Better Together
Chapter 6
"The best thing you could do for Christine and her daughter might be to marry her. As long as you are in the Navy; she will be afforded some protection that the average citizen doesn't have." Mike's attorney; Alex Campbell explained.
"She would never go for that." Mike said.
"It might be her best option. Just talk to her and explain." Alex said before hanging up.
In theory; it made sense. But Christine would balk at it because she was so fearful. She also had hated the Navy and it would be what would protect her, so he had to stay in. He was smart enough to know that it would come to a head with Mark. Their current situation would not be permanent, but if Mike had his choice; the marriage would be.
He had spoiled Audrey. Katie had tagged along and both girls found all sorts of things an almost five-year-old would enjoy. It made things easier for her and he took both girls out for a late lunch and allowed Christine more time with Audrey to bond. He chose not to tell them about the conversation with his attorney that morning. They would also balk, even though they were set on match-making him and Christine.
Once they got back to the house; Mike headed upstairs to help Christine set up the bedroom while the girls showed Audrey her many toys and washed her clothes. It gave him ample opportunity to talk to Christine; something harder than he imagined.
"I spoke with my attorney this morning as a follow-up to my conversation with the Child Services worker." Mike started.
"And?" Christine said as she made the bed.
"Chris…the Child Services worker said that you could put anyone on the birth certificate as the father, but you needed to put someone-not Mark. And I spoke with my attorney to confirm this. Given your situation; he feels it might be better if…I am put on the birth certificate and we get married…remarried. So that you are under the protection of the Navy. Mark would not be able to ask for a paternity test since legally; I would be considered Audrey's father and we would not be going to him to support her." Mike explained. Christine stopped what she was doing and stared at him in shock.
"Why would you do that?" Christine asked sharply.
"Because…I want you and Audrey safe." Mike said.
"You don't have to marry me or obligate yourself to Audrey for the rest of your life to make that happen. Mike; you always treated me well and I know you could keep me and Audrey safe; but I don't want a loveless marriage; even if it is with someone that I have a past with and I trust." Christine said.
"It wouldn't have to be loveless." Mike remarked, a little saddened by her words.
"Perhaps not, but the reason our marriage didn't work out is precisely the thing that could protect me now? What happens when you ship back out?" Christine questioned.
"This will come to a head with Mark and once it does; I will retire." Mike said.
"Mike…I will always love you because I've shared three children with you and I appreciate what you are willing to do for Audrey and I. Just…let me think a bit." Christine commented. Mike knew that he needed to just shut up but he couldn't help himself.
"You know…I never wanted the divorce. You were just so insistent that you wanted your husband at home. At the time; I couldn't be that person so I agreed to it. I thought it was better for you because I wanted you to be happy. I just never thought Mark would be the way he was. I couldn't just shut off my feelings for you and Andrea knew that, maybe more than I did. And now I know that had I not walked away, I might have saved you a lot of heartache and pain." Mike said before walking out of the room; needing space.