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Post by hollygirl on Jan 1, 2007 14:10:05 GMT 10
Great update!! Loving Luka's singing once again. I can sort of picture him actually doing that on the show, with his magnificent singing voice... Loving Lauren playing soccer with her cousins.. I LOVE SOCCER It is my passion... but anyways... I hope you update soon!
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Post by <3 Luby II 2 <3 on Jan 1, 2007 15:59:35 GMT 10
nice!
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Post by Noora on Jan 1, 2007 21:27:34 GMT 10
Awww! Lauren is gonna be the next David Beckham, female though Loved the chapter.
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Post by ERFanRach on Jan 1, 2007 22:22:33 GMT 10
Great Update!!!!
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kia
Duchess of Luby
Posts: 316
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Post by kia on Jan 1, 2007 23:19:50 GMT 10
Love it! It was a great Christmas! Even if last line (Abby feeling a bit lonely) is worrying me a little...
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Post by larue on Jan 2, 2007 1:12:59 GMT 10
Naw...don't let it worry you. This fic is totally fluff. Christmas has me feeling all warm and fuzzy this year. LOL
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Post by larue on Jan 2, 2007 1:29:13 GMT 10
“Abby!” Luka called toward the back of the apartment. ‘We’re going to be late!” She came out of the bedroom and left the door open a bit. She held up a finger to shush him.
“I finally got her down for a nap,” she said quietly. “With any luck she’ll be out for a couple of hours and she needs it.” He nodded and held up her coat so she could slip it on. She turned to Tata and sighed. “Are you sure you will be okay with her?” she asked. He nodded and held up a sketch pad and pencils. “I’ll be working right here if she should wake up.”
“Okay then....” She pressed a kiss to his cheek and then moved to the door. She looked back at Luka expectantly and he grinned as he picked up her hand and pulled her toward the door.
“Who are we picking up again?” she asked. Luka glanced back at his father and they both smiled.
“Just some....relatives...coming for the wedding,” he said.
“More?” she groaned.
“Come on.....” he laughed and pulled her through the door . The airport terminal was busy with people traveling for the holidays. Abby wandered around looking at the art work and posters hanging on the wall as Luka stood by the open doors of the customs area. He seemed rather anxious as he watched for a familiar face. He caught her eye occasionally and just grinned. Then he straightened and wave to her. “Abby,” he called. “They’re here!” She sauntered over and stood next to him waiting patiently to meet another relative. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open as Susan Lewis made her way through the customs doorway with her suitcase and a carry on bag. She looked a bit frazzled as she looked around and then grinned when she saw them. She dropped the bag as a very surprised Abby made her way to her and wrapped her arms around her. Susan laughed as Abby burst into tears.
“What are you doing here?” she cried. Susan laughed and hugged her.
“We have two very sneaky husbands,” she said. “They have been planning this for months!” Abby wiped the tears from her eyes and then started to cry again as Susan’s niece, Susie, made her way toward them with a small duffle bag and backpack.
“This is just so cool!” she cried excitedly as she dropped her things and almost leaped into Luka’s arms. “I actually have stamps in my very own passport! And I was in Paris. I was actually in Paris!” He laughed and hugged her and then pressed a kiss to Susan’s cheek.
“How was your trip?” he asked. Susan’s smiled broadened and she nodded.
“Where are Chuck and Cosmo?” Abby asked.
“In Chicago with Chuck’s mother,” Susan said. “Believe me, they’ll be much happier there. All of them. Together.”
“But you’ve missed Christmas with them....” Abby said. Susan snorted.
“That’s the beauty of this whole story,” she said as she linked arms with Abby and they headed through the terminal lobby. “My dad fed me this whole tale about going on a Christmas singles cruise...can you believe that? He wanted to celebrate with us early. We got there, had a huge dinner and opened gifts......”
“And we got boxes with tickets and passports!” Susie finished excitedly. She turned to Luka. “I was in Paris! I was really and truly in Paris, FRANCE!”
“Susie.....we were only there for an hour and 45 minutes!” Susan said as she glanced back to Abby. “So we really did have Christmas with them. Just a little earlier than planned. Ah...I forgot my suitcase!” They all turned around to find Luka following them with Susie’s duffle in one hand and Susan’s suitcase in the other. He was grinning broadly. His smile faded when he saw Abby’s eyes fill as she looked up at him. He dropped the suitcase and duffle bag as she moved into his arms. He held her for a moment and then kissed the top of her head as he winked at Susan.
