Good Start
Chapter 7
Honestly, Mike wasn't sure how he would pull off Christine staying home with their baby. Rent prices were extraordinarily high in Chicago; if they wanted to stay in a semi-safe neighborhood and he was not moving his family to an unsafe area. He also needed a bigger place because of the baby. That Saturday; he had breakfast out with his dad and explained the situation to him; hoping that Joe would have a solution.
"You know; Son, I have remodeled the basement. It has a kitchen, bathroom. Its own entrance. Two bedrooms too." Joe said as he ate his eggs.
"I thought the plan was Grandma would be down there?" Mike said.
"It was but the steps bother her and she and your mom like being close together. And I don't mind her." Joe answered.
"Are you offering it?" Mike asked.
"I am." Joe said.
"Don't you need to talk to Mom?" Mike asked.
"Your mom would kick my ass if I didn't offer it. She will be fine. But I do suggest you talk to Christine before you answer. You moving home isn't such a big deal but Christine might have some hang-ups about living with her in-laws." Joe advised.
"Compared to her family; we are totally normal." Mike remarked.
"My advice to you is you not say that to her. Seriously, Mike; I get it. When your mom was pregnant; the last thing in the world I wanted was for her to work. She had to when she was pregnant with Susan and was miserable. A lot of women work but they also miss things with their children. If its Christine's desire to be home during the formative years, and she is willing to make sacrifices, then by all means." Joe said.
"Thanks, Dad. It means a lot." Mike said.
"Well, your mom and grandma are thrilled to have a baby in the family again. They are making all sorts of plans for baby showers and such." Joe told him.
"I know Christine's sister will want involved. Laurie is very supportive." Mike said.
"Good." Joe answered.
They continued eating and visiting. Mike had just gotten off a night shift and Christine had also worked the night before. She was already in bed when he got home. He stripped and settled next to her, glad his week was done and they both had that night off. She curled into his side and he smiled down at her.
"I was trying to be quiet." Mike said. She leaned up and gave him a kiss before settling her head on his shoulder.
"You are like a bull in a china closet. How was breakfast with your dad?" Christine asked.
"Good. He made a suggestion that would enable you to stay home with the little one." Mike told her.
"And?" Christine asked.
"Well; they remodeled the basement of my parent's house so that my grandma had her own spot, but she doesn't handle the steps well and she and Mom like being close. His suggestion was that you and I take it over." Mike explained.
"How big is it?" Christine asked.
"Bigger than here. It has it's own entry so we'd have privacy. Two bedrooms, its own kitchen, living. One bathroom but it does have a laundry area and is good sized. Its not ideal but it is a few blocks from your sister too." Mike told her.
"Those same specifications would cost us a fortune as an apartment." Christine said.
"Yeah, and its safe. Of course; a good distance from bars and such, but the neighborhood is nice and there is markets and some decent restaurants." Mike said.
"But far for you to work?" Christine asked.
"Honestly; once I become detective; I would be moved from where I am now. They tend to put new detectives on the South Side, so it's a bit closer. I grew up in Hickory Hills and there is nothing wrong with it." Mike said.
"Mike; you don't have to convince me. I am fine with it. I like your mom, dad and grandma. Even Susan. And I could walk to Laurie's when I want to visit." Christine answered.
"Absolutely." Mike said before giving her a kiss.
"We will have to be a lot quieter." Christine remarked between kisses.
"That is one downfall." Mike said. Somehow there had been a bit of a thaw between them. They didn't 'love' each other, but they did get along well and now that she was out of the first trimester, they spent a lot of time getting to know each other. Mike knew it wouldn't last but he was enjoying it.
"We'll manage." Christine answered with a laugh.