New Chances

Chapter 9

Kaitlyn had a difficult recovery, but Mike stayed with her every step of the way. She was finally released a week after being shot and Ellie could tell Mike was thrilled to be home. The wrinkle was Kaitlyn needed to be monitored, so she ended up with Hannah. Thankfully, they had bought Hannah a queen-sized bed, and the two sisters didn't mind.

There had been a change in how Kaitlyn acted around Mike and he wasn't as frustrated. Things weren't fixed, but they were better. Kaitlyn depended on her father. There were no hugs or kisses, because Kaitlyn was still frightened.

As Mike settled in next to Ellie, she got as close as possible. She had really missed having him there. He was too tired for physical intimacy and she knew it, but he wasn't afraid to hold her. She kissed him and settled into his shoulder.

"Things seem a lot better." Ellie commented.

"They are, but there are still some things that need to be done. I made an appointment for Kaitlyn and I to see a counselor." Mike said.

"Good." Ellie remarked.

"Thankfully, Kaitlyn agrees. When I suggested it, I was afraid she'd bull up, but she went along." Mike explained. Ellie gave him another kiss and smiled at him.

"Just be patient. It probably wouldn't hurt for Hannah to have some counseling too. I don't think she went through what Kaitlyn did, but I'm sure there is some guilt knowing that Kaitlyn was protecting her. That can screw Hannah up." Ellie remarked.

"Good point. I've taken some time off but I am seriously considering either an office position or a retirement. I don't know if I would be happy sitting at a desk." Mike told her.

"Would you be happy retired, though?" Ellie asked as she propped herself up on her elbow to look at Mike.

"A lot happier retired then sitting at a desk. In a day or so, I'll go in and check in. See if I can figure it out. Do you think you could handle me being around all the time?" Mike asked.

"Considering how much I hate when you're not home, I'll be just fine. I understood why you stayed with Kaitlyn, but I really missed you." Ellie admitted before giving Mike another long kiss.

"I missed you too, but I really needed to be there with her. I think it proved to her that I would." Mike said.

"I agree. You'd better get some sleep." Ellie said. She started to roll back on her back, but Mike stopped her with another kiss.

"I'm exhausted, but I need to say one more thing. I love you. I know its not something that we've said so far, and if you don't feel the same, I'm sorry for jumping the gun, but not sorry for how I feel." Mike said. It had surprised Ellie, but in the best way possible. She reached over and stroked his face.

"I love you too." Ellie replied simply and they began kissing again. Things were becoming intense and Mike was trying to pull Ellie's nightshirt off when there was a knock on the door. It was thundering outside and Charlotte hated storms. Mike stood up and answered the door, and found the little girl standing there.

"Can I come in and sleep with you guys? Its storming." Charlotte begged. Mike didn't even look back at Ellie. He just gave Charlotte his hand and led her to the bed, lifting her up. Thankfully, Ellie had had time to straighten her clothing, and she never minded having the kids with her. Charlotte settled quickly between Mike and Ellie.

"She hates storms." Ellie remarked.

"Its alright. Hannah sure seems to love her a lot. Hopefully Kaitlyn will get a bit more used to her and Ollie." Mike said.

"Just give her time. She will. As much as she loves Hannah, its no guess that she'll love them too." Ellie said as she ran her hand through Charlotte's curls and kissed her forehead. Mike smiled at her and wrapped his arms around both Ellie and Charlotte.

They both fell asleep fairly quickly. A few times through the night, Ellie felt Mike get up and go in to check on Kaitlyn. Sometime in the early morning hours, Ollie climbed in next to her. It made the king-sized bed seem smaller, because he tended to sleep sideways. By the time they all got up, d hate Gwen had breakfast fixed, including a soft dish for Kaitlyn.

Ellie enjoyed watching Mike interact with both of his girls, while still including Charlotte and Ollie in everything. She could tell he was struggling with rather to retire or not. Ellie would never tell him, but she hoped he would. She had hated him being gone. She understood what he was doing, and understood it was part of who Mike was. He took Charlotte, Hannah and Ollie out for ice cream while Kaitlyn rested. It gave Ellie and Gwen time to clean and talk.

"Mike seems at odds with himself, even though he and Kaitlyn are doing better." Gwen commented as she wiped the kitchen counters off.

"They are. He's considering retirement." Ellie said.

"Ah. I wondered if that would come up. He's missed a lot of time with the girls. It only makes sense." Gwen remarked.

"Being in the Navy is a large part of who he is." Ellie replied.

"Who he was, but even Mike knows the Navy will be fine without him. Hannah and Kaitlyn, not so much. He really needs to be home with them. Will you and he get married and have your own little family?" Ellie asked, never one to beat around the bush.

"We've not discussed marriage or babies." Ellie said. It was something they needed to talk about since they hadn't exactly been careful.

"Perhaps you should." Gwen remarked.

"Probably so. I just don't want to seem pushy. He's bought us a house, I'm not working and he's putting me through school, and supporting my kids." Ellie said.

"Its better to discuss it now then to be behind the eight ball. Considering how fertile you tend to be. I am not opposed to another grandchild, and I do think Mike is the right man for you, but it is something you need to discuss. I think you'll need to bring it up too. Mike gave his heart before and ended up with it broken. He might be scared." Gwen said.

"Maybe. We'll see." Ellie answered. She wasn't even certain how to talk to Mike about a marriage or baby. She was still surprised at his declaration of love.