Found Love

Chapter 28

Mike and Jim sent Laurie and Christine on their way with orders to get massages, their nails and hair done, to go baby shopping and to eat lunch out. It was not unusual for Christine to be spoiled but Mike specifically asked her to spoil his little sister. She and Jim were extremely frugal and did not spend their money on luxuries.

Laura Kate had to study but Hannah was developing a close relationship with her cousin, Elle. Mike and Jim had quietly agreed that Elle might be going home with Mike and Christine to spend a month, depending on how Laurie felt. Laurie had already stated she wanted Elle to have a break so it would be welcome. Mike was envisioning a lot more time with his nieces and nephews. It also gave him a chance to get to know his namesake and Gwen's boys. Henry and Oliver were happy, inquisitive little boys; who were confused by their family structure.

Christine drove herself and Laurie into town where she had an appointment for Laurie to have her hair cut and dyed. Afterwards, they had appointments for manicures and then a reservation for lunch. They had agreed that massages were out but were looking forward to baby shopping and getting Henry and Oliver some much needed clothing. Laurie got her long, red hair styled with blonde highlights while Christine sat back.

"I really appreciate you and Mike doing this. You certainly don't have to." Laurie said as the stylist finished up and Christine paid the bill.

"No but we want to. Mike just texted, he has big plans on Elle going back to St. Louis with us and spending a month." Christine remarked and Laurie smiled.

"I think that would be good for her. Sure, you can handle two thirteen-year-olds?" Laurie asked as they exited the shop.

"Oh, I think we can handle it. Elle is a sweetheart." Christine said as she window shopped at a kid's store.

"She is. Jim and I got lucky with her. If she was any different sort of kid; she would resent us having so many kids but she just takes it in stride. We don't have much time for one-on-one with any of the kids and Elle always gets the short end of the straw. If Jim and I can't get her the one-on-one; her aunt and uncle are good bets." Laurie admitted.

"I remember your mom telling Mike and I to make sure and give our kids one-on-one time, especially after we had more than one kid. Mike always did well at it, me; not so much. He recognized that the kids were individuals with different interests and needs. I worry about it now, having the twins. Mike and I realized that we weren't spending enough time with Laura Kate and she was feeling neglected, especially with Mike. How are we going to balance that with newborns? And even though Mike has been in the picture for ten weeks; Hannah has had a rough go in that ten weeks." Christine agreed as they walked into the shop.

"Mom was always great at it; even when she was a single mom. She was a great mom." Laura Kate said as she picked up a green in color onesie.

"She was. Despite how I was to Mike, she always was good to me, even when I didn't deserve it. I remember after he got shot and my…indiscretion she looked at me and said 'There is going to come a day that you realize how good of a man that my boy is. He loves you so completely.' And you know? She was right. It just took a long time. I wish she had been alive to see it." Christine acknowledged. Her mother-in-law had always believed that she and Mike could have a good marriage.

"She told Jim and I on our wedding day to not go to bed mad, never sleep in separate beds, no matter how upset we were at the other person and to be each other's best friend." Laura Kate added.

"I think I have broken every one of those rules!" Christine stated as she picked up a pink onesie that said, 'Daddy love me most.' It was put on the evergrowing pile.

"But you aren't now. That's the important thing." Laurie encouraged.

"Yeah, the trick is not falling into old habits with Mike and my girls." Christine agreed.

"Oh, look at these sleep sacks! Have you used them?" Laurie asked as she pointed to several on a rack.

"No. Mike was talking about them the other day; I had them for Lucas but didn't get up with him much in the night. That was generally on Mike. He was pretty clear that he wanted some for these babies." Christine said as she picked up one that was gender neutral.

"You will need double the amount. They are an absolute godsend. My babies generally sleep hard and they have been known to sleep through a diaper change." Laurie said with a laugh.

"I would like to know how your babies have always slept through the night so early? I don't think Lucas slept through a night until he was two and that was after he had stayed with your mom." Christine asked.

"Their last bottle before they go to bed? I warmed it. And I also spray lavender around their cribs. As they get older; I make sure they eat half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and drink a small glass of warmed milk before they lay down. Makes a huge difference. As they get older, they wake up in the night because they're hungry. They eat at say, six? Maybe a snack before bed and then don't eat until they are awake for the day; say eight am. That's a long stretch for a little belly." Laurie explained as she added five gender neutral sleep sacks to the stack.

"That makes sense. I can remember Mike giving the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the kids before bed. It always aggravated me that they would sleep through the night when he was home but not when he was deployed." Christine agreed.

"Christine don't sell yourself short. I've seen you with those girls. They adore you and Lucas loved you too. I am not the perfect mom and my mom was not the perfect mom. It is your partner's job to be strong where you're weak where the kids are concerned. I have no patience but Jim could be a saint where his patience is concerned. He isn't so good at the cuddling part so I compensate. What part of parenting is Mike not good with?" Laurie asked.

"He is great with all of it. Sometimes he does struggle connecting with Laura Kate but he is really trying and I think its because he has been gone so much." Christine admitted.

