The Gift
Chapter 26-1 year later
They hadn't found the perfect house already built, so at Kaitlyn's insistence, they built the perfect one for them. One-story, with two master bedroom suites; one for Mike and Andrea and another for Kaitlyn. Two good sized bedrooms for Molly and Eli. An open concept living area with a large kitchen. Everything was done in a 'farmhouse industrial' look that Kaitlyn found she liked and Andrea agreed with.
Mike had surprised everyone when he made the decision to retire. He didn't want to miss anymore of Molly and Eli's childhoods and he desperately wanted time with Kaitlyn. Andrea enjoyed having him home.
They had married in a quiet ceremony with only a few friends, Kaitlyn and the kids there. Kaitlyn did surprise them with a 'honeymoon' once she was feeling up to keeping both the kids. It was a welcome time of relaxation for both Mike and Andrea, and thankfully close to Kaitlyn and the kids.
Move in day was hard, but finally; Mike settled into his brand-new recliner, a gift from Kaitlyn. Eli waddled to him and Mike rocked him to sleep, soon joined by Molly. It was the perfect napping recliner and kept the little ones out from under Kaitlyn and Andrea's feet. Kaitlyn finally walked into the living room and put a blanket over the three of them.
"I wish I was still little enough to do this." Kaitlyn said as she patted Eli's back.
"It's a big recliner and I'd find room." Mike offered sleepily.
"I hope its comfortable?" Kaitlyn asked. She was still a bit nervous with Mike, but it was something they were both working on.
"Its perfect. Everything is perfect. Andrea and I are thrilled with the house and we'll never be able to repay you." Mike told her.
"I…was hoping sometime; you and I could go out to dinner, just the two of us." Kaitlyn asked. It was an oddly timed request, but Mike realized; everything they did, they did as a family.
"Sure. Anytime you want that, just ask. And I will buy. You have done so much for me and Andrea. It's the least I could do." Mike insisted. Kaitlyn had paid all the debts off that Jillian had incurred, and Mike was still coming up with a way to repay her. Nothing seemed adequate.
"You know; next Thursday would have been Hannah's fifteenth birthday?" Kaitlyn asked awkwardly. Mike was well aware of Hannah's approaching birthday and the pain it would bring with it. His only peace now was that Hannah and Lucas had died quickly.
"Yeah, I know." Mike said quietly.
"What if we did a little something for her birthday?" Kaitlyn asked.
"Sweetheart; I will take you anywhere you want for our dinner or day out, but where Hannah's birthday is concerned, normally; I don't want to celebrate. I know she was your sister, and you were there with her when she died. You have to grieve too, and I do agree we need to be together Thursday, but I just don't think I can celebrate. She was my baby and she is gone. I'm sorry if that upsets you." Mike told her as he rubbed Kaitlyn's arm.
"I understand." Kaitlyn said as she bent down and kissed Mike's cheek before walking away. It gave Mike some much needed time to reign in his emotions.
The next Thursday, he woke up early before anyone else and watched Molly and Eli sleeping for a bit before sitting in the living room, with a picture of Hannah on his lap. Since he was alone, he let a few tears fall. Finally, Andrea walked out and knelt down next to him.
"I have a suggestion. I know you don't want to celebrate today, but why don't I wake Kaitlyn up, and you and she go out for the day? Not to celebrate but to spend time with the only other person on this earth that knew Hannah as well as you. Maybe drive down to the beach. Kaitlyn loves the beach." Andrea suggested.
"That does sound better then sitting at home all day; not that I mind sitting here with you and the kids." Mike said.
"I know, but I think you need this. Be right back. Why don't you get ready too?" Andrea asked and Mike nodded. He sat the picture down, wiped his eyes, stood up and gave her a kiss.
"I love you, you know?" Mike asked and Andrea gave him another kiss.
"Yes, I know and I love you too. More than you could ever fathom." Andrea said. They parted ways and pretty soon, Mike and Kaitlyn were pushed out the door.
First, they went out for breakfast at a local diner, then to an open market that Kaitlyn liked. Then they drove to the beach and went for a long walk, even talking about Hannah a little. For Mike, it was cathartic, and kept him from dwelling on Hannah. By late afternoon, Kaitlyn was wearing out and voiced wanting to go home.
She fell asleep on the way home, and Mike had to wake her as he pulled in. She went in and settled on the couch while Mike carried her things in. A picture for Andrea, wood blocks for Eli and a doll for Molly. He hung the picture up for Andrea, and settled on the couch next to Kaitlyn. As he watched Molly and Eli playing on the living room floor, Andrea in the kitchen and felt Kaitlyn sleeping on his shoulder, he realized just how blessed he was. Years before, he had given Andrea the gift of a child, but really; he was the one to get the gift, because he had gotten a family back in a very unconventional and hodge-podge way. They didn't replace Christine, Hannah or Lucas, but they kept him going.
The End. Thanks for the reviews!