Surprises
Chapter 11
Maddie didn't want a large wedding and Mike was happy to comply. They went to the courthouse where the justice-of-peace married them. Oliver, Tom and Sasha were the only guests there.
Kara and Danny hosted a reception for all their friends. It was a nice gathering and a bit of a reunion for the crew. They finally left with Mike carrying the sleeping Oliver back to their house and he was quickly settled into his bed.
"Its funny how fast he falls asleep." Mike remarked as they watched Oliver sleeping, standing at the door.
"He's always been a good sleeper." Maddie replied.
"But he sure loves his cuddle time in the middle of the night." Mike said.
"I'm hoping this baby is as much of a cuddler." Maddie said as they stepped into the hallway.
"Me too. Is it wrong that I am hoping for a girl?" Mike asked.
"I figured you would be wanting a boy?" Maddie said. They had walked into the kitchen and she began fixing her cup of tea.
"I have one. No, I always enjoyed the girls too. Hannah was a cuddler. Katie was a bit pricklier but even she would climb up my lap when she was little and would have me read to her. Even as she got older, she would randomly hug me. At times it would irritate me but now I wish I had treasured those hugs a bit more." Mike remarked.
"I'm sure she knew you loved her." Maddie replied.
"I hope." Mike answered.
"Mike; I really do appreciate what you're doing. You are taking a lot of responsibilities on with very little benefit to you." Maddie said.
"I suppose I am still hoping that you and I can have a normal marriage someday and I get a new baby to love, boy or girl." Mike said. Maddie smiled before reaching up and stroking his cheek.
"I'm sure we will." Maddie answered. He kissed her forehead and pulled her close. He was a little shocked that Maddie put her face into his neck and hung onto him.
"This is nice." Mike remarked.
"Mmm-hmm." Maddie said.
"Hey, we can do this anytime." Mike told her.
"Thank you, Mike." Maddie answered before giving him a long kiss. It surprised him but she finally pulled away.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have…" Mike started.
"It was me." Maddie said. She fixed her tea and walked into her bedroom, leaving Mike to his own devices which led him back to when he and Maddie were together.
"Mike, I have a friend's wedding to go to this weekend. Can you be my plus one?" Maddie asked as they got ready for bed.
"I hate that kind of stuff." Mike answered.
"Its free alcohol." Maddie said.
"I just hate weddings." Mike told her. Maddie looked at him for a moment and then nodded.
"Because everyone is happy. It reminds you of a time where you were happy." Maddie remarked.
"Please don't psychoanalyze me." Mike replied as he climbed into bed.
"Mike, its just a weekend. It can be nice. Two hours at the wedding and reception. It's a vineyard. I've already gotten a room. I don't want to go by myself. Then, we can get up early Sunday and head home." Maddie said.
"Leave after work on Friday?" Mike asked.
"That was my plan." Maddie said.
"I'll think about it." Mike answered. Maddie settled next to him and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"Thank you." Maddie answered.
Mike had gone with Maddie that weekend, and he was pretty sure that Oliver had been conceived then. Someday, he would ask. He locked the doors and looked in at Oliver, who was sound asleep. Now, Mike was glad he had gone to that wedding, even if Maddie and he split a week or so later.
Mike settled into bed, already wishing he wasn't alone. Maddie wasn't ready, and he wouldn't pressure her. He would just have to prove to her that she was safe with him, even though he didn't have that great of a track record. At least he had never beat on her.