Better Together
Chapter 17
Mike smiled as Audrey climbed into bed next to him and then Christine had gotten in on her other side. It was not at all romantic but it had started storming so Christine had gone up and got Audrey, knowing she would be scared. Christine quickly went back to sleep, but Audrey jumped every time it thundered.
"Its just the angels in Heaven bowling. Nothing to worry about." Mike told the little girl.
"I don't like the sound." Audrey said.
"It won't last long." Mike promised. He drew Audrey closer and she cuddled into his side. She grew silent and Mike thought she might be sleeping until she spoke up.
"Can I call you Daddy? Katie and Hannah do and I feel funny calling you Mike." Audrey asked.
"I would be fine with it but do you understand what a Daddy is?" Mike asked.
"Kind of. I just know you really love Katie and Hannah and they love you. That is what I want." Audrey said. While Audrey had never been abused, she had never been loved and it had been an adjustment for her to be showered in love and attention. Her favorite thing to do was to crawl up in someone's lap and cuddle.
"Then that is what you have." Mike answered. He kissed the top of Audrey's head and smiled into her hair. Audrey had put her arms around Mike and snuggled close. Within a few minutes, she was sound asleep. Mike would have to discuss the conversation with Christine sooner rather than later but he felt good about little Audrey's decision.
He fell asleep soon after and when he woke up, it was daylight out. Audrey and Christine were no longer next to him but he texted Christine for help to the bathroom. A moment later she appeared with his breakfast on a tray.
"Needing help?" Christine asked. She sit the tray down and helped Mike out of bed and into the bathroom. He hated needing help with simple tasks but Christine didn't seem to mind. Once he settled back into bed and Christine put the tray back over his lap, he patted the bed next to him.
"Have you got a minute to talk?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. Katie is covering for me today." Christine answered as she sat down beside him.
"So, after you went to sleep last night; Audrey asked me if she could call me Daddy. I asked her if she understood what a daddy was and she said that she knew I loved Katie and Hannah and they loved me and she wanted that too. Of course, her understanding was skewed, but I feel that she will grow to understand and I think you have a vote since you are still on the fence about us." Mike said.
"My biggest concern is that if things don't work out between us; that you will abandon her. I know that is foolish because of how you are, but its still a legitimate fear." Christine said.
"I can understand but I have no plans of abandoning her and I have every intention of this working out if you want it to." Mike remarked.
"I do. I suppose I am just scared." Christine said.
"Of what?" Mike asked.
"I am not twenty-five anymore. Mark continuously reminded me that nobody would ever want with me because of that." Christine answered.
"That doesn't matter to me. I loved you when you were twenty-five, thirty-five and I still love you. I want to be with you in every sense, when we are both ready." Mike said.
"Thank you, Mike. I just need to do…I suppose some soul-searching." Christine answered. She leaned over and gave him a long kiss.
"You're welcome. Take all the time you need." Mike answered even though he wanted her so badly. He would just have to be patient.