“Thank you....” Abby sighed as she looked up and kissed him. “Thank you for doing this.....all of this.” Luka’s hands crept to the sides of her face and their kiss deepened. Susie grimaced and looked away as she shook her head. Susan glanced around absently and then shuffled her feet.
“Okay....okay, you guys,” Susan scolded as she looked around them in feigned embarrassment. “Wait till after the wedding tomorrow, okay?” Luka grinned as they separated.
“We need to get them to Zoran and Jelena’s place,” he whispered. “You can thank me again later.” Abby laughed and shook her head.
“Naw,” she said. “Susan’s right. We’ll wait till after the wedding.” Luka’s face fell and Abby grinned back at him as he picked up the suitcase and duffle and followed them to the front of the airport. She winked and he smiled.
Tata and Lauren were waiting for them when they arrived at Zoran’s house. Natasya and Susie took an instant liking to one another and immediately retreated to Natasya’s room to compare the music on their new ipods. Jelena had dinner ready for them. Andro and Valerija arrived in time for dessert. Abby sat at the table and toyed with the coffee cup in her hand as she looked around her. Susan was fighting sleep a bit as she talked with Jelena about schools in Croatia. Valerija was thoroughly enjoying cuddling a sleeping Lauren in her lap. Their eyes met and they exchanged broad smiles. Tata was saying something to Luka in Croatian and Luka glanced toward her suddenly. He was frowning.
“What?” she asked. He grimaced.
“Apparently you and Lauren are staying here for the night and I am to go back to Tata’s with my brothers. Tata even packed you a bag.” Andro and Zoran laughed uproariously and they stood up. They took Luka by the arms and the pulled him protesting toward the front door. Josef followed them and bowed courteously toward the table with his daughters in law and Susan.
Later, when they were alone in Jelena’s bedroom for the night, Susan opened her suitcase and pulled out several small boxes. She sat cross legged on the bed with Abby and opened them. “From Haleh,” she said and handed her the box. “It’s something borrowed so you get to give it back to her.” She held out another one. “This is from Chuck and I. Chuck picked it out. It’s something blue.” Abby took them and laughed softly as she fingered the blue silk and lace garter. Susan suppressed a smile and took a deep breath as she held the last box a little longer.
“And this one,” she said softly. “This one is from your mother and Eric. Something old and something new.” Abby opened the box to find a silver locket that had belonged to her Grandmother on a long new chain. She opened the locket to find a tiny picture of Lauren on one side and her own baby picture on the other. She widened her eyes to deal with the tears that threatened to fall.
“‘How did you get this?” Abby asked. Susan chuckled again.
“I told you, Abby,” she said. “They have been planning this for months! Do you remember that conversation we had at the campground last summer? When we thought they were sleeping by the fire pit?” Abby frowned as she thought for a moment. Susan twisted her fingers in a circle as she tried to jog her memory.
. “You told me about the wedding dress Chuny had shown you in a magazine?” Abby’s eyes widened.
“They were listening to us?” Susan nodded.
“The whole time apparently.” They giggled together and then Abby’s fingers traced the box in her hands. The box from her mother.
“I hope they weren’t hurt that you were coming and not them. I knew that she wouldn’t fly and Eric and Becca are waiting for their baby......” Susan patted her hand.
“I talked to your Mom on the phone before we left. She has been dying because she has been on both sides of this ‘secret’ and couldn’t talk to anyone about it. You were talking to her about the dresses and Luka was talking to her about the arrangements he was making. She can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. And she wanted to make sure that I gave you a hug from her tomorrow.....” Susan glanced down at her watch.
“I mean today,” she laughed. “My god, Abby. You and Luka are finally making it official in just a few more hours!” Abby nodded slowly and looked down at the boxes in her lap. Susan sighed happily and studied Lauren sleeping in the bed.
“I can move her,” Abby offered. Susan shook her head.
“Naw,” she chuckled. “It’s been a good long while since Cosmo let me snuggle with him in bed. She’ll be fine. And we both need to get some sleep.” They put things away and then crawled under the warm down comforter on either side of the sleeping little girl. Susan turned out the lamp next to her....wrapped an arm around Lauren and they both sighed and settled down to rest. Abby kept her eyes open and searched the darkness.....waiting. A soft smile crossed her face as she felt her cell phone vibrating silently in the pocket of her pajama pants. She eased herself off the bed carefully and crossed the hall into the bathroom. She flipped open the phone and held it to her ear.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“They tried to get me drunk,” he said. She grinned.
