Mistake
Chapter 12
Mike loved being settled. He loved watching Hannah and Billy adjusting. He loved sleeping in the same bed every night. The only thing that would have made it better was if Maddie was there more often. She did spend the weekends with him, but from Monday to Friday; he missed her.
He didn't want to push her away so he just welcomed her when she did walk in the door on Friday nights after work. The kids were always happy to see her and they would have Sarah for dinner Sunday afternoon so they got some time with her. Mike was beginning to think Maddie was pushing him away, especially when she texted him one Friday morning that she wouldn't be there that weekend.
He took the kids fishing and they played in the pool. Mike barbequed but Maddie was definitely missing and on Sunday, the kids were really missing Sarah. He thought about having Sarah come for dinner anyways, but she was Maddie's mom and he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.
The second week, Maddie called him to say that she had to help cater an event. It was very vague and the kids were practically beside themselves on Sunday. He finally texted Sarah and explained what was going on with the kids. He wasn't terribly shocked to open the front door an hour later, to find her.
"Hey. I was hoping you'd come over." Mike said.
"Yeah, of course. I should have thought of it sooner." Sarah remarked.
"Look; I don't want to put you in the middle but I am worried about Maddie. I have a feeling I moved too fast but she…I don't know." Mike admitted as he walked Sarah through the house.
"Mike; when Alex and Zoe died, something in Maddie broke. Of course, everyone lost someone. You know that all too well. But, in Maddie's case, she is terrified to put her heart on the line again. When she sensed that you and she were on the verge of something much more serious, she pulled back." Sarah explained.
"I am terrified of that too." Mike admitted.
"But you are more ready than she is." Sarah said.
"How do I get her there?" Mike asked.
"There is nothing you can do. Just be patient and be here when Maddie needs you. And she will." Sarah said.
"Is everything okay?" Mike asked, suddenly more worried.
"She hasn't told me if it's not. Now…the kids?" Sarah asked.
"I'll get them. Make yourself at home." Mike said. He headed upstairs and got Hannah and Billy.
The little boy, especially, was thrilled to see Sarah. They missed Maddie, of course. She ended up eating with them. Once she left and once the kids were in bed, Mike sent Maddie a text message.
"I just wanted you to know, I had your mom come out and see the kids. They were really missing her. They miss you too, of course. If you need anything at all, please call me. I do care about you and I know that scares you. It also scares me, but Christine would want me to be happy again. And I suspect that Alex would want the same for you." Mike texted.
He wasn't expecting a reply so he went to bed after locking the house up. It made him miss Maddie being next to him. The next day would be exhausting due to keeping Billy entertained while Hannah had tutoring and it always tested Mike's patience.