North Stars
Chapter 15
Sandy had called and said that Mike was asking for her, but Christine still had her doubts. She missed Mike. The baby was kicking like crazy and she wanted him to feel the kicks. It had all always thrilled him before. She would love to see the look of wonder on his face and to feel his hand on her abdomen.
Christine drove to the hospital and headed to Mike's room, feeling very nervous. She had never been scared of her husband before. She looked in the window and smiled at Mike. He was sound asleep. As soon as she walked in the room, his eyes opened and he reached his arm out towards her. Instead of saying anything she sat down next to him on the bed and laid her head on his uninjured shoulder. She felt him kiss the top of her head and it made her smile. She could tell he was hesitating about something so she finally grabbed his good hand and put it on her belly.
"He's been kicking a lot." Christine finally remarked, glad that Mike hadn't pulled his hand away.
"He's an active little guy." Mike said.
"Yeah. I am already dreading the sleepless nights, although they've already started. He loves waiting until I am almost asleep and then kicks really hard." Christine said.
"I like the name Joshua Samuel." Mike said. It was very random but Christine smiled.
"Is it after someone?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. There was this young ensign. Just a really likeable kid. One of the bridge crew and I was able to get his body out. I talked to his dad earlier on the phone. He thanked me for making sure his son had a proper burial. How much it meant." Mike said.
"Lucas didn't." Christine remarked.
"A lot of sons didn't get proper burials. I've actually spent the past day or so calling all those family members. All fifty-three families. Its been exhausting." Mike admitted.
"I'm sure the families appreciate it." Christine said.
"They all thanked me. The casualty assistance people helped them but no one has called them otherwise. The captain was paralyzed so he has been otherwise occupied. The XO just hasn't called." Mike said.
"That is not on you, babe." Christine answered.
"No. I just think death has become such a commonplace thing in the military that its not given a lot of thought." Mike remarked.
"I don't think its just limited to the Navy, Mike." Christine said just as Mike yawned. It immediately worried her. "Are you okay?" Christine asked.
"I had physical therapy this morning. It wore me out too but I am glad you're here. I was afraid you wouldn't come back." Mike answered.
"Mike; we've been married for over twenty years. It was a momentary lapse in judgement. You've gone through a lot." Christine said.
"I threw a cup at my pregnant wife. There is no excuse for that." Mike said.
"Generally, I would agree but you had a good enough reason." Christine answered. She turned, reached up and gave Mike a long kiss. Mike returned the kiss and smiled at her.
"I am sorry and I love you. I really missed you and the girls." Mike said.
"I didn't mean staying away as a punishment. I just thought you might need a break. I love you too." Christine answered.
"And…about the baby…my hesitancy about him has a lot to do with Lucas and our ages. I am concerned that he won't be an adult before I die and I'll leave you to raise a baby on your own…like my mom had to do with me. And it does feel like if I love him, I am replacing Lucas." Mike admitted. Christine could tell that he was opening up.
"And if that happens, he should know that you loved him very much, just as our girls do and Lucas did. Mike, don't borrow trouble. Lucas loved you very much. He idolized you. He would want you to love this baby and honestly, I think once he is born; you won't be able to not. I know you. You may think that you won't, but I've seen you with your babies. You make a fool out of yourself." Christine said.
"That is probably true." Mike answered.
"It is." Christine replied and Mike kissed her forehead.
"I just want to go home." Mike said.
"Well, once you are cleared; you'll be home. Now that you've started physical therapy, are they giving you a release date?" Christine asked.
"No. I have to be able to transfer myself from the toilet to wheelchair and then to the bed. I've told them I have to be on my feet by the time the baby is here." Mike answered.
"Don't push it, babe." Christine said before sitting up.
"I won't but I don't want the girls to have to handle that." Mike said.
"We will figure it out. I have to pick Hannah up but I will bring the girls by tomorrow. I love you." Christine said. She leaned down and gave Mike a kiss before grabbing her purse.
"I love you too. I am going to nap. I am really tired." Mike admitted.
"You sleep as much as you need and don't overdo. See you tomorrow." Christine said.