Learning to Live Again
Chapter 11
While they met with Mike's attorney and Katherine, Mike purposely held Libby's hand in his own to make it seem that much more real. He and Libby even staged a kiss or two. If Katherine doubted their marriage, she showed no signs. She was just thrilled to get the adoption underway. The only wrinkle in the plan was Bobby's great aunt. If she claimed him, there was not a lot they could do, especially if she proved more suitable.
After their company all left, Mike and Libby decided to spend the afternoon on the couch with Bobby, watching movies. During the movie, Mike snuck looks over at Libby, studying her features.
Her red hair was always messy, but she tried to tame it. Her complexion was what his mother had called ruddy, but judging by the different medicines, creams and lotions on his bathroom counter, she did her best to clear it up. She was on the heavier side, but she was careful about what she ate, and she did run on his treadmill, several miles every day.
No, she was not like Christine or Andrea, but she was likeable. She could comfort Mike and she could make him laugh. While they talked or laughed, sometimes he even forgot about Christine and his kids for a few seconds. It never lasted long, but he enjoyed it. Tamara had quietly alerted Mike that Libby's birthday was that Sunday and given a few hints of possible gifts, including a perfume and a shirt that Libby had been eyeing. Mike just wanted to up the ante. He suspected that Libby hadn't had very many happy birthdays.
After they all went to bed that night, Mike got online and ordered the perfume, the shirt and a pair of diamond earrings. It was a much more elaborate gift then what he would have bought Christine, simply because when she was alive, diamond earrings for a regular birthday was out of his budget. But, with his retirement and some consultation work, Mike had a healthy income. He had also made some decent investments. He could afford to give his new wife a pair of diamond earrings.
The week wore on, and Mike's presents for Libby arrived. He also planned on having Joey and his family for dinner Sunday afternoon, and Tamara would bring Libby's favorite pie. Mike would cook her favorite meal; fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy corn, and would make a large salad.
Keeping it all a surprise was harder than Mike imagined, especially once they got home from church on Sunday and Mike began preparing the chicken and peeling the potatoes. Libby was suspicious.
"I thought you didn't like cooking that much?" Libby asked.
"I don't but it would not be fair if the birthday girl had to cook her own birthday dinner." Mike answered.
"Who told you it was my birthday?" Libby asked.
"Tamara, but I also saw it on the adoption paperwork. Don't worry, when its my turn, you can make me miserable too." Mike told her.
"Its not that…it's just that I don't understand why you are doing this. I would have thought you'd leave it to Tamara. She's the one that makes a big deal out of birthdays." Libby said from her perch at the kitchen island.
"She suggested that, wanted me to just bring you and Bobby to the house, but it is my responsibility." Mike admitted.
"Making my dinner is your responsibility? Mike, I'm sorry but you are confusing me a bit." Libby questioned.
"Making certain that you are happy is my responsibility." Mike answered.
"I'm in a marriage that is not love-filled with a man who can't stand me. The one bright side is Bobby, but I know this is only temporary. Why would I be happy?" Libby remarked. Mike put the potato down that he was peeling and walked around the island to where she was sitting. He put both hands on her shoulders and leaned down next to her, hoping he didn't scare her.
"I never said I couldn't stand you, and I was wrong in my first impression where you are concerned. No, our marriage is not currently love-filled, but that doesn't mean that we have to be horrible to one another. We can make the most of this and I do apologize for my earlier behavior. You didn't deserve it. I hope you enjoy your dinner and presents." Mike said and then gave Libby a soft kiss on her forehead. Instead of pulling away like he had suspected she would, she wrapped her arms around his waist and put her head on his chest. Instead of fighting it, Mike simply wrapped his arms around her and held her. He was certain he felt his shirt growing wet, but he didn't draw any attention to it.
Mike only pulled away when he heard Joey pull into the driveway. Libby wiped the tears away and Mike gave her another kiss, this time on the cheek. He only hoped he hadn't scared her. Christine and even Andrea had complained about him being emotionally constipated, but he didn't want to that way with Libby. She had been through far too much in her life for him to be like that. She needed love, but was he prepared to put his heart on the line again?
Libby was delighted with the dinner and desserts that Tamara had made and loved the drawings from Andy and Bobby. All Abby offered was a sloppy kiss for her aunt, but Libby gladly accepted it. The gifts from Mike brought more tears, especially the earrings. Tamara quickly disposed of the packaging, so Libby wasn't tempted to return them and then convinced her to put them in.
They played a game of cards before Joey and his family left. Mike cleaned the kitchen and living room while Libby helped Bobby with his bath and then took one of her own. While she was in her bubble bath, Mike tucked Bobby in.
"Mike, what will happen to me if you and Libby have a baby?" Bobby asked.
"We'd keep you, but I don't know that we'll have a baby." Mike answered.
"I saw you kiss her today, twice." Bobby argued.
"That…doesn't mean that we'll have a baby." Mike said.
"How long does it take a baby to grow in a mommy's belly?" Bobby asked.
"Uh…about nine months. Why?" Mike retorted.
"I think you and Libby will have a baby…maybe not in nine months, but maybe a year. I just hope you'll still have room for me." Bobby said.
"I'll always have room for you. Do you want Libby to come in after she gets done with her bath to tell you good night?" Mike asked.
"Yeah." Bobby said. Mike leaned down and gave him a kiss on the top of the head. Showing him affection was something Mike had hesitated about, but it had become natural; just like it had been with his own kids, except for Kate as she got older.
"I'll tell her. Good night, buddy. Sleep tight. You know where I am if you need anything." Mike said.
"I love you, Mike." Bobby said. Mike hesitated, because acknowledging love could get him hurt, but Bobby deserved it…and so did Libby.
"I love you too, buddy. Get some sleep." Mike answered before roughing up his hair. He left the bedroom and met Libby in the hallway. She was wearing pajamas and a fluffy, white robe. Her freshly washed hair was in a towel and she gave Mike a warm smile.
"Bobby down for the night?" Libby asked.
"Yeah, but he asked if you would go in before you went to bed." Mike answered.
"Of course." Libby said before walking into Bobby's room. Mike watched her kiss him goodnight and shut his light off. The little boy was almost asleep, and Libby left him quickly.
"He's had a busy day." Mike remarked.
"Its sad that he's never had birthday cake before. I am glad Tamara brought one, even if its not my favorite. We'll have to make sure his birthday is extra special." Libby said.
"Definitely. I've always loved birthdays, except my own." Mike answered.
"I can tell. I really do appreciate everything you did." Libby said.
"I enjoyed it too. I hope you liked everything. I do really like the smell of that perfume." Mike remarked.
"Its my favorite. Seriously though, Mike; you didn't have to go all to this trouble. I appreciate it all, but I was shocked." Libby said.
"It was no trouble." Mike answered. As they talked, Mike realized that he was becoming very attracted to Libby, something that confused him. Before he ever realized what he was doing, he pulled her close and gave her a long and very passionate kiss. Finally, Libby pulled away.
"That was even more of a surprise." Libby said with a laugh. Mike didn't know what to say to excuse himself, so he pulled her in for another kiss.
"Am I scaring you?" Mike asked, remembering her terrible history.
"No. I don't want you to stop." Libby said as she gave Mike a kiss. She had put her arms around his neck, and he had a hand on her hip.
"Are you absolutely sure? I think you know what I am wanting?" Mike asked.
"I am. Let's move out of the hallway." Libby said, not sure whether to go to her room or Mike's. They just couldn't keep making out in the hallway outside of Bobby's bedroom.
"I told Bobby I would be in my bedroom if he needed me." Mike said between kisses.
"Your room it is." Libby answered.
"Are you absolutely sure?" Mike asked.
"I am. Now, stop asking." Libby said as she pushed him into his bedroom and closed the door behind her.
