North Stars
Chapter 6
Katie had been fairly quiet through lunch but she really came alive at the first kitchen store. She thoroughly enjoyed looking through everything and Mike let her pick out a few things. Their kitchen was fully equipped but by giving in; Mike was making a connection with his oldest daughter.
What surprised him was that once they went through the grocery store so she could pick out some ingredients that she wanted; she begged to go home so she could cook dinner. Mike had planned on spending longer with her but he didn't want to argue with her so they headed home and she went to work immediately. Mike tried to help her but other than peeling potatoes, she wanted the kitchen to herself.
So, he settled next to Christine on the couch and enjoyed a glass of wine with her. Hannah was napping upstairs and Christine had always loved cuddling. Before, he always had other things to do and didn't indulge her very often. Now, he missed holding her all the time. Katie brought him a jar to open but otherwise was occupied and Christine settled her head on his chest.
"I missed this the most." Christine remarked.
"I was just thinking that I didn't do this very often and should have more." Mike said.
"We were so busy then. The kids were small and we had jobs. Of course; you still have a job, but we can relax more." Christine said.
"I've been thinking about retiring. I don't think until I do, I stand any chance of developing a relationship with Katie. She'll always be ready for me to leave." Mike commented.
"Did she say something? I told them not to pressure you." Christine asked in an alarmed voice. She started to raise up but Mike pulled her back.
"No, she never said a word about me retiring. We honestly didn't talk a lot and that's just it. She doesn't want to build any sort of relationship because she is afraid I'll just leave again. And I honestly am not sure I can blame her for that." Mike admitted.
"Mike; she does love you. I know she isn't good at saying it, but Katie loves you and she missed you a lot." Christine said.
"She's my kid." Mike remarked with a laugh.
"Couldn't deny her if you tried. Seriously; Mike, as badly as I want you home and safe, I understand if you aren't ready." Christine said. She reached up and gave him a long kiss and then cuddled close.
"Its just, what else is there do in the Navy? I've risen as far as I can go. I have already rebuilt it once and I'm not sure I can do it all again. I need to be home so I can do what really matters and brings me more happiness. Here with you and the girls. Getting to know you three again." Mike said. He was not surprised when Christine reached back up and gave him another kiss.
"I love you." She said simply.
"I love you too." Mike told her. They held each other and continued kissing for a few minutes until Katie announced that it was dinner time. Christine stood up and smiled at Mike.
"I'll wake Hannah up. You might see if Katie needs help too." Christine suggested.
"Yep." Mike said. He picked their wine glasses up and went to the kitchen where Katie was carrying things to their kitchen nook. "Marching orders?" Mike asked.
"Can you carry the potatoes over? The bowl is heavy." Katie asked and Mike immediately retrieved it.
"This all looks delicious." Mike said.
"I found the recipe for the potatoes in that cookbook you bought and the marinade for the pork is some of the spices you got." Katie explained.
"I thought I smelled apples too?" Mike asked.
"An apple tart." Katie said. Christine and Hannah joined them and Christine smiled at the spread of food.
"Now that Katie has a fully equipped kitchen; I may not cook until she moves out eventually." Christine teased.
"And I would be fine if that was never…or at least several years in the future." Mike said.
"Mom cooking or me staying?" Katie deadpanned. Christine almost choked and Mike gulped.
"Careful, Mike." Christine warned with a smile.
"While I never minded and always loved your mom's cooking, I was speaking more about you leaving too soon." Mike said, hoping it was the right answer. Christine patted his knee under the table and gave him a smile and both girls started laughing.
"Its fine, Dad." Katie said. Mike winked at her and they all began eating the delicious dinner. Their dinners had been a bit stiff but this one; they all talked and laughed and Mike couldn't be happier now that the decision was finally made to retire. It was a weight lifted off his chest for sure.
