The New Assignment

Chapter 28

Maddie could tell both Mike and Hannah were a bit disappointed that she wanted to wait to get married, but Mike put his best foot forward and was wonderful. Sometimes, they couldn't manage fancy dates but Maddie was clear that she didn't expect that, and Mike had always pulled his fair share around the house. He was a little hesitant to leave the triplets with Hannah on her own, but Maddie understood.

Mother's Day had been hard for Hannah and it was a bit of a setback for all of them. For Maddie, it was a reminder that no matter what she did for Hannah, Christine was always going to be a part of Hannah's heart and Maddie couldn't fill that hole. For Mike; it was hard to watch his daughter grieve for the mother she had lost, while still making the day special for Maddie.

Despite the depression concerning Mother's Day, Hannah wanted Father's Day to be particularly special for Mike. She searched the internet and every store she and Maddie went to and still couldn't find the gift she wanted for Mike. Finally, Maddie came up with the idea to have a picture done of the triplets and Hannah. The photographer came up with the idea of putting it in a double frame with a picture of Katie and Lucas.

The day was hard on Mike and Maddie knew the gift from Hannah was particularly emotionally charged. Maddie had also bought Mike a new electric razor, a box of cigars and a bottle of good whiskey. That night, after putting the triplets to sleep with Hannah's help; Maddie walked into the bedroom she shared with Mike and found him sitting on the bed; holding the double picture frame Hannah had given him.

"Hannah really struggled with finding the perfect gift for you. If its too much; we can separate the photos. She rarely comes in here, so she wouldn't know." Maddie offered.

"No. The gesture is sweet. Just kind of a reminder that I will never get to hold them again. Or tell them I love you or see them fall in love or get married, have kids. I suppose its normal to have days like this and I should count my blessings. I have Hannah back, and I have you and the triplets. I'm a lot luckier than most people." Mike answered.

"Unfortunately, you won't get to do any of those things with Katie or Lucas but you can with Hannah, Addy, Rebecca and Jacob. You are already an amazing dad, but I think this pain…it makes you even better. You treasure the moments more. When Addy gives you one of those kisses, when Rebecca wants to only cuddle with you, when Jacob laughs at everything you do, when Hannah seeks you out when she is scared or missing her mom. It proves it. I know losing Katie and Lucas is more than what anyone deserves and you go through hell on a daily basis because of it, but I think…I know in my heart, you are doing what they would want. You are being a daddy again. Anyone can be a father. But you make being a daddy seem effortless." Maddie said. She took the photo frame out of Mike's hand and then held his left hand.

She was not shocked to see the tears falling down Mike's cheeks. Instead of saying anything else; she just held him. She would never understand the pain he went through. All she could do is hold him on the bad days, which gave their relationship permanence, something that she hadn't done up to that point. As she held him, she realized; Mike had proven himself. It was just a really bad moment to tell him. A little while later, Mike sat up and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Thank you and sorry about that." Mike said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for or to thank me for. Mike…maybe this isn't the best time…but how would you feel about scheduling the wedding?" Maddie asked.

"Are we ready for that?" Mike asked.

"I think so. Maybe you always were and I wasn't, but I am now. I love you, Mike. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I want to do this…rather its you or me having a bad day. Perhaps I shouldn't have made you wait but I am ready now." Maddie said. She was a little surprised when Mike stood up, walked to his dresser and got his planner out of the drawer.

"Do you want a fall wedding or do you need longer to plan?" Mike asked.

"I wouldn't care if you wanted to elope. I would just want Hannah and the triplets there." Maddie said.

"I agree with that. How about Saturday, October 22nd? I love the fall colors and it gives a bit of time to be ready…maybe plan a honeymoon?" Mike suggested.

"But the kids?" Maddie asked.

"Tom and Sasha owe me a boatload of favors. They would want to be here for the wedding and could just stay on with the kids." Mike said.

"So, honeymoon to where?" Maddie asked.

"Some beach, somewhere. Would have to be tropical that time of year." Mike said.

"Well, I think I can fit a wedding and honeymoon into my schedule." Maddie answered him with a laugh.

"Good. I will pencil you into mine." Mike teased. He gave her a kiss before they were interrupted by one of the babies crying.