The New Assignment
Chapter 27
As soon as Mike and Hannah got back from their day out; Maddie knew they were up to something. Mike walked in with flowers and Hannah disappeared into her room for a few minutes. She could tell he was uncomfortable and as soon as Hannah came back in; something was handed off to Mike and Hannah took Jacob out of Maddie's arms. Mike grabbed her hand and started walking her towards the backyard, and of course; Jacob began fussing. Maddie started to turn back but Mike kept pulling her.
"Mike…Jacob needs…" Maddie said.
"Hannah has him. C'mon." Mike demanded. They walked out onto the porch and Maddie sat down at the table, already frustrated with Mike.
"Spill it." Maddie said. She was shocked when Mike knelt in front of her and pulled a small box out of his pocket.
"Maddie; I know this relationship has been a mess. I have not done anything right; but I do love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I do want this to be official." Mike said.
"What brought this on?" Maddie asked.
"I…just got to thinking." Mike said.
"Mike; I love you too but I want this to be right. I'm not sure we are there yet. When I hear you tell stories about what you had with Christine…I know you can never love like that again, but honestly; I'm jealous of a dead woman. She got the best part of your heart and I have what's left. I just don't know what to do to fix that." Maddie said.
"My relationship with Christine was flawed. We were both ready to file for divorce. Yes, I loved…still love her. A part of me always will. At one time; I had something very special with her, but somewhere along; we let that fall apart. I've learned from my mistakes. I want a second chance with you. How do I prove it to you? How do I prove that I want something special with you? How do I build it?" Mike begged.
"You were off to a really good start before I left. Since I had the triplets and came back; there is an air of mistrust. I realize I hurt you and even considering giving the babies up was wrong, but I'm not sure you are past it and until you are; I don't see a way we can move forward. And believe me; I want to. As I said; I love you." Maddie answered.
"So, this is a no?" Mike asked. She couldn't get a read on him but she knew he was disappointed.
"This is a yes but not right now. I do want to marry you and I want something special, but I think a long engagement is in order. We can tell Hannah it's a yes and just start working on things. And its not all you because I have to figure out why I took off in the first place. I'm just afraid if we don't work these issues out, we will doom our marriage from the beginning and I don't want that. I want a happy marriage." Maddie said.
"I'm so confused." Mike answered. Instead of saying anything, Maddie put her hands on either side of Mike's face and gave him a long kiss before taking the ring out of the box and putting it on her ring finger.
"Its simple. Just date me for a while. Work through our issues. If you are worried about disappointing Hannah, just tell her we are taking our time. She loves you and wants what is best for you. And I promise; this will happen." Maddie said before giving Mike another kiss.
"I'm not good at romance." Mike admitted.
"You actually are very good at it and I don't expect flowers and jewelry every day. I also don't expect date nights. We have three two-month-olds and Hannah. Honestly; if we can get through our issues; I would be willing to move forward. I know its not what you wanted to hear but its what I have now." Maddie answered.
"I think I can work with it." Mike said. He kissed her forehead and stood up, helping Maddie to her feet before giving her a hug.
"I love you." Maddie said.
"I love you too." Mike answered. Instead of saying or doing anything else, they held onto each other.
