Bitter
Chapter 32
Two weeks later, Mike woke up and smiled over at Christine. They were sleeping in the same bed, but nothing had happened due to them both still recovering. In some ways, he was kind of thankful because it gave them both time to talk and process.
There had been some heated conversations. Some with Christine and some with the older girls, especially Hannah. He had anticipated some difficulty with her and Hannah was not afraid to hold him in check. She was also intensely protective of her mother and sometimes, Mike felt like he was a third wheel.
The boys were used to him being there and were going to him more and more. Christine had said it would be easier with them and she had been right. Mike leaned over and gave Christine a kiss on the forehead and smiled as she snuggled into him.
"Time to wake up." Mike said.
"Too early." Christine groaned.
"Today is my retirement party. A day you've looked forward to for twenty years." Mike teased.
"True." Christine said. She reached up and gave Mike a long kiss.
"So, Russ said he would give the kids a ride home after the party, allowing us to stay for the adults only retirement party. The girls are ready to stay with the boys and I did get the hotel room you wanted." Mike said.
"Perfect." Christine said. She started to get out of bed and Mike pulled her back for a kiss.
"And nothing has to happen there. I figured the hotel would be good so we could both drink if we wanted." Mike said.
"We'll see." Christine remarked before heading into the bathroom. Mike walked to the kitchen to start coffee and was surprised to see his kids up and dressed. Katie was trying to comb down Parker's hair, which was sticking out in every direction.
"Coffee is made already, Dad." Hannah said in an exasperated tone.
"Thanks, honey." Mike answered. He could tell by Hannah's tone that she was annoyed by his presence again.
"Dad, is Mom feeling okay?" Katie asked.
"Yeah. Just slept in a bit this morning. She'll appreciate you and Hannah getting the boys ready." Mike said.
"But you don't?" Hannah asked sourly.
"Of course I do. Hannah, if this is the mood you are going to approach today with, you can stay home. I appreciate you helping this morning and I want you at my retirement ceremony because you are my daughter but I will not make anyone miserable by hearing these comments." Mike said. He had spent the past two weeks in therapy. One of Christine's requests and the therapist felt that there needed to be some family therapy, but so far; Hannah had refused to attend. The therapist had helped Mike learn some coping mechanisms to use when dealing with Hannah. Mainly being firm with her. Not being her friend, but her parent. Christine came out and smiled at the two boys.
"Katie, use a bit of water. He's due for a hair cut so it'll have to work for now." Christine said.
"Okay." Katie agreed. Mike wet the comb she had been using and handed it back to her.
"Hannah, remember what you and I have talked about. He's trying. You can meet him half way. Now, go; take a breather." Christine told their daughter. Hannah let out a huff but listened to her mom and walked to her room. "Just keep trying, Mike. She'll come around." Christine said.
"I hope. You look nice." Mike said. Christine was already showered and dressed. She still had to do her hair and make-up but she looked nice. She was wearing that favored blue dress.
"Mommy is pretty." Liam remarked.
"Yes, she is, son." Mike agreed his with his youngest son. Katie winked at him and Christine was fiddling with a button on Parker's shirt.
"How long is Hannah on time-out?" Katie asked.
"Its not a time-out, honey. Just a breather. I want the entire family there today. Its important to me." Mike said.
"And to me." Christine said.
"I'll talk to her. The boys ate before they were dressed. We were just waiting on you guys." Katie told them before walking towards Hannah's room. Usually, Katie could get Hannah calmed down. Mike let out a frustrated breath and Christine patted his arm.
"Don't give up. She is slowly coming around. Alright; I had better go get ready. I may need one of the girls to help with my hair. It still hurts to hold my arm up high for long." Christine said.
"I'll tell them when they come out. You really do look beautiful." Mike said. He pulled Christine in for a kiss and handed her a jewelry box that he had hid in his pajama pants pocket.
"What's this?" Christine asked.
"Something I should have bought you years ago." Mike said. She opened the box and gasped.
"Oh, Mike." Christine said with tears in her voice. It was an anniversary band to go with her engagement ring and wedding band. It had diamonds all around it, but it also had five birthstones for each of their kids, even Parker.
"The birthstones are for the kids. I wasn't sure about the green one, but I thought you might have been upset if it wasn't there." Mike said, pointing at Parker's birthstone, not wanting to single Parker out where he could hear him.
"Oh, absolutely. It needed to be. Thank you." Christine said before giving Mike another long kiss. She handed the box back to Mike, for him to put the ring on her finger, which he was happy to do.
"I love you." Mike said simply. Of course he had said it over the years, but it was different now, because he genuinely felt it.
"I love you too." Christine said. She gave Mike another kiss just before both girls came out of the bedroom.
"Girls, can you help Mom out? Especially with her hair." Mike asked.
"Did you give it to her?" Hannah asked.
"I did. Christine; Hannah helped me pick it out and helped me hide it." Mike said.
"I loved it, honey. Thank you." Christine said. She kissed Hannah's cheek and smiled at her.
"It was fun picking it out. And Dad took me for lunch." Hannah said.
"We will go for lunch more often. Maybe not to pick jewelry out too but who knows." Mike said with a laugh.
"I'd like to do lunch again." Hannah remarked quietly. Christine winked at Mike and he put an arm around Hannah.
"Anytime, sweetheart." Mike said. He kissed her forehead and smiled down at her.
"But, now; we need to get Mom ready and Dad; you need to get ready too." Katie said.
"Aye, aye. I'll eat and stay with the boys out here." Mike agreed. Once the females in his family were in the primary bedroom, Mike poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat down next to Parker at the kitchen island.
"Are you sad to leave the Navy, Daddy?" Parker asked. Mike thought for a moment and smiled down at the boy.
"No, son. I am not. I am ready to be home with my family for a change." Mike said.
"I'm glad." Parker said with a smile. It reminded Mike of Michelle for a moment, but he just smiled at the little boy and brushed his hair down with his hand.
"Me too, son." Mike answered.