"That makes sense. Just make sure they have the opportunity to connect." Laurie stated as they looked at the huge stack of baby clothes, blankets and other accessories. "That's a lot of stuff." Laurie remarked.

"Yep, but you need stuff and I need double the amount. This little pink onesie is so cute! I shouldn't get it because the twins might be boys. Just hard to pass it up." Christine admitted as they carried the stack to the register.

"I am hoping for a girl this time around. I've had three boys in a row plus Gwen's. I am ready for a girl and I know Jim is secretly hoping for a girl. He'll never admit it though. He acts all big and tough but he is like putty with our girls." Laurie told Christine as the clerk rung items up.

"I am hoping for at least one boy. I love having girls too though; just because Mike is like putty where they're concerned too." Christine told Laurie.

"I hope you have one of each. I can't wait to spoil them. Wonder how the guys are doing?" Laurie asked with a smile on her face.

The Farm

Everything would have been going great had Gwen not shown up early. Her boys didn't react well to their mother's sudden experience especially since Laurie was not around. Mike had not had a chance to talk to Hannah about Gwen approaching her and so he and Jim did their best to buffer her from Hannah. Mike had hoped for a happy reunion with his youngest sister but he was wrong.

"So where is Laurie?" Gwen asked.

"She and Christine went into town, girl's day out." Jim answered.

"Nice to be invited." Gwen said with a sneer.

"Not like you would have gone. Besides, they are baby shopping and shopping for the kids…your kids." Jim responded. Mike had stayed silent the entire time.

"I wouldn't have gone with that whore…" Gwen started and Mike had had enough.

"That is my wife. Enough!" Mike yelled.

"You should have taken your opportunity to get away from her and her daughter, and yes, I mean Hannah." Gwen argued.

"Hannah is also my daughter and I am not leaving Christine. We had a test done, Hannah is mine biologically; not that that mattered." Mike told her.

"Oh, come on; Mike. You have a lot of power; it would not be a far stretch to think that you could have that test altered. And Christine would use your power to do it too. You or she had it altered just to not look bad. I can imagine that if this came out in the media, your name would have really been drug through the mud…" Gwen continued but Mike's attention had been diverted to the doorway that Hannah and Elle had appeared in. Hannah had an absolutely devastated look on her face.

"Hannah…" Mike started after her but she had made for the basement living area.

"I'll go, Uncle Mike." Elle said before she followed Hannah.

"What the hell were you thinking, Gwen?" Jim asked and Gwen had a slight smile on her face. She had accomplished exactly what she wanted.

"Maybe now Christine will get her comeuppance." Gwen answered.

"No. You just destroyed a completely innocent thirteen-year old. I hope you feel better now." Mike answered before going down the stairs, leaving Jim to deal with Gwen. He could hear Hannah sobbing in the living area and Elle trying to comfort her. "Elle, thank you. Can you do me a favor and go get Laura Kate, send her downstairs, please?" Mike asked and Elle nodded, getting up and running up the stairs.

"Is it true?" Hannah asked between sobs.

"No. The tests were correct, not altered at all. I swear." Mike said as he tried to hug Hannah but she pushed him away.

"You could be lying to me and I wouldn't know the difference." Hannah cried. Mike knew then, she had lost all faith in him. Thankfully Laura Kate had came down and could at least comfort her little sister.

"Did Elle tell you what was said?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, come here, Hannah." Laura Kate said as she down on Hannah's other side and pulled her into a hug. Hannah was sobbing into her sister's shoulder and all Mike could do was run a hand through her hair. Laura Kate nodded at him, and he knew she would handle Hannah.

"I'm going back upstairs. I can send Elle down?" Mike asked as he rubbed Hannah's back.

"Okay." Laura Kate agreed and Mike nodded at her. He hated putting it on Laura Kate to deal with but it was his only option. Hannah was completely devastated. He headed back up the stairs and it was like Elle was waiting at the top of the stairs.

"Elle, do you care do go back down there and help Laura Kate?" Mike asked his niece who immediately complied. Gwen was leaned against the kitchen counter, with her arms crossed over her chest. She looked entirely too smug.

"I don't get why you are so worried about her…" Gwen started.

"She is thirteen! In the last ten weeks; I showed back up on scene after a six-year absence, she's moved, almost drowned and had the rug pulled out from under when Christine and I had to tell her about Christine's affair. She is the victim in all this. Christine made a one-time mistake, and I choose to stay with her, choose to raise a child that may or may not have been mine. It never mattered to me. I got a beautiful daughter who has the sweetest heart. And today? Today, you stomped all over that heart. I don't know what is wrong with you. You neglect and abandon your own kids. That's bad enough but at least they have Jim and Laurie and now; you hurt my kid. I am sorry your husband died but Christine and I lost a son. I lost at least a dozen crew. Numerous friends. And we all lost Amy. Mom raised you better then this. In no way is hurting a young kid acceptable. I get it, you don't want anything to do with your boys but Jim can agree with this; you crossed a line today. You can say whatever you want to about me or Christine but Hannah is untouchable." Mike raged. Jim was standing between him and Gwen.

"Me? You've neglected your kids too! Six-year absence? How much of their lives have you been present for? Can't you tell, Laura Kate resents you? Hannah barely remembers you?" Gwen argued.

