Coincidences
Chapter 17-3 Months later
All Mike and Joanie wanted was a small beach wedding. Sarah, Henry and Hannah had planned everything, including the honeymoon to Mexico. The honeymoon was all Henry's planning, and Mike had utilized him as Best Man. Normally, he would have had Tom do it, but Tom suggested Henry and Henry accepted happily. Sarah was Joanie's maid of honor and Hannah was a bridesmaid.
The reception was a little more elaborate, with cake, food and alcohol. Mike made a point to dance with both his daughters and Joanie danced with Henry. After visiting with some of their friends, Mike finally sat down to eat. He wasn't shocked to see Henry make his way over to him. The younger man was exhausted, still recovering from his myriad of injuries. He sat down next to Mike and stole a piece of meat of Mike's plate.
"Do you want me to get you a plate? I know you're tired. You helped the girls do all the decorating." Mike asked.
"I'm okay. I think Hannah said she'd get me a plate and to sit down." Henry said.
"I really appreciate you kids doing all this and staying with Hannah so we can get away. We wanted to before Joanie got too far along." Mike said. Joanie was eight weeks along and Mike had been shocked how easily she had gotten pregnant, or how happy he was. He had figured he would just have to act happy, but in all honesty; he loved the idea of being a father again and being there from day one and not missing any milestones.
"Well, I planned the honeymoon before I knew you all were having a baby." Henry said. Of the three kids, he had been on the fence the most about the baby. Sarah was happy and Hannah was over the moon.
"We appreciate it." Mike said with a smile. Hannah had brought over a plate and glass of sweet tea for Henry and disappeared again.
"Hannah is no trouble and you gave me control of your debit card." Henry teased.
"Henry; are you okay with all this? Joanie and I getting married and the baby?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, its okay. I'm actually getting excited about the baby. I hope it's a boy." Henry said.
"Too early to tell. I'd be thrilled with either as long as it's healthy, but I do prefer the idea of a boy." Mike agreed.
"Or you could have one of each?" Henry suggested with a smile.
"Henry! Its already bad enough that when this baby is fifteen, I'll be almost sixty-five. I don't know how I'll keep up." Mike scolded Henry.
"I'm sure you'll manage just fine." Henry said.
"Maybe. Seriously, though; we want you kids to be okay with this too. It affects you guys. We won't love you all any less, but we will be busier. Joanie and I will always make time for you all, though." Mike tried assured him. With the girls, it was easy. Mike could hug them and tell them he loved them every day, but with Henry he struggled even telling him that he loved him. Initially, Mike wasn't even sure he loved Henry, but as he helped Henry with his recovery and physical therapy, he had realized that he absolutely adored the younger man. They just had to find common ground.
"You mean you won't love the girls any less." Henry remarked. Mike looked around and realized all the guests were occupied. No time like the present.
"No; son. I meant you too. And not just where Joanie is concerned; me too. I know I've not been very good at telling you, but I do love you too, son. I'm sorry I've not told you before now, but I do. You could never take Lucas' place in my heart, but you've found your own." Mike said quietly. He wasn't even sure what Henry's reaction would be, but it was almost time for Mike and Joanie to leave for the airport.
"Its about time; Dad! It took you long enough. I love you too. I should have said so before now, but I think I knew you did, probably when I woke up at the hospital." Henry said with a grin.
"Good. I think I realized it when you left for deployment. I don't think it would have hurt so badly or I would have missed you so badly if not. Now, Joanie and I need to get gone. Do you have everything you all need? Enough cash? I gave Sarah my credit card." Mike asked.
"We'll be fine. Don't worry about a thing." Henry said as they both stood up. Mike still had to change and say goodbye to his guests and his daughters, but before he could; Henry gave him a huge hug. Mike was shocked but he gave Henry a squeeze and patted his cheek.
"We will have our cellphones. Just call. I'd better get changed and say bye to everyone. You got all this?" Mike asked, pointing at the decorations and food. They had hired the venue and decorations out so there wasn't much to do. Henry was still recovering, Sarah needed to study, and Hannah was fifteen. He let Henry go and slipped inside to change into the outfit that Joanie had packed for him. Thankfully, Joanie had packed for their honeymoon and arranged for a car to take them to the airport. By the time, he was finished; she had changed as well, and they walked out hand-in-hand. They were greeted by well-wishers and gave both girls hugs and kisses. They were sent on their way by the kids and close friends for a week on a beach in Mexico.
Six months later
Henry had been right. It wasn't just a boy that was joining the family, but a little girl. Twins had been a surprise for Mike and Joanie, but they were thrilled, and the kids were happy.
Joanie had to have an emergency c-section a month before her due date due to pre-eclampsia. Mike had been terrified for both her and the babies, but within just a few moments, he was holding a six-pound baby girl who looked just like her mom while Joanie held the baby boy. She was closed up quickly and moved to her own room.
"We really need names?" Joanie said. Mike had sat down on the bed with her and they were holding the babies close together. The older kids had gone to the cafeteria once they learned that Joanie and the babies were alright.
"I'm terrible at this stuff. I do have something in mind for her though." Mike admitted.
"What's that?" Joanie asked.
"Skylar…Grace. Skylar Grace." Mike said.
"I love that. I have one for him. Scout Michael. Skylar and Scout." Joanie said. They had already decided they didn't want very traditional names for their babies.
"Perfect. Just like their mom." Mike said as he gave Joanie a kiss.
"You know, all those years ago; when we were running around; I figured that it would be you and Beth having a passel of kids. I do think she would be thrilled for us though." Joanie said.
"I think so too. It took us long enough to find each other though. Of course, it has been worth it. As much as I love Hannah and still love Kaitlyn and Lucas; in some ways, Christine was a side-track." Mike said. He knew it sounded bad.
"No, Mike. She is the mother of your children. You spent a lot of years with her. Rather you realize it or not, she made you who you are." Joanie said.
"True." Mike agreed.
"She gave us a beautiful and sweet daughter, just as Beth gave us Henry and Sarah. I only wish I could have met Kaitlyn and Lucas, but they are with us. I think they would be thrilled." Joanie remarked.
"They would be. You are so perfect. I love you." Mike said as he gave her a soft kiss. Scout was asleep and Skylar was watching them closely. For Mike, it was the perfect moment. It sure trumped the loneliness, the drinking and spending the night with whoever he met at a bar. He would take the wife, kids, SUV and being able to sleep in the same bed any day over how he felt the year before. Henry was being medically discharged from the Navy and would be starting college courses, Hannah was catching up with her tutor and Sarah was in medical school. Skylar and Scout were perfect in every way and Mike couldn't be happier.