The Recruit
Chapter 6
In many ways, it was like Mike had to relearn how to be a husband and father again. He was falling in love with Christine again and getting to know his daughters all over again. He and Christine went on their date and began putting a wish list together for the new house.
The President was opposing his retirement but Mike's commission was up the next month so he made the decision to burn his vacation time until that point and not re-up. Even the President couldn't stop that. Tom arrived back and took his class back over, but despite Mike taking vacation time, he would be overseeing the investigation as to what Commander Sanders' admission standards were after he assured the students in Katie's class that their place in the Academy would be honored.
Christine was concerned about money with buying a new house. She had always been the saver in their marriage and it stressed her to spend huge amounts of money, especially when Mike wanted to furnish whatever house they bought. It created another argument until he showed her his bank statement.
"Where did that all come from?" Christine asked.
"I have lived on the Navy's dime for years. What traveling I did do, they paid for. My food and lodging was paid for. I didn't have many expenses. And of course, there was a pay increase with becoming an Admiral. My point is, we will be fine. I could easily pay cash for the house if we don't max out our budget, or we can pay cash for the furniture. Possibly both." Mike said.
"I just feel bad that I'm not contributing much." Christine said.
"You are though. Honey, you will make whatever house we buy into the home we talked about. Where the girls want to come home to." Mike told her.
"Can…this sounds silly but can the master bedroom be downstairs? I know that maybe a tall order." Christine asked.
"Of course. That is a wise request." Mike answered. He kissed Christine and smiled at the way she melted into him. A thought occurred to him and he pulled away slightly. "We can make do here for a while and build a house. Find a nice piece of land and build exactly what we want. Your kitchen, the primary bedroom downstairs, the pool, everything. That might be easier for the realtor." Mike suggested.
"Maybe so. Somewhere a little secluded? But it would have to be close enough that Katie could come home." Christine added.
"I'll call the realtor." Mike said. He gave her another long kiss and grabbed his cellphone off the table. He could tell Christine was excited for the prospect of picking out exactly what she wanted.
"And slowly we can pick furniture up so its not such a big hit financially all at once. I won't feel so rushed." Christine said as she began fixing dinner.
"Absolutely. We can put it in storage if need be." Mike agreed. He made the call to the realtor, who was also much more excited about the prospect of finding a piece of land that suited the Slattery's, rather than an entire house.
The girls were also excited about having a say in the house. Katie was slightly more reserved because she wouldn't be in the house as much as Hannah, but she was excited for the pool Mike wanted and the seclusion Christine preferred.
School was rough for Katie and she was determined to succeed. Mike was even prouder of her. She was at the top of her class and was showing great potential and it wasn't because of him. But, despite not knowing her that well, he could tell something was on her mind. Christine was aware of it as well but couldn't figure it out. One night, he found Katie in her room, studying.
"Mom wanted to me to tell you that supper was almost ready. She and I would like you to eat with us tonight." Mike requested. Katie had began taking her meals in her bedroom so she could study.
"Okay." Katie answered.
"Katie, Mom and I can tell something is on your mind. We're worried about you. You know you don't have to stay in the Academy if you don't want to?" Mike asked.
"Its…not that. I want to stay in. I just don't know if I want to follow the command structure when I get out. I was thinking more about medical school. Get my commission but go to medical school after. I was afraid that might disappoint you." Katie said.
"The Navy needs good doctors. If that is the track you want to take, then by all means; go for it." Mike said. He was not disappointed at all. He was profoundly proud of Katie.
"I figured you would want me to be a captain or something?" Katie asked.
"If that isn't what you want, then no. Of course, you know you might be at sea at different times. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a doctor and it gives you career options when you get out. My degree is in mechanical engineering. Of course, I could find a job in the private sector but it would be much harder." Mike said.
"My adviser was wanting me to select a path and then said it was strange that I didn't follow in your footsteps." Katie remarked.
"Honey, I don't want you to. I want you to find your own path. I have no doubts that you might eclipse me. I just want you to do what's right for you." Mike said. He stood up and kissed the top of Katie's head. "Remember, supper downstairs. Your mom wants to see your face occasionally." Mike ordered before heading out downstairs. Hopefully, now Katie would not have so much on her mind.