since he’d been with anyone. He felt a little apprehensive - but only for a moment. Her hands were on his shoulders, caressing him, then sliding down to his chest and then his stomach... and lower.

Kerry eagerly spread her knees apart and he moved closer, his arms around her waist. He kissed her again-a possessive, hungry kiss, and he was surprised again at how passionately she reciprocated. His hands moved forward, undoing the knot in the silk belt, and pushed the material away. He heard her soft gasp as he touched her bare skin. At first he was tentative, but very soon he was bold, exploring her body, murmuring against her neck, his breath quickening.

“Let’s go upstairs, Luka,” she said softly.

He nodded, picking her up in his arms. She was as light as a feather, and as fragile. Another hot kiss, however, reminded him of just how strong she was-that she wasn’t afraid of anything. “I love you,” he said, nuzzling against her neck.

“I love you,” she whispered back. She wrapped her arms around him, feeling so safe and so happy she was sure she’d burst. “Now let’s go upstairs!”



Kerry rested her head on his chest, her arms still around his neck. She had put him to sleep - making love to him slowly, sweetly, satisfying him, then relaxing against him, caressing him until he just couldn’t keep his eyes open. She smiled to notice that he didn’t snore. He looked so peaceful... and so young... asleep. The streaks of grey in his hair the only evidence that he was thirty-seven. Anyone else would believe he was about twenty. She laughed to herself - he had the energy and passion of a twenty-year old. Not just in bed, but in his life. Everything he did, he did with all his strength, with all his might.

It had been perfect. There was no other word for it. He was just the kind of lover she knew he’d be: gentle and considerate, but so passionate... wild in her arms. They had held nothing back from each other, giving themselves to each other completely.  It made her shudder suddenly - to love so intensely. It was almost frightening. And now, watching him sleep, she was overwhelmed again by her love for him. It had happened gradually, almost without her being aware of it.  It had taken his brother to point it out to her - that she loved him, and then it was impossible to deny or push it away.

He had taught her a few words in Croatian that morning, as they were making love. Some of them were a little risqué, but the words of endearment he had used as he explored her body had made the experience even more exciting and satisfying. The words... they had agreed to use them when they were at work together, so no one else would know what they meant. The other phrases - the more useful, day-to-phrases - were ones she would have to study on a little, before they went to Croatia for Davor’s wedding. ‘Dobro jutro’, ‘Ovo je moj muzh’... she intended to ask him for a better phrase there. ‘Ovo je moj muz... and don’t you forget it!’ seemed very reasonable for Kerry in her more insecure moments.

Sighing happily, she kissed him lightly on the mouth and closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. She smiled to herself. His heart had been pounding a while ago, while she was making love to him. Kerry was actually pleased with herself - he was a hot-blooded Mediterranean male, after all. Being adventuresome in bed was right up Luka’s alley, but Kerry had showed him more than once how inventive she could be.

Smiling, she thought about phrases she could use a few years down the road. ‘Ovo je moj sin’. ‘Ovo je moj kcerka’. Yawning, she snuggled against him and was soon asleep, relaxed, content and satisfied.



“Luka, where did you put that parrot Malucci gave us?” Kerry called from the kitchen.

“I don’t know. Why do you need it?” he answered from the living room. It was a lazy Saturday afternoon, and they were contemplating either renting a movie or going out somewhere. Kerry was leaning toward renting something, but hadn’t told Luka what she had in mind.

“I was just curious,” she said, crutching back into the living room. She sat down next to him, and was surprised when he leaned over and kissed her. She giggled when he tickled her. A brief battle over the remote control ensued, but Kerry let him win. He teased her by putting the TV on ESPN, so she grabbed it and put it on Lifetime.

“Oh, God,” Luka said, rolling his eyes. “Woman movies... so do you want to go out or rent a movie and stay in?”

“I think we should rent something,” she answered at last.  She had poured herself a glass of Scotch, and shook the ice a little. He had requested iced tea, but it was still brewing in the pot.

“Like what?” he asked, pulling her back to him and nuzzling her neck. “Something X-rated, I suppose...”

“Well, you hardly need lessons, Luka,” she said, turning her head and kissing him. He started undoing the buttons on her blouse, his hand slipping under the silky material, exploring her again, as if he’d never touched her before and needed to become acquainted with her. “Actually, I was thinking of ‘Caligula’.”

“With Malcolm McDowell and Sir John Geilgud?” he said, sitting up and pulling her into his arms. “Makes me think of Peter Fonda going from ‘Easy Rider’ to ‘Thomas and the Invisible Circus Train’ or whatever the hell that movie is called.”

