Found Love
Chapter 26
Part of Christine was elated. Mike was Hannah's biological father. It was a huge weight off everyone's shoulders but Hannah was emotionally spent. She had cried in Mike's arms for over an hour. Christine was afraid though, that it had put a huge strain on her younger daughter. Mike had held onto her while he was holding Hannah. She had cried herself to sleep and Mike's eyes were closed but Christine could tell that he wasn't sleeping. Laura Kate was due home from her class and they knew that would be telling them all about it. Christine had promised to help her but that was the closest she wanted to come to nursing. Mike's eyes had popped back open and he had a grin on his face.
"I think I just felt a flutter. It seems so early." Mike said as he rubbed her belly again.
"It is early. I keep thinking it's a figment of my imagination. I am ready for good, strong kicks." Christine admitted.
"Always my favorite part of your pregnancies. Well…there are a few other things that I enjoy but feeling the baby makes it seem more real." Mike told her with a grin.
"We need to start thinking about names. That was always such a huge discussion for us. Laura Kate for Laurie. Hannah Elizabeth for your mom. Lucas Michael… Who will these two be?" Christine questioned because Mike had always come up with the best names. He was in deep thought.
"Well, going on the assumption that it's a boy and girl?" Mike asked.
"Yeah but good idea to have an extra boy's and an extra girl's name picked out just in case; or one that is gender neutral." Christine encouraged. Hannah had woken up and was listening to them.
"Or me and Laura Kate can pick them out and surprise you guys when they're born?" Hannah asked.
"Would we have veto power?" Christine asked her as she tucked a lock of hair behind Hannah's ear.
"Yeah, but we'll pick good names. You won't want to." Hannah stated and Christine looked to Mike. He nodded in agreement and Christine smiled at Hannah.
"Alright. But with a few restrictions; your dad and I hate names that are trendy. Names like Hubert and Ethel are not a good idea and we will veto those but we might be talked into a Henry and Emma. Otherwise, go for it. Don't forget middle names and back up's in case we don't like a name or we have two boys or two girls. So, a Henry and Oliver or Catherine and Emma is good. Also; since our last name ends with a 'y' stay away from names that end with a y or ie. I know I said Henry but Henry Slattery doesn't sound so bad." Christine informed her.
"I like Charlie but that might not be good." Hannah commented.
"I would consider it." Mike told her.
"Okay. Can we get a baby name book?" Hannah asked.
"Of course; but listen to people's names. Neither of us mind unusual names so if one catches your ear; jot it down. Naming a baby is stressful because it is that name that stays with a child; throughout the years. Also, spell out the initial. Make sure it isn't spelling something out that will get the kid picked on." Christine instructed.
"This is confusing." Hannah said.
"You have right at thirty weeks to think about it. Don't leave it to the last minute. I thought long and hard about all your name's. I also like to use names that mean something. The name Laura signifies someone with a sweet disposition. Kate can mean pure and blessed. Hannah can mean the 'Grace of God' and Elizabeth means 'God's promised.' I went Biblical with your name. Lucas is Latin for 'Bringer of Light.' Your mom picked his middle name. We will get you a book with the meanings in it too; rather than just a list of names." Mike filled her in.
"So; we may find a name we like but we may not like the meaning?" Hannah asked.
"Exactly. I found that the meanings of your name's tending to be indicative of you. Course; I didn't know that when I named you." Mike told Hannah as he ran his hand through her hair. She still had her head laid on Mike's shoulder and Christine was tucked under his other arm.
"I didn't know the meaning of Lucas' name. I really like that." Christine commented as she leaned up and gave Mike a kiss.
"Yeah. I had liked it and that's why I mentioned it before I left for deployment. You actually named him." Mike remarked.
"Yeah. I hadn't come up with any better name." Christine told him. It made her a little sad thinking about it. If Lucas had been the bringer of light; they had lost his light. Apparently, Mike was thinking the same thing because he leaned over and kissed her.
"Mom is going to let me help with the nursery, Daddy." Hannah told Mike.
"Yeah, we'll put you to work putting their cribs and other furniture together. Hannah, its already painted a neutral color so we will probably keep it the same." Christine told her and Hannah nodded.
"Girls, how about we go swimming?" Mike suggested and Hannah sit up.
"Yeah! I'll go get my swimsuit on." Hannah told them before getting up and going to her bedroom. It was good to see her a bit more lighthearted. Christine held Mike on the couch and kissed him again.
