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Chapter 40-1 year later
Recovery was not easy for Mike, and about the time he regained feeling in his legs, he developed an infection that put him in the hospital for an additional week, with a raging fever. In time, he recovered and was sent home with two crutches for when his feet and legs were numb. He didn't like being babied, but loved the attention from his wife and kids. He was spoiled with his favorite foods and plenty of cuddles from the younger kids.
Once he was firmly on his own two feet, he began taking Hannah out once a week for lunch. It wasn't the only time he spent with her, but it was a weekly thing. She wore the locket he had bought her every day and they had redeveloped a close and loving father-daughter relationship.
Joy's first birthday was rough for Mike because it was also the first anniversary of Maddie's death. The baby didn't understand her father's solemn mood, but gave him a messy kiss. Her face was covered in cake that her Ma-Ma had made her and she wanted to share with Mike. After her little party, he packed her up and took her to Maddie's grave alone. No one knew what happened there, but Mike was in a slightly better mood when he came home.
Once a month, Mike and Christine went out for a date and every three months, they took a night away. It helped them rebuild their marriage and they were doing wonderfully. It had developed into a strong and passionate partnership. She helped him cope with Maddie's death and his recovery from the gunshot wound, and he was just there for her when she needed him.
Tom had learned that the Associates had been involved with the Regional Leaders. With Todd and the shooter's arrests, they learned that the hope was that with Mike's consulting work, they could blackmail him using his family. The only thing they hadn't been involved with was Maddie's death. Everything else; Christine's accident, what happened to Hannah and Mike getting shot was all on them. It all had to do with some contracts Mike had been working on. Everybody was in jail that needed to be there and they would not be out during Mike and Christine's lifetime.
Mike and Christine had bought a large house when Mike and Maddie's house sold. It was large enough that all the kids had their own bedrooms. Christine had completely quit her job and was loving being a stay-at-home mom again. Mike still did his consulting work, but took plenty of time to spend with his wife and kids. He still had difficulty with his back at times and at some point, would have to have another surgery, but for now; everything was good. For everything they went through, they were united as a family.
At some point, I may go back and tell Mike and Christine's backstory. I had a lot of fun writing those flashbacks! Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed.