Together Again

Chapter 12

Christine was proud of Mike and Katie. There were still some trust and abandonment issues where Katie was concerned, but the way Christine figured; that was natural in their situation, and time would prove that Mike could be trusted. They got back to Norfolk and fell into their routines. Mike and Christine worked together and Mike spent the evenings with both girls, when work, classes, and teen events allowed for it.

Six months later; Christine and Mike were finished with the training initiative and Mike had put his papers in after some negotiating on benefits and such. He had been promoted to 'Admiral of the Fleet,' a job he had been doing for awhile, but was formally recognized for. Christine and the girls took great joy in participating at the pinning ceremony.

So far; Mike's tests all came back negative for more cancer, but Christine still stressed about his health. She had him on a strict diet and exercise regimen. Occasionally, he rebelled, but for the most part, he humored Christine. One of the best parts about the notoriety that had come with his promotion and retirement was that his former partner from when he was a cop had gotten ahold of him.

Joe and Carolyn Hicks were living close by. They had lost a daughter to the Red Flu and Joe had retired years before. They had bought a house near the beach, and there had already been get-togethers. Post retirement; it was just what Mike needed to fill his hours. Mike and Christine had also bought a house near the beach that was a bit of a fixer-upper. It gave Mike a project and something to focus on while Christine worked. Someday, it would be the home they retired to.

Despite all the years apart, they had finally adjusted. The girls were getting used to Mike being there and going to him when they had issues. And Christine had to learn to rely on him again. It took her awhile to feel comfortable combining bank accounts and allowing Mike to foot a few of the bills. It was an adjustment, and they were slowly making it together.