Part of the Holiday Fest, and the Christmas Card prompt.
Christmas Card Surprise
Mike had not had professional pictures done in years, but he had a good reason. Now; he had an engagement and a new baby to announce and he choose to do it by way of a Christmas Card. He liked shocking people. Maddie came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. She smiled down at the pictures and picked one up. There was a picture of them holding a tiny pair of shoes, and Maddie's engagement was predominately displayed.
"That's the one. It announces both the engagement and the baby." Maddie said.
"People are gonna be shocked. They didn't even know we were dating." Mike said. Post retirement; he had bought a farm and he and Maddie had started 'dating.' More like living together and spending ever available moment together.
"Mike; they will be happy for you. You deserve this." Maddie told him.
"I keep wondering if I deserve a home…a family again. I was not exactly a poster child for father or husband of the year before." Mike admitted.
"Well, if nothing else; you deserve a second chance to get it right. Besides, what better way to honor Christine, Katie, Hannah and Lucas? They would want this for you." Maddie told him.
"I suppose. So, this is the one you want? With the caption 'And next year, there will be wedding bands and a baby?'" Mike asked.
"Yep." Maddie answered.
"Wonder what the reactions will be?" Mike questioned as he wrote the caption to be sent to card company.
"They will be happy." Maddie answered before giving him another kiss.
A month later, just before Christmas, Tom opened the envelope from Mike, a little surprised that he had bothered to send a Christmas Card. Mike was not like that. He was great for phone calls and such, but Christmas just didn't much to him anymore. Tom flipped the card over and his jaw dropped. It didn't take him long to figure out the message and it made him smile for Mike. There was no one who deserved happiness more than Mike.
Kara was as shocked, but happy. An engagement and baby announcement all at once. Her and Danny's card had included an announcement of a new baby, but for some reason; Mike's announcement was so much better. Kara didn't know how Mike was still standing after losing so much. And Kara loved Maddie. She and Mike were a good pairing. Kara didn't know much about Christine Slattery, but she could see Mike connecting better with someone as outspoken, feisty and sassy as Maddie. Maddie understood Mike's career and the psychological impacts.
Russ was not so surprised by Mike's announcement. He already knew that Mike and Maddie had been dating. He had sort of been 'counseling' Mike for months. Mike didn't feel deserving of the happiness, but rather he was ready or not; he was going to be happy again, and that made Russ happy. Maddie was good for Mike and she was likeable. It was a perfect match, and as long as they were happy, it was no one's business to say otherwise.
Mike knew when he started getting congratulatory calls and texts that the cards had been received. He was glad his friends were happy for him and Maddie. Her pregnancy was progressing and because she had some weird hang ups about having a baby out of wedlock; they had gone to the courthouse and had tied their knot. It was low key and easy for them. Mike didn't want anything elaborate and Maddie just wanted to be married. He missed Christine and his kids but he had finally put that in its place and so he was ready for the baby's arrival. And next Christmas's card was going to be even better.