“Tried?”
“They both forget who taught them to drink.” he chuckled. “How is it with you?”
“Everyone is sleeping,” she said. “But I can’t. I miss you.”
“Yeah....” he sighed. “Me too....I mean...I miss you.” Abby smiled. “Tomorrow......” he sighed.
“You mean, today,” she interrupted. He laughed.
“Getting anxious?” he asked . “Are you?”
“Abby, I have been ready for this day for a long time.” She smiled and hugged herself to stay warm.
“I heard that shivering,” Luka said. “I know how it is here with the heat off at night. Go back to bed and get warm. I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”
“I love you too,” she breathed softly.
“I’ll be waiting for you at church,” he said.
“I’ll be there first.” Her smile broadened as he laughed and his phone clicked off.
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kia
Duchess of Luby
Posts: 316
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Post by kia on Jan 2, 2007 2:03:29 GMT 10
aaww, it was perfect susan, the presents, the phone call...great... and i'm glad i don't have to worry. now, i want the wedding
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Post by *Natalie* on Jan 2, 2007 4:13:50 GMT 10
Amazing updates Loved the last part on the phone natalie x
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Post by larue on Jan 2, 2007 5:21:33 GMT 10
“But Aunt Susan....” Susie wheedled. “It’s like...perfect. Lots of schools let their students do a semester abroad.”
“Maybe your’s doesn’t,” Susan said flatly as she pulled the grey tights up over Lauren’s diapered bottom and stood her up on the bench. “Honey, frankly...the thought of you and Natasya on the loose together....in Europe?” She cringed and shook her head.
“We wouldn’t be on the loose......” Susie sighed as she absently shoved the diaper Susan handed her into the garbage can. “We’d be right here and then the following semester Natasya would be at our house. It’s perfect.” Susan carefully drew a brush through Lauren’s dark hair and tied a dark pink bow in the half ponytail on top of her head. Susie was leaning back against the wall and frowning.
“Don’t you think that Natasya’s parents would rather have her living with her aunt and uncle if she came to the U.S.?”
“Chicago is only a couple of hours away. She could see them all the time!” Susan shook her head in frustration and adjusted the full crinoline slip over Lauren’s head and then slipped her feet into tiny black ballet slippers. She stood her on the floor and then held her hand as she twirled in the stiff skirt. Susan smiled at her and then glanced up to see Abby watching her in the mirror. She rolled her eyes and suppressed a smile as Valerija put the finishing touches on the smooth chignon on the back of Abby’s head.
“Beautiful.....” Valerija said as she dropped her hands to Abby’s shoulders and gazed at her in the mirror. Abby smiled.
“Thank you....” she nodded. Valerija gathered up her things and slipped them into a bag.
“I think I need to go and see how Jelena is holding up. I think that Natasya may be saying the same things to her?” she said. She bent to kiss Abby’s cheek. “See you very soon.” Abby nodded and looked at herself for a long moment. She wrapped the robe around herself more snugly and sighed. Susan stepped behind her and their eyes met in the mirror. Susan smiled and slipped a hand to her friend’s shoulder.
“Are you ready for this?” she asked softly. Abby shrugged and then blinked in surprise as her eyes filled with tears.
“I don’t really know any more,” she said with a laugh as she hurriedly wiped the tears away. There was a knock on the door and Natasya entered. She glanced at Susie with a question on her face and Susie shook her head and frowned. Natasya’s face fell and she handed Luka’s cell phone to Abby.
“Ujak Luka said it is for you....” she said. Abby grinned and took the phone, expecting to hear his voice on the other end.
“Luka....” she sighed.
“Abby?” Abby sat straight up in the chair.
“Mom....” she gasped softly. Susan grinned and turned to usher Natasya and Susie out of the little room. She closed the door behind them and concentrated on getting Lauren’s dress on the little girl who had busied herself stomping and twirling in the stiff little slip she wore. She buttoned the buttons and carefully tied the dark pink sash into a big bow her waist. She brushed down the satin skirt and then took her hands to dance with her. Lauren’s giggles were infectious and Susan laughed along with her. She watched Abby out of the corner of her eye and then grinned as she closed the phone and stood up.
“It’s three thirty in the morning in Minnesota,” she said. Susan moved forward and wrapped her arms around Abby.
“And here is the hug from Maggie,” she said. Abby clung to her for a moment and then Susan stepped back.
“Want some help with your dress?” she asked. Abby shook her head and glanced down at Lauren.
“No...” she smiled. “We’ll be fine. Thank you for dressing her.”
“Me?” Susan scoffed. “Give up a chance to deal with tights and satin and bows? I didn’t even get to do that with Susie....who wants to do a semester abroad here with Natasya....gads!” Abby laughed and picked Lauren up in her arms. Susan turned to look back at them before she left and smiled encouragingly. She blew Abby a kiss and then left.
Abby sighed and looked at the little girl in her arms for a long moment. Lauren was playing with the silver locket around her mother’s neck. Abby grinned and pulled her closer for a hug and a kiss.
“Shall we go see Daddy now?” she asked. “Can you say volim tee?” Lauren smiled and wrapped her tiny arms around her mother’s neck and squeezed.
Luka sighed as his father straightened his silver tie and brushed imaginary lint off the shoulders of the dark jacket his son wore. Josef stopped and his eyes began to twinkle as he smiled at something behind his son. Luka turned his head and then slowly turned his whole body. He was totally oblivious to the people around him as his eyes took in the two figures that had stepped through a door at the side of the little chapel. Susan saw them too. Her eyes danced from Luka’s face to Abby’s and her face split into a huge smile. Perfect.
The circle of family that had surrounded him separated and made a path of sorts between them. Abby knelt a little and patted Lauren on the back. The little girl smiled and happily tripped across the room toward her father. Luka grinned and swept her up in his arms and held her close for a moment. She was all sweet smelling squishy baby softness and crinkly petticoats under the silvery satin dress with the dark pink sash. A matching wide pink bow held long silky dark curls off her face as she kissed him on the lips. Luka close his eyes and savored the sweetness of this moment. She wasn’t going to be his baby much longer. If he blinked this was going to be gone.
“... tee, Dada,” she said as she began to wiggle impatiently from his hug. Luka grinned and handed her to his father. Josef nodded and adjusted her long skirts over his arm and lifted a small ballet slippered toe to his lips for a quick kiss. His granddaughter chuckled and brushed a stray hair from her face with a chubby hand.
Luka’s eyes lifted to Abby’s and he realized that he was holding his breath as he crossed to room toward her. He let it out slowly when he stood before her and their eyes held. She was beautiful. The dress was perfect in it’s simplicity. It’s icy color was set off by her flawless skin and dark hair. A silver locket nestled in the folds at her breasts. Her hair was swept back in a perfect chignon and she held a small simple bouquet of dark pink roses and white lilies. The diamond earrings he’d gotten her for her first Mother’s Day sparkled in her ears. But it was the sparkle in her warm brown eyes that held him. Would always hold him. Forever.
“Luka.....” she whispered. “They’re waiting for us.” He was shaken from his private worship of the woman that would be his wife and he held out his hand to her. Abby smiled and slipped her free hand in his and they walked toward the waiting minister together. She stopped to smile at Susan and held out the bouquet for her. Susan nodded as she took the flowers. Tears of joy filled her eyes. This moment was a long time coming. A very long time. Susie leaned in toward her as Abby and Luka stepped into the center of the circle of people.
“I want to get married just like this,” she whispered.
“Yeah...me too,” Susan sighed softly. Susie frowned.
“You’re already married,” she said. “Who cares?” Susan shrugged quietly not taking her eyes from her friends.
The circle closed around them and Abby’s hand squeezed Luka’s carefully. They looked at one another and smiled and then back to the minister who began his litany that would link them together....forever.
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Post by *Natalie* on Jan 2, 2007 5:34:34 GMT 10
That was sooo perfect My tears are of happniess by the way lol natalie x
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Post by <3 Luby II 2 <3 on Jan 2, 2007 6:06:16 GMT 10
Awesome!!
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Post by Lubyfanatic316 on Jan 2, 2007 6:17:41 GMT 10
Great Update!
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kia
Duchess of Luby
Posts: 316
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Post by kia on Jan 2, 2007 8:22:49 GMT 10
wow, great, perfect... update asap
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Post by ERFanRach on Jan 2, 2007 8:47:12 GMT 10
Great Updates!!!!
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