Together

Chapter 20

Mike was in a shocking amount of pain, but was thankful for Christine. She held the bowl when he got sick, helped him to the bathroom and kept his spirits up. She stayed by his side constantly, even when his mom visited for a short bit. Mike knew there would be scarring, and thankfully; Christine didn't mind. He was released three days after and it had never felt so good to be home.

Katie didn't quite understand what had happened to Mike but she loved cuddle time with Mike and as long as she didn't wiggle too much; she was fine. By the second week, Mike was feeling better and was bored stiff. He had some hurdles he had to jump through at work. Seeing the department shrink. Passing the medical tests. But, Christine was enjoying having him home; even if she wasn't a fan of the reason why. Late one night; she climbed in bed next to him and cuddled close.

"Katie finally settled. She is getting spoiled having you home." Christine commented.

"I can go back to work." Mike suggested.

"No, thanks. Not yet. We do need to go check that preschool out before you go back." Christine said.

"What will you do with your time once she starts?" Mike asked.

"Well; its only half days. I had kind of counted on having a baby, but that isn't going to happen. I may see if I can find a babysitting job for here at the apartment." Christine said.

"You don't need to. We're doing good money wise." Mike told her.

"After preschool, she'll go to regular school and I'll be bored stiff. No, I need to something. It may only be a couple hours a day, but its more to keep my mind active and not dwelling." Christine said.

"On not having a baby?" Mike asked.

"Among other things, yes." Christine answered. Mike wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his chest.

"Is everything alright?" Mike asked. He suspected it had to do with him. He was usually on the top of any of Christine's list of complaints; not that she complained a lot.

"When you were shot, I realized that if something happened to you, I had no legal claim to Katie. She would be an orphan. I doubt your family would let me care for her, not that they would do it themselves. And since you and I don't share a child; I would be cast out onto the street. I wouldn't even have my family to go back to." Christine explained.

"Hey; I'm fine and I'll be more careful. And, you are probably right. We need to come up with something on the legal side. As far as you being cast out on the street; with life insurance and retirement benefits; you would have a healthy income. You might need to get a job, but you wouldn't be destitute, if that happened." Mike told her.

"Oh." Christine said.

"Maybe we do need to sit down and go over all the legal and financial stuff." Mike remarked. He'd never give it any thought. His dad had never discussed finances with his mom. It wasn't that Mike thought that Christine didn't deserve to know. He had just not given it any thought.

"My mom and dad never talked about that stuff. He just gave her an amount of money to spend on clothes and groceries." Christine answered.

"Mine either, but we have both endeavored to do different. It would be wise to have the conversation, but please know; if something happens to me, you will be taken care of." Mike told her before kissing the top of her head.

"Mike…people that make those kind of assurances love each other…or at least care about the other person. Jim told me what you said before you were taken in the ambulance, but I assumed it was directed towards Katie…" Christine pointed out. Mike immediately realized what was really bothering her. And he was going to have 'man up' and tell her that he loved her.

"It wasn't just meant for Katie. It was meant towards you too." Mike said.

"Is it so painful for you to tell your wife that you love her? I realize our marriage was…" Christine demanded, but Mike silenced her with a kiss.

"I love you." Mike interrupted. It stopped Christine in her tracks. Mike kissed her forehead and smiled at her. He could tell she was stunned. "I think the proper response to that is 'I love you too.'" Mike said.

"Uh…I do. Love you too. Its just…that's the first time anyone has ever said those words to me." Christine remarked.

"Besides Katie? She tells everyone she loves them." Mike reminded her.

"Not quite the same." Christine said. Mike laughed and gave her another long kiss. Things quickly turned passionate and they began making love. Mike had to admit; sex with Christine had always been good, but love added another component and made it much better. An hour later, Mike rolled back off Christine and laid down on his back.

"Wow." Mike said in satisfaction. Christine smiled in response and cuddled close.

"That was different, but it felt good." Christine remarked.

"Better than good. You were amazing." Mike told her. As Christine had gotten comfortable with him, she was more willing to experiment and seemed to thoroughly enjoy sex. Mike didn't feel as guilty about making her do something she didn't want to. Sometimes, she even initiated it.

"You too and now I'm exhausted." Christine answered but groaned when Mike stroked a nipple. She tipped her head back and sighed.

"I should let you sleep." Mike told her.

"I need sleep, but I really don't want you to stop either." Christine said. Mike smiled at her but instead of continuing, he pulled her onto his chest and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm tired too and my neck is a bit sore. As much as I would like to continue this, can we hold off? Maybe tomorrow night?" Mike suggested and Christine nodded.

"I hope I didn't hurt you." Christine said.

"You didn't." Mike answered. He let out a yawn and Christine pulled the blanket over the top of them.

"To be continued." Christine told him. She cuddled close and within just a minute, was sound asleep. It didn't take long for Mike to join her.