Surprises
Chapter 3
Mike smiled at Oliver who was looking out the window as they began taxiing down the tarmac. Mike had some serious misgivings about leaving without Maddie; knowing she was in danger.
"Once we start flying, your ears might start feeling funny. Just tell me, okay?" Mike said.
"Okay. I was hoping Mommy would meet us here." Oliver said.
"I know, son. I'm sorry. I was hoping she would too." Mike said. He could see the tears forming in Oliver's eyes and it broke his heart.
"I'm afraid I won't see her again." Oliver said.
"I will make sure you do." Mike answered, even though he had no idea how he was going to make that happen. He put an arm around Oliver and kissed the top of his head.
Within fifteen minutes, Oliver was asleep. Fortunately, he slept through most of the flight. Mike had had the forethought to call Kara Greene, knowing she'd have an extra booster seat and when they disembarked, Danny was there to help Mike install it in his truck. They lived across from Mike and Kara had already said she would babysit Oliver while Mike worked, although he was thinking about retiring so he could focus on raising his son.
Mike's house was far from being kid-friendly, and Oliver was still a toddler in many aspects, even though he was remarkably advanced in his speech and vocabulary. Fortunately, Kara had brought over some toys that Frankie had lost interest in and had told Mike she would help him set up a bedroom for Oliver.
He ended up ordering pizza again because he had no groceries. He needed to make a list but Oliver was requiring some attention due to being severely jet lagged and a little on the fussy side. Mike laid him down in bed, fully anticipating that once he fell asleep, he could start making lists. Oliver had other ideas.
"Mommy always stays with me 'til I sleep." Oliver said in a whiny voice.
"Okay." Mike said.
"I miss Mommy!" Oliver sobbed.
"I know you do." Mike answered. He was rubbing Oliver's back but finally just picked him up and held him. Eventually, Oliver cried himself to sleep but instead of leaving him alone, Mike laid him down and got ready for bed. As soon as he laid down, Oliver cuddled close.
Mike was worried about Oliver and was worried about Maddie. He had cared for her more than he wanted to admit. Perhaps they could have had a future but he still missed Christine and she wasn't ready to settle down. Except, it seemed that having a son had caused her to settle down anyway.
He fell asleep sooner than he figured and slept through the night, only waking up when Oliver woke him up to go to the bathroom. It struck Mike as he helped Oliver with his pajamas that if things had gone normally; his older kids would have been nearly grown. Now, he found himself with a two-year-old…and shockingly; he was perfectly fine with that, as long as Maddie reappeared back in Oliver's life.
Kara and Frankie appeared at nine am and she helped Mike compile a list while the two boys played on the floor. Without much thought, Mike left without telling Oliver goodbye. He hadn't even made it to his truck when Kara called him.
"You probably better come back in. Oliver is having a meltdown." Kara said.
"Be right there." Mike answered.
As soon as he walked back in; Oliver was hugging his leg. Mike picked him up and spent the next hour trying to calm the little boy. Kara and Frankie finally left when it became clear that Oliver wouldn't let Mike out of his sight. They had barely known each other forty-eight hours, but Mike suspected the separation anxiety had more to do with Maddie and less to do with him.
He was finally able to calm him enough to just take him shopping with him. Oliver helped him pick out clothes, toys, groceries and even furniture for his bedroom. Impulsively; Mike also ordered furniture for the guest room, along with purchasing a bedspread and a few other things; wanting it ready for Maddie for when she reappeared.
By the time they got back home, Oliver needed a nap. The furniture would be delivered the next day. Mike cooked dinner while Oliver's new clothes were in the washer. He was going to have to make a decision about retiring very quickly given Oliver's earlier meltdown. And for some reason, he was actually looking forward to retirement now.