Never Again, Again
Chapter 31
Mike looked at his computer screen, praying he was making the right decision. He hit the enter button, sending his resignation letter directly to the president. He knew his family may still reject him and Carly was just a small baby who needed love.
He hadn't discussed it with Christine. He probably should have, but as long as he stayed in; there would be a level of mistrust. And there was no chance with his older girls. He shut his laptop and stowed it away before finding Christine in the kitchen; trying to feed Carly.
"Here, let me? You're exhausted." Mike asked. He took the spoon and sat down across from Carly.
"She hates green beans. The only thing she's liked so far is the applesauce." Christine remarked.
"How did you get green beans on your face?" Mike asked. Christine was currently wiping a green substance from her face. Just then, Carly threw a handful of it at Mike. "Never mind." Mike said. Christine handed him the kitchen towel.
"I'm going to scramble her an egg." Christine said. Mike gave the baby a bite of applesauce and was glad that Carly didn't throw it at him.
"I thought she was ready for baby food." Mike remarked.
"I think she ready but she isn't loving the taste yet. She did take her entire bottle when I put rice in it." Christine said from the stove. Mike wiped the baby's face off and tried to get the green beans out of her hair.
"How do we get the green beans out of her hair?" Mike asked.
"She's getting a bath after she eats." Christine answered. She had finished cooking the eggs and was currently blowing on them. "While you feed her, I'll fix your breakfast." Christine offered.
"How about I feed and bathe her and you go up and lay down. I can take care of her." Mike said.
"Are you sure?" Christine asked.
"Positive." Mike answered. Christine bent down and kissed his forehead before giving Carly a kiss. Despite their very odd situation, Christine seemed to really love Carly and Carly seemed to adore Christine. After she went upstairs, Mike smiled at the baby. "You really like Chrissy, don't you?" Mike asked the baby. Carly just stuck her hand in some egg and spread it all over her face.
Mike was pretty sure Carly got more food on her, Mike and the surrounding floor then in her belly and he ended up just giving her a kitchen sink bath. He was a little surprised midway through when Katie appeared at his elbow. She handed him a towel and picked the baby up for him. He wrapped the towel around Carly and took her. Carly cuddled up close, apparently sleepy.
"Its hard to imagine what you were like when I was that size." Katie remarked.
"Carly actually reminds me a lot of you at this age. You loved to cuddle up too." Mike said.
"Where's Mom?" Katie asked.
"She didn't sleep well last night. She's upstairs napping." Mike said.
"I'm worried about her." Katie remarked.
"Me too, but she's through the worst part." Mike said.
"Dad…you can't leave. If you do, Mom will have a broken heart." Katie said.
"She already does, honey. I just can't leave again so she heals." Mike answered.
"So, are you?" Katie asked with her arms crossed over her chest. Mike's training as a detective told him that she was trying to create a barrier between him and her.
"Your mom does not know yet, but I turned in my resignation this morning. I'll have to do some finish work and some negotiations on benefits but I am done." Mike answered. He could tell Katie was a bit shocked.
"Seriously?" Katie asked.
"Yes, seriously, but please don't say anything to your mom until I've had a chance to talk to her. She deserves to hear it from me." Mike asked.
"Why?" Katie asked.
"Why you shouldn't tell her?" Mike asked for clarification.
"No, why retire now? I figured you were just dumping Carly off and would leave again." Katie clarified.
"Because I very nearly lost a woman who has done nothing but love me and take care of my children and home. She's never asked me for a single thing even though I know her strongest desire is for me to be home. Its time she has the one thing she's always wanted. And selfishly, I know if I go back out, I have no chance with you and Hannah. I want that." Mike said.
"Good answer." Katie remarked. Shockingly, she reached up and gave Mike a kiss on the cheek.
"I do love you kids. I know I haven't always shown it but I always have." Mike said.
"We love you too. Now; you probably better get her upstairs and into a diaper before she pees everywhere. She's almost asleep. I'll clean up." Katie remarked. Carly was nearly asleep with her head on Mike's shoulder, still wrapped in the towel.
"Yes, ma'am." Mike said. He kissed Katie's forehead before carrying the baby up the stairs. Thankfully, Christine was sound asleep so Mike quietly diapered Carly and put her in a sleeper.
"Mike?" Christine asked in a sleepy voice.
"Go back to sleep. I'm just putting Carly in her crib." Mike answered.
"Can you lay down with me?" Christine asked.
"I should go downstairs and help Katie clean." Mike said.
"Please?" Christine begged. Mike nodded at her before laying Carly down. He changed into a pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt. Naps at eleven am was not his thing but he didn't mind resting with Christine, since she needed it so badly. She put her head on his chest and was quickly back asleep. He had missed the opportunity to tell her he was retiring, but he actually didn't mind.
