Together
Chapter 5
The flowers were more challenging than Mike figured they would be. Thankfully, Grandma Hannah pitched in to help him. She approved of what he was trying to do. They got Chinese take-out and worked on the bouquet. About midway though, Mike's younger sister; Kathleen appeared and looked at Christine's new dress.
"This is not going to be easy, Mike." Kathleen said.
"There's a zipper. It runs alongside the tiny buttons in the back. Just push the satin back." Grandma Hannah said.
"And if I can't get rid of her mom?" Kathleen asked.
"She will want to be in the chapel. This whole thing is about marrying up for the O'Hare's. Marie O'Hare will make sure she is in there. Christine is just a cog in the wheel. Mike too." Grandma Hannah remarked.
"Thanks, Grammy. You make me feel so good." Mike said as he tried to tie a ribbon. Kathleen took it out of his hand, and quickly tied it.
"I just hope it doesn't cause problems after. O'Hare is rumored to be really mean to his wife. I can only imagine what he's like with his only daughter." Kathleen said.
"He won't realize it's a different dress, and by the time Marie tells him, Mike and Christine will be married. He won't be able to do anything, and all four parents deserve a good beating for this whole fiasco, in my opinion." Grandma Hannah replied.
"Don't hold back, Grammy." Mike said. He knew it was going to be difficult, but Christine was at least owed the dress and flowers she wanted. She was terrified. He was nervous.
"Hey, why aren't you down at McAllister's? I heard Joey was holding a Bachelor's Party for you." Kathleen asked Mike.
"Complete with hookers and too much alcohol. I'm just fine here with Grammy and you." Mike told her.
"So, a bachelor party with no groom. That works." Kathleen answered sarcastically.
"Yeah. Its my party. If I don't want to go, I won't." Mike answered.
"It doesn't matter. Its better that you are well-rested for tomorrow. Your biggest concern has to be Christine and what she needs tomorrow, and especially tomorrow night." Grandma Hannah answered after she held up the bouquet. In Mike's opinion, it was beautiful and more what reminded him of Christine. Simple. With lavender, baby's breath, tulips and daisies and a simple ribbon.
"You are going to have to explain things as you go, Mike. She has never, even been kissed." Kathleen said. Mike smirked at her in response.
"She hadn't been until Tuesday." Mike answered.
"I told Mike to get to know his bride, but to leave her a virgin until tomorrow night. I believe…as flushed as she was when they came downstairs, he only left her wanting more." Grandma Hannah said.
"GRAMMY!" Kathleen said.
"GRAMMY!" Mike also said, mostly to tease her.
"What? You did, didn't you?" Grandma Hannah asked him.
"Well, yes…but I don't particularly want to give my grandma and sister the blow-by-blow." Mike said.
"And I don't want to hear it. Neither literally or figuratively." Kathleen remarked.
"Ah, to be young again. I can still remember when your grandfather and I…" Grandma Hannah started.
"GRAMMY, no. Virgin ears, here." Kathleen said.
"Only part of you that is virgin." Mike replied.
"Children. Enough. You are not exactly a virgin either, Mike. Thankfully, Christine doesn't seem to mind, or doesn't understand. Hopefully, Kathleen gets to choose her own spouse and he won't mind either." Grandma Hannah told them. She had turned and put the bouquet in Mike's fridge, and while she wasn't facing them, Kathleen stuck her tongue out at Mike. He only rolled his eyes in response.
There was simply too much on his mind. He wasn't sure he could be the husband Christine deserved, let alone; needed. And if they had children, how was he going to keep them out of his family's lifestyle. He didn't want to raise another generation of people who lied, stole and were complacent in the illegal activities. Even if he couldn't escape it, his unborn children already deserved better and Christine deserved nothing but good.