Concentration
Chapter 15-1 Year Later
Mike was shocked just how well 'his girls' had done. Christine and he were much happier. Katie had started online college courses and was dating Staff Sargeant Peter Adams, the young Marine who had found them in the concentration camp.
Christine was home schooling Hannah and tutoring a neighbor kid who needed help with his history and English. She didn't need to work but the tutoring gave her a little bit of cash of her own; although she typically handed it to Mike.
Mike was enjoying retirement. He had taken up surfing, golf and was coaching a Little League team. He and Christine had also made the decision to be foster parents and a week after their class was finished, a caseworker brought a three week old baby boy named Liam for them to foster. He had been abandoned and Mike could tell Christine adored Liam.
"So; I spoke with an attorney today." Mike said as they got ready for bed. Liam was asleep in his crib and Christine was going over lesson plans in bed.
"Oh?" Christine asked as she adjusted her reading glasses.
"About Liam. To start the process to adopt him…unless you don't want to?" Mike asked.
"I…didn't want to ask. I knew adoption is expensive." Christine admitted. She looked over at Liam's crib and smiled.
"Through foster care, it isn't quite so expensive. I just can't imagine us giving Liam up at this point." Mike said.
"But if his mom ever wants him back?" Christine asked. Liam's biological mother was younger than Katie and had abandoned him at the hospital.
"I spoke with the caseworker. They are in the process of terminating her rights and she won't say who the biological dad is so they don't have a way to reach him. He's ours for the taking." Mike explained.
"Do you want to adopt him? This can't be all about me." Christine asked.
"I do. He can't replace Lucas but he has his own place in this family." Mike said. Christine sat her notebook to the side and gave him a long kiss.
"I love you." Christine said.
"I love you too." Mike answered.
One Year Later
Liam's adoption had gone without a hitch and he was legally Mike and Christine's son, just in time for them to take in another baby, Grace. She would probably be adopted too. It also was in time for Katie's wedding to Peter Adams.
Peter had gotten his degree in Architecture while in the Marines and had a job in Orlando; close enough that he and Katie visited frequently. Katie was also working for a degree in interior design.
Hannah was a home body and was not interested in leaving for college. She was a great help with Liam and Grace and Daisy was her constant companion. She was happy and that was all that mattered to Mike and Christine.
They were doing exceptionally well. Liam and Grace kept them busy and focused on the day to day. It helped Christine get through what she needed to and kept Mike from focusing on the guilt he felt. It had all become mind over matter.
Thanks for the reviews!