Search and Rescue

Chapter 12

With Max's encouragement, and his mother's forcefulness, Kaitlyn agreed to go out for lunch with Mike. Instead of having an open conversation with her, she was glued to her phone the entire time, returning calls, text messages and emails. She barely spoke to Mike the entire time. It was depressing. She happily handed him the bill and started to leave while he was paying. He quickly finished and followed her out to her car, hoping to at least get a goodbye.

"Maybe we can make this a weekly thing?" Mike suggested.

"Dad; I am really busy. I can't commit." Kaitlyn said.

"Okay, but I would really like to reconnect." Mike commented.

"Do you, now? Dad; maybe we don't want to reconnect with you. You prioritized the Navy over us." Kaitlyn said.

"You are also in your twenties. Did you try finding me?" Mike asked.

"Well…no, but that's not the same." Kaitlyn admitted.

"Actually, its not. Sure; I should have checked into your grandparent's whereabouts sooner, but the phone works both ways." Mike remarked.

"Dad; I have to go." Kaitlyn said, not wanting to spend anymore time with him. Instead of continuing to argue, he kissed her forehead and squeezed her arm.

"Fine. I love you, whatever you might think." Mike told her.

"Mmm. Dad, Hannah and I love you too, but we don't like the choices you made. You choose the Navy over your family. Mom would have probably died regardless, but having you there would have made her end so much easier. She died in absolute agony and didn't know where you were." Kaitlyn said before getting in her car and shutting the door.

It hurt, but Mike knew she was justified in how she felt. He just had to wonder if he would ever be able to connect with Kaitlyn or Hannah. Emma and Matt were unsure of him, but at least they were trying. Maybe, if the girls saw that he and Maddie were settling, it would be better. It would prove he was a permanent fixture in their lives. He drove home and Maddie was in the yard, playing with Matt. Mike gave her a kiss and gave Mike a high five.

"How'd it go?" Maddie asked.

"Not great but I'm going to keep trying." Mike admitted.

"That might be the key. Matt saw your mock up of the James. He was enthralled. I ordered him a model battleship off the internet. Figured you and him could put it together with each other." Maddie said.

"Good. I probably need to figure something out for Emma too." Mike said.

"I also ordered a dollhouse kit." Maddie answered with a grin.

"Perfect." Mike told her.

"I thought it would be better to find things to do with them, instead of just a random toy that they would get bored with. But…I don't know much about kids." Maddie admitted.

"I'd rather do stuff with them, rather than plying them with toys." Mike said as he watched Matt play hopscotch.

"I thought that might be the case." Maddie answered.

"How are you feeling?" Mike asked. He was trying to be better to Maddie, more concerned and supportive.

"Good. I did get a referral into an OBGYN. I go the week after next." Maddie answered.

"I'll go with you." Mike told her.

"Are you sure? I know how you felt." Maddie asked.

"I'm sure. I may very well have totally screwed my relationship with my older girls, but I won't mess things up with this one." Mike remarked and Maddie patted his leg.

"It'll get better, Mike." Maddie said.

"I'm not so sure." Mike answered as Matt came up to the bench they were sitting on with a bouquet of flowers he had picked for Maddie.

"Are those for me or your Gram?" Maddie asked and Matt pointed at her. "Use your words." Maddie encouraged gently.

"You." Matt said. He was leaned against Mike's leg and Mike decided to take a chance. He lifted Matt into his lap. Matt looked at Mike for a moment, and then leaned into Mike, almost like he was giving him a hug.

"Thank you. Mike; Matt also asked to stay a night in the RV. He is kind of curious about it." Maddie said.

"Anytime you want to stay with us, your welcome." Mike told the little boy.

"Tonight?" Matt asked.

"I'll have to make sure with Gram, but that is fine with me." Mike told him. Suddenly, Matt jumped off Mike's lap and ran inside.

"Apparently, he is going to ask Gram for you." Maddie said as they both stood up and walked towards the house. They walked in and heard Barbara laughing.

"Matt ran upstairs to pack his bag. He is really excited to stay with you." Barbara said with a smile.

"Is it okay with you?" Mike asked.

"Like I could tell Matt no! Of course its alright." Barbara answered. Just then Matt appeared with a bag, which Barbara immediately went through. Mike wasn't sure where Matt would sleep that night, but he was looking forward to the sleepover.