World View
Chapter 12
Mike was absolutely stunned. He had always hoped Kaitlyn would reappear, but he had all but given up hope. She was so thin and frail. Kara had brought her a plate of food and a glass of punch. Mike knew he would have to make her a dentist appointment, because she winced as soon as she took a drink. Michelle was handling the reception while Mike took care of Kaitlyn.
"We'll get those teeth looked at as soon as possible." Mike promised.
"Sorry I look so bad." Kaitlyn said quietly. She was taking small bites of her sandwich and looking around.
"Nothing to worry about. We'll get you home and cleaned up in no time." Mike promised. He tucked Kaitlyn's dirty hair behind her ear and waited while she ate. He was at kind of a loss of what to do, because the plan had been to go back to Michelle's. He hadn't thought about Kaitlyn when that plan was made and his house wasn't ready. Just then, Michelle appeared.
"Alright. So, everything is getting cleaned up. We'll head home soon. The girls are going to go home first and make sure everything is ready. They are going to bunk together and Kaitlyn will sleep in Holly's room until we're ready to move." Michelle explained.
"Oh, I don't want to put anyone out. I can sleep on the floor or something. I'm just thrilled to be back with my dad and to have a roof over my head. I don't need a room or bed." Kaitlyn said. Mike shot Michelle a look. She knelt down in front of Kaitlyn and squeezed her hands.
"The girls want to do this. Besides, it'll feel really good to have a nice, warm bed. At least for tonight, you can sleep in Holly's bed and we'll come up with a better game plan tomorrow." Michelle answered.
"When we move to the new house, it has a fifth bedroom. You can sleep in there. It was going to be a spare bedroom anyway. Michelle will just decorate it with you in mind." Mike told her.
"I won't be putting anyone out then?" Kaitlyn asked.
"Nope. And even before we get moved in there, you wouldn't be putting anyone out. My girls are really excited to have you." Michelle told Kaitlyn.
"Okay." Kaitlyn said simply. Just then, Peter, Holly and McKenna came through and Peter leaned down next to his mom.
"We'll make sure the bedroom is ready to go, bedding changed and all that. Does anything need picked up?" Peter asked.
"No, thank you, honey. Kaitlyn, this is my son, Peter. The girls have already gone out to the car." Michelle introduced them.
"Hi, Kaitlyn. Don't worry about the girls. They think its some big slumber party. Will probably keep us up all night." Peter said with a laugh.
"Okay." Kaitlyn answered. Just then Tom appeared.
"Everything is cleaned up and I'll just take it home with me and bring it tomorrow. There is some leftover cake that they are packaging up. Do you want it?" Tom asked. Mike looked over at Kaitlyn and nodded when he saw the bright smile on her face. She had loved sweets.
"Oh, I've not had cake in so long!" Kaitlyn said. Tom had disappeared, and then reappeared with a box in hand that he handed to Michelle.
"Well, once you get cleaned up and comfortable; we'll eat cake." Michelle told her as they stood up. Mike took his suit jacket off and put it over Kaitlyn's shoulders. He put an arm around her and led her outside to his truck.
Kaitlyn was quiet the entire ride to Michelle's place. She was holding the box of cake and watching the passing landscape. Mike was wearing down, and he already knew; he was not going to have a traditional wedding night. Michelle would insist on him sleeping after Kaitlyn was settled.
Kaitlyn was in awe of Michelle's house and was whisked away to take a shower. Mike settled in a recliner so that his new wife didn't harass him on his wedding night. Soon enough, a much cleaner Kaitlyn was sitting on the floor while Michelle braided her long hair. She was wearing Holly's clothes and seemed to be getting sleepy. Peter got her a piece of cake, which Kaitlyn devoured.
Mike was thrilled to be under the same roof as Kaitlyn, and didn't even mind not having a normal wedding night with Michelle. Hearing Kaitlyn's soft snores and laying next to Michelle just made him feel good.