One Good Deed Part 16 Online

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"We will be," Peter said and pulled out onto the street. They didn't seem to be moving very fast, and with each pa.s.sing second Luka got a little more nervous.

Peter's phone rang, and he handed it to Luka.

"h.e.l.lo," Luka said. "This is Peter's phone."

"Luka, it's Marie. I was calling to see if you and Peter would like to come to dinner on Sat.u.r.day." The relations.h.i.+p between Peter and his mother had changed slowly as far as Luka could see. They both seemed to be finding their way.

"That would be very nice. We are on our way to the hospital now. Bella is having her baby." Luka couldn't help smiling.

"Give her my best," Marie said.

"I will, and I will have Peter call when we get to hospital," Luka said.

"Tomorrow is fine," Marie replied.

Luka said good-bye and hung up. He stared out the winds.h.i.+eld as the snow continued coming down. There were times when it was hard to see anything but the lights of the car in front of them. Finally, to Luka's relief, Peter turned off the road and parked.

"I glad I not drive," Luka mumbled as he got out of the car and stepped carefully to avoid a pile of slush. He closed the car door, and they walked across the parking lot, dodging the truck removing the snow. Inside, the warmth was nearly overpowering, and he shoved his hat and gloves into his pockets, then opened his coat so he didn't get too warm. Peter spoke to someone behind the desk.

"She's this way," Peter said, and they hurried to an elevator and up to the second floor. In the delivery area, they checked in and were told that Bella was already in with her sister. "We're on the list," Peter explained, and she looked further.

"Yes, you are," she said. Luka didn't know what it meant, but it seemed to unlock the gate to information. "Bella is in delivery. At last report she was in active delivery, which means she's giving birth now. It says you're both allowed in the delivery room, but it's too late for that now. We will get you scrubbed and gowned so you can see her as soon as the baby is born."

She led them to a room where they washed and put on gowns, hats, masks, and covers for their shoes. When they were done, Luka and Peter followed the nurse, now dressed the same way, down a hallway. She peered inside a small window and then motioned for them to come forward. Slowly, Luka pushed the door open and then stepped into the delivery room.

Bella lay on a gurney, looking exhausted, with a small bundle in her arms. She smiled at them, and Luka stepped over to the bed and got a look at the tiny bundle.

"It's a boy," Bella said.

Luka smiled at her and then at Sima, who was standing off to the side.

"Are you going to call him Josif after his dad?" Luka asked.

Bella looked to Sima, who smiled and lightly patted her sister's shoulder. "Yes. We decided to call him Lucas Joseph," Bella said. "I want him to have an American name, so we decided to name him after you. We'll call him Lucas so there won't be any confusion when he's around his uncles." Bella eyes shone as she looked at the two of them.

Bella carefully lifted Lucas so Luka could hold him. He took the small sleeping bundle. The baby's eyes were closed, and he moved a little in his sleep. Luka rocked him slowly, unable to stop the tears as he thought how much Josif would love this and how unfair it was that he wasn't here to hold his son. I take care of him for you I take care of him for you, Luka thought.

Peter moved closer, looking over Luka's shoulder, and little Lucas opened his eyes. The lights were dim, and Luka got a good peek into his eyes. His heart was gone, lost once again to a gorgeous man with dark eyes. Luka s.h.i.+fted slightly so Peter could get a better look. "He is beautiful, Bella."

"Just like his mother," Peter whispered. Luka nodded, but couldn't take his eyes off the sweet bundle he held. Lucas opened his mouth and began to cry softly. Luka settled him back in his mother's embrace.

"We're going to take both of them to a room," one of the nurses said. "You can meet them in room 212 in a few minutes."

Peter patted him on the shoulder, and after taking another look at Bella and the baby, they left the room.

After changing out of the sanitary gear, they walked to the room the nurse had described and sat down. Bella was wheeled in, and the nurse drew the curtain partway.

"He's hungry," the nurse said. Luka looked to Peter briefly, expecting to see a bottle. The nurse stepped around and helped Bella put the baby into the proper position. Both he and Peter looked away as Bella breast-fed Lucas for the first time.

