Mistakes

Chapter 3

Maddie smiled as she felt the baby kicking. Molly was strong. She would have to be. She wouldn't have a father in her life, unless something drastic happened. Maddie had been surprised to receive the flowers, but she wished Mike would just contact her. She didn't expect money, but support would be nice. Her mom had told her that she needed to sue the father for child support, but Maddie just couldn't. She didn't want Mike's name drug through the mud and she knew if the press got ahold of a paternity suit, it could happen.

So, Maddie ate good and did yoga. She drank plenty of water and prayed that Mike would come around. She was a bit concerned about some news reports. There was a war brewing with Russia and Maddie knew that if it really heated up, Mike would ship out with the rest of the Navy. She wanted to talk to him before that but she couldn't exactly show up at his office.

She was six months along and grocery shopping, when she noticed Mike across the grocery store. Maddie made the decision to approach him, hoping it would go better. He was in the candy aisle when Maddie touched his arm. He looked down at her for a moment, and then looked at her large belly.

"Maddie?" Mike asked. He gave her a bit of a smile before tossing the mints in his cart.

"I saw you…and figured you were going to be shipping out. I thought…I don't know." Maddie said.

"I am shipping out early tomorrow. Its…heating up. I don't know how long I'll be gone." Mike said as he rolled his cart back and forth nervously.

"I will pray for you. Do you need your mail collected or plants watered?" Maddie asked.

"I already have all that taken care of and Frankie is taking bright pride in taking care of Oscar." Mike said, speaking of his goldfish.

"Good. I'm going to worry about you. Russia is nothing to sneeze at." Maddie said.

"No, but they aren't the power they once were…when the baby comes, can you send me pictures? You have my email?" Mike asked.

"Of course. I didn't think you were interested." Maddie remarked.

"I wasn't at first. Still…a bit scared. My kids meant everything to me. Everything. And losing them did something to me. I'm scared to love like that again. And now; I won't be around when this one is born. I doubt I'll be back in time." Mike said. It surprised Maddie but she decided to just go with it.

"Mike; I know you loved them, and you're scared. Her name is going to be Molly, but I am having trouble with a middle name. You can be involved as you want to be. Here? Take this with you?" Maddie suggested as she handed Mike an ultrasound picture that she had in her purse.

"Thank you. Do you have everything you need?" Mike asked.

"I'm managing. The doctor's appointments are getting a bit expensive, but I will be okay." Maddie said. She didn't want Mike to feel obligated to support her.

"Okay. Look; I am sorry about grabbing you like that. I've never done that before with anyone and I'm not even sure where that came from. I do appreciate you not making it into a thing…or Molly for that matter. You could have made things rough." Mike said.

"Apology accepted. As far as making things hard for you, all I wanted was for you to play some role in Molly's life, so I didn't want you to resent her or I." Maddie replied.

"Thanks. I will…do some soul searching where she's concerned, but I do want you to keep me updated. And also; thanks for not telling anyone who Molly's father is. Our mutual friends…it was embarrassing. And I would have to admit how I treated you." Mike said.

"If you would like to, I can cook you a good meal before you go. If you want to come over tonight?" Maddie offered.

"Thank you. I would actually like to, but I have meetings until late tonight. I'm surprised I was even allowed off to pack a go bag." Mike said.

"I see." Maddie said. Mike had been fiddling around with something and finally he handed Maddie a check.

"That should get you by for a few months, but if you need anything else, just email me and I will wire money to your account." Mike said. Maddie looked and realized the check was for five thousand dollars.

"Mike, this is too much." Maddie said.

"Nah. You have doctor's appointments, time off work, baby gear to buy. It probably won't be enough, but hopefully I'm back before it runs out." Mike said.

"Thank you. You stay safe, you hear?" Maddie said.

"I will probably never leave the ship, but I will be." Mike said. Maddie took a chance and leaned up to give Mike a hug. Just as she leaned into him; Molly kicked and Mike's hand went to her belly immediately.

"She does that." Maddie remarked.

"Thanks for the ultrasound picture. Please email me. Please?" Mike begged.

"I will. You just take care of yourself. I will handle Molly." Maddie said. She kissed Mike's cheek and gave him a smile. His hand was still on her belly and Molly was kicking in response.

"Thanks." Mike said. He withdrew and Maddie knew things were getting awkward. "You know; my Mom's name was Elizabeth. I always liked it but never used it for Katie or Hannah's names. Just a thought." Mike said.

"It was a name I liked for a middle name but I especially like it knowing it has a meaning. I will keep it in mind. Mike; do you want put on her birth certificate? It would make you legally responsible for her." Maddie asked.

"Can…I email you with the answer?" Mike asked.

"Of course. I will see you when I see you." Maddie said. She gave Mike another kiss on the cheek and they parted ways. Him to get the rest of his snacks and her to get the healthy food she needed. It had gone better than she hoped and she was encouraged. And very worried for Mike.