Surprises

Chapter 29

In the following month, Maddie had never been prouder of Mike. He worked so hard to rebuild a relationship with Katie. He sometimes got frustrated that he was so limited due to his recovery. Thankfully, Katie was fairly patient and was willing to work with it.

Maddie helped where she could. To her, it was beautiful to watch. It made her fall even more in love with Mike and it gave her a new respect for Katie. One night; Katie was washing dishes while Maddie got Mike settled and helped Hannah with baths for Oliver and Gia. She found Katie staring out the kitchen window.

"You okay?" Maddie asked.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking how different things are then even six months ago. Its warm in here. We have plenty of food." Katie said.

"Your dad and I are really glad to have you here too. I know its been rough but you and he are doing good, I think?" Maddie asked.

"I think so." Katie said.

"Good. He really loves you a lot." Maddie said.

"I'm figuring that out. He always seemed so distant. Now, I think some of it was me pushing him away." Katie admitted.

"That is a possibility. Your dad can be an intense person. I found after the fact that I wished I had never walked away. But your dad is a good man." Maddie said.

"One of the few good ones." Katie agreed.

"Katie; someday, you will find someone who will love you the way you deserve. Male or female. Until then, don't give up hope and lean on your dad. You can trust him." Maddie said.

"Its hard." Katie admitted.

"I know." Maddie agreed. She kissed Katie's temple before going back into the living area to help Hannah get Oliver to sleep. Once he gave Mike a hug and kiss, and Maddie tucked him in; Maddie gave Gia a bottle while Mike visited with Hannah and Katie, a routine they had fallen into. One Maddie loved.

There wasn't much about their routines that Maddie didn't love. Mike was recovering and recovering his relationship with Katie. There had been some breakthroughs in Katie's therapy too. Hannah was always happy go lucky and such a huge help with Oliver and Gia. And Oliver and Gia were growing like weeds.

That night as she climbed into bed she smiled at Mike. He still looked rough but was doing better every day. Maddie gave him a kiss and smiled at the way he was trying to get his leg readjusted.

"Your appointment is this week. Maybe they'll do an air cast." Maddie reminded him.

"Or no cast at all." Mike said.

"Don't push it." Maddie warned him.

"Yeah, I just hate being stuck in bed or my recliner so much. Especially as the weather gets nicer. I can't play outside with Oliver." Mike whined.

"You sound like Oliver when he's sick." Maddie complained.

"True. I am just ready. We are going to have to look for a bigger house though. Its only a matter of time before have Katie and Hannah fighting or we are ready for Gia to have a room of her own." Mike said.

"I hate they extra expense. I like this house too." Maddie said.

"We are fine and this house has outlived its usefulness. I suppose we could see about redoing it but that's a huge expense and we'd have to live elsewhere, because trust me, living in a construction zone with a baby is not wise." Mike said.

"Can we just look at our options? I know we need something bigger but I also love this house and I like the coziness." Maddie suggested.

"In the near future; coziness will become craziness but yes, we can look at options. Maybe talk to an architect to get drawings for this." Mike said.

"Thank you." Maddie answered. He gave her a long kiss.

"With lots of privacy for you and I." Mike added.

"Very soon." Maddie said, returning the kiss, just as Oliver came running back into their room.

"It thundered! Can I stay in here?" Oliver asked.

"Of course, sweetheart." Maddie said.

"I didn't hear any thunder." Mike remarked, even though he was helping Oliver settle.

"It was so loud." Oliver said.

"Sure, it was." Mike answered. Maddie slapped his arm gently but smiled at him. Oliver cuddled close to Mike and got comfortable. They all settled in and Maddie shut the light off.