"It's okay, boys," Bella said. "If you're going to be around for the next few months, you better get used to the tatas."

"Sorry, dear," Peter said. "But that's not going to happen."

"Breast-feeding is important," the nurse said. "It helps mother and baby bond, and it helps Bella impart some of her immunity to the baby." She looked on, and Luka hazarded a look. There was nothing to really see, other than Bella holding Lucas close, and he relaxed.

Sima came in, and Luka got up so she could sit down, but she shook her head. "I think you're both in good hands. I'm going to go home and get some rest." She leaned over the bed and kissed Bella's cheek. "Call if you need anything. Mom is trying to get here from Chicago, but the weather has her stymied for now. But you know that won't keep her away for long. So get some rest-you'll need it." She said good-bye and left the room.

After a few minutes, Bella rearranged her gown and resettled Lucas. "Would you like to hold him?" she asked Peter.

He stepped forward and cradled Lucas in his arms. "Lucas, I'm your Uncle Peter," he said, rocking slightly. "You may not know it, but you're the luckiest little boy around. You got the world's best mommy. I know your daddy's with the angels, but he's looking down on you and he'll watch over you."

Luka felt tears forming in his eyes and didn't dare look at Bella.

"You've also got your Uncle Luka. He's one of the best people I know. Yes, he is," Peter added in baby talk. "You can sleep if you want, but I gotta tell you, your Uncle Luka is special." Peter turned, and their gazes locked. "See, he believed in me when I didn't believe in myself." Peter paused. "That's it. Stretch it out," Peter whispered to Lucas. "Yes." Lucas continued moving and then settled down. "Now, where was I?" Peter asked. "Oh, yeah, see, not everyone gets an Uncle Luka. And not everyone has people who will love you always, but your uncles will. I promise." Peter looked at Luka. "Unconditionally and for always. No matter what happens, what you do, or even if you turn into a Republican."

"Don't let his grandpa hear you say that," Bella said with a slight chuckle.

"That will be our little secret," Peter said, and then he slowly settled Lucas next to Bella. "I think it's time for Mama and Baby to get some rest."

"Are you leaving?" Bella asked.

"No," Peter said. "We'll be right here. You close your eyes and take a nap while Lucas is quiet. He'll need to eat again soon." Peter moved his chair next to Luka's and sat down. Without really thinking about it, Luka took Peter's hand. Peter leaned slightly against Luka's shoulder. "Maybe we should think about having a child."

"Maybe, eventually, but let's be uncles first."

Peter nodded and relaxed against him. The room grew quiet and soon Bella fell asleep.

"Volim te," Luka whispered to Peter, who tightened the grip on his hand.

"I love you too," Peter told him just as quietly.

Luka turned his head slightly and saw a world of meaning in Peter's eyes. Luka lifted Peter's hand to his lips and lightly kissed the back of it.

"My heart is light and happy, and that's because of you," Peter whispered in Luka's ear.

Luka was about to shake his head to protest, but didn't. Peter's heart was happy. It showed in almost everything he did, but especially in the way Peter now hummed to himself when he did things around the house. Luka was certain Peter didn't know he did it, and he had no intention of bringing it to Peter's attention. It was a sign to him that the baggage Peter had carried when they met was truly gone. His lover, partner, and friend was happy-as happy and contented as Luka was. That was all he could ask. They were building a life together, and some things were the same no matter where you lived. Being with someone took patience, communication, and compromise, just like it had in Belgrade. Things wouldn't be perfect.

Luka's leg cramped slightly, so he stood up and quietly walked toward the bed. Lucas was asleep, the picture of a tiny angel. Peter came up behind him, lightly touching his shoulder. Yes, things might not always be perfect, but moments of perfection, like this one, made it all worthwhile.

About the Author.

ANDREW G GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world's most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania. grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world's most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Visit Andrew's website athttp://www.andrewgreybooks.com and blog athttp://andrewgreybooks.livejournal.com/.

E-mail him

The Art Series from A ANDREW G GREY [image][image]

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