Train of Thought
Chapter 5
Christine wondered around the house in total shock. It was by far the nicest place they had ever lived in with the nicest furniture, clothes in the closets and toys and books for the kids. Despite the lack of supplies plaguing the entire country, the pantry, deep freeze and two fridges—one in the kitchen and one in the pantry, were all full.
Unfortunately, Mike basically had been called away as soon as they walked in the door. Christine could tell he felt badly about it. She had hung up his uniforms and stowed away his books and certificates. She was unsure of what to do with the photos of Lucas, so until she and Mike decided jointly; she put them on her dresser.
It was almost seven before he made it home, and he was exhausted but sat and ate supper with the kids and Christine, helped with dishes while Christine bathed Peter and read him a bedtime story while Christine helped Hannah get ready for bed. Finally, once Peter was in his room with all the sports stuff, Katie in her eggplant purple bedroom, and Hannah in her pink room, Christine walked into the primary bedroom.
"I wasn't sure what to do with Lucas' photos." Christine admitted. She loved the primary bedroom. It was painted a dark gray but she loved the room.
"Yeah, I don't know either. I know we talked about that shower and bath being big enough for the both of us, but I went ahead and took my shower. I'm beat." Mike admitted.
"I figured you would. It's alright. I'm going to take mine and I'll be in to sleep." Christine told him. She kissed his cheek before grabbing a new nightgown. The shower was extremely luxurious to Christine and she thoroughly enjoyed getting to take her time. Mike was asleep when she climbed in next to him. He woke slightly when she cuddled close, but only wrapped her arms around him.
As expected, Peter crawled into bed with them about three am. Thankfully; Mike didn't seem to mind. Christine loved watching him and Peter interact and when she woke up, she was alone in the bed and sunlight was streaming through the windows. She threw a robe on and walked down the stairs, where Mike and the kids were fixing breakfast.
"Are those pancakes I smell?" Christine asked. Mike's one meal that he could cook. Otherwise, it was only on the grill.
"Yes. Katie is doing the scrambled eggs and bacon but you might help her out." Mike said.
"No problem." Christine said.
"Do you want yours to be shaped like Mickey Mouse?" Mike asked Peter.
"What's Mickey Mouse?" Peter asked.
"Oh boy." Mike remarked. He looked at Christine and she nodded.
"We'll show you soon." Hannah said. Christine smiled at her younger daughter.
Christine enjoyed the breakfast with her family, even if as soon as it was over; Mike had to change into a uniform and go into work on a Saturday. He was having to work far more then before, but hopefully it would even out.
Christine and the kids spent the day enjoying the backyard. When the weather warmed up, there was a pool. In the meantime; there was a nice swing set for Peter and plenty of area for Katie and Hannah to kick a soccer ball around in. Finally, about two Mike got home and greeted her with a kiss.
"Done for the day or just a late lunch?" Christine asked.
"Done but I could use a late lunch. Is there anything?" Mike asked.
"I made an extra sandwich. Will heat up some soup for you too. Can you push him on the swing?" Christine asked.
"You bet." Mike said. As soon as he took over, Peter let out a happy laugh.
"Watch it. He likes to go high up." Christine warned.
"And that's a bad thing?" Mike questioned.
"I suppose not." