Living Again
Chapter 8
Mike knew the plan was insane. He knew the marriage would never be anything more than in name only. He also knew when Trevor finally surfaced, he would not be happy that he had been tricked out of his kids, if he even cared. Mike had consulted with his attorney and was working with Molly to learn to sign her name, so she could sign the marriage license.
If his friends suspected, they never said a word. Anita knew, but she would protect Molly and the kids. He arranged for Russ to marry them at his house, bought Molly and the kids new outfits and had a nice dinner catered in to make it believable. A few of his friends were there, so Mike could make it seem believable. The one thing that Mike had not prepared Molly for was when Russ told him he could kiss his bride, so he leaned down and gave Molly a fast kiss on the corner of her mouth. Unless you really knew, you would think it was just a fast kiss.
Molly concentrated on the kids while Mike visited with friends. When it came time for her to sign the marriage license, she made it look like she had been signing her name all along. Her penmanship was very practiced. His friends ate, visited and finally left, allowing Mike and Molly to drop the charade. They were going to have to find a way to make the charade not seem as exhausting when they were around people.
Mike remembered when he and Christine were fighting. When they were around people, they put on a front. But, once they got home and the kids went to bed, it was a different story. Eventually they got tired of the charade and stopped fighting and began remembering why they had gotten married to begin with. Mike was lost in thought when Molly walked in, carrying Ella.
"Mike; could you take her for a bit while I start supper?" Molly asked. Mike immediately held his hands out and was passed the baby girl. Ella gave him a smile in response, but was watching her momma go in the kitchen. She began fussing, but Mike cuddled her close and smiled down at her. He had been a bit surprised by how quickly he grown to love Tucker and Ella. Just then, Tucker came down from his nap, but settled on Mike's lap, still sleepy.
"Thank you for helping Mommy." Tucker said.
"No problem." Mike told him as he rocked both kids to sleep.
"I think Mommy likes you. You don't scare her as bad as my dad did." Tucker remarked.
"I hope so. I don't want to be like him." Mike remarked.
"I don't think you could be." Tucker said. By the sound of his voice; he was almost asleep, so Mike just continued rocking, not knowing what else to say, or what was even adequate. He was beginning to realize that he may have taken on more than even he could handle.