North Stars
Chapter 4
The house was theirs and they spent the afternoon buying an SUV and going shopping for furniture and things for the house. Christine was ashamed how much it all costed but Mike assured her it was fine. The girls loved picking things out for their bedrooms and bathrooms and Mike loved spoiling them all. It took them both getting everything set up the next day and Christine was thankful Mike insisted on Chinese takeout on the first night in the new house especially since they still needed to go grocery shopping. As they settled into bed that night, Mike groaned in pain.
"What's wrong?" Christine asked.
"Oh, I twisted wrong putting Katie's bed together. My back has been giving me problems for awhile anyways." Mike said.
"Here, let me?" Christine suggested as she began massaging his lower back. She was a bit shocked when Mike started laughing.
"Its funny, you and I did so many moves together and now I can't put a bed together without hurting myself." Mike commented.
"We aren't as young as we were." Christine said.
"No, I suppose not." Mike answered. Christine felt something pop and Mike let out a soft groan. "Better now." Mike said.
"Good but I do want you to take it easier tomorrow. We'll go grocery shopping and get the clothes you need, but that's it. When do you have to go back in to work?" Christine asked.
"I put the President off until Monday. One way or another; I am going to have to have an answer for him." Mike said.
"Retirement or not?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. He wants the fleet rebuilt again. I just am not sure I am the man for the job anymore." Mike answered.
"Mike; I would love to have you home but I also understand if you need to go." Christine said.
"Thank you." Mike said simply before giving her a kiss. It could have become passionate but they were both exhausted. They both shut their lights off and settled into bed. It didn't take long for either of them to fall asleep.
Christine woke up at ten the next morning. It was the soundest she had slept in years. Mike was an early riser and was already dressed and downstairs as were the girls. Christine smiled at how they were gathered in the kitchen, watching Mike cook breakfast.
"Where'd the food come from?" Christine asked as she eyed the French Toast, Mike's speciality.
"I woke up early and went for a few groceries to just start breakfast. We'll go for more later." Mike said.
"Perfect." Christine answered.
"Daddy's making his French Toast. I remember it being so good." Hannah said. Christine smiled at her and handed Mike a plate.
"Powdered sugar and fruit?" Christine asked hopefully.
"Yes. I got strawberries and bananas but haven't cut them up yet." Mike said. Christine immediately went to work with the fruit; glad Mike had remembered and sitting in the kitchen nook as a family was even more special.
"Katie and I are going to stay home and get our rooms set up while you and Daddy go shopping for groceries." Hannah announced. Both girls loved their new house and especially enjoyed being close to Mike.
"I also need to pick up some civvies. I really don't have that many clothes that aren't Navy related. I was hoping you'd help me?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Christine answered.
"Not quite a date though, Dad." Katie said. She was slightly more critical of Mike and there was some room for improvement in their interactions.
"Not quite but until we are settled, it'll do. And I never expected fancy dates anyways." Christine said, hoping to settle an argument with Katie.
"And once we are; there will be plenty." Mike said.
"Probably not. You will probably deploy and figure since we are in this nice house, we'll be okay." Katie argued.
"Katie; enough. We've barely had a chance to get to know each other again and your dad has some choices to make about the Navy. We are not pressuring him. Do I make myself clear?" Christine asked her oldest daughter. Hannah and Katie exchanged a look and Katie nodded but Christine knew it was not the end of the argument or discussion.
