The Recruit
Chapter 9
Mike chuckled as he watched the young cadet running with Katie. He helped Mike out since he didn't want to run himself. He had actually spoken with Senator Smith that morning so he was not shocked to see Ian Smith chumming up to Katie, even if she was resistant.
He headed home where Christine was waiting dinner on him and Katie. She walked in thirty minutes later, obviously exhausted. She gave them a weak smile before washing her hands and face. Katie sat down a moment later and smiled at the fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
"My favorite?" Katie asked.
"Yes. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, white gravy, creamed corn, rolls, salad and a chocolate cake for dessert." Christine answered with a smile.
"Its not her birthday…ouch, Dad!" Hannah exclaimed when Mike kicked her under the table.
"That doesn't matter. There will be times I fix your favorite meal just because." Christine answered. Truthfully, he had asked Christine to make the meal and even had to help her a bit to make it happen. He just thought Katie needed the pick-me-up.
"Thank you, Mom." Katie said as she dished up her plate.
"It was actually your dad's idea and he helped me." Christine answered.
"And it tastes okay?" Hannah asked her older sister.
"Its really good." Katie said.
"I can peel potatoes." Mike deadpanned to his younger daughter.
"He was a big help." Christine told Hannah. Mike smiled at both daughters, thinking about how different they were. Katie was serious, studious, loyal and quiet. Hannah was a mess. Her grades had already caused a few arguments. Her bedroom was a disaster and she was a clothes horse, but she was hilarious and joyful. She had asked Mike the week before if she could have a tattoo if they went together. She got a firm no, but Mike would relent when she turned eighteen.
Both girls helped clean the kitchen up and Katie even watched a movie with them that night instead of going upstairs to study. It made Mike happy to have them both close and to have Christine sleeping on his shoulder. For so many years alone, having Christine and the girls with him was amazing.
They went to bed and Mike did some planning while he waited to fall asleep. Thankfully, Christine had no problem sleeping. He wanted to take the girls and her on a vacation that year but he wasn't sure where to. Katie would have a two-week break. And he needed to talk to Christine, who now had her head on his chest.
"Trouble sleeping?" Christine asked.
"A little. Sorry I woke you." Mike answered.
"Its fine. What's on your mind?" Christine asked as she turned to him.
"Nothing bad. I was just thinking about a vacation this year. I just wasn't sure where to." Mike said. He rubbed Christine's bare arms, knowing she was cold.
"Mike; you do not have to buy our love. We do not need vacations and clothes. We just need you." Christine said.
"I just want us together for a week, where we aren't thinking about work or the Academy or school, or whatever Hannah thinks about." Mike told her.
"Hannah thinks about boys, clothes, jewelry, her phone, and how to aggravate you." Christine teased.
"She succeeds." Mike remarked as he kissed Christine's shoulder.
"And you love every minute of it." Christine answered. She raised up and took the nightgown off, surprising Mike slightly. She was a bit self-conscious, even though she didn't need to be. "Thought this might help you sleep." Christine remarked.
"Or not." Mike said as he kissed down her neck.
"Are you complaining?" Christine asked.
"Absolutely not." Mike answered. Christine laughed and pushed him onto his back. He loved when she took charge and was always happy to let her do it.
A few hours later, Christine was asleep on his chest and Mike smiled down at her. He was glad things had gone as well as it had. Their marriage was not in good shape before but things seemed to just be sit aside now and he couldn't have been happier about that. At some point though, it would all have to be discussed.