Married into the Navy
Chapter 10
Christine hadn't slept so well in years. Being in Mike's arms felt good and natural. She actually overslept, but for the first time in years, wasn't stressed about it. Mike got up with her and followed her into the barn. He was definitely not a farmer, but it was nice to have company and he did make an attempt to learn.
They milked the cows, fed chickens and Mike cut some firewood. By the time they walked back into the house, Kaitlyn and Christine's mom were awake, and Kaitlyn was fixing breakfast. Hannah was a little more a sleepy head, but according to Kaitlyn, was slowly waking up.
Kaitlyn loved to cook and had made a huge breakfast. For Christine, it felt so good to sit as a family and enjoy a meal. They talked about what they had to do that day and what was needed. Mike expressed needing some more appropriate clothing and boots, and so it was agreed that he and Christine would go into town and get what was needed. Always before, she dreaded trips to town, because of the long walk, but Mike had already mentioned taking his truck. He also insisted on getting a few groceries that Christine never bought.
The ride to town was quiet. She could tell Mike was taking in his new surroundings and gauging them. Christine could only hope that he found things to his liking. In any case, he held her hand on the console and once they arrived at the clothing store, sought Christine's opinion.
"You mostly want durability. I know fashion isn't your thing, but you at least want it to hold up. Try these jeans and those button downs on." Christine said as she handed Mike the jeans and plaid shirts.
"I hate shopping." Mike said as he walked into the fitting room. While he was trying the clothes on, Christine found a few more items; heavier socks, t-shirts, and a few more button-down shirts. They were at a farm and ranch clothing store, and as Christine looked through the clothes, she found a blouse she really liked a lot. It was a little filmy but was a pretty floral design. Something she would never buy for herself, because she had nowhere to wear it to. "That's pretty. The blouse." Mike said as he came out with the clothes in hand.
"Did the clothes fit?" Christine asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah. Do you want that blouse?" Mike asked. He was not easily deterred.
"Its pretty but I have nowhere to where it to. No need for it." Christine told him. Mike looked at her for a moment, and then plucked one of the blouses off the rack.
"Is this the right size? It's a large." Mike asked.
"Mike, no. I don't have the money for that." Christine argued.
"I didn't ask about money, I asked about size. I have the money and it is high time that I bought you something. I can't imagine buying flowers would be well-received, so a blouse is practical." Mike argued back. Christine made the decision to just let Mike alone. He was doing it because he cared.
"Alright, yes a large, but I need something to wear underneath. Its pretty sheer." Christine said as she picked up a white camisole. It was something she could wear under other things.
"Good. Do the girls need anything?" Mike asked.
"Hannah needs new boots, but she needs to try them on. I've guessed on her sizes, but she's hit a growth spurt." Christine remarked.
"Okay, I'll bring her into town this week. And Kaitlyn? Your Mom?" Mike asked.
"For Kaitlyn and Mom, its always kitchen gadgets." Christine told him.
"Perfect. I would like to make a point to bring both girls into town, just to have some one-on-one time with them, if you don't care?" Mike asked as they walked through the store to get to the cashier.
"Of course, Mike. You really don't have to buy this blouse. It's expensive. I have nowhere to wear it to." Christine said, and immediately got an eye roll from Mike. That was where Kaitlyn and Hannah got their attitude from.
"You don't currently have anywhere to wear it to. Doesn't mean you won't. Do you have anything to wear on a date?" Mike asked.
"No. But I don't foresee going on any dates anytime soon either." Christine answered. Mike just gave her a frustrated sigh.
"What if I took you out on a date?" Mike asked.
"Then, I suppose I would wear this blouse, but is it a date when a couple is married?" Christine retorted. They had arrived at the cash register but were waiting on another customer.
"I think so." Mike answered. They put the items down on the desk and Mike paid for everything. Christine noticed, he never even blinked at the total. Just paid and waited while the cashier bagged everything. It astonished Christine. They walked out to the truck and put everything into the backseat. As she climbed up into the front seat, she smiled over at Mike.
"Can I ask…you didn't even blink when the cashier told you the total and it was expensive…" Christine started.
"I haven't had a lot of expenses the last several years. I live in BOQ, when I am not deployed, so the only bill I have is my cellphone bill. I saved enough to buy the truck outright. And of course, with the promotions, comes a healthier paycheck." Mike explained.
"I see." Christine said.
"Chris, whatever happens between us, I will take care of you and my girls. I would prefer we fix everything and grow old together, but you have nothing to worry about." Mike told her.
"I know, Mike. It honestly feels like a huge weight has been lifted." Christine answered with a smile.
"Good, now let's find something to eat. We'll go grocery shopping later." Mike said as he pulled into a diner. It was the only one in town, but Christine hadn't had a meal out in years.
"A juicy hamburger sounds so good. I can have one at home, and in fact; I supply this restaurant with beef, but there is something about the grease from a restaurant." Christine remarked as they got out of the truck. She knew she should argue more, but it was easier to just let Mike do what he wanted. It wasn't like she didn't enjoy it.
"That does." Mike replied. He opened the door for her, and they found a booth. As typical, Mike opted for one facing the door and all access points.
