Starting Over Again
Chapter 11
It made no sense, but to Christine; she did better when Mike was close. Friends began showing up for the renewal, and there were times it was overwhelming for Christine, but Mike was always right there. He had been able to get the park rented for the day and the girls spent the morning decorating the park and Mike's back yard so that they could have the dinner there. Christine helped them and then Kaitlyn fixed her hair and carefully did her make up. She was able to conceal the scar on Christine's cheek for the most part, with only some discoloration showing. She put on the cream colored dress the girls had picked out and watched as Mike struggled with his tie.
"Here." Christine said as she tied it properly and then gave Mike a kiss.
"Thanks. I was wanting to talk to you a bit before we headed to the park. I know we've done a fair amount of fooling around, but I don't want you to feel you have to do anything tonight. I know what the norm would be, so I figured after everyone went home tonight, we'd just have a low key night. No expectations." Mike told her quietly and she patted his cheek.
"I appreciate it. I know I'm not there yet, but I am not closing myself off to the possibility. What I want tonight, if for you to just hold me while I fall asleep." Christine requested. Mike kissed her forehead and pulled her close.
"Don't ever hesitate asking for that." Mike told her.
"Twenty-five years ago, I would have never imagined the life we've lived. The kids. I miss Lucas of course, but the girls are doing good and they are both so kindhearted." Christine said.
"And they said we'd never last." Mike remarked with a laugh.
"Yeah, they did and we are proving them wrong." Christine said. For a long moment, he just held her until Kaitlyn called for him to write a check to the caterer. He gave her another kiss before heading downstairs. Christine sat down on the end of the bed with a notebook. She had thought long and hard about a gift for Mike and nothing worked. She finally settled on writing him a note.
"Mike,
You have no idea how much you mean to me. After so many years of being apart; all I want is to be with you. I know we've had our fights, and most of them were my fault, and we are both very strong-willed, so we might have more, but you are the person I look for when I am tired, scared, upset, sad, hot, cold, hungry or in pain. I can only hope that I am the person you look for.
You worry about pressuring me, but you are the only person I would ever consider being intimate with again. I only wish we had in Newberry. We will both know the right time. Every time you touch me, kiss me or hold me; I feel a bit more normal and certainly loved. I hope our girls look at our relationship and aspire to have one like it because your my soulmate. I look forward to the next twenty-five (hopefully longer) years with you.
I love you,
CC"
Christine put the note on Mike's nightstand, and walked down the stairs. Mike was helping Hannah with something and Christine could tell just how much Hannah looked up to and loved her father by watching them. It made her feel better about letting them go with Mike to Portland alone. They were close, but they always included Christine. Within a half hour, they packed up and drove to the park, which was beautifully decorated.
Kaitlyn and Hannah walked Christine down the aisle to Mike and Russ, and both gave Mike a kiss on the cheek before taking their own seats. Russ gave a brief speech about their relationship, the years they had been apart and all that they had endured. They had chosen to go with traditional vows and gave each other a kiss to everyone's cheers. Christine didn't know everyone, and they immediately greeted several strangers to her. Mike introduced them and after a fast clean up; they headed back to the house.
There was food, music and dancing. Christine enjoyed it all, but finally; the crowd become too much and she slipped up to the bedroom she and Mike had been sharing. While everyone visited, she looked through their wedding photos and picture albums from before. Finally, about an hour after, Mike appeared, looking for her.
"You up to going down and telling people goodbye?" Mike asked gently.
"Yeah. Just needed a breather. Sorry to abandon you." Christine said as she stood up.
"No worries. I have to say; I always thought I had the most beautiful bride twenty-five years ago, but I really think it now." Mike said before giving her a gentle kiss.
"I can say the same thing about my groom." Christine said.
"Beautiful?" Mike teased.
"Handsome. You've aged like a fine wine." Christine told him. He took her hand and they headed downstairs to tell their guests goodbye.
An hour later, everyone left and Mike helped the girls clean things up while Christine put food away. They ate a simple dinner and cuddled on the couch with a movie. The girls were both tired and went to bed early, and when Christine stepped out of the bathroom after her shower, Mike was reading the note she had left him. "You bought me new rings, and I didn't have anything to give you, so the note made sense. Sorry I couldn't do more." Christine said. She sat down next to Mike on the bed and smiled at him.
"Its perfect. Thank you. I only wish I hadn't been gone so much." Mike told her.
"You're here now, when I really need you. The next few months with the trial and everything won't be easy, but you are exactly where I need you and I love you that much more for it." Christine answered and then yawned. Mike grinned at her and stood up.
"Why don't you get settled? I'm going to take my own shower. You're exhausted." Mike suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea." Christine agreed before giving him another kiss. He went in for his shower, and Christine settled in with a book. It was the low-key night they both needed. Within a few moments, Mike was next to her and they were both falling asleep in each other's arms.
One more chapter for this. I know it seems like I have hurried it! Thanks for the reviews.