Better Together
Chapter 19
Mike smiled at the way Christine stretched out next to him. He was slowly getting better and stronger. He had even been able to go out for coffee with Katie and to a play that Audrey was in. Physical therapy was a pain and his family smothered him but he was slowly rebuilding a relationship with Katie, spending time with Hannah and getting to know Audrey. As for him and Christine—he wasn't sure what was going on.
She slept next to him every night. They kissed and talked about the future but she still seemed nervous. He had to wonder if they would ever be able to move beyond what they were. It wasn't about the sex for him. He just missed having that connection but he was trying not to push her. One night, as they got ready for bed, Mike decided to bring up a date.
"So; I am feeling pretty good. I was thinking about making a dinner reservation for us Saturday." Mike stated.
"I'll have to see if Hannah or Katie can watch Audrey." Christine said.
"I can ask." Mike answered. It wasn't a firm no, but Christine still seemed nervous. "You know; I am not going to hurt you, right? I know that Mark hurt you on a regular basis and you aren't sure you can ever trust like that again, but you trusted me before. You trusted me enough to tell me what had happened. We've had sex but if that was something you could never do again, then I would be fine. I am not sure what I need other than some sort of breakthrough." Mike said.
"How did we end up divorced? What led to it?" Christine asked.
"We grew apart. Wanted different things. I was focused on my career. You wanted me home more. We weren't communicating." Mike answered.
"So, how do we keep that from happening again?" Christine asked.
"Well, me being retired will help. Being aware of our past mistakes and working to not repeat them will also help. Christine; do you want this?" Mike asked. He sat down on the bed, worried about her answer.
"I do. I was looking at our wedding photos the other day and I want to be happy like that again. I just don't want to make the same mistakes again. I know I was not that easy of a wife…" Christine started until Mike held his hand up.
"You were amazing. Christine—seriously. Yes, there were arguments about money and me not being home, but those were justified. Just…give me another chance?" Mike begged. He had settled against the pillows and pulled her onto his chest. For a moment, she was rigid, but finally; she relaxed.
"I am just scared…not of you. I'm scared that I will make the same mistakes again and end up along again. Things were not good with Mark but I've found I don't like being alone." Christine admitted.
"It is hard." Mike agreed.
"I'm a mess." Christine remarked.
"No. You've just been through a lot. My biggest regret is that I didn't fight harder for our marriage in the first place. At the time; I wanted you to be happy and didn't think I could make it happen. Had I fought harder; you wouldn't have been hurt." Mike said.
"And we wouldn't have Audrey either." Christine reminded him.
"True." Mike agreed. Christine leaned up and gave him a long kiss. Mike knew they had a long way to go, but he had to wonder if there had been some sort of breakthrough. He hoped so.