Better Together
Chapter 18
Christine didn't mind sleeping next to Mike. She felt safe with him. He was in no shape to force her to do something she wasn't ready for. She went to her bedroom on the pretense of changing into her pajamas, but got distracted when she found her wedding album from her and Mike's wedding in her closet. She sat down on the bed and began looking at the photos, taking her back to the happiest time of her life. She didn't hear Katie come to the door until she cleared her throat.
"Earth to Mom?" Katie said.
"Sorry, honey. Did you need something?" Christine asked. Katie sat down next to her and smiled at the photo album.
"Can I borrow your dark blue purse? I don't have one and I am wearing dark blue tomorrow; if it's the right shade." Katie asked.
"Of course. Its in the closet." Christine said.
"Thanks. I have not seen these in years. I wasn't even sure they still existed. You and Dad looked so happy." Katie remarked.
"We were. I kept them hidden while I was married to Mark. I guess I liked to be reminded of when I was really happy." Christine answered.
"And now?" Katie asked.
"I'm happy. Just not in the same way." Christine said.
"Mom; Dad loves you and he wants this again and I think you can have it. Maybe different and more mature but just as happy. And you love him so what are you scared of? Mark isn't coming back." Katie said.
"I know he isn't. I suppose that I can't get him out of my head. Makes me wonder why your dad would want to…" Christine stopped herself from saying anything else.
"Because of this. He also remembers a time in his life that he was truly happy and he wants that back. I know the answer to this, but I am asking so you think; did Dad ever hurt you like Mark did?" Katie asked.
"No. He never laid a hand on me like that. Was never mentally abusive either." Christine answered.
"I understand why you would not trust a stranger but Dad isn't a stranger. You were married for fifteen years and had three children together. Dad has nothing to prove. He has already earned and kept your trust through a divorce and losing a child. If you can only trust one man in this world, Dad is the guy to trust. He has already laid the groundwork. And if it was me, knowing I could trust the guy, I would not be so hesitant when I know I could be this happy again." Katie said, pointing at the album.
"That is true." Christine said.
"And I am going to say something else that I honestly don't want to think about. Dad is not in the shape for intimacy yet. Emotionally, maybe so but not physically. That gives you time to be ready when he is. And that is all I want to think about with that other than when that time does come, I will watch Audrey." Katie said as she stood up.
"Thank you, honey." Christine said.
"You're welcome. Thanks for letting me borrow the purse." Katie answered before heading into the closet to get the purse and leaving Christine to look at the photos of her wedding day, wondering if she could ever be that happy again. She just had to remember why her first marriage failed so they didn't make those same mistakes again.