Better Together
Chapter 15
Mike didn't feel sick but could tell the doctors, nurses and family were concerned. They knew he had some sort of infection. For days, he was fussed over and finally the fever broke. He had to admit; he was wore out and was sleeping when Katie came in.
"Dad? The nurse said the fever broke?" Katie asked. She sat her purse down and felt Mike's forehead.
"Yeah. Just tired. It broke about five this morning." Mike answered.
"Mom had a closing but will be here when she gets done. Said she might wait for Hannah and Audrey before she visits though." Katie said.
"Okay." Mike answered after a yawn.
"I just wanted to check on you and make sure you had everything you needed. I'll let you sleep." Katie said before kissing his forehead.
"Thanks, sweetheart. I'll be better company later." Mike said.
"You're fine. I love you." Katie told him.
"I love you too." Mike answered. Katie squeezed his hand, tucked the blanket up higher and left. Within a few minutes; Mike fell asleep and stayed asleep until Christine, Hannah and Audrey came in. Christine smiled at him before helping Audrey sit up by him.
"How are you feeling?" Christine asked.
"Tired. I've slept all day." Mike said as he cuddled Audrey close.
"Good. You needed to." Hannah remarked. She leaned over the rail and gave Mike a kiss on the cheek.
"I really want to go home." Mike said.
"It might be a bit. This infection was a setback." Christine remarked.
"Kind of stupid of me; I don't even have a home." Mike said.
"You will always have a home with us, Daddy." Hannah said.
"She's right, Mike. You will be coming home with us and staying there. Besides; I am making all kinds of plans for our date." Christine told him firmly.
"I'm going to help Mommy find the perfect dress!" Audrey said and Mike chuckled.
"Not a pink tutu." Christine warned.
"Anything will be fine. I'm looking forward to it too." Mike said.
"Good. Girls, Daddy is tired so we won't be staying long." Christine said. Mike didn't mind her referring to him as 'Daddy' to Audrey. He had already pretty well committed to raising her.
"Sorry, girls." Mike said. Audrey patted his cheek and Hannah smiled.
"You just rest. The easier you take it now, the sooner you might make it home where you belong." Christine ordered before giving him a kiss. What was surprising was that it was on the lips but he didn't mind. He just wished it could have continued.