Together
Chapter 22
Mike had quit the Chicago Police Department and joined the Navy. While he was still going through basic, money began getting tight, because they were now without insurance until he graduated. Having a five year old and a pregnant wife didn't help and Christine was struggling with morning sickness, so she couldn't go get a job. She was frustrated and angry with Mike, and it didn't help when Grandma Hannah invited herself over for Sunday dinner. It meant Christine had to cook a dinner, and she was not happy with that. Mike tried to help, but he mostly got in the way and so he kept Katie from frustrating Christine too badly. Finally, Grandma Hannah arrived, carrying one of her apple pies. She gave Mike and Katie and kiss and watched Christine banging around in the kitchen for a moment.
"She's having a rough day. We missed church due to morning sickness." Mike explained quietly.
"Be patient. She has a lot on her plate." Grandma Hannah told him as she proceeded into the kitchen.
"Damn it!" Christine said. She pitched a saucepan into the sink and Mike exchanged a look with Katie. Christine never cussed and it worried him. Thankfully, Grandma Hannah was able to figure out whatever was wrong and they were able to sit down to eat. Mike kept Katie next to him so he could help her cut up her meat. The little girl was suddenly very unsure of her mom.
"So, what are the plans since you've been accepted into Academy?" Grandma Hannah asked.
"I leave for Annapolis a week after graduation. I will have to stay on site for the first two years." Mike explained. Grandma Hannah shifted her gaze to Christine and Katie.
"What about…?" Grandma Hannah asked as she indicated towards Christine, who was concentrating on her plate.
"We are still working on that." Mike told her.
"I have a suggestion…or rather a plan. You all need to be together as much as possible. I have been in touch with a realtor and have purchased a four bedroom house in Annapolis. I've always wanted to live near the ocean and if you all can put up with living with me for the four years; you will be together, at least during the weekends." Grandma Hannah said and Christine's head jerked up and there was a hint of a smile.
"Really?" Christine asked.
"It won't be ideal, and the house isn't the greatest, but it is big enough and its close to a primary school for Katie. There's a large amount of Navy families in the same area; and I'll be there to help with the little ones." Grandma Hannah explained.
"Grammy, can you afford that?" Mike asked.
"I can, but the question really is; can you afford to be away from your family for four years? Only weekends will be less than ideal, but you could be there to get to know your baby. To help Christine. To be together as a family." Grandma Hannah questioned.
"Thank you." Christine said simply. Mike could only nod in response. He wouldn't be there much, so the two women would have to adjust to the house. He was glad to have his little family close by and would have missed his grandma, so it would work out. He was just a bit worried because Grandma Hannah and Christine were two completely different women. It might not go too easily.