Together Again
Chapter 10
Mike would never admit how much Katie's rejection hurt him. He had missed a lot of her childhood, and was paying dearly for it. He had got a beach cottage in Virginia Beach to take a long weekend away with the girls and Christine; but Katie refused to go with them, so for Mike; it was a bit depressing. Two nights before they were due to go home, there was a knock on the door and Christine jumped up to get it. Hannah was sleeping with her head on Mike's shoulder; so he stayed sitting. He was surprised when Christine led Katie in.
"Mike; Katie decided to join us." Christine said. She winked at him as she sat down on the other part of the sectional, leaving a space open next to Mike. Katie could sit down in one of the armchairs but she chose the space on the couch. Mike gave her a smile before putting his other arm around her.
"I'm really glad you're here." Mike told her. Katie nodded in response but didn't say anything. Despite that; it was a win.
"Anyone want popcorn? I want popcorn." Christine said as she stood up and went into the adjoining kitchen to make it. A few moments later; she carried in a tray with the popcorn, and sodas for all of them. Hannah had woken up and was chattering happily, but Katie was still as stiff as a board. Mike and Christine exchanged a look, but there was little Mike could do. At least she was there.
Christine got Katie settled for the night and then cuddled close to Mike. He thought about trying to have sex, but he was worn out. All he wanted to do was fix things with his oldest daughter and Christine knew it. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.
"Thanks for whatever you did to get Katie to come here." Mike said quietly.
"I didn't do a lot. She texted me and asked if I would loan her the gas money if she came. Of course; I told her yes. But I didn't say anything in case she didn't show up. I didn't want to get your hopes up." Christine explained.
"I will give her the money in the morning. Since we still have separate accounts; it might mean more if she knows it comes from me." Mike told her.
"That works for me. It was a step in the right direction, Mike. I know its not what you want ultimately, but it's a step." Christine said.
"I know. I just wish I could go back in time and not hit her. It all goes back to that." Mike said.
"No. It goes back to you not being there when we needed you. I understand why and so does Hannah; and to a point; so does Katie. But she doesn't understand you staying gone. She thinks you should have been able to find us soon. Like if you had chosen us over the Navy; we would have been together sooner, and you wouldn't have missed so much of her childhood." Christine explained. She turned over on her side so that she could talk better.
"Do you and Hannah feel that way?" Mike asked.
"I don't. I understand. Hannah does too, I think. What you are going to have to do is decide if you liked not having family obligations. She thinks that you'll leave again, because in her opinion; having a family is like having a chain around your neck. You became an Admiral. You're very well respected. She is questioning if you like all that better than what you have now. Bills, a house with a leaky faucet, a worried wife. Kids that require attention." Christine said. Mike suspected that she was also wondering the same things.
"I've been thinking about retirement. Finishing this training thing and being done." Mike admitted; wondering what Christine's reaction would be. She raised up and gave him a smile.
"Really?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. It would give me time to fix that leaky faucet and you wouldn't be so worried." Mike said. Christine leaned over and gave him a long and passionate kiss.
"I would really like that." Christine told him.
"Good; I think so too." Mike said. Christine gave him another kiss, which quickly turned into them making out. "Not sure I can?" Mike said.
"Can we try?" Christine asked and Mike nodded.
"I'd like to." Mike answered. Christine gave him a smile before carefully straddling him.
"Let me, okay?" Christine said. Mike could barely nod in response because of some of the things Christine was doing.
An hour later; Mike smiled as Christine came back in from the bathroom. She was wearing one of his t-shirts and to him; was just as beautiful as when they were young. He was a little self-conscious about his performance, but they had accomplished what they intended. They had recreated the physical and emotional intimacy that had been prevalent throughout their marriage. Now they just had to fix their family.
