Bitter

Chapter 27

Christine smiled as she watched Mike read to both Parker and Liam. They were both sitting on his lap and Liam looked like he might fall asleep. The kids were thrilled to have him home. Even Hannah had greeted him warmly. Of course, there were miles to go, but it was a start.

Personally, Christine was looking forward to their date night. Clothes shopping was not going well, because she hated spending money, especially when Mike's income was in question. He kept reassuring her that they would be fine, but she didn't want to make unnecessary purchases. Parker was fighting sleep and Liam had given in when Christine walked back into the living room.

"Parker; let's get you into bed. Mike; I'll get Liam." Christine said. She gave Parker her hand and helped him off the recliner. Thankfully, Parker didn't argue and settled quickly in his bed; she tucked him in and then went and got Liam. Mike had also almost put himself to sleep but stood up once she had picked Liam up.

"Soon; I'll be able to carry him to bed." Mike said.

"Yes, but not too soon. You need to take it easy for the time being." Christine said. She laid Liam down, but Mike tucked the blankets around him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. He also gave Parker a kiss goodnight and tucked the blankets a bit higher up on Parker's chest. "Katie might be asleep but I think Hannah was working on her homework. If you want to tell her goodnight; I'll get your bed ready." Christine offered and Mike nodded.

"Thanks." Mike answered. He patted her back as they parted ways and Christine walked into Mike's 'bedroom.' It was an office that she had put a wardrobe into. In the three years since Mike had insisted that their marriage was over; he had only used the room three nights. Christine honestly felt badly because the bed wasn't very comfortable and the room was a bit chilly but she couldn't let her guard down too soon. She had every intention of letting Mike back into her room but not too soon. A moment later, he stepped into the bedroom and smiled at her fluffing the pillows.

"If it would be easier; you can sleep in the primary and I'll stay in here. The bed isn't very comfortable and there is a draft. I was so busy that I forgot to get the windows caulked this year." Christine admitted, ashamed of herself.

"Once I get back on my feet; I'll caulk them and no; I will stay in here. I'm not forcing you out of your bed." Mike said. Christine nodded and took an extra blanket out of the wardrobe.

"In case you get cold? You might." Christine said.

"I'll be fine, but thank you. I am exhausted." Mike answered before sitting down on the bed.

"How's your pain level?" Christine asked.

"About a three and I took a pain pill before I came in here. I was due. I'm hoping I sleep through the night." Mike admitted. Christine helped him lift his legs onto the bed and then pulled the blankets over him.

"Well, wake me up if you need me. I have a baby monitor in Katie's room so I can hear her, but didn't think ahead for you." Christine explained.

"Its okay. I'll be alright." Mike said. Christine still felt like she needed to fuss over him and was still thinking about just having him sleep next to her. Nothing would happen…but she wanted to stick to her hard line, at least for awhile. Mike needed to prove that he could be a dedicated father first and husband later.

"Alright; well, good night." Christine said. She bent down and kissed his forehead. "Do you want to read your book? I can leave the bedside lamp on." Christine asked.

"Honestly, I just want to sleep. I will be fine. You get some rest. Your exhausted too." Mike answered.

"Alright. Well…" Christine said, fussing again with the covers until Mike put his hand over hers.

"Chris; I promise if I need something I will call for you. I will be here when you wake up if that is what's worrying you. I appreciate everything you are doing and am not going anywhere. I am here and I will prove myself somehow. I just don't want you to exhaust yourself by worrying." Mike insisted before squeezing her hand.

"I've missed…this…just talking. I missed you." Christine admitted.

"If the truth were known; I did too. I wouldn't have admitted it then, but I did. Now; you go to sleep. You are tired too." Mike ordered. Christine nodded, bent down and gave Mike a kiss on the cheek before shutting the lights off and going to her own room, shutting living room lights off as she went. By the time she showered and laid down in her own bed, she could hear Mike snoring. It made her smile because at one point, it had annoyed her. Now, it was a sound she could fall asleep to.