“You’ve seen it?!” she gasped. “Luka Kovac, I am appalled!”

“Oh, gimme a break. I was in Amsterdam...” He kissed her again, getting her to stretch out on top of him. “I sent my mother a postcard saying I had been to see all the windmills and the dikes... cathedrals... and the tulips... when in fact I went to see a live naked sex show featuring a cast of about thirty people and a cow... pretty disgusting.”

She giggled, unable to imagine Luka at a show like that. “Okay... we’ll go out. What kind of movie would you like to see?”

“I like old movies... silent movies, actually. You pick something.”

“Okay... I will. You know, it feels almost like we’re dating,” she said, kissing him sweetly. “Like we’ve only just started.”

“Well, before we leave, I have something in mind that we could... start... so long as we finish,” he said, sliding her bra-straps off her shoulders.

“Here... on the couch?” she said, pretending to be shocked.

“As if I want to wait ‘til were upstairs again?” he said, removing her blouse and kissing her neck.

“Great minds do think alike!” she chuckled.



“What is this again?” Luka said.

“Dracula,” Kerry said.  “From the 1950’s... sorry, it’s in color, with sound, but I hear it’s very good.”

“With Bela Lugosi?” He handed her the bucket of popcorn and sat down beside her. “My feet are sticking the floor...”

“I don’t think it has Bela,” she answered. She glanced at him, smiling. He looked gorgeous, as usual. She had decided already that she would let him continue to wear his dark clothes at work so long as he wore lighter colors at home. He looked so sexy in blue jeans and T-shirts. Besides that, his accent... just his pronunciation of ‘Bela Lugosi’... it made her heart pound and her mouth water. Hmmph, she thought. Should have foregone the movies and stayed home. I’ve yet to hear of a movie that was better than sex with Luka Kovac.

“You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure,” she said, touching his hair. He smiled at her.

“Do people usually see Dracula flicks on their honeymoon?” he asked.

“Well, we can say we did... I’m sure the kids’ll ask about it.”

Luka shrugged. “You can give them the talk about the birds and the
bees.  I dread doing that.”

“Oh, it’ll be okay,” she laughed. “I’ll work on your hang-ups. By the time the first one is about thirteen you can talk about it.”

He nudged her, wrinkling his nose. “I have hang-ups? I’m the one that suggested the whipped cream, remember?”

She found herself blushing crimson. Now that had been pretty wild, she recalled. So intense, so passionate that she was sure she had fainted at one point.

“Shh...” she whispered. “The movie’s starting.”

They sat for a long time, watching the film. Luka was thinking about how stupid most vampire movies tended to be. If he was living in Transylvania, where bats and vampires were about, he’d sure as hell keep his windows closed. What kind of moron leaves her windows wide open when she knows Dracula is out there somewhere and can turn himself into a bat, fly in and suck her dry?

He was getting a little nervous, though. The movie was cheesy and ridiculous in itself, but he couldn’t help getting apprehensive when the girl was there in her boudoir, getting ready for bed. The French windows were open (of course), the mists rolling in off the moors, the curtains blowing in the breeze. The bat flew through the windows... Soon, Dracula was leaning over the girl’s body, teeth glistening in the moonlight...

Just then, Kerry leaned over and kissed Luka on the neck.

He let out a loud shout, popcorn went flying everywhere, his huge Cup O’Soda landed with a splat on the ground, pouring Dr. Pepper everywhere, and everyone in the theater was staring at him. Kerry looked horrified - and hysterical. The look on his face was too much. She put her head down and shook with silent mirth.

Luka realized that he was standing up, so he sat down quickly and glared at Kerry. “I’ll get you for that!” he said. She was sure she was going to die of laughter.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said. “I didn’t think you’d react that way...”

“Oh, sure. How many other people have you terrorized during Dracula movies?” he asked her in a stage whisper. He checked his pulse. His heart was pounding.

She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll make it up to you tonight,” she promised. Then she whispered her intentions in his ear. He listened, then gave her a wicked smile.

“Sounds interesting,” he admitted. “But what if we get stuck together?”

“All the better,” she whispered.

“Shhh!” The people behind them were getting frustrated with them. “We’re trying to watch the movie!”

“Aw shaddup,” Kerry said, turning around. “I’m flirting with my husband!”



“I guess we’ve already started,” Kerry said.

“On what?” Luka asked. He was still trying to catch his breath. He rolled away, kissing her, then pulled her back into his arms.  She snuggled against his chest, her body still trembling, enjoying the heat of him. She doubted she’d ever be cold again, lying here by him. She only felt warm and safe with him. All the loneliness and bitterness of the past was gone. She knew there would be problems in the future - there always are - but that was a bridge they’d cross when they got to it.

