One Last Chance

Chapter 2

Mike pulled up behind Alisha and Molly at their modern looking townhouse. It was not his favorite style of architecture; although he had never really cared about such things. He had lived in BOQ's and hotel rooms for the past five years when he wasn't deployed. He had to admit, he missed the idea of having a home. If he ever got back to that point, he would not choose a house like Alisha and Molly's. He would pick a one-story, older house with character. Wide trim and big windows, a fireplace and big kitchen. A living room where he could park it in a recliner and watch a football game with a cold beer and a nice cigar. And a large yard so the baby would have a place to play when it got older. Depending on Andrea's reaction to him, of course.

He was nervous. A baby had not been on his radar, let alone a relationship. He carried a lot of guilt with him about Christine and his kids. If he had gotten home sooner or not gone back to the James; they might still be alive. He and Christine had been on the verge of divorce and had agreed to wait to file until he got home from the Arctic. Had things been different; he would have been divorced and not a widower who had lost three kids. Despite his marital issues, he had cared about Christine. Even loved her despite everything. She had been the mother of his children and they had agreed that after the divorce, they would remain friends to make things easier for their kids. By title, Christine was his wife but she had become a friend before her death. Much like Andrea.

As he walked up the stairs to the front door; he wondered how Andrea managed them. Molly and Alisha held the door open for him and he prepared himself. Would she be in a wheelchair? How had she managed a pregnancy with her extensive injuries? Was she angry at him for leaving?

"Sir, she is in the bedroom. I will lead you and give you some privacy." Alisha told him as he walked behind her, down a hallway.

"Thank you, Alisha. I am sorry for what I said earlier. I appreciate you ladies caring for her." Mike apologized.

"It's okay. I expected that reaction. And it is what a family does. They take care of one another." Alisha told him as they turned a corner. Mike glimpsed into the room and saw Andrea with her back turned. She was standing but had ahold of the window seal to help herself. "I'll leave you two alone." Alisha said as she gestured for Mike to enter the bedroom and then shut the door behind her as she left. Andrea had slowly turned around and Mike saw that she was definitely pregnant. He fought an incredible urge to walk up to her and rub her belly; hoping for a kick.

"Hey there, sailor." Andrea said with a smile.

"I…I am sorry I left you like that. I genuinely thought…" Mike stumbled.

"I know. Let's sit?" Andrea asked as she maneuvered to a pair of arm chairs that were in the corner of the bedroom. It struck Mike as odd because the bed would have been infinitely easier for Andrea to maneuver onto but then again, the last time they had sat down on a bed; they had managed to create a baby. He was shocked how well she did sitting down and sat down in the chair next to her's.

"I don't know where to even start…and this…it's a shock." Mike said, indicating her swollen belly.

"Yeah. Shocked me too. This baby is a tough cookie." Andrea admitted.

"Are things…okay?" Mike asked.

"The baby is developing normally, has a strong, healthy heart and is very active. Did Molly show you the ultrasound photo?" Andrea asked.

"Yes. She did. I have it here." Mike said as he reached into his shirt pocket; right over his heart.

"Keep it. I have others." Andrea told him. She honestly didn't look any different, other than being very pregnant.

"I…have a lot of questions but I do think, first of all…I love you. I have…missed you so much. I want to be a part of this baby's life. I want us to…I don't know what you want but I want us to…be together. I know there are logistical issues but…I want this." Mike finished.

"I love you too and I do want you in this baby's life. I want this too…whatever this is. I just don't want to stay underfoot here. Alisha and Molly have been great but I want a place of my own. Now that I am on my own feet; it's time. I would like to think you would move with me…where there is." Andrea stated. She was rubbing her belly as they talked and Mike still fought the urge to reach out.

"We'll start looking for a house tomorrow. Something different than this. Can I?" Mike asked as he pointed at her stomach. Andrea took his hand and positioned it, palm down on her lower abdomen. He was rewarded with a strong kick and it instantly brought a smile to his face.

"Wow." Mike said simply as he concentrated on their tiny baby.

"He or she is putting on a show for Daddy." Andrea told him.

"He or she? You haven't found out?" Mike asked.

"I, unlike you, love surprises. So, about the house; we are both in agreement, the modern style is out?" Andrea asked.

"YES! I was thinking single story, not cookie cutter. Something with character. Large yard, big kitchen. Living room with a fireplace. A house that will tell us a story but allow us to create our own story." Mike stated.

"I love it. Big porch too. I have always wanted a house that I could put rocking chairs and a swing on. Drink sweet tea and read a book. Relax. I also don't want fancy. No formal anything." Andrea listed her wishes for their house.

"Sounds like home." Mike agreed. He still had his hand on her stomach and the baby was really showing off.

"Baby likes your voice." Andrea told him.

"I can't wait to meet baby." Mike said as he knelt down in front of Andrea's chair and very gently pulled her shirt up; exposing her belly. There was scarring but he didn't care about that. He leaned forward with both hands on her belly and kissed it. "I know you are just now hearing my voice but I promise; you will be hearing it a lot more. You will probably get sick of it. Now, I do love you and your mommy." Mike was talking to Andrea's belly and she was laughing and had put her hands over the top of Mike's. Their baby was their next, last and only chance and they were prepared to move forward.

Alright, one more chapter after this and done! I just wanted to write a fast and sort of lighthearted story.