"Sorry for all this, Mike. I know it dredged up a lot of bad memories for you. I am sure you didn't want me to remind you of my affair." Christine apologized.
"It was a one-time thing. It hurt at the time. I felt…emasculated. Not good enough. That I didn't satisfy you in that area. Then, I got shot. You were kind of obligated to care for me." Mike commented and Christine was surprised. He had never really told her how he had felt. They had just stopped talking about it.
"In sickness and health? I haven't always done very well honoring my vows to you but that's an important one. As far as not satisfying me; I can see why you would feel that but I promise; you completely satisfy me. I know that there have been times that I made it seem like you didn't. I couldn't imagine having a better lover. Seriously, babe. You have always been perfect. Even when I was treating you horribly; you treated me like a queen. I hope someday, I can make up for what I've done." Christine reassured him.
"You have. I felt that way at the time and maybe for a long time after but not now. You are right though, this has all been kind of a bad reminder of that. My bigger concern was Hannah, though. I needed to get her through this; whichever way it turned out." Mike told her.
"I appreciate the love you have shown her. You didn't have to love her and did. It has always been amazing. You knew that she might not be yours but you loved her regardless." Christine told him as she sat up.
"I got the best part of the bargain. Hannah. I couldn't imagine my life without her. Even when I couldn't find you girls; I still had had her in my life. At the time; sure, I was angry and hurt but that little girl was the best gift…and you gave me her." Mike said with a smile and Christine gave him another kiss.
"Likewise. It took two to tango. I told your sister that she has the same beautiful soul that you have." Christine told him as she finally stood up.
"I don't know about that but she does have a beautiful personality. Not that I minded having her in bed with us last night; but maybe we will have a kid free bed tonight." Mike commented with a grin.
"I hope. I better figure something out for supper. Why don't you go get your swim trunks on and go out with Hannah? I'll send Laura Kate out when she gets home." Christine suggested.
"I think I will. Why don't you order pizza or take out? I think we are all about emotionally done and I don't want you slaving over the hot stove." Mike told her.
"I have been craving lo Mein and fried rice…orange chicken. The image of your pregnant wife being barefoot and standing over the stove bother you?" Christine teased.
"Yeah but only because I know you're already tired and stressed." Mike worried.
"I feel better now. I just hate that I made you feel so…inadequate and then reminded you of it all these years later." Christine commented.
"I'll be okay now that Hannah is okay. If you order Chinese; can you get some broccoli beef too?" Mike asked. Christine could tell that he was wanting to change the subject and understood it.
"Okay. Seriously, babe. I know what you're doing and I will drop it but please know; you have always been amazing to me; in every single way. My having an affair had nothing to do with how satisfied I was with you. If nothing else; it made me realize that I already had the best. I love you." Christine stated and Mike gave her another kiss.
"I love you too." Mike told her.
"Go. Get those trunks on and spend some time with YOUR daughter. I'll get supper order and hopefully it'll be here by the time Laura Kate gets home." Christine ordered.
"Yes, ma'am." Mike agreed and walked out of the living area.
Christine found the menu for the Chinese restaurant in the drawer. She was exceptionally hungry and ordered a little bit of everything. It was excessive but Hannah loved Chinese food and Christine couldn't decide what she was craving. As she waited for the order to arrive and for Laura Kate to get home; she called Josie, who would be curious about the test results.
"Mike is the proud father of a bouncing baby girl." Christine told her friend.
"Oh, thank God. I was so worried." Josie automatically said back.
"Me too. Mike had never really talked about how he felt after my affair. Said that it made him feel inadequate and this has all reminded him of that. I don't know how to fix that." Christine was asking for advice because she was stumped.
"I'm not sure. My best advice is; get past it. He doesn't need to be reminded of it. He has his daughter, you, Laura Kate and these babies." Josie answered back.
"Yeah; he pretty much said the same thing." Christine admitted.
"Reaffirm him when he needs it and just move past it." Josie encouraged.
"Reaffirm?" Christine asked.
"Yes…make sure you let him know that you appreciate the care he has taken of you and the kids, financially, physically, emotionally. That is more important than the sexual part of it. I know that seems the most important but in the grand scheme; it isn't. He needs to know that you think, despite the years apart; missed anniversaries, holidays, milestones and birthdays; you think he is a good husband and father. It might also help to get the girls involved." Josie told her.