“Making a baby,” she said quietly.

“So you’re already wanting to start a family, Kerry?”

“We are a family, baby or no baby. But I’m willing and ready if you are.”

“You know the risks, don’t you?” he said, running his fingers through her hair and kissing her again.

“Yes. I know. I’m thirty-eight, I’ve never had a baby before... but... I’m still willing. There’s always a risk, you know. Even when you’re twenty, or if you’re thirty and have three kids already. Every moment of our lives is a risk. Just getting out of bed in the morning.”

“But could be bedridden for the entire pregnancy, Kerry. Your doctor might not allow you to work after the first trimester.”

“Worry, worry, worry,” she said. “You worry too much. I’ll follow the doctor’s orders to the letter.”

“And mine, too?” he smiled.

“Yes...” She blushed. “Remember what I said at our wedding? ‘Love, honor and obey’?”

“I was surprised you agreed to obey,” he laughed. “You don’t seem like the obedient type.”

She shrugged, trying to figure out some way to explain herself to him. “It’s easy to obey someone who only wants the best for you. I mean... well, maybe not always, but in general. I know you’d never ask me to do something I really didn’t want to do, much less become a tyrant and order me around. I certainly can’t do that with you, Luka.”

“Well, you can’t give me orders at work, anyway,” he grinned. “We’re equals now.”

“We always were,” she said softly.

“Husbands are supposed to love their wives, Kerry... no good husband becomes a tyrant. You can kill me if I ever do become one. I wouldn’t be Luka Kovac any more.”

He said this with surprising ardor. Kerry looked up at him, and touched his face, rubbing her palm against that oh-so-familiar stubble. It didn’t matter if he shaved at one, he would already have some whiskers by three. “You’re beautiful, you know that?” she whispered.

“Eh...I’m not much,” he shrugged. There was no false modesty there. Kerry had always been amazed at his complete lack of self-consciousness. He didn’t preen in front of a mirror for long-just shaved, combed his hair, made sure he was neat and presentable, but she had never once seen him behave like some nightclub jerk, bobbing his head and trying to attract the attention of the opposite sex. He was far too mature for that kind of foolishness.

“Not much?” She laughed. “The first time I saw you... it’s a wonder I didn’t just drag you into a supply closet!”

He grinned. “Kinda wish you had. Then I wouldn’t have wasted so much time.”

“Well, time is relative. I’m glad we took our time. I’m glad we waited. You know... delayed gratification.”

“Oh, you want delayed gratification, Kerry?” he asked, grinning.

“Uh-oh... am I in trouble now, Dr. Kovac?”

“You love trouble... why else would you marry me?”

“Because I love you, that’s why,” she whispered as he moved her onto her back again. “And I have every intention of keeping you happy for the rest of your life.”

He looked down at her for a moment, then kissed her eyes, the tip of her nose, and finally claimed her mouth, nibbling softly on her lips. She moaned softly, threading her arms around his neck again, getting lost in his touch.

“Luka...” she said softly. “I found the parrot.”

“What?”

“The parrot. It’s over there on the chair. Maybe you could turn it on?”

He stared at her for a moment, then grinned. “Kerry, you have a dirty, dirty mind.”

She smiled and watched as he climbed out of bed, retrieved the parrot and stood there for a moment, a magnificent Adonis, trying to figure out how to turn the multicolored thing on. She sat up, waiting impatiently for him to join her again. He finally found the switch and said, “Dobar dan.”

The parrot repeated him.

“Ah, you speak Croatian?”

He put the parrot on the night table by the bed and climbed back in beside her. She screamed with laughter when he tickled her.

“Can it repeat sounds?” he asked. “You know... headboards banging against walls, screams, groans... that kind of thing?”

“I don’t know. Let’s see if it can, hmm?”

“I aim to please,” Luka sat, pulling her into his arms. “Say, what are you doing fifty years from now?”

Kerry smiled, touching his face. “I’ll be celebrating our wedding anniversary,” she replied confidently, lying back and relaxing as he moved over her.

“That’s what I wanted to hear, baby,” he said gently. He traced the line of her jaw with his thumb, and she looked up into his eyes. They were that same mysterious, smoky green. “You’re mine, Kerry.”

“I am,” she whispered back. “All yours. And you’re mine.”

“Yes.” He nodded, then looked into her eyes again. “I guess we made it.”

She smiled and nodded. “It’s a burning thing.”

He laughed and kissed her again. “Oh, but the fire is wild...”

To be continued...

Do something, every day, that scares somebody.
-Dale Gribble, "King of the Hill"