Surprises
Chapter 10
Maddie stared at the ring late into the night. She had been shocked by Mike's proposal. At first, it angered her because she thought that he was taking advantage of her situation. Then she began wondering that if she accepted it, would she be taking advantage of Mike's grief.
Sleep didn't come easily and she woke up at eight, startled that Oliver hadn't woke her up like he usually did. She looked at the ring on her dresser and thought. She wanted to talk to Mike before she put it on, but then was shocked that they weren't in the living area.
She backed up and smiled when she looked into Mike's bedroom and saw him and Oliver sleeping next to each other. Oliver was cuddled close to Mike and had an arm thrown around Mike's stomach.
Maddie went into the kitchen and began cooking breakfast. It was storming and Mike and Oliver didn't come out of the bedroom until almost nine, just as Maddie was finishing breakfast. Nothing was said about the ring while they ate but there was an air of tension. Mike was washing dishes when Maddie came along side him to talk while Oliver was preoccupied.
"Mike…I…" Maddie started.
"Its okay. Forget I asked." Mike interrupted. Maddie reached over and shut the water off, then turned Mike to where he was facing her.
"Mike; the only reason I am hesitating is because I don't want to take advantage of you. You miss having a family, yes?" Maddie asked.
"Very much." Mike admitted.
"I don't want you to be five years down the road and regret it or to think I've involved you in my drama. You are making yourself responsible for a baby that you don't have to claim. It is a very sweet thing you are wanting to do, but I am just concerned about taking advantage of you." Maddie said.
"I want to do this." Mike said.
"If you are absolutely sure? I really am scared of resentment later on." Maddie asked.
"I am." Mike said.
"So…I hate to even bring it up, but…even once we marry, can we sleep separately? Seth did a number on me. I know you won't do the same but it'll be a while before I'm ready…" Maddie asked.
"Of course." Mike answered.
"Mike, I do appreciate this. Thank you." Maddie said. She leaned up and kissed Mike's cheek.
"You're welcome. For whatever its worth, we both loved each other once. I was scared to love again and couldn't admit it. Maybe we can get back to the point again." Mike said.
"Or maybe we can build something better." Maddie remarked.
"Perhaps so." Mike answered.
"Now, I'll go get the ring, if you'll put it on?" Maddie asked.
"Absolutely." Mike answered. Maddie went to her bedroom, grabbed the ring off of her dresser and then walked back into the kitchen.
It was almost romantic, if their arrangement was even slightly real. The ring was beautiful and Maddie loved it. She just hoped they were thinking through things clearly.