Never Again, Again

Chapter 25

Christine was right. Mike didn't understand why Hannah was saddened about not being pregnant. He saw it as a positive move towards recovery. Hannah was only fourteen and couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The President was already wanting Mike to ship out. The Navy needed rebuilt and they were planning on something of a take on Teddy Roosevelt's 'Great White Fleet.' Mike had gotten a month off before he had to hit the ground running.

After some discussion; Hannah had decided she wanted to home school with Katie. It added to Christine's load but she didn't seem to mind, even knowing Mike would not be very present.

In the month that he did have, he struggled knowing that Hannah struggled. He'd yet to get a hug from her and he missed the closeness they had shared before. To compensate, Katie tried but they had never shared the same connection. Mike adored her for trying.

At least Hannah was clinging to Christine. Mike had to admit that he felt some jealousy but they put the best foot forward. The night before he was due to leave, he checked on the kids and then crawled in next to Christine, thankful to have a kid-free bed.

"What time do you leave?" Christine asked.

"I have to be out of the door by nine am." Mike answered.

"Okay. I'll try to get up and fix breakfast so you have a hot meal." Christine answered. Mike leaned over and gave her a long kiss and then began kissing down her neck. "Is the door locked?" Christine asked.

"Yes, ma'am." Mike said; knowing it might have been presumptuous of him. They really had never talked about their problems. "Is this okay?" Mike asked.

"Absolutely." Christine answered. They spent the next several minutes kissing and then the next hour or so making love. Later, as they were trying to fall asleep, Christine began laughing.

"That does nothing for my self-confidence. You know I am at an age where I am concerned about my performance." Mike teased.

"Not that. No, your performance was stellar. I was laughing because at this rate, you won't be getting your hot breakfast." Christine said.

"Hot breakfast or…this?" Mike said as he indicated between them. Christine nodded before giving him a long kiss. "Definitely this. I'll eat a granola bar." Mike answered.

"How long do you think you'll be?" Christine asked.

"Hopefully, only a few weeks. I have to get things set up for the fleet and make sure we even have enough personnel for that many ships." Mike explained.

"And that cruise will be long." Christine remarked.

"It will take a while, yes. And as head of the Navy; I will be on it." Mike said as he rubbed his hands up and down Christine's bare arms.

"Maybe, when you land finally, we can meet you?" Christine said.

"I'd like that. Still working on those details. The original 'Great White Fleet' departed from Hampton Roads, Virginia on December 16th, 1907 and returned on February 22nd, 1909." Mike said.

"You and your history." Christine teased. Mike enjoyed reading military history books.

"Better than Moby Dick." Mike said.

"I suppose so. Mike…I love you." Christine said. She reached up and gave him another long kiss.

"I love you too." Mike answered. He kissed her forehead and tucked the blankets around her.

Mike knew it was a tough morning. He could hug and kiss Christine, Katie and the twins. When he got to Hannah, he struggled but finally just kissed her forehead.

"I love you, sweetheart. Please take care of yourself. Lean on your mom, okay?" Mike said softly. Hannah nodded but lowered her eyes. Mike and Christine exchanged a look before he walked out the front door.