Peaceful
Chapter 9
Mike had meant Monster for the girls but the dog had seemed to attach herself to Mike. When he was feeling a bit overwhelmed, the dog would nudge his hand or jump into his lap. She was spoiled. Something had changed between him and Christine and he noticed the girls, especially Hannah; would sit next to him on the couch and Katie had even touched his arm. One night, after a particularly bad nightmare, Christine hung onto him for dear life.
"Can you just stay in here?" Christine begged as she wiped the tears away.
"Do you really want me to?" Mike asked. He always tried to comfort her after the nightmares, but didn't feel very successful.
"Yes." Christine said simply.
"Alright. I need to grab my cellphone and charger. I'm on-call tonight." Mike answered. He got back up, left her, went to the bathroom and grabbed the cellphone and charger, before climbing back into the bed with her. He figured she would stay on 'her side,' but quickly found her laying on his chest and felt the baby kicking wildly. "You sure?" Mike asked.
"Yes. I've missed this. I've missed you." Christine answered. Mike kissed her forehead and nodded.
"I've missed you too. Little man is really kicking tonight." Mike remarked.
"He likes your voice. Every time you are close and talking to me or around me, he kicks. We really do need to pick out a name. Katie wants him to be Hunter Elliott. I'm not much of a fan of that, though." Christine said with a yawn.
"What one did you want?" Mike asked.
"Jacob for the first. It means to follow or be behind. To me; he will follow a lot of pain and sadness and give us joy. Micah for the middle name. Like your name but a bit different." Christine said.
"I like your pick. I don't care about him being named after me, but I do like your name better." Mike said. Truth was, whatever Christine had picked; he would have gone along with.
"Good. You have work. You'd better go to sleep." Christine said. He was shocked when she gave him a shy peck on the lips. "I love you, Mike. I hope you know that." Christine told him.
"I love you too." Mike said. He had to admit; it felt good to hear her say it. He felt very needed at times. To pay the bills. To keep his family warm and safe, but not wanted or loved. He felt lonely at times, but having Christine in his arms just felt really good. Normal and natural. She quickly fell asleep and Mike actually dozed off shortly after.
For the first time in years; he slept. Harder and better than he had since before the Arctic. Holding Christine meant not moving but he didn't care because he felt of use. Finally, about six; he woke up, but only because Monster decided she needed to go outside. Mike groaned because he was warm and happy, but he didn't want the dog to wake his girls up so he followed her down the steps. As he made coffee and fed the puppy after she did her business, he wondered if he would be able to sleep with Christine again. He hoped it wasn't a one time thing.
"What's on your mind?" Christine asked as she came up behind him. He turned around and smiled at her. She was wearing a flannel nightgown and his robe because its what fit her, but she looked so pretty.
"No pressure, but I was really hoping that I could sleep in the same bed with you again. I slept so good." Mike admitted.
"None felt. It did feel good. I say we try it and see. I enjoyed it too and it did feel good." Christine said. Mike kissed her forehead and smiled down at her as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Good. I am going to try and leave work early if I can. You girls just relax. Tom is next door if you need him." Mike said.
"Okay. I have to admit; I am looking forward to you being off when I have the baby. I'm not looking forward to you having to deploy, if you have to." Christine said.
"Me either." Mike admitted. He was seriously thinking about putting his papers in. He had his family back and they needed him at home. Wasn't that reason enough? Money would okay. They would have a good house and it would give his girls a reason to trust him again. He had to wonder if they were holding back due to a fear of him leaving again. Especially Katie. Maybe it was his one chance. It was time for his family to be his priority.
