Mistakes
Chapter 21
In no time; Mike and Maddie were sleeping next to one another every night and Maddie enjoyed it because they did a lot of talking. He physically couldn't do anything else and so they talked about their issues. One night, about a month after Mike got home from the hospital, Maddie crawled into bed next to him and kissed him.
"Sorry I was so late getting off work. Hopefully once I pass my insurance test, things will line out." Maddie said.
"Its okay. You do know you don't have to work though?" Mike remarked.
"Mike; considering our past, I think its wise." Maddie said. She knew it sounded bad but it needed to be said.
"I guess that's deserved." Mike commented.
"No…sorry. We're past all that." Maddie said dismissively.
"If…we have another baby; would you consider taking some time off? I know you've missed a lot with Molly and I'm afraid you'll regret that eventually." Mike asked. It was the first time he had brought up another baby.
"You want another baby?" Maddie asked.
"I wouldn't mind another one. I always wanted a house full of kids. Christine wanted to stop at two. Then, I wanted a boy. Now, I don't care about the gender." Mike admitted.
"I would have never guessed that, but you are so good with Molly." Maddie remarked.
"Did you want another?" Mike asked.
"It…honestly never occurred to me." Maddie admitted.
"We could wait awhile longer since Molly is so young and think about it together." Mike offered. She got the feeling that wasn't what he wanted.
"We could. But, Mike…I don't mean to pressure you but I have no intentions of having a second child out of wedlock. I know that seems old fashioned, but I just can't do that." Maddie warned him. Mike was fidgeting with his blanket as she talked.
"About that…so, when Russ and I were out the other day; I bought something. Something for you. Given our past, I was struggling with giving it to you and asking…I guess the question that goes with it." Mike said. He reached into his nightstand and handed Maddie a small jewelry box. She stared at it for a moment before she realized what it was. He finally reached over and popped the lid open, revealing a stunning engagement ring.
"Oh…Mike." Maddie said as she choked out a sob. She had not expected this.
"If you want to say no; I understand. God knows I treated you like shit for a long time." Mike admitted. Maddie had a feeling he was putting his heart out there, which was rare for him. She sat the ring box over on her nightstand and turned to where she was facing him.
"I never wanted to say no. I always loved you and I always wanted this with you. What I need to know now is why you've had a change of heart?" Maddie asked.
"Your compassion. Even after all the wrongs I've done you, you still wanted this with me. The way you are with Hannah. And as funny as it sounds; I suppose I miss being part of a family. To have accountability. I can't act like a jerk." Mike explained. It made Maddie smile and she leaned over and kissed him.
"You had better never act like a jerk like that again." Maddie said. She gave him another kiss before he reached over and got the ring box.
"Is that a yes?" Mike asked.
"It's a yes." Maddie said. Mike took the ring out of the box and slid it on her left ring finger.
"Good. I love you and I did plan on something a bit more romantic." Mike admitted.
"We never did romance well. I love you too." Maddie answered. She wasn't sure Mike should, but she climbed onto his lap and gave him a long and passionate kiss. "How about we start trying for that baby? If you start not feeling good, just tell me." Maddie suggested.
"Deal." Mike agreed as he helped her take off her nightshirt.
"Mike…I don't look the same as before Molly." Maddie said just as Mike began kissing down her neck.
"Mmm. I've been shot three times and stabbed seven. I don't quite look the same either." Mike remarked. As Maddie helped him out of his t-shirt, she realized how right he was and she also realized she didn't care. She gave Mike another kiss and gently pushed back into the pillows.
Nine Months Later
It didn't take much trying and they sped up the wedding so Maddie didn't have a second baby out of wedlock. Maddie smiled as she watched Mike settle their tiny baby boy, Russell Thomas into Hannah's waiting arms. Maddie was exhausted and glad to home. Her mom carried Molly in and smiled at Maddie.
"How about I help you upstairs and into bed?" Teresa asked her gently.
"That sounds nice but I do want a shower. My hair feels nasty." Maddie admitted.
"I'll keep both of them down here so you can get cleaned up. I'll bring him up in a bit." Mike said as he took Molly. He leaned over and gave her a long kiss. "Do you need help up and down the stairs?" Mike asked Teresa.
"I will be fine." Teresa answered.
"If Molly holds him, make sure you take a picture." Maddie ordered and Mike nodded. She knew as she and her mom headed up the stairs he was watching every move they made. She smiled when they walked into the bedroom. The bed was made, there were flowers on her nightstand and a large basket sitting on a chair.
"Courtesy of Hannah. I think she spent all her money on that." Teresa said.
"She had money left from spoiling Molly and buying baby clothes?" Maddie asked.
"I think Mike might have chipped in. I caught him giving her money when we visited at the hospital. I washed the nightgown so go ahead and go in and shower. Do you need help?" Teresa asked.
"I really just needed you close. I feel a little unsteady." Maddie admitted. She grabbed the nightgown and the necessary other items and went in for her shower. Fifteen minutes later; she walked back out, feeling much better. Mike was talking to her mom and holding Russell.
"He's hungry." Mike told her.
"Let me get settled and I'll nurse." Maddie said. She laid down in bed and grabbed the nursing pillow. Her mom had gone downstairs and Mike held Russell while she situated the pillow and her nightgown. Once the baby was handed to her, he latched on immediately and Mike propped a pillow behind her.
"Do you need some ice water?" Mike asked, remembering her favorite drink while pregnant.
"Actually, could you fix me some hot tea? I'm about tired of ice water." Maddie asked.
"Sure. Sugar?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Hannah knows how I like it. Mike; thank you. You have been really amazing. I couldn't have done this without you." Maddie said.
"You did do it without me with Molly." Mike reminded her, this time with regret in his voice.
"Yes, but it was so much easier this time with you. And you had a good reason to be gone with her. You were getting shot, remember?" Maddie asked.
"I don't remember much from that day, actually. You know, he is pretty amazing, right?" Mike asked as he stroked their son's cheek.
"Mmm. Little bit like his dad." Maddie answered before giving him a kiss.
"More like his mom. Seriously, you're amazing and I love you." Mike said.
"I love you too. Just let me know when you're ready for the next one." Maddie teased and Mike groaned.
"Give me a year." Mike said with an exhausted sigh.
"You sound like you squeezed a nine-pound watermelon out a hole that is not supposed to be the size it grew to after nearly sixteen hours of labor." Maddie continued teasing.
"No. Just watching it was exhausting." Mike admitted and Maddie laughed.
"Hot tea, Mike. Just owe me a cup of hot tea." Maddie said. She gave Mike another kiss and gently pushed him away.
"Aye, aye." Mike said before leaving the room and leaving Maddie to nurse their newborn and smile at the way things had turned out despite all the mistakes.
The End. Thanks for the Reviews!
