Mistakes
Chapter 8
Maddie knew when Kara and Danny showed up at her apartment that Mike had been hurt. She and Molly had been released from the hospital the day before; just twelve hours after Molly's birth. Kara settled in and Danny would be the runner. Of course; Kara agreed because it came with tons of baby cuddles. It didn't help Maddie feel any better but finally, after they had received word that Mike had been transported to Germany; Kara was able to get a video conference with Russ; and in turn, Mike who was awake at the moment. She was given a bit of privacy; even though she was holding Molly.
"Did they tell you about Molly?" Maddie asked as she pointed the camera down at their daughter who was sleeping in her bouncy seat.
"Yes. Russ showed me a picture Kara sent him. She's beautiful." Mike said. He sounded groggy and half doped up.
"I had emailed you, but you were a bit busy." Maddie said.
"Yeah, sorry. I had been on duty for over eighteen hours. Wanted to catch a few hours. Wish I hadn't now." Mike said. Maddie could tell he was beating himself up.
"Hey, you saved a lot of lives. So, we hadn't talked anymore about her middle name, but I went ahead and went with Elizabeth." Maddie told him, hoping to take his mind off of what had happened.
"Thanks." Mike said simply.
"And I held off on putting your name on the paperwork, but the hospital said it could be modified pretty easily." Maddie answered.
"Good. Look; I'd love to talk more, but I am beat. The quicker I can get on my feet; I can come back to the States and hold her, but I am so tired right now." Mike admitted.
"We will be waiting on you. Take care." Maddie said.
"You too. Take care of that baby girl for me, okay?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Maddie answered before the video call disconnected. She didn't see her mom come into the bedroom.
"Maddie, do not be afraid to admit you care about him." Teresa said.
"Mom; he doesn't want love." Maddie remarked as Teresa sat down next to her on the bed.
"He might not want it but he might need it. I heard a bit of that and it sounded like he was beating himself up a bit. He is going to need help and someone who cares about him, and I think he is going to need Molly. Just give him a bit of grace." Teresa said.
"Forgiving him is easy. He looks so tired." Maddie remarked.
"Mmm, he's been through a lot. Just let him know that he has a place to come home to. You and I will manage." Teresa answered before getting back up and leaving, leaving Maddie to her thoughts.