"Good point. Would Alex be willing to take more pictures of us? Just me and the girls? I have an idea." Christine asked.
"I'll ask. I'm sure he will. It helps that he is sweet on Hannah." Josie teased.
"Just don't tell Mike. I will talk to the girls. I think Laura Kate just pulled in and my Chinese food is here." Christine commented.
"Oh, that sounds good. What'd you order?" Josie asked.
"Pregnant? I ordered Lemon and Oange Chicken, Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Crab Rangoon, Sweet and Sour Pork, Broccoli Beef, Fried Noodles…" Christine continued on while Josie laughed.
"Basically, the whole menu. I hate to see that bill." Josie teased.
"It's Hannah's favorite food and she's had a rough couple days. Every now and then, it's okay to spoil a kid. Next is Laura Kate; although she is harder." Christine informed her.
"Sometimes time is the best thing. She made a remark the other day that since you all were reunited; she and Mike have only had one lunch out together. Hint." Josie stated.
"I'll mention it to Mike. Schedules have made it harder but he can take her for breakfast or something. I think since she's grown; we sometimes forget her…not sure that's right. We forget to take the time out with her." Christine admitted.
"She needs her mom and dad too." Josie agreed.
"Yep. Alright, she's walking up now. I'll talk to you later. Love you." Christine said with a smile. She hadn't had a sister but watching the bond between her daughters; her relationship with Josie wasn't so different.
"I love you too." Josie answered before she hung up.
Christine met Laura Kate at the door and gave her a kiss on the forehead before greeting the delivery driver who had bags of Chinese food. Laura Kate helped her carry everything in after she had paid for it and sent the delivery driver away with a healthy tip. She had noticed that Laura Kate seemed a bit overwhelmed.
"I get that I ordered a lot of food but you seem overwhelmed." Christine commented as they got the table set up.
"Yeah. Lots of expenses. My books are covered but I need BDU's, combat boots and a good stethoscope. That stuff is expensive especially with going part time at work." Laura Kate explained.
"Well, I have my old stethoscope. It is the best that you can get and its still good. I don't plan on needing it and I bet your dad has a source for the boots and pants." Christine reassured Laura Kate and she noticed the look of instant relief on her oldest daughter's face.
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that." Laura Kate remarked.
"I'll mention it to him. I know he would love to help you." Christine told her.
"He's been awfully busy with Hannah. I get it; she's going through a lot." Laura Kate commented and Christine sat the container of Orange Chicken down and wrapped her arms around her.
"We got the results back already. She is biologically his. And I promise; he loves you as deeply as he loves her. It isn't your fault or his but when he left for the Arctic; you were just turning fourteen. Now you're all grown up. Hannah's still a kid. Yeah, she's grown too but you are like a whole different person. And he's different too. I am going to make a point to make sure the two of you spend a bit more time together. Just hang in there, okay?" Christine asked and Laura Kate nodded under her arm.
"I am really excited to see Aunt Laurie and Gwen; especially Aunt Laurie. I remember her being so fun." Laura Kate mentioned.
"She hasn't changed much." Christine told her. Laura Kate had pulled away and was finishing up with the table.
"Good. I am glad about the test result. I know Hannah was sure scared. She was afraid that Dad wouldn't be able to handle it and would make her move out. I told her that wouldn't happen but until she got those results; she was going to doubt everything." Laura Kate confided.
"I figured that much. Alright…this is a lot of food. Good thing these babies want Chinese food…oh, speaking of which; you and Hannah are responsible for baby names. She can tell you all the rules." Christine told Laura Kate who had a happy look on her face.
"Oh, this will be fun!" Laura Kate exclaimed as Christine walked into the laundry room to get beach towels for Mike and Hannah. They carried them outside and Mike and Hannah got out of the pool. Mike gave Laura Kate a kiss on the cheek and after they both dried off; they all went inside.
They spent the evening, visiting over the Chinese food and then a card game. They talked about baby names, Laura Kate's class, their upcoming weekend away and the plans for Laura Kate's room. Mike assured Laura Kate that he was taking Thursday off and he would take her to get the needed BDU's and boots and maybe out to lunch before they left for Illinois. Christine could tell that Laura Kate was a bit more at ease. She just needed to come up with something to make Mike feel a bit better, although Laura Kate seeking Mike out for advice seemed to make him more confident.