The New Assignment
Chapter 29
The wedding was exactly what Maddie had always wanted. Small, intimate and sweet. They were surrounded by their friends, Hannah and the triplets. They danced and laughed until the early hours the next morning and after a particularly emotional goodbye from Hannah; Mike and Maddie kissed the babies and headed to the airport.
The destination for the honeymoon was a secret. Mike knew, but otherwise; Maddie was in the dark. Mike had even packed her suitcase. Once they sat down at the appropriate gate, Maddie was able to find out that they were going to Los Angeles, which didn't make a lot of sense. Mike bought her a coffee and settled next to her as she watched an older couple.
"So, LA; huh?" Maddie asked.
"Initially, but not our end destination. You'll find out, probably when we get to LA. It's a beach, five star resort, room service and stunning views.
" You did pack my swimsuit and cover-up?" Maddie asked.
"Yes." Mike answered with a goofy grin.
"NOT a bikini, correct?" Maddie asked in a horrified voice. Post triplets, her days of wearing skimpy bikinis was over.
"I packed a bikini and a regular one piece. Hannah told me you wouldn't want to wear the bikini in public." Mike said.
"Hannah is very wise." Maddie remarked.
"I suppose." Mike answered. Boarding was announced and Mike had gotten first class tickets. They were quickly settled in the their seats and take-off was uneventful. Maddie fell asleep against Mike's shoulder.
As luck would have it, somehow Mike was able to keep Maddie from knowing where they were headed to after the short lay over in Los Angeles, they were headed to their final destination. After another long flight, they disembarked and Maddie immediately smiled.
"Hawaii!?" Maddie exclaimed.
"Yep." Mike answered with a smile and a kiss. They went to the baggage claim and then took the shuttle to the resort. It was everything Mike had described. They had a small cottage with beach frontage and Mike immediately ordered room service and then called Hannah to let her know they had gotten there safely. Mike had promised her that he would call every day, and Maddie didn't mind. Traveling had exhausted them both and as soon as they ate, they went to bed and as Mike held Maddie, she laughed into his shoulder.
"Not quite the wedding night you had imagined?" Maddie asked.
"No, but its okay. We didn't get nearly enough sleep last night and traveled all day. Although you did sleep most of the way here." Mike remarked.
"Thanks for all this. Its amazing and I will make it worth your while." Maddie said. She leaned up and gave Mike a kiss.
"I will hold you to it. Did it bother you that I promised Hannah I would call her?" Mike asked.
"No. One of the things I love most about you is how you are with the kids. And Hannah looks to you for support and guidance. You are her safety net and its important at the same time for her to be able to cope without you for a few days. It is healthy for her and honestly, for you." Maddie said.
"I worry about her. If she'll ever be able to have a normal life." Mike remarked.
"She is getting stronger every day. A year ago, you would not have been able to leave her for a week. And you said she helped you plan this?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. She wanted us to have a special trip." Mike said.
"We need to get her something special. Some sort of jewelry or something." Maddie said. She could tell Mike was getting sleepy.
"Yeah, good idea." Mike answered as his eye lids grew heavy.
"Go to sleep. I love you." Maddie said.
"I love you too." Mike answered. He gave her a kiss on the forehead before they both got comfortable.
Mike fell asleep pretty much immediately, but Maddie didn't. She was too busy being thankful that she had called Mike when she went into labor instead of doing it on her own and giving the babies up. Their relationship was far from perfect but they were committed to each other and they had a wonderful little family. Maddie snuggled in and in his sleep, Mike drew her closer her which made her fall asleep.