Mistakes

Chapter 20

It was a long road for Mike, but he was finally able to go home, nearly three weeks after being stabbed. It took Russ and Danny to help him up the steps and into his bedroom, and his bed never felt so good. Mike was exhausted but smiled as Hannah fussed over him after Russ and Danny left. Maddie had to work so he was Hannah's 'patient' for the time being.

"Can you sit with me for a bit?" Mike asked.

"Sure." Hannah answered before settling on the chair next to his bed.

"So, Maddie and I have somethings to work out, but I was wondering what you would think about me asking her to marry me sometime? Maybe not immediately, but sometime?" Mike asked.

"Well, you have a baby together so isn't that what you're supposed to do?" Hannah asked in confusion.

"Not necessarily. Love should factor in. I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it." Mike said.

"Do you love her? Does she love you?" Hannah asked.

"Yes to both." Mike answered with a smile.

"Dad, as long as you are loved and you are happy, I am happy. If you want to marry her, that is fine with me. I like Maddie. Even love her. She's not Mom but she doesn't try to be. Just fix whatever was wrong first." Hannah said. She was very literal.

"Thank you, honey. Do you feel a little more comfortable since I'm home?" Mike asked. He knew that visiting the hospital had been a major struggle for Hannah, but he was proud of her for tackling it.

"Yeah. I didn't like going out every day." Hannah remarked.

"I know, but I appreciate you going along when the other's visited. It was the highlight of the day for me." Mike said.

"Just don't plan on going back in the hospital again." Hannah said as she stood up. She tucked the blanket higher around Mike and gave him a smile that was so like Christine's.

"Duly noted. Thank you, sweetheart. I love you." Mike said simply. Displays of affection were rare for Hannah, so it surprised Mike when she bent down and hugged him around the neck.

"I love you too, Daddy. And as long as you are happy, I'll be happy." Hannah said.

"Thank you, sweetheart." Mike said. He smiled as she stepped out of the room. Soon after, he fell asleep; only waking up when Maddie came in to check on him.

"How are you feeling?" Maddie asked quietly as she checked a bandage on the side of his neck.

"Tired. Coming home wore me out." Mike said.

"I figured. Mom's fixing dinner and I'll carry up a tray for you. She offered to trade you rooms so you could be a part of everything downstairs but I told her you were looking forward to your bed yesterday." Maddie explained.

"Yeah. Maybe in a day or so I'll go downstairs. Right now, I just need to relax up here. Sorry for the extra work." Mike said. He caught Maddie and pulled her onto the bed next to him, before landing a kiss on her lips.

"Its okay. I'm just glad you're home. I was missing you." Maddie said.

"Can you sleep in here with me tonight?" Mike asked.

"I think I might be able to. Let me check my schedule and make sure." Maddie teased. She gave Mike a kiss before getting back out of the bed. It didn't fix anything, but Mike was glad they could joke back and forth at least. It was a start.