The Breakdown
Chapter 20-Mike
5 months later
Mike cuddled Felicity close as he watched Maddie trying to get settled. Her labor had been long and painful, but she delighted in motherhood. Felicity was perfect in every way. At nine pounds, four ounces, she was completely healthy. She already favored Maddie strongly. Mike kissed the top of her head and settled her in with Maddie. There was laundry to do, a meal to cook and a million other things, but Mike laid down next to Maddie as she nursed Felicity and twisted the new wedding band on his finger.
They had gotten married a month before. It was a simple affair, planned and attended by their friends. Mike and Maddie had also bought a house, deciding her cottage was too small. It was a work in progress for Mike, but it gave him something to do, and Maddie loved helping. Their house was becoming a home and they were a family. Mike got in behind Maddie and began rubbing her back, knowing it was bothering her.
"Soon as your able, you deserve a proper massage." Mike said.
"I kind of like these." Maddie answered with a contented sigh.
"I was thinking with a professional. Maybe once she is a little older; we can take a night away. I'm not much for couple's massages, but I suppose I could sacrifice my feelings on it." Mike said.
"Maybe once she's six weeks old and I am cleared. Make it worth our while. Azima is already begging to babysit. Not sure how Wolf will feel about it, but it's a good test run for them." Maddie remarked with a laugh.
"I think we will have plenty of people who will want to. I can't believe how long she slept last night. From ten until six. It was amazing." Mike said.
"I agree. Hopefully, she is just a good sleeper." Maddie said before leaning back and giving Mike a kiss.
"Will you be alright when I go see Dr. Taylor tomorrow?" Mike asked. He was still in intense therapy and honestly looked forward to his appointments. He was wanting to talk about all the emotions of having a daughter, because he was afraid he was subconsciously 'replacing' Kaitlyn and Hannah with Felicity.
"Yeah. Sasha, Kara and Azima are coming over. I hear they are planning a cooking, cleaning and laundry day while I veg out on the couch with Felicity." Maddie said with a smile. She was enjoying retirement thoroughly. There were lunch dates, shopping trips and lady's nights; not that Mike didn't get time with his friends.
"Or they get distracted with her, and don't get anything done?" Mike suggested.
"Azima told me the other day we should have twins or triplets so everyone had a baby to hold." Maddie remarked.
"Or she could just have one of her own?" Mike suggested.
"True. I know right now; everything is euphoric, but its still so perfect. Course, you haven't let me change a diaper yet. That might change." Maddie remarked.
"I just want you to relax and enjoy. You get the cuddles. I get to burp, change her diapers and clean spit up up. But I agree, everything is perfect." Mike said before kissing Maddie.
"We could have another." Maddie said.
"She's three days old. Let's give it a few months." Mike told her.
"Mike; I think her eyes are turning blue like yours." Maddie said. Sure enough, Felicity's eyes were open and she was watching her parents as she nursed. Mike began playing with her tiny hand.
"Maybe. Hannah had blue eyes." Mike remarked. Maddie reached over and patted his arm in quiet understanding.
"And Hannah would want you to have this with Felicity. There is nothing wrong with missing them, and it will make you love Felicity all the more. You'll better after you talk to Dr. Taylor tomorrow." Maddie said with a sweet smile.
"You know; I love you." Mike said before giving her a kiss.
"I love you too." Maddie answered. Mike looked down at Felicity, who had detached and was watching them both as she wrapped her hand around his index finger.
Mike had spent the last several months in intense therapy due to his suicide attempt. He had learned to reach out for help when he needed it. To talk openly about his family, especially his older kids. There were pictures of them scattered around the house, and Mike visited the grave once a month. He usually took someone with him; usually Russ or Tom, sometimes Maddie. Kaitlyn's birthday and his anniversary with Christine had passed and they were blue days, and there would be more, but he had gotten through them. Granted, there were tears but he managed. He had friends that were like family. Maddie was amazing and everything felt fresh and new. They had a healthy baby girl, and there was talk of growing their family more. For the first time in a long time, Mike was content and happy.
The End
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