Together
Chapter 25
"I just spoke with the Commander. You've been given leave to go see your wife and kid at the hospital." Tom Chandler, Mike's squad leader told him.
"I didn't ask for that." Mike said. Tom sat down next to him at the study table.
"No, but apparently her doctor and the commandant play golf together. Apparently they almost lost her on the table. Baby is fine, but she's in rough shape." Tom said. It did get Mike's attention.
"And the baby is…?" Mike asked.
"A boy. Seven pounds, four ounces. Mike; you should go see her and the kid. You are the only married man in our unit and you don't have to act like you aren't. No one expects it. Honestly; it is good for the others to see your commitment to your family." Tom told him.
"I never planned on having a damn family! My dad was terrible and I don't know how to do this." Mike remarked.
"Well, maybe not; but you are married with three kids. I would say; your first step is to stop being an asshole to your wife and go see her. You can't stay there, but you can visit at least. Buy some flowers on your way. That is not a suggestion." Tom ordered as he got up and walked away. Mike groaned in response, but gathered his books and went to his vehicle. He found a flower shop and bought a cheap bouquet before heading to the hospital.
Before he walked into her room; Mike stood outside of the door and watched her. Christine was dangerously pale, but was cuddling a tiny, swaddled baby. She looked so serene and happy; and he had to wonder if she would be as happy if he was there? Finally, he stepped into the room, knowing if he went back to the Academy without seeing her, he'd have hell to pay.
"Christine?" Mike said to get her attention. Her head snapped up and she smiled in response.
"You're here!" Christine said. He put the flowers on the bed and nodded. "Would you like to hold your son?" Christine asked.
"Sure." Mike said. She very gently put the baby in his arms and he stretched out.
"I had to name him. You had mentioned liking Lucas at one point when I was pregnant with Hannah, so his name is Lucas Michael." Christine told him. He didn't remember the conversation, but was concentrating on the baby boy in his arms.
"He's perfect." Mike finally said.
"I think so too." Christine agreed with a smile. "How long can you stay?" Christine asked.
"Not long, I'm afraid. Just a few hours." Mike said.
"Oh. Your sister is at the house to help with the girls. They say I'll be here until later Friday due to blood loss and such." Christine explained. At least she didn't argue.
"I will see if I can get you Friday. I will definitely be home Saturday and Sunday." Mike told her.
"Good. I could really use the help." Christine admitted.
"Is…everything okay?" Mike asked.
"They had to do a hysterectomy. No choice. So, he's the last baby. You won't need to worry about condoms anymore, at least not with me." Christine answered. Mike closed his eyes, because he knew he had some explaining to do.
"First of all; I never…did that. Never was with anyone else." Mike said.
"So, why'd you say it?" Christine asked.
"I was drunk. Stupid." Mike told her.
"Mike; I know you never wanted this. Wife, kids, house, responsibilities. You wanted to be the bachelor; sleeping with who you wanted when you wanted. You didn't want the responsibilities because you were afraid you'd screw it up. Be like your father. The fact is; you are a hell of a husband and father. You love us. I can handle you being in Academy. Only being home on the weekends. But I need you to be fully there when you are there. I get it. You might need to study. That's fine. I'll help you. Just come home." Christine said. She patted his hand and smiled at him. He sat down on the bed with her after putting Lucas in the bassinet.
"How are you so understanding?" Mike asked.
"Patience of a nun…which is funny because I never was one." Christine remarked.
"Yeah, I corrupted you after that first brunch." Mike said.
"I thoroughly enjoyed that. You never did take me back to that attic." Christine said with a laugh.
"Nah; I just took you back to the apartment after the wedding. It'll be a while before you can do anything, though; won't it?" Mike asked.
"At least six weeks. But, as the nurse said this morning; they took the carriage out and put the playpen in." Christine teased. It took Mike a moment to catch onto what she had said.
"Now that sounds interesting." Mike said before leaning over and giving Christine a long kiss.
"Hmm. It would involve you coming home on the weekends." Christine said.
"I think I could arrange that." Mike answered, just as Lucas started fussing.
"He's hangry. He's like his dad." Christine said. Mike picked him up and handed him over. She had unbuttoned her nightgown and began nursing him.
"In what way?" Mike asked in confusion.
"He gets angry when he's hungry. He likes my boobs, and he has no patience." Christine answered and Mike laughed.
"I see." Mike said. He gave her another kiss and smiled at their baby.
"I understand why you have to leave, but I am going to hate it." Christine admitted.
"Me too. I love you." Mike said. He settled next to her on the bed and watched their son nurse and look at him possessively.
"I love you too." Christine answered. While Mike knew he would have to go back to the Academy; he was going to take advantage of the time he had with Christine and he would be there Friday to get her and Lucas.