Family Thanksgiving
Chapter 3
Mike hadn't slept so well in years and glared at his alarm when it went off at six. Christine had also slept well, laying almost on top of him throughout the night. She clung to him like a lifeline. As a cop, Mike questioned it, but as a husband, he was glad he could give Christine the security she needed finally. He carefully unwound himself, got dressed and ready and woke Hannah up.
Christine had opted to stay home and Mike was glad for the one-on-one time with his daughter, even if it meant taking her to the dentist. She was the first patient of the day and the dentist was distressed by how badly abscessed the top left tooth was. The others could wait, but that one would have to come out immediately. So, Mike held Hannah's hand throughout the extraction. Once it was done, he made the appointment to have the others done, went and got pain medication and headed Hannah home.
Hannah landed on the couch as soon as they got home. Mike spent the day making calls to get his family on his insurance, putting Christine on his bank accounts and spending time with the triplets and Kaitlyn. He also ran to the grocery store and got fixings for a family dinner and Christine was able to join him since Hannah was sleeping. It was a simple trip but he actually enjoyed it.
There were times she seemed more nervous and Mike found himself randomly holding her hand. Something he hadn't done in public since they were newlyweds. His marriage before had been bad. He was gone frequently and preoccupied when he was home, she cheated due to his inattention and they fought constantly. Once Christine had found all that she wanted to cook with, Mike decided to bring it up.
"How do we not go back to what we were before I left for the Arctic? Fighting all the time?" Mike asked as he and Christine put groceries in the back of his SUV.
"I honestly don't know. You'll be home, so that helps, but it wasn't all you. Of the two of us, I am more to blame. As far as I know, you never cheated." Christine remarked.
"No. I just don't want to end up back where we were. I know I told you to file, but I never really wanted a divorce." Mike told her.
"Me either. When I cheated, I guess I was looking for another you, but there wasn't. No one gave me what you did." Christine admitted.
"What exactly did I give you?" Mike asked.
"Safety, security, you kept me accountable for my actions, kept me interested in the kids. Mike; I know that sounds odd, but most of those men wanted me, not my kids. And all I wanted was my husband and kids." Christine explained.
"Did you file?" Mike asked.
"No. I even had an appointment with the attorney, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. I knew there was little hope that our marriage was going to survive, but I just couldn't. Then I found out I was pregnant and then things went crazy. Divorce wasn't on my mind, especially after Lucas…died." Christine stated with a pause. They had both finished with the groceries and were sitting in the front seat.
"I think we have a good fresh start, but I don't know how we don't get back to the old habits. Course, if I had been home more, you probably wouldn't have cheated." Mike remarked as he started the SUV.
"I don't know, Mike; but I do agree. This is a fresh start. One I don't intend on screwing up. Let's go home. I have pies and rolls to make today." Christine said.
"You sure you're up to it?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. I've missed baking. I just wish I had my old recipe book. I'll have to do everything from memory." Christine said.
"That I can help with. I have it. I found it at the house and kept it." Mike told her and Christine gave him a big smile.
"Oh, I'm so glad!" Christine said. Mike reached over and grasped her hand on the console after he began the drive home. They unloaded the groceries once they got there, Mike found the book and Christine began cooking with Kaitlyn's help. Mike tried to keep the triplets occupied.
Finally, about three; Tom, Sasha and Kara came in with several bags and boxes. Several more then Mike figured. The kids were intrigued and Kara, always organized, had everything in gift bags with the kid's or Christine's names on them. They also had brought a thawed turkey, since Mike hadn't planned on having his own dinner. Tom wouldn't give Mike any receipts at all. After they left, Christine paused baking and they opened the bags and boxes.
Clothes, shoes, books, toys and things for the older girls. Christine also had been spoiled. Kara had done the clothes shopping and had gotten everything a size up so that as Christine and the kids gained weight, they wouldn't have to replace clothes immediately.
Kaitlyn helped the triplets put their things away while Mike and Christine fixed dinner. Hannah was still feeling pretty rough but was excited by all of her new things. As they ate, Christine began making plans for Christmas decorating.
Mike's house was suddenly loud and busy, but Mike couldn't be happier. He and Christine were having honest conversations and the kids were adjusting. He had to bond with the younger kids, patch things up with Kaitlyn and spend time with Hannah, but things were off to a great start.
I will post another chapter tomorrow and that will be it. Thanks for the reviews.