Learning to Live Again

Chapter 24

On Wednesday, Bobby was released from the hospital and directly into Mike and Libby's care. Libby had moved herself back into Mike's farmhouse and took care of Hannah while Mike was at the hospital with Bobby. Jerry's parental rights were also terminated that day and Marilyn's high bond had been upheld by a different judge. There was no other family to claim Bobby and so adoption proceedings started.

Libby had moved herself back into Mike's room, but she wasn't sure where they would put triplets when the time arrived. Mike's farmhouse was only four bedrooms, and one of those rooms was on the other side of the house, but she didn't want to push him too hard. That night after both kids went to bed, he came up behind her and kiss the back of Libby's neck.

"Where are we going to put the triplets? I know its early on, but we are going to have to think about it. This room isn't that big." Libby asked.

"Yeah, the bedroom and bath on the other side of the house is bigger and meant to be a master bedroom and bath, but I never felt right about sleeping in it. Didn't have a reason to have a master bedroom. I actually already called a contractor about building on. He suggested, since you are expecting; to move into a rental place while the place is a zone. I think it might be a good idea, and Joey said the place next to his is up for rent. It's a four bedroom, and if we are there when the babies arrive, we will have room for them. This place has needed some work anyway and it gives a good chance." Mike explained.

"That sounds like a good idea. I hate the idea of uprooting Bobby again though." Libby remarked.

"It won't be permanent, and I think as long as he is with us, it'll be okay. You keep rubbing your back. Are you okay?" Mike asked. Libby sat down on the bed and pulled her slippers and socks off. She was already in her pajamas and was shocked when Mike got on the bed behind her and began massaging her back.

"What are you doing?" Libby asked.

"Giving you a massage. You are hurting because your muscles and ligaments are stretching for the babies. Because I knocked you up, this is my responsibility." Mike said as he gently massaged the small of her back.

"I have to say, it feels really good. Are you opposed to foot massages?" Libby asked.

"I am not." Mike answered. He made a move to help Libby lay down and began massaging her feet and ankles.

"I cannot imagine this will be easy as I get further along. I am praying I'll make it to end of the school year before I have to go off work. I haven't figured out next school year." Libby said.

"You sound like you are on the fence about something." Mike remarked.

"Its just…Mike, being a mother and wife is my big dream, not teaching. I don't know about the finances, but I would really like to not go back to work next school year." Libby said.

"So, a stay-at-home mom and dad?" Mike asked.

"Yeah. I suppose so, but not exactly. Bobby excels with one-on-one. Its when he is in a group of peers that he struggles. I would like to homeschool him. He would still need socialization, and Hannah would remain in school, but that would put me with him every day, working with him. I just don't know about the finances. We may not be able to do it." Libby explained.

"Let me do some checking. Financially, I think we could do it, but I would need to take some consultation work. I haven't because I don't really have a space for it. If we upped the plans, to give you a room to teach Bobby in, and an office for me; we could make it work." Mike said as he continued rubbing. Libby handed him her bottle of lotion, and he began slathering it on.

"I hate to ask that of you. You're retired." Libby said. She had put her hand on her stomach, imagining the babies underneath.

"Its not long deployments, and I do it all from home. The evenings will be all about you and the kids. Won't be bad at all." Mike pronounced. He got off the bed and changed into a pair of pajama pants. He didn't even bother wearing a t-shirt, which Libby loved.

Mike laid down next to Libby and put both hands on her ever-growing belly. He was moving his hands around like he was trying to get them to kick. Libby put both her hands over his and smiled at him.

"Tamara tells me it will be awhile before they kick. I'm only eleven weeks. You know, I did the math, according to the ultrasound. I think…I'm sure it was that first night. Who would have ever guessed that night would have led to this?" Libby remarked.

"It was a fun night. I sure enjoyed it." Mike said as he kissed along her collarbone and behind her ear. It felt amazing.

"Mike, I want this but I'm not sure I can, with the babies…" Libby said but Mike continued.

"You can. I'll have to be gentle, but you can. Only if you want to though." Mike said as he paused. He was trying to get her pajama shirt off. Hopefully, the stretch marks wouldn't be too much a turn-off.

"I do, but I already look different." Libby said as Mike took her shirt off.

"Because I knocked you up. Once the babies get here, it'll be worth it, I promise." Mike said. His kisses and caresses were becoming stronger when there was a knock on the door. Quickly, Mike threw the pajama shirt back to Libby and got up to answer the bedroom door. As soon as Libby had her clothing straightened up, he opened it to reveal Bobby.

"I don't feel good. Can I sleep in here, please?" Bobby begged. Libby didn't have to look at Mike's face to know that he caved, because she had to.

"Of course." Libby answered as Mike gently pulled Bobby on. Their activities would have to wait until Bobby felt better and wasn't a mass of bruises. Bobby climbed in next to Libby and Mike got in on his other side. They quickly cuddled around him and Mike shut the bedside lamp off.

"I just love you guys." Bobby said with a yawn.

"We love you too." Mike answered. Within just a few moments, the little boy was sound asleep.

"I have to admit, I was looking forward to what you were about to do, but I also love this. Could there be anything any sweeter?" Libby asked.

"No. I always loved when the kids wanted to sleep with me. Christine hated it, but I always loved having them close." Mike admitted.

"I never have before. After…the court hearing and I moved back into the garage apartment, Andy insisted on staying the night with me and he slept in the bed with me. When he wasn't kicking, it was really sweet." Libby remarked.

"Hannah was always a kicker too. This one won't move at all. He's like a statue." Mike joked.

"Good. I will say, I am tired. I didn't get my evening nap." Libby said. She was picking Mike and Bobby up from the hospital.

"Just go to sleep. I love you." Mike said before leaning over and giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you too." Libby answered. It all felt normal and natural. She quickly fell asleep with Bobby beside her and Mike's arms wrapped around both of them.

The next morning, Libby and Hannah headed to school. Bobby still wasn't up to returning to school yet, so he hung out with Mike. The contractor showed up with his plans for the house, and Mike added a school room and a home office to the plans. The house would be revamped completely, but it would be a home, not just a house. Thankfully, the original house had some good bones, and was easy to build onto and it wasn't costing a massive amount.

Mike also got the house rented out next to Joey's house. He would have to make daily trips to the farm to tend to his cattle and horses, and supervise the construction, but he couldn't ask Libby to live in a construction zone. She would be near her family as a difficult pregnancy developed. When Christine was pregnant, she had been miserable. Libby just seemed serene. Maybe, it was because it was a dream come true for her?