"You've spent less then five minutes with either of my daughters. They may resent my frequent absence but at least I wasn't gone because I was drinking and drugged up! I was serving my country. My question is; my girls are proud of what I was doing. Will your boys be proud when they get older and have to explain why their mom wasn't around?" Mike asked. Gwen visibly deflated.

"If Hannah is untouchable then my boys are too!" Gwen stated.

"Given. I will not use your kids as a weapon. They are what, four years old? How much of that time have they lived with you?" Mike asked, using a lower voice.

"Uh…" Gwen stuttered.

"I'll answer. None. They have lived with Laurie and I the entire four years. Gwen, do you know that Henry hates peas? That Oliver likes to be read to before bed, but only if you can imitate the character's voices. Do you know how Laurie has taken control of Oliver's asthma without him having to go on medicine? He barely ever has to use a rescue inhaler. Henry loves to play with toy cars and Oliver likes dinosaurs. Henry is convinced that instead of riding a horse when he gets older; he needs to ride a cow. Oliver loves riding on the tractor. I can tell you as much about those two boys as I can tell you about my own kids. And the fact is, Laurie and I love them no differently then we love our own." Jim interrupted. Gwen looked even more deflated.

"Gwen, being a parent is not about spending every heartbeat with your kid but it is about knowing their likes and dislikes. What makes them mad and keeps them happy. Laura Kate, for instance? HATES spiders with a passion. She is the athlete. We are planning on going rock climbing next week. Prefers breakfast to any meal. Hannah? Loves Chinese food. Likes to swim and despite almost drowning a couple weeks ago, shows no fear in the water. She is begging me for a puppy. Jim and I were just talking about beagle puppies he has. I wanted to wait but because of what you said? I think she is going to get one of those puppies. Anything to make her feel better. And if you think I'm mad? Christine is a momma bear. Your one saving grace is that I haven't called her yet." Mike finished the conversation. Jim had nodded at Mike when he brought up the puppy and walked out to the porch, walking back in with a female pup for Hannah.

"She's the runt but she is a real sweetheart. Why don't you take her downstairs? I'll handle Gwen." Jim suggested before he handed Mike the puppy. Mike just shook his head at his younger sister. He would have to beg for forgiveness from Christine later for acquiring a puppy but he had a feeling she wouldn't be terribly upset about that. He could hear Hannah and Laura Kate talking as he walked down the steps and made eye contact with Laura Kate before he was all the way into the living area. She smiled slightly when she saw the puppy and Mike walked around and sat down next to her. Hannah was staring at her feet.

"Hey, Hannah; look what Dad has? What a cutie!" Laura Kate exclaimed as she reached over and scratched the puppy's head. Hannah had a slight smile on her face but still looked upset.

"Are you trying to bribe me?" Hannah asked.

"Nope. I was going to get you a puppy regardless. And beagles are good with babies. That was an added advantage." Mike assured her as he switched places with Laura Kate.

"That's why Dad has them. They are super great with kids." Elle agreed.

"What's her name?" Hannah asked.

"I had called her Star but you can name her whatever you want." Elle answered. Mike gave her a little smile over Hannah's head.

"I like that." Hannah said as she reached over and petted the puppy.

"Dad, I had just told Hannah that those places have rules where those tests are concerned and that no matter how powerful you are; you would have not been able to sway the tests. I also made the point that you didn't use your title and that your name could be pretty common. Not to mention; Hannah and I both have the same blood type and I don't think you can deny me. She also has your chin and your smile. Then I told her that if she wanted another test, using me; we could do that. I promised her that we would go someplace that you and Mom didn't know about and have it done. We would have the same DNA, pretty much." Laura Kate stated. Mike could have kissed his oldest daughter. She was beyond resourceful. She did resemble Mike closely; same eyes, hair color, and facial features. Mike looked to Hannah for an answer.

"She's right. We can do that. I will write out paperwork so that Laura Kate can take you for that test." Mike agreed.

"I…can I think about it? Why does Aunt Gwen have to be so mean? She didn't use to be like that." Hannah asked.

"Because she's jealous. Mom and Dad are happy and the twins love them. Call them mommy and daddy. And she sees how happy your mom and dad are and she's jealous." Elle answered. It was really the only answer that made sense.

"But why me?" Hannah asked as she continued to pet the puppy.

"I wish I knew, sweetie." Mike admitted as he wrapped his free arm around her. He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head, all while holding the puppy.

"Dad, we'll go upstairs." Laura Kate whispered in Mike's ear and he nodded back at her.

"Thanks, honey. Elle, you too. Thank you both." Mike told them as they stood up. Laura Kate bent back over and kissed the top of Hannah's head and kissed Mike's cheek. Mike did want to ask her at some point about resenting him but it wasn't the right time.

"I'll send Mom down when she gets home." Laura Kate told him before she and Elle headed up the steps. Hannah had not stopped crying and all Mike could hope for was that she trusted Laura Kate enough to go along with what she had come up with.

I am still brainstorming on how to bring this back to the Russ and Josie storyline so bear with me! Any suggestions would be great! Thanks for the reviews.