All Roads Lead Home

Chapter 16

Mike figured that Christine would want to rehash everything, but as soon as they settled into bed; she gave him a long kiss and cuddled close. Something more was wrong, and Mike desperately wanted his marriage back. He wanted to put everything behind them. It was going to have to be discussed. He finally decided to bring it all up.

"Is there anything you want to discuss?" Mike asked.

"Honestly; I just want it behind us. We both did wrong. I kept the girls away and told you I wanted a divorce all those years ago. I never did. You came back and reacted angrily; understandably. The girls are forgiving you, and if they can; I can and have. The one thing I am struggling with is Brianna. I know you didn't care about her, and I know it was a way to get back at me, but what happens the next time I do something to make you mad? You find someone younger? I guess it's not even that that bothers me. Its obvious that we aren't twenty-five anymore and we have a grown daughter, and Hannah is in High School. Lucas would be going into high school next year. I am feeling old and I'm afraid that is going to get to you at some point." Christine said. Mike was a little surprised at her.

" Up until Brianna, I never cheated on you and I certainly don't intend to again. As far as you getting old, I am too and I never felt adequate with Brianna. That afternoon when you and I had sex; I only thought one thing. I thought I had satisfied you, and that it felt really good. At least it did for me. It felt natural. But its not just about the sex. Its that I didn't want to be out every night, partying. I wanted what we did tonight. A dinner with the girls, watching TV on the couch, and then talking before we go to sleep. I didn't want wild and crazy." Mike assured her.

"I like that too and you did satisfy me that day. I just hated when you got up and left. I wanted you to stay. I could provide you the quiet nights at home and the dinners with the girls, but I'm not twenty-five anymore. I am not a size two, I've had three kids so things sag and my hair has a lot of gray in it. I can't compete." Christine remarked.

"You have given me three beautiful children and I've caused a fair amount of that gray hair. And, personally; I prefer you at a size twelve compared to a size two. There is no competition." Mike said as he kissed the top of her head.

"I'm not exactly a size twelve, Mike." Christine remarked with a laugh.

"Size eight or ten?" Mike asked.

"Try a size fourteen. I suppose I should try and lose some weight but it would be kind of pointless." Christine said.

"Mmm. I don't expect you to lose weight." Mike told her.

"Well, here's the thing. I probably shouldn't lose weight. That afternoon…Mike; I don't know how you will feel about this, but I am pregnant. I am shocked myself and I understand if you don't want the baby." Christine said. Mike felt an immediate sense of shock and then remembered; he loved when the kids were little. Well into his forties, he was going to be a dad again.

"Are you kidding me? Not want the baby? I am so happy. Is everything okay?" Mike asked. He immediately put his hand on Christine's stomach and smiled at her.

"Yeah. I went to the doctor last week. Everything is fine. I'm forty-four, so there are concerns, but things seem perfect." Christine told him.

"Good. Seriously, I am so happy!" Mike said.

"I'm glad. It shocked me at first but I really am happy too." Christine said.

"When did you know?" Mike asked.

"While you were in the hospital. I was scared to tell you at first, but I really needed to." Christine answered with a happy smile.

"Trust me; I couldn't be happier." Mike said before giving her a long kiss and then a tender kiss on her forehead. He had wrapped his good arm around her and gave her a happy smile.

"I wonder what the girls will think?" Christine asked.

"They probably won't want to think about their parents having sex, but I'm pretty sure, they won't mind a baby brother or sister." Mike said.

"I hope they are okay with it." Christine said.

"We will cross that bridge if not. In the meantime; no stress for you. You don't have a thing to worry about. I'm here. The girls will be fine. I love you and I will love this baby." Mike told her.

"I love you too." Christine said. They exchanged another kiss and cuddled even closer. Mike's hand was on her belly, and Christine's hand was over his and that was how they fell asleep.