Broken Roads
Chapter 16
Mike smiled as Christine crawled back into bed next to him and gave him a long kiss. She had put a pair of pajamas on and checked on the girls. She cuddled back up and threw the blankets over both of them. To him, it felt like their wedding night all over again. Of course, there was a lot of conversations yet to happen, but Mike couldn't be happier. The only one missing was Lucas, and that was a heartbreak all on its own.
"So, Admiral. What next?" Christine asked. She had been thrilled that he had made Admiral.
"I suppose we could talk…or sleep." Mike said after yawning.
"We have the rest of our lives to talk." Christine remarked.
"And sleep, but I am not so young anymore." Mike said. Christine gave him another kiss before cuddling close. "I do want to say; I am proud of you. Doing what you've done…keeping your head above water and keeping the girls together. Its amazing." Mike said. Christine had built a business up; baking and cooking for local people. She catered and did party set up. From what Mike understood, it was a very successful.
"Thank you. I'm really proud of you too. I know I should have reached out, but part of me was terrified…after everything and then Lucas dying…I was afraid you'd blame me. You were so angry after I told you when you called." Christine said.
"Emotions. I never held it against you. But, we are together now and that's what matters." Mike told her.
"Yes and I am so happy." Christine answered.
"And my next plan is to build some sort of building for you to do all your catering and party planning in. Fully equipped kitchen and all that…if you still want to? You'll have my income now." Mike asked.
"I do. I love it. I hope that doesn't bother you? We had only talked a little about me taking college courses or getting a job." Christine asked.
"I never had an issue with you going to work and I love that you have found something you love. Now that I am retired; I can find a way to help you with it. You spent a lot of years supporting me with my careers and its time you get a chance to do something you enjoy." Mike commented.
"And I never minded it. I know I complained a lot but in the end; I was always so proud of you." Christine told him as she brushed her hand through his hair.
"There is something other than sleeping or talking we can do?" Mike suggested and Christine raised her eyebrow. Mike pulled her back on top of him and began kissing down her neck.
"Ah, I see." Christine agreed with a smile.
One Year Later
"Is this how you wanted it?" Mike asked as he looked at the table setting. Christine assessed it and nodded.
"Yes, perfect." Christine said. Mike was her helper when she set up for weddings or fancy dinner parties and he had struggled with table settings.
"I still prefer one plate, one glass, a steak knife, one fork and one spoon." Mike remarked.
"And that is perfectly fine in a home setting, but the bride's family wanted a formal table setting so that's what we are doing." Christine told him.
"I'm glad our wedding wasn't this fancy." Mike said as he assessed the other tables.
"Me too. I personally enjoy the small intimate weddings better; but these pay well. Alright; set up is ready. Now I will spend the night in the kitchen getting ready for tomorrow." Christine told him.
"At least you have a better setting for getting ready." Mike remarked. Christine grabbed her purse and gestured at Mike to pick up a box of extra vases.
"I do. Carrie is fixing you and the girls dinner. I'll slip in to get Claire put to bed and go back to the shop." Christine said. Mike had built a large building on their property that contained a fully equipped, industrial kitchen, storage area for her party supplies, meeting room and office. The best part was that Christine simply had to cross her backyard to get to it.
"And I'll help." Mike added. He had struggled to find his place with Christine and the girls and there had been a few raised voices and hurt feelings regarding it. It had not always been smooth sailing but Mike was determined. Christine paused and nodded.
"Right. Sorry. I'm still in a mindset of doing it all on my own." Christine admitted. She opened the back hatch to her SUV and waited as Mike carefully placed the box in it.
"I know." Mike said quietly. He backed out of the way and Christine closed the hatch. Before he went to the driver's seat; she caught him.
"And I appreciate you. You were our missing puzzle piece for many years and I realize you don't feel you have a place, but I assure you that you do and we would be lost without you." Christine said before giving him a long kiss.
"I love you." Mike said simply.
"I love you too." Christine answered. As they got in the SUV and drove away; the young bride and groom watched them in wonder. The bride; Stacy smiled at her groom.
"I hope we are like that someday." Stacy said.
"Imagine what it took for them to get to that point though." Her groom, Tyler said.
"True, but broken roads lead to beautiful settings." Stacy remarked as they walked into the venue to make sure everything was okay.