Bad Goodbyes
Chapter 11-1 year later
The girls had settled in well. Both had gotten their GED's and were taking online classes. It allowed Kaitlyn to stay home with her son, but ensured she was moving on with her life. They had all been in intense counseling and it helped them all, especially Kaitlyn. Everyday, she was more confident. She had even had a date. Mike and Christine still had custody of Logan, but Kaitlyn cared for him and he knew exactly who 'momma' was; one of her concerns since they had assumed custody.
Mike and Christine had also received therapy and were doing better than ever. They dealt with unresolved anger, guilt and distrust. They had made the decision together to renew their vows. It had seemed like a good idea, given their 'divorce.' What Mike didn't know was that somehow; Christine had tracked Mike's mom, Anne down. She had been in a nursing home, and had been unable to reach Mike. He had assumed she had died. It had taken some wrangling and help from Mike's friends to get her checked out of the nursing home and to Tennessee for the renewal. She would be living with them afterwards, at Christine's insistence.
The day of the renewal, Tom and Sasha showed up early and Christine met them. As soon as Anne was out of the vehicle, Christine gave her a hug. She had always been a good mother-in-law and had even been good to Christine after the 'divorce.' At eighty, Anne was small and fragile, but she was fiery and Christine had always respected her.
"It is so good to see you." Christine said. She gave Anne her arm while Tom took the other arm.
"Its good to see you but I really am excited to see my boy." Anne told her.
"I know. He's down in the barn. I can go get him?" Christine offered and Sasha came alongside her to take Anne's arm.
"That would be wonderful." Anne answered.
"You go on inside and visit with the girls and Logan. I'll get Mike." Christine told her before handing her off to Sasha. She headed down to the barn where Mike was putting finishing touches on the arbor that they would stand under that evening. "Hey; Tom and Sasha are here." Christine said.
"Okay. He can help me carry this up to the yard." Mike said before giving her a kiss.
"So, I was doing some internet research. To make a long story very short; I found your mom, Mike. She's been in a nursing home, but Tom and Sasha brought her here. She's up at the house." Christine told him.
"Mom?" Mike asked. He had always been a 'mama's boy' and had missed her a lot.
"Yep. Let's go up." Christine said and grabbed Mike's hand. She led him up to the house, where Anne was sitting in the living room, with Logan on her lap. At fifteen months old; Logan was all about the cuddles, despite being a very active toddler. Hannah gently took Logan so that Mike could hug Anne which he did immediately. He held onto her for several moments, and everyone just gave them the privacy they needed. Tom carried in Anne's bags and gave Christine a tutorial on her medications, which were few for a 80 year-old. In the living room, Mike and Anne were quietly visiting, away from everyone.
"I was so happy when Christine told me the two of you were back together." Anne said.
"Yeah, for about a year now. I hope your okay with it?" Mike asked.
"Christine explained everything to me. As long as your happy, that's all that matters. Everyone is entitled to make a mistake, and when the time was right, she did the best thing she could have. I always knew you'd end up back together." Anne said with a smile.
"I am really happy, Mom. What'd you think of Logan?" Mike asked.
"He reminds me of Lucas. Kaitlyn is sure a good little mama." Anne said.
"Yeah, she is. And yes, Logan is a lot like Lucas. You are planning on staying here?" Mike asked her.
"Absolutely. Christine insisted." Anne answered and Mike nodded. Just then, Christine appeared with Logan on her hip.
"Sorry; he was fussing that he didn't have his toy." Christine said as she picked up the stuffed bear.
"That's quite alright." Anne said with a smile. Mike sat down on the couch and took Logan from Christine. There were a lot of preparations, but Christine settled down next to him to just visit with Anne. As much as they could be, they were reunited and happy. Lucas was missed, but they were all moving forward.
The End.