One-Liners
Chapter 4
Mike: And how about you?
Tom: I'm the only one with my family here. I think I'm doing just fine.
Mike: Moment of truth's is coming for a lot of people.
Tom: Hey…you can't trust anything Norris told you. Deer Park could be completely untouched.
Mike: Yeah, it's a 'safe' zone.
Mike was beyond elated. His wife and daughters were seemingly healthy. They were happy to be reunited and after dinner, they headed back to Mike's house. He had enough bedrooms and baths, and there were beds, but the furniture was cheaper and it was all very generic. It was time for him to have a home now.
"So; I have this house, but I just kind of threw furniture in when I retired. I was hoping that you would make it more home-like. I realize Katie is grown and Hannah will be soon, but I want them to have a place." Mike asked Christine on the drive to his house.
"That'll be nice. We've really been excited to be settled." Christine answered.
"I am thrilled to have you there. I've missed you, so much." Mike said.
"We missed you too. I am just so thrilled to be settled in somewhere. Its been so long." Christine said.
"Too long. Here we are." Mike said while pulling into his driveway. He had bought a farmhouse that he had very recently finished remodeling. It just wasn't decorated, something that Christine would do.
"Oh, that front porch! I am going to find some rocking chairs and make it over for each season!" Christine exclaimed as she got out of the truck.
"Mom; the front window? We can have a big Christmas tree." Hannah stated.
"Is there a fireplace? Stockings? I miss stockings." Katie asked.
"Yes." Mike answered before unlocking the door and letting his family in. There were contented sighs and excited voices.
"Oh, Mike; this is all so perfect." Christine said before wrapping her arms around Mike's waist and gave him a kiss.
"No pictures on the walls? Iffy furniture?" Mike remarked.
"All that is fixable." Christine answered before darting off to look at the kitchen; which would be her domain.
"I figured you would like it. We'll have to go tomorrow and go grocery shopping and to get some proper pans, but it will work. Girls; there are two bedrooms upstairs. Mine has the double doors, but the other two you can decide on. There is a bathroom between the rooms, and both have nice closets. Your mom will help redecorate." Mike said.
"Perfect. We are getting sleepy." Katie said before running up the stairs with Hannah at her heels.
"I hope they don't argue." Mike told Christine.
"They won't. They're close." Christine said with a smile.
"I just assumed we'd be together in my room. If you're uncomfortable…" Mike started but Christine stroked his cheek.
"All I have wanted for the past several years, is to sleep next to you. To have your arms around me. I know we argued, but I just need and want to sleep next to you tonight. I know you might have had other plans, but please? Just tonight?" Christine asked.
"You have no idea how much I have wanted the exact same thing." Mike answered.
"Good. I figure I will sleep so well." Christine said with a laugh.
"Me too. And later; I have notebooks for you to read. It kind of become cathartic to write you notes. Kind of a therapy." Mike told her.
"I did the same thing." Christine answered. She kissed his chin and wrapped her arms back around him and Mike just held her. That was all that mattered.