Lost Loves

Chapter 19

Christine smiled as Sophia and Samuel both jumped into bed with her and Mike. It was 'Christmas morning' and they had been told 'Santa' might visit them. Mike had read them the Christmas story that morning out of the old Bible he had kept that had belonged to her grandmother.

"There's so many presents down there!" Samuel said.

"How about you wake your sisters up? Mommy and I will be down there in a minute. No presents open 'til we get there." Mike suggested.

"Okay! C'mon, Sophia." Samuel ordered before jumping off the bed and running out of the bedroom. Sophia gave Mike and then Christine a kiss before following Samuel.

"We'd better get up." Christine said as she started to get up. Mike stopped her by giving her a long kiss.

"Merry Christmas." Mike said. It made Christine laugh.

"Merry Christmas to you too." Christine replied. Mike leaned over and got something out of his nightstand and handed it to her.

"I think your left hand is missing something." Mike said. She opened the box and the contents brought her to tears.

"Oh, Mike." Christine said.

"More than a ring that you're missing; I wanted you to know if I had it to do all over again, I would do it." Mike said.

"After everything?" Christine asked.

"Absolutely. In a nanosecond." Mike replied. Christine sat the ring box down and gave Mike a long kiss.

"I love you." Christine said.

"I love you too. Always have." Mike replied.

"MOMMY! DADDY!" Sophia yelled. Christine laughed in response.

"Princess Sophia beckons." Christine said.

"And you wouldn't have it any other way." Mike said. He put the ring on her left ring finger and smiled at her. They kissed again before getting up and throwing robes on.

Hannah and Katie were separating presents as Sophia and Samuel waited, not so patiently. Finally, everything was separated and the kids began opening presents.

Both Mike and Christine loved watching the kids make over every gift. They seemed to love everything. Mike had gone out alone and got a few small things for Christine. Some new cookbooks, a set of pans she had wanted but refused to ask for, a new sweater and a bottle of her favorite perfume from before. After everything was opened, Mike assisted the kids in cleaning the living room up and Christine and Katie began working on breakfast.

They ate breakfast and Mike helped Samuel and Sophia put their toys away. The older girls were helping Christine cook and clean the house since they had company coming.

Finally, Tom and Sasha arrived. Tom brought in a couple bottles of wine, a bottle of whiskey and some beer. He was cordial to Christine and looked around the house in amusement.

"You really went all out with the Christmas theme." Tom remarked.

"The kids have loved it." Mike said.

"I can't wait to see how you handle Christmas in December. It'll be hilarious." Tom teased.

"I'm already making those plans. They'll get to experience a birthday party soon too. Katie will be nineteen in May." Mike said as he watched his oldest daughter. It was hard for him to come to grips with having an adult daughter, but Katie was still catching up, at least.

"And you'll go all out?" Tom asked.

"I don't know. Katie is pretty laid back. Christine asked her what she wanted last night. All she could come up with was home-made Chinese food and an ice cream cake." Mike said.

"I was kind of hoping Christine made one of her cherry cheesecakes today." Tom said.

"You're in luck. She made it yesterday, with you in mind." Mike said.

"I told Sasha all about it yesterday. She did make a strawberry pecan salad. She's not much of a cook but she enjoys salads." Tom explained. Sasha was in the kitchen with Christine, but was looking a bit baffled by everything Christine was doing.

"Thank you. It means a lot to Christine and I that you and Sasha are here." Mike said.

"The invitation means a lot." Tom said as he studied his beer bottle.

"Tom; she's my wife. I know she has not always been anyone's definition of a good wife and she did some pretty rotten things, but she has been through hell. She's changed. She doesn't have the energy to be that person anymore. She is focused on the kids, home, and me. I have to beg her to even leave the house. I had to forgive what she did. I just hope you can someday." Mike said.

"I'm working on that. I figure if you can forgive her, why can't I?" Tom remarked.

"Exactly." Mike answered.

"Dinner is ready. Mike, can you carve the turkey and carry it to the table?" Christine asked.

"If you'll give me the knife; I can do the ham?" Tom offered as they walked into the kitchen. Christine gave both of them the utensils. They went to work while Christine, Sasha and Katie carried the platters and serving bowls to the table. Hannah had set the table and the food looked and smelled delicious.

"Not sure my salad goes well." Sasha remarked.

"Actually, its perfect. Light and refreshing. Just what we needed." Christine said.

"Mom; I'll get Hannah and the kids if you're ready for them?" Katie asked.

"Yes, go ahead." Christine said as she assessed the table. She put the twin's booster seats between her and Mike's chairs and lit the candles.

"Here we go." Mike said as he and Tom carried the turkey and ham platters over. Russ and his 'lady friend' Joselyn arrived with a home-made apple pie and they all settled at the table.

Russ said grace over the meal and they began passing bowls and dishes around. Conversation was light and Joselyn seemed to be able to just fit in. She didn't question 'Christmas in April' and was a tutor; which immediately interested Christine, as they needed a tutor for both Katie and Hannah.

Sophia and Samuel ate everything Christine and Mike put on their plates and Sophia even wanted more of Sasha's salad. Dessert was a huge hit with everyone and once ate; both twins were getting really sleepy. Mike and Tom carried them to the couch to take a nap while the ladies cleared the table and began doing dishes.

Once everything was cleaned up; Russ and Joselyn left and then Tom and Sasha also left, after Tom gave Christine a surprising hug. Finally; the family settled in the living room; and Christine fell asleep with her head on Mike's shoulder.

"I think Mom really likes the ring. She was showing it to Joselyn and Sasha earlier." Hannah told Mike quietly.

"She does. You did good helping me pick it out." Mike said.

"I think its more than the ring. I think she loves what it means." Hannah remarked.

"I suspect so. You sleepy?" Mike asked.

"A little." Hannah admitted. Mike held up his other arm and Hannah cuddled close. She was a bit more distant but Mike relished the moments when she let him in.

"Get some sleep, sweetheart. I love you." Mike said.

"Love you too." Hannah said. Mike kissed the top of her head before she fell asleep. Mike enjoyed watching his family. Katie was reading in her favorite chair. Samuel and Sophia were sound asleep on the couch and Mike was between Christine and Hannah. For Mike; it was perfect.