Quickly, they had ordered. A bacon cheeseburger and French Fries for Christine, and a Patty Melt and onion rings for Mike. He also ordered a strawberry shake to share and was eyeing the dessert menu.
"Kaitlyn makes all the pies for here. And the bread and buns for the sandwiches. Mom helps her but since she had her stroke, its been Kaitlyn doing the baking. She loves it. Makes her feel like she is contributing; and she is. It helps a lot." Christine bragged.
"So, is there an aspect of this meal that you didn't contribute to?" Mike asked with a grin.
"The French Fries are ordered through a grocery company, and I sell them onions, but I think they have to order for the onion rings. All the pie fillings, breads, meats, and vegetables are farm-grown. My neighbor sells her goods here too. Usually just eggs though." Christine explained.
"I need to figure out a way to work out. In no time, I will weigh a ton if I don't." Mike remarked. It implied he would be staying.
"Are you going to retire? Or is too soon to ask?" Christine asked.
"I'm seriously considering it. Now that I have you and my girls back, I can't imagine leaving. I may have to go back to St. Louis for a few days or even a week or so until the paperwork goes through though." Mike said as he took a drink of his coffee.
"Are you on vacation, then?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. I had a lot of time banked up, but I did leave them in a bit of a lurch. I noticed you have a house phone. My cell phone has zero service out here, so if you don't care; I might call in." Mike said.
"Yeah, that is perfectly fine." Christine said as their food appeared. The next few minutes, they didn't talk, except for Mike stealing French Fries and asking the waitress for items.
"So, when I have my time with the girls, is there anything you suggest? I've already figured out that Kaitlyn is a foodie, and Hannah likes art. Anything else?" Mike asked.
"Hannah enjoys reading too. She specifically likes history, so if you could find anything related to that, she would be thrilled. Mom might make her do a report, but you can work around that. As far as Kaitlyn is concerned, she does like to cook and eat. I honestly think she would be thrilled with a trip to a grocery store." Christine joked.
"And you?" Mike asked.
"Me what?" Christine responded.
"On a date. What would you like to do?" Mike asked. Christine thought for a second, and then smiled.
"Do you remember the night you asked me to marry you? We went for Italian Food and you lost the ring in the spaghetti?" Christine asked. Mike laughed in response.
"That was embarrassing but yes." Mike answered.
"And then we went for ice cream, went to Navy Pier and rode the Ferris wheel?" Christine said.
"I do remember, but I'm not sure the Navy Pier is even operating anymore. Do you want to go back to Chicago?" Mike asked, clearly confused. Christine reached over and squeezed his hand.
"No. Not particularly. I don't even care about the Ferris wheel. What I liked about it, was that it was not stressful. It was fun and lighthearted. I want some sort of a repeat of that. Not stuffy and boring." Christine explained.
"Do you remember what we did after we got back to your apartment?" Mike asked quietly. He had a grin on his face and Christine threw a napkin at him.
"Yes. And be quiet about it. My mom still thinks we waited until our wedding night." Christine said with a laugh.
"At least I didn't corrupt you until I put a ring on your finger. She also didn't know why we had such a quick wedding." Mike remarked.
"She's done the math since. I had Kaitlyn seven months after we got married. She has just turned a blind eye. You were going to marry me anyway, so it was hardly a shotgun wedding. I just wanted to wear my wedding gown before I got too big." Christine said.
"And here I thought she thought I was innocent and would have never led her daughter astray." Mike joked.
"I think she knew all along. We had fun, anyways." Christine commented.
"We did. Chris…I really want to get back there. To when we had fun, laughed and loved. I still love you, and that hasn't changed, but we stopped laughing and having fun. I want to go back to that. We've both had some experiences, good and bad; away from one another, but I am honestly sick of not having you. Or the girls, for that matter. I know a lot of this hinges on me, but I am fully committed to you." Mike said as he squeezed her hand on the table. Christine wiped a tear away and gave him a watery smile.
"That was all I needed to hear. I love you too. If you have to go back to work, we will be here waiting. However long it takes." Christine said. It was too far of a reach to kiss on the lips, but Mike kissed her hand and gave her a wink.
"I have a thought. If you are okay with it?" Mike said as he signaled for their ticket.
"What?" Christine asked.
"We get out of here. There's a hotel down the street. I checked it out yesterday because I wasn't sure what your response would be. Let's get a room for the afternoon. We can go grocery shopping later." Mike suggested.
"Mike, I'm not arguing but the house is five miles away." Christine said with a grin. She knew what Mike was suggesting.
"Yes, but what I have in mind; I don't particularly want to do with your mom and our daughters there in the middle of the day." Mike said.
"Alright." Christine agreed. Mike paid for their food and they made their exit. It didn't take long to get a room and Christine laughed as Mike let them into the room. "I just realized, I am wearing my cheapest bra and panties." Christine remarked once they were in the room and the door was closed.
"I really did not do this to worry about that. I would prefer you not wearing them." Mike said as he picked her up and laid her down on the bed. Through the kisses and the clothes being pulled off; Christine had to smile. It had taken a lot of years and a separation for them to realize they belonged together.