The Gift
Chapter 16
Eli was a wonderful baby and Andrea could understand why Mike would love him the way he did, regardless of a biological connection. He had no idea what was going on in his little world.
Andrea spent the days packing up Mike's clothing and personal belongings, selling or donating furniture and dealing with the police and funeral home. Russ and Kara helped and Inger was an almost constant companion. Andrea was dreading the flight home until Russ and Kara both told her they'd be accompanying her and would help with Eli and her luggage.
She missed Molly, but she knew Mike and Ally were taking good care of her. They talked daily and Molly was doing wonderfully. She talked about all the time she cuddled with her daddy. Mike was taking a little longer to recover, having developed an infection. Andrea made certain to get Inger's information, so Mike could stay in contact and send her pictures.
The first leg of the trip, to London was hard because Eli hated flying. He kept pulling on his ears and fussing. After a short layover and a fast walk across Heathrow, they boarded the plane for New York. Eli had fallen asleep in Russ' arms and stayed asleep most of the flight. He seemed to really like Russ and Russ didn't mind small children. They had a longer layover in New York, and then a three hour flight to Florida. Poor Eli was exhausted and they were thrilled to see Ally when they stepped out of the airport in Tampa.
"Oh, thank God. Remind me never to travel with a six-month-old!" Andrea told her quietly as they hugged.
"I could have warned you." Ally said.
"I think you've met Kara and Russ? They are going with us and Kara's mom will pick them up at my house." Andrea said. Russ was stowing luggage in the back of Andrea's SUV and Andrea was settling Eli in his car seat.
"I have." Ally said as they all got in the vehicle. Russ sat in the front with Ally, Kara and Andrea in the backseat with Eli who was quickly falling asleep.
"Go onto sleep, Eli. Pretty soon, you'll be with your daddy." Andrea said. Eli gave her a huge smile at the mention of 'daddy.'
"He sure loves his daddy." Kara remarked as she tickled Eli's belly.
"I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual." Andrea said with a smile. It made her wonder how Mike would juggle being a dad to both Molly and Eli, but then she reminded herself, he had been a father to three kids before. Kaitlyn, Hannah and Lucas had been happy and well-adjusted. All three adored their father. So, Mike would handle Molly and Eli just fine.
Debbie was waiting on them, and so Andrea gave both Russ and Kara a hug before walking into the house. Mike was in the recliner with a sleeping Molly on his lap. He smiled as soon as he saw Andrea and Eli.
"He's really excited to see you." Andrea said as she passed the baby to Mike. Eli was smiling and Mike kissed the top of his head.
"Thank you so much, Andrea. You have no idea how much all this means." Mike told her. Andrea bent down and kissed Molly's head.
"Your welcome. Hopefully, now; we can come up with some sort of normal." Andrea remarked.
"I think so. Once we have them settled, you and I will set down and talk logistics. My big question right now is, do I need to look for a place?" Mike asked.
"Right now, you need to get healed up and spend time with both kids. I think you should hold off on getting an apartment." Andrea said.
"If you're sure? I know I really hurt you." Mike asked.
"You did. The part I can't forgive is you not staying in touch. I understand you might have thought there was no way back, but you obviously cared about Molly enough to send money. She needed you, Mike; not your money." Andrea said.
"I know. It was a mistake and I will regret it the rest of my life." Mike said simply. Andrea had knelt down next to his chair and thought for a moment. Mike had way too many regrets.
"I think you need to concentrate on these two for now. Don't worry about me." Andrea said as she stood up and walked away. Everyone kept saying she was in love with Mike, but she had no idea how she was going to get past the hurts he had caused her.