Surprises
Chapter 2
Mike was stunned. The relationship was Maddie had been very short-lived. He couldn't get over Christine and she was several years younger than him and was looking for a different pace than he offered.
A kid was not on his radar, although he missed being a dad. He had taken Oliver back to his hotel room and smiled at the way the little boy settled on a chair with a toy car from his bag. There were a few outfits and a pair of pajamas in the bag, but otherwise it was toys, books and bath accessories as well as a folder with Oliver's pertinent paperwork.
"Oliver, are you hungry?" Mike asked.
"My tummy's empty." Oliver answered.
"Your mommy told me you didn't like peas. What about pizza?" Mike asked. He had forgotten 'kid-speak' as Christine had called it.
"I like pizza. With cheese." Oliver said. Mike was shocked at how clear his speech was.
"Okay. I'll order some." Mike answered.
"I gotta potty though!" Oliver said, suddenly looking around desperately for a bathroom. Mike grabbed his hand and led him into the bathroom. He helped Oliver with his clothing and onto the toilet, glad that he was already potty-trained. He gave him a bit of privacy until Oliver spoke again. "I'm done. What am I supposed to call you?" Oliver asked. Mike helped him off the toilet, fixed his clothing and helped him wash his hands.
"Daddy, I guess." Mike said. He was still wrapping his head around having that title again but he didn't want Oliver to not know what to call him. He was just afraid he'd get attached to Oliver and Maddie would take him away.
"Okay." Oliver said.
"We'll eat dinner, give you a bath and I'll read to you before bed." Mike explained.
"There's only one bed in here." Oliver remarked.
"Yeah. This isn't my house. I'll take you there tomorrow. Although we may have to bunk together for a day or so until I can get you a bed." Mike said. He found a nearby pizza place on his phone and called in his order.
"I hope Mommy comes to see me sometime." Oliver remarked.
"I bet she will. I'm sure she'll miss you a lot." Mike answered as he ruffled Oliver's hair.
"She was 'fraid that Seth would hurt me. He hit her a lot." Oliver said.
"I know, buddy. I saw the bruises. I told her I could help her. I gave her my number, so hopefully she calls me soon." Mike explained.
"When I get big; I'm gonna go back there and hit him. I might get as big as you." Oliver said.
"Hopefully by then, your mom will call me and I can help her so you don't have to. She'll be safe and so will you." Mike commented.
"I hope so." Oliver said. His toy caught his attention again, so while Mike waited on the pizza; he made alterations to his travel plans. He knew he could be frustrated at Maddie, but Oliver was a sweetheart and had confirmed that Maddie was in real trouble. He only wished he had been able to convince her to let him help her. Taking a chance that her cellphone number was the same and texting her might endanger her life, he texted her.
"Not sure if this is still your number. I have to go back to Florida tomorrow. Still in the Mayport area. I have friends here so if you need anything; call and I can get you help. I will take care of Oliver but know he already misses you. I will help you get out of whatever situation you are in, but please remember that Oliver needs you." Mike texted.
Maddie didn't text him back. He didn't expect her to. He just hoped that sending a text hadn't endangered her. Oliver needed his mommy.
Oliver ate a piece of pizza, helped Mike clean everything up. Mike gave him a bath and then put him to bed. While Mike read to him; Oliver snuggled into his side and was quickly asleep.
It had been many years since Mike had felt a sleeping child next to him. Oliver reminded him a lot of his dead children. Katie's wisdom, Hannah's innocence, and Lucas' honesty. As soon as Mike laid down next to him; Oliver cuddled even closer and wrapped his little arms around Mike, causing a wave of emotion.
It made him miss his older kids, but it also made him want to do better for Oliver and to get Maddie back to Oliver, safe and sound. Oliver deserved to have his mommy too. He and Maddie would just have to find a happy median where their little boy was concerned, because Mike would be a part of Oliver's life.