Time Marches On
Chapter 15
Christine had forgotten how difficult it was to travel with a newborn. Noah was not a fan of the plane at all and cried nearly the entire flight. She was never so glad to pull into her driveway, even though she knew it would be hard to introduce Noah into her family. Hannah would be alright but Katie was struggling. Mike helped her get out of the truck and then got Noah and his car seat out of the vehicle.
"Its gonna be okay, Mike." Christine assured her husband.
"I'm glad you are so sure." Mike answered. He gave her a smile and kiss before he opened the front door. Hannah immediately ran to greet them; giving Christine a hug and then giving Mike a hug. As soon as Mike got Noah out, Hannah began making over him.
"Where's your sister?" Christine asked.
"Upstairs. Sasha is finishing dinner." Hannah said.
"Mike; I'm going to go upstairs if you'll help Hannah hold him?" Christine asked and Mike nodded. He led his youngest daughter to the couch and helped her hold Noah before checking on Sasha. Christine headed up the stairs and found her oldest sitting in her window seat; looking outside. She sat down next to her and waited.
"I guess its time for me to go downstairs." Katie remarked finally.
"Only if you want to. Your dad is worried about you though." Christine said.
"Are you really okay with this?" Katie asked.
"I am. I love your dad and I think Noah will add to this family." Christine answered.
"I'm worried she'll show back up and take him away." Katie admitted.
"Noah or your dad?" Christine asked.
"Honestly, both." Katie said.
"I think you are more worried about your dad leaving. You like having him around. He makes you feel safe and judging by the shadows under your eyes; you've not slept well this week. I don't think that has much to do with Noah." Christine remarked.
"It makes no sense, given everything." Katie said.
"Your father has this ability to make people feel safe and comfortable and since we got back; he has gone out of his way to make you feel that way. Its been a huge burden for him. He wants to regain your trust and is afraid this has caused you to lose what you had built with him." Christine explained.
"He is going to want to spend all his time with Noah." Katie said.
"The thing about babies is that at Noah's age; they want to be home more and other than cuddles and feeding times; don't always require a lot. My point is; your dad will have plenty of time to spend time with all three of you, being a husband and working. And you're grasping at straws." Christine said.
"And you're really okay with this?" Katie repeated.
"I am. I love your dad. Yeah; it hurt a bit knowing that he had seen someone else but he loves me. I am not worried about Maddie. She had no interest in keeping her son. She was completely willing to let him go into foster care. I am not worried about your dad taking off. He loves you girls and he loves Noah already. Now, c'mon. You need to go downstairs and give your dad a hug and to meet your little brother." Christine said. She stood up and took Katie's hand, pulling her up as she went. Thankfully; Katie followed her down the steps and as soon as she saw Mike; she ran for him. Hannah was holding Noah so Mike stood up and Katie gave him a big hug.