Lost Loves

Chapter 13

Christine was glad she had remembered Mike's birthday after so long. He hadn't said a word, but she was determined to make it special despite not having any money to buy him a present.

She spent all day making spaghetti sauce for the lasagna recipe that Mike's mom had made for Mike years before for every day. She also made his favorite red velvet cake, with Hannah's help and Katie put together the salad. She had invited Tom and Sasha and asked him to bring the wine since she couldn't buy any. He happily agreed.

Samuel and Sophia were thrilled with the idea of a birthday party and thankfully, Mike had had to go into the work the day of. He came in about six and smiled into the kitchen.

"It smells like lasagna…" Mike remarked as he walked closer.

"It is. Happy Birthday. Tom and Sasha will be here about six-thirty. There's also a three-layer red velvet cake that Hannah helped me with. And Katie helped with the salad and bread." Christine explained.

"Thank you…you didn't have to go to all this trouble though." Mike said.

"You're welcome. Now, go get your civvies on." Christine said. She was a little surprised when he came around the counter and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you." Mike said simply before heading up the stairs.

Fifteen minutes later, Tom and Sasha arrived with wine and a nice bottle of whiskey for Mike. The girls set the table and the twins both gave hand-drawn pictures to Mike.

There was a lot of laughter around the table and Mike ate two helpings of the lasagna. He said it reminded him of his mom's. It was amazing and Christine enjoyed the time. That night, after Tom and Sasha left and the kids went to bed, Christine fixed a glass of whiskey and a piece of the cake for Mike and found him in the living room.

"Not sure this will be a good mix." Christine remarked. Mike took both items with a smile and she sat down next to him on the couch.

"Thank you. No one had done anything for my birthday in years." Mike said.

"You're welcome. I had only made the spaghetti sauce once before and was doing it from memory. I was just afraid to make the noodles on my own." Christine replied.

"It was all delicious. So…I turned my resignation in." Mike said.

"Really? Are you sure about that?" Christine asked.

"I am. I got to thinking about it after Hannah's panic attack. If there is ever a chance of me being the parent that she seeks for comfort, I can't ship out again and I can't guarantee that as long as I stay in." Mike answered.

"Do I need to go to work?" Christine asked.

"No. I have negotiated a full package. Health care, a very healthy pension, all kinds of stuff. Too long to list now, but everything will be okay." Mike said.

"Good…I would have if you needed me to." Christine said.

"Thank you but no. You need to recover too." Mike replied.

"Sophia was sure proud of that picture." Christine remarked.

"She was. Her little giggles make me laugh." Mike said.

"Yeah, its almost musical. She helped Hannah frost the cake…and then she got to lick the spatula. She loved that part." Christine said.

"It is very good." Mike answered as he took a bite of it.

"Sorry we couldn't get you anything." Christine remarked.

"Trust me, you and the girls being here was a huge gift, and the twins…" Mike said. Christine surprised herself by kissing Mike. It was very soft and sweet.

"Sorry…I shouldn't have." Christine said.

"It's fine. Just surprised me." Mike replied. Christine nodded but her mind was racing. She just hoped things didn't turn awkward.