Good Start
Chapter 3
Of course, Mike knew the right thing to do. He wasn't sure what the thing with Christine's parents were and he had only met them once at Mackenzie's christening; when they lamented that she was a girl. They had wanted a grandson. He knew that Laurie had struggled with them and that they didn't like Pete and had pretty well disowned Laurie because of it.
He really didn't mind Christine. He couldn't even admit that he hated her. They mixed like fire and water, but he actually liked her personality and she was his type. The sex had been amazing and he could see how they might be able to build something. So, he bought a ring and made the decision to call her. He wasn't sure how to do this, because he had always imagined something more romantic. She answered on the second ring.
"Christine, it's Mike Slattery." Mike said simply.
"Hey." Christine answered.
"So, um…I don't want you to have an abortion either. I hope I'm not too late?" Mike asked.
"No." Christine said.
"And…my family will think we need to be married. I wasn't sure if that was what you wanted, though." Mike continued.
"Its not what I want, but to protect my baby from my parents; its my only option." Christine answered.
"I see. So, I bought a ring." Mike said simply.
"Okay." Christine said.
"Look…I don't know how to do this. This is not what I imagined." Mike remarked.
"How about I arrange for us to meet at the court house? Just have a justice do it? We meet the day of. Keep it simple." Christine suggested.
"And after?" Mike asked.
"I suppose we need to figure out living arrangements. My place is small and the rent is high. And I have a roommate who won't appreciate a husband and baby. My lease is up anyways." Christine explained.
"I just have the studio but I could move you in and we could look for something before the baby arrives." Mike offered.
"And I suppose sleep together again?" Christine asked.
"I can sleep on the couch." Mike offered.
"We'll figure that out. How's Wednesday?" Christine asked.
"I get off at eight am and could do anytime after. I don't work that next night. Does anyone else know?" Mike asked.
"Just Laurie. Its how I got your number. I don't think she's told Pete yet." Christine said.
"I'll talk to him." Mike said.
"Okay. Wednesday. I'll find out a time and if there is anything special we need to do to get a license." Christine answered.
"Would you like to go for dinner before?" Mike asked, feeling it was appropriate.
"No, thank you." Christine answered before hanging up.
It made Mike wonder if his entire marriage would be like that. He liked Christine's spunk and personality but he also wanted a normal marriage. Hopefully, something they could build at some point. Maybe a baby would help with that.
He spent the night making room for Christine in his apartment. He had always kept it tidy and if they didn't find somewhere larger; they could fit a crib in. It would just mean less privacy. Of course, the way Christine talked; he would be spending the rest of his days on the couch unless he could charm her.
Until he could charm her; he would be the perfect gentlemen. Of course; he hadn't been the night their baby was conceived but Christine hadn't exactly complained. Mike had already figured out their relationship would be a battle of wills at times and hopefully their baby would be their median.