The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Twenty-Three

The morning of the wedding had arrived, and the happy couple were curled around each other in bed.

Elli had been ecstatic that they were having a baby but was annoyed that they had sworn her to secrecy. They wanted to keep it in the family for now.

Abe's hand was resting on her belly, Anna smiling as his thumb brushed her skin. "I wish I could feel the baby moving," he sighed. "I know it's so early, but to feel it even once would be amazing."

"I know," she whispered, trying not to let sadness take her. They both knew that he might miss all of the pregnancy, perhaps even more.

Abe kissed her forehead, grinning against her. "You're gonna be my wife in a few hours," he murmured.

Anna smiled, the sentiment filling her entire being. "Mrs Coleman," she said. "That will take some getting used to."

"Do you think Elli will want to take my last name?" he asked, Anna glancing at him now. "Sam says if I want any legal claim to her, I'll need to adopt her. And Heidi has a contact who will help me get that sorted."

Anna kissed him tenderly, resting her forehead against his. "I don't know that she would want to lose her connection to our parents," she said slowly, "but, I know that she'll want you to adopt her."

"So, she'll keep her last name like you did?"

"I always wanted to change my name. But there was already growing anti-Semitism when my adoption was finalised. So, they kept it German to keep me safe."

"You were still their kid," he assured her. "You're so much like your Mama by the sounds of things."

"It's going to be really odd not having them here today," she managed, her throat aching. He cuddled her closer. "I know your parents aren't here either-"

"It ain't the same," he agreed. "They'll be watchin' baby. I have no doubt. Maybe even alongside my Daddy. I just hope they think I'm good enough for you."

"You're perfect, Abraham Coleman. Truly, you are." He kissed her deeply, Anna already getting carried away and pulling him closer to her as she lay back.

But then, there was a loud knock at the door.

Abe groaned loudly, Anna giggling a little as he looked up. "Yeah?" called Abe, the door opening as Hollywood walked in. "That wasn't an invitation, you dumb fuck!" snapped Abe, covering Anna with the blanket despite her being in her night dress.

Hollywood just laughed, as ever impervious to Abe's grumbles. "I ain't tryna sneak a peep at your bride to be. Anyways, you shouldn't even be here! It's bad luck to see the bride on the weddin' day."

"I'm not gonna spend a night away from her 'cause of some dumbass tradition," grumbled Abe.

"Nevertheless," continued Hollywood, "you gotta get up. You've got patrols to do this morning. You're lucky that Hatcher gave us all the afternoon off to celebrate with you. Don't test his patience."

"All right!" acquiesced Abe. "Now fuck off."

"I'll be just outside the door," said Hollywood, shooting Anna a wink and making her laugh. "Love the night dress, by the way," he added.

"Get out before I smack you!" threatened Abe and Hollywood darted out, laughing to himself. "I hate that bastard."

"No you don't," smiled Anna.

"No, you're right. I don't." Abe got to his feet, hastily pulling his clothes on.

Anna stood up too, ready to kiss him goodbye.