Better Together
Chapter 20
The food and wine was delicious. Christine was thoroughly enjoying the date night Mike had planned but she could tell he was wearing down. She wasn't sure what his other plans were but she drank a cup of coffee with dessert and took the keys.
"You're wearing out on me." Christine remarked, grabbing Mike's arm.
"I suppose." Mike admitted.
"Mike; its been a wonderful night. Thank you." Christine said. They were standing on the dock of the river and she reached up and kissed his cheek.
"I have something for you…you might not want it right now though." Mike said.
"What?" Christine asked. Mike took a small box out of pocket and opened it. Inside was a beautiful engagement ring. It took Christine's breath away.
"I know you probably aren't there yet. The biggest mistake I ever made was letting you go. Sure, I had Andrea but it was never quite right. If you aren't ready and just want to put the ring in your dresser until you are, I understand. I just want to make clear that I love you and I want some sort of future with you. Whatever it might be." Mike said. Christine was slightly surprised and started to come up with excuses, until she looked into Mike's eyes.
"Yes." Christine said. Mike hadn't asked the question, but her answer was yes. He looked at her for a moment before giving her a long kiss. "I love you too." Christine said. He put the ring on her left ring finger and gave her a long kiss.
"It's a bit better than your first ring." Mike remarked.
"Its beautiful and I loved my first ring. I still have it. I suppose I was saving it for one of the girls. Now; lets get you home and to bed. You are exhausted." Christine said.
"Best invitation I've had all day." Mike said.
Six Months Later
Christine smiled as she watched Mike and Katie dancing. The wedding had been bigger than Christine really wanted but the girls; especially Katie had thoroughly enjoyed planning it. She wasn't quite sure how they convinced him to wear a tuxedo, but she appreciated it. Audrey ran over to Christine and hugged her.
"Hannah said that you and Daddy wouldn't be home tonight. She said we're going to have a slumber party in Katie's room." Audrey said.
"That sounds like fun." Christine said.
"You and Daddy are having a slumber party at a hotel?" Audrey asked.
"Kind of." Christine said.
"Did you get plenty of junk food?" Audrey asked.
"We will be just fine." Christine told her.
"I hope you and Daddy don't get scared." Audrey said.
"We won't. We'll be just fine. Can you give me a good night kiss?" Christine asked as Mike approached. Audrey gave her a kiss and then ran to Mike for his hug.
"You ready?" Mike asked. He had picked Audrey up and was holding her tightly.
"Just need to tell the older girls goodbye." Christine answered as she stood up. Both older girls appeared and exchanged kisses with their parents. The goodbyes with Audrey was a little harder but within a little bit, they were on their way to their hotel. As soon as they got to their room, Christine gave Mike a kiss. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be a minute." Christine said.
"Hey; you don't have to do anything. You know I love you anyways?" Mike asked.
"I know." Christine answered. She gave him another kiss before going into the bathroom; glad they had dropped their overnight bag off before the wedding. She slipped on the silky negligee; glad Mike didn't expect fancier lingerie. He would have been fine if she wore an oversized t-shirt but it felt good to wear something nice for a change. As soon as she stepped out of the bathroom; Mike let out a low whistle.
"Wow." He said before giving her a kiss.
"I love you too." Christine said. The kisses were becoming passionate and Christine was unbuttoning Mike's shirt.
"Are you sure?" Mike asked.
"I am." Christine answered.
"You can stop me at any point." Mike said. He lowered her onto the bed and finished undressing.
Mike was beyond patient with her. He was also tender and sweet and it was all Christine could hope for. After so many years apart, so much pain and frustration; Christine was glad to they were finally together again.
The End. Thank you for the reviews.