Falling Back in Love

Chapter 8

Shockingly, Mike slept with Christine that night, partly because of Eden but also because Christine needed to be monitored. They hadn't shared a bed in so long that it was a little uncomfortable to get situated. It was a king-sized bed so they had plenty of room but Christine found herself drawn to Mike's body heat. He was sleeping on his side, facing away from her and when she woke up, he had turned around and wrapped both arms around her. It felt good and normal. It made her think she might actually have a normal marriage. Mike finally woke up but kept her in his arms.

"How are you feeling?" Mike asked.

"Not bad. This feels good." Christine said as she rubbed Mike's forearms. Some sort of dam had broken between them.

"It does a little. I just didn't want to move Eden and you had to be monitored." Mike admitted.

"I know. I just like this. So, did you talk to Kaitlyn?" Christine asked. She had encouraged both of them to talk.

"I tried. She's so angry and jealous. I didn't want to throw you under the bus too so I just told her I had had the affair. She's oblivious to the fact that we were both messing around. Having Eden is the physical proof of that." Mike said.

"Love her anyways. I think some of it is that she is afraid that you will love Eden more." Christine said as they both looked toward the crib.

"That is ridiculous and she should know better." Mike answered.

"Mike, she is a young teenager and the past six months have thrown her for a loop. Just be patient." Christine whispered.

"Easier said then done. How have you reacted to Eden so well?" Mike asked.

"She's an innocent baby. Her parents made mistakes but that doesn't make her one and she deserves love and compassion. I never thought I would be in this position but I love that baby, as much as I love the kids, I gave birth to. I can't explain why and I can only hope you won't be taking her away." Christine said. She was shocked to have started crying but she wasn't going to apologize for loving Eden.

"You probably love her more than her own mother would have. Sally would have dumped her in my lap, if she didn't abort her. I can only appreciate what you are willing to give her. Eden will be a lucky little girl to have you." Mike said as he kissed Christine's forehead again. There was something so sweet about it. Sure, Christine would prefer a kiss on the lips but it reminded her of when they were first together.

"Thank you, Mike." Christine said.

"Chrissy, I'm not ready for a traditional marriage. You and I have hurt each other too many times to count, but I also know that divorcing right now and with Eden, it would be almost impossible. I have to deploy again, and that means either leaving my infant daughter in foster care or leaving her with someone I trust. If I can trust you with Kaitlyn and Hannah; I can trust you with Eden." Mike explained.

"Can I ask if there is anything, I can do to have a traditional marriage again with you?" Christine asked.

"I don't know. I don't even know where to start." Mike said.

"Me either. And dating wouldn't work now. Three kids and date places aren't open." Christine said.

"True. We'll figure something out though." Mike said. Christine decided to take the chance and kissed Mike on the lips. She was shocked that he didn't pull away and they only stopped kissing when Eden started crying. It was time for her bottle. Mike got up and got Eden out of the crib. "Here she is. I'll go fix her bottle." Mike said as he handed the baby over to Christine to cuddle. Christine propped the baby up on her knees and smiled at her.

"Daddy is getting your bottle for you and don't worry because it sounds like he is going to let me look out for you when he leaves again. Maybe, just maybe you'll be our second chance." Christine told Eden who only smiled in response. Mike came back in with the bottle, handed it to Christine and took his shirt off.

"Sorry, but I am hot and I'm not used to having a t-shirt on when I sleep." Mike said as he laid down next to her and helped her reposition Eden into her preferred position to take a bottle. Eden took her bottle and played with Mike's finger.

"Can't say that I mind. You know, she could use some skin-to-skin contact with you. When its time to burp her, we'll take her onesie off." Christine said.

"I remember doing that with the other kids too. Lot of good it did with Kaitlyn but still, I loved that time with her." Mike remarked.

"Kaitlyn still needed that bond with you, regardless of how she acts now. As I said earlier, love her anyways. She is owed your unconditional love, just as much as Hannah, Lucas or Eden." Christine lectured. Her voice was still very weak and she tried to conserve it. It seemed she would be breaking up plenty of arguments between Mike and Kaitlyn.

"True…" Mike said but was interrupted by one of the girl's screaming.

"What on Earth?" Christine asked.

"Speaking of, Kaitlyn had a nightmare last night." Mike said as he stood up and headed out the bedroom door. Christine looked down at the baby in her arms. Eden gave her a milky smile and then took the bottle again.

"Daddy is taking care of your big sister. She's scared of something but its okay." Christine told her in a low voice. Within just a minute, Mike reappeared but with Kaitlyn behind him. She looked visibly upset and Mike gave Christine a look.

"Kaitlyn wanted to make sure you were okay and sleep in here with us. I told her it was fine." Mike explained. Kaitlyn had sat down next to Christine, and with her free arm; wrapped it around Kaitlyn. Mike took Eden and Christine pulled Kaitlyn to where she was laying with her head and Christine's chest. Kaitlyn was crying and Christine could tell it was bothering Mike. For all his complaining about Kaitlyn, he adored her.

"Do you want to tell us about it?" Christine asked and Kaitlyn shook her head no. Mike had given Eden the rest of her bottle and was currently burping her.

"Can't I just go to sleep?" Kaitlyn asked. Christine and Mike exchanged a look and Christine kissed the top of Kaitlyn's head.

"Sure. Dad will get Eden back to sleep and we'll shut the light off." Christine said and Kaitlyn settled back on Christine's shoulder.

"She's almost asleep." Mike said as Eden gave him a big burp and then her 'I'm done now' smile. He had already changed her diaper.

"She's good about putting herself to sleep, Mike." Christine told him. Mike laid Eden down and shut the light off before getting in bed. Christine scooted to the middle of the bed and Mike turned on his side to put his arms around both her and Kaitlyn. Eden had made a few soft noises but was quickly falling asleep and Kaitlyn had fallen back to sleep. "See, all is not lost." Christine said as she pointed at Kaitlyn. Mike reached over and kissed Kaitlyn on the top of the head.

"She practically begged me to come in here. Course, I said yes." Mike remarked.

"Pushover." Christine teased.

"Yeah, she knows how to push my buttons." Mike said. He was smoothing Kaitlyn's hair out of her face and caressed her cheek.

"Yeah, sure. I have to admit; it does feel good to have her in here. Kind of wish Hannah was in here too." Christine said. Mike gave her a look, got up and walked out of the bedroom. A minute later, he walked back in with a still sleeping Hannah in his arms. He laid her down next to Christine and then laid down beside Hannah. Thankfully, Hannah slept through everything.

"And before you say, 'I wish Eden was in here,' I don't want to start her co-sleeping. She can stay in the crib at the end of the bed." Mike said with a grin. It made Christine think that Mike could be convinced pretty easily. Hannah had cuddled up to Mike and they were all getting sleepy again. Christine was thrilled to just have her girls and Mike close and to know there might be some hope of saving her marriage.