I got to doing a little math and realized; my math didn't work! If Mike and Christine waited six years to have Kaitlyn after marrying, and another five before Hannah was born, them having a twenty fifth anniversary doesn't work…so let's just say from here that its their thirtieth. If she was eighteen when they married, it would make her forty-eight, Mike fifty, Kaitlyn around twenty-two and Hannah seventeen. Sorry! Anyway, I am really working on finishing this story!

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Chapter 33-Christine

Christine woke up on her thirtieth wedding anniversary and smiled at Mike, who was shaving in the bathroom. She had never thought they'd make it to thirty years. There had been good years and bad years. Heartbreak and happiness. They had had five kids together and then there was Joy. Christine loved that baby girl as much as she loved her own kids. She got out of bed and pulled the present out for Mike. It was just a picture of them on their fifteenth anniversary, put into a pretty white frame. She reread the note that she had included, knowing it might put Mike over the edge, but it needed to be said.

"Mike,

You know how much I love you and that will never change. You and I have been through a lot together and I think in some ways, that has fused us together. You have been my best friend, my savior, my lover, the father of the children I love more then life itself and at times; the person who makes me so mad I can't see straight.

Perhaps this isn't the best way to say it, but a few weeks ago, after you and I made love for the first time in years, you called Maddie's name out in your sleep. I was so ashamed. It made me realize, no matter how much I loved you, you could never love me like that. She was your soulmate. I'm not sure where that puts me in your life. I've thought about asking you for a divorce since, but Hannah has needed us together…so; I suppose I am telling you this way, because I don't think I can tell you to your face; whatever you need me to be, I will be. I just have to know that you will be coming home to me. Even if you have to think I'm her.

Love,

Christine

She tucked the note into the picture frame and walked into Joy's room. The baby was awake and gave her a big smile. Christine picked her up and kissed her. As she grew, she was starting to look more like Mike, but she had a few of Maddie's features too. Christine changed her diaper and put her in one of her little outfits. As she dressed her, Joy looked up and smiled around her hand.

"Ma-ma." Joy babbled and Christine closed her eyes in pain. It was one of her favorite words, and she loved Joy too much to correct her. She picked her back up and kissed her.

"Want to go see Daddy before the other kids wake up?" Christine asked the baby.

"Da-da." Joy babbled again. Christine carried her into their bedroom where Mike was buttoning his shirt.

"Daddy's baby girl slept through the night like a big girl. Did you wake Auntie Christine up?" Mike asked the baby girl.

"Ma-ma." Joy said again and Christine watched the shadow pass over Mike's face.

"Who taught her that?" Mike asked.

"Mike; she hears the other kids call me Mom. Its just human nature. No one encouraged because they know how you feel about it. Besides, she is saying Da-da too." Christine argued.

"Da-da." Joy said. Christine could tell it diffused Mike a little.

"I'm going to start breakfast. Happy Anniversary. I love you. There's a gift on the bed for you." Christine said before giving Mike a kiss on the cheek and walking out with Joy. She mashed up a banana for the baby and put her in her highchair before Hannah, Henry and Rebecca joined her. She fixed the kids breakfast and talked about their day. She expected Mike to want to talk about the note, but he left the house without saying another word. It hurt.

Later that day, Christine went into the bedroom to get her and Mike's laundry. In thirty years of marriage, she had learned one thing about Mike. She had to clean his pockets out. He had a habit of leaving money, hard candy, pens, and numerous other items. When she grabbed his blazer to take to the dry cleaner. She stuck her hand in the pocket and came up with two jewelry boxes. She opened the smaller one first and found beautiful diamond earrings, and then opened the second and found a heart-shaped locket.

Her mind went to worst possible place. Mike was having an affair. He had never bought her a lot of jewelry. An engagement ring to go along with her original wedding band and a ring for mother's day several years before the Red Flu. She still didn't consider Maddie an affair, but Mike was gone a lot. He was short-tempered and frustrated. What other explanation could there be? But, did she even have a right to be upset? It wasn't like their marriage was too strong. It would make for an interesting dinner. She put the boxes back in his pocket and hung the blazer back up, but she was going to confront him, even if it terrified her.