Surprises
Chapter 19
Mike was a little aggravated that Maddie had talked to Katie, but a little touched too. She meant it to help and had assured him that Katie said she had not been hurt. That she was simply missing her mom.
He was at a loss as to what to do about that. Hannah seemed upbeat and happy, but Katie was much quieter. She was harder to connect with but he was determined to try. He was a bit jealous because Maddie had already made that connection and he wasn't sure how. As he climbed into bed that night, as Maddie nursed the baby; he kept quiet.
"You're mad because I talked to Katie, aren't you?" Maddie asked.
"A little offput, yes. But mostly jealous that she said more than five words to you." Mike admitted.
"I was only trying to help and she didn't say many more than five words." Maddie told him. She handed him Gia while she adjusted her clothing.
"I get that. I just don't know how to connect with her." Mike remarked.
"I won't pretend to know your daughter better than you, but I think your key is Christine. She really misses her mom." Maddie said.
"Its been years." Mike said.
"Mike, I don't know what hell she's been through. For you, its been years since Christine died. You've moved on. For Katie, she finally doesn't have to worry about Hannah's safety, where the next meal is coming from or a roof over their heads. She can grieve. She can fall apart. And perhaps, that is what she needs to do. For her, it might as well have happened yesterday." Maddie said.
"Hannah seems okay." Mike remarked.
"Hannah was younger. I am sure there are going to be days she misses her mother, but perhaps she doesn't remember her so well. Was Christine and Katie close?" Maddie asked.
"Very. It was like Katie was Christine's mini me. Looks wise, Katie took after me, but personality wise, she was all Christine. Hannah was the opposite. Looks like Christine but is more like me." Mike said.
"Do you have any jewelry or pictures of Christine?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah, a few things." Mike said.
"You might try and give the girls both a little something. That might help." Maddie answered.
"I'm just ready for things to not be a landmine." Mike remarked.
"Give it time." Maddie told him. She leaned over and gave him a long kiss. "I'm sorry for pushing in. I just thought I might be able to help." Maddie said.
"It's alright. Don't worry about it. At least she's talking to one of us." Mike remarked.
"Mike; you're an amazing father. Husband too. She will come around. Just give her time and be supportive." Maddie said. She gave Mike another kiss before taking Gia and putting her in her bassinet. Mike held his arm up and Maddie laid her head on his chest. "I love this." Maddie said.
"Me too." Mike agreed. He gave Maddie another kiss and shut their bedroom light off. For him, the night was perfect even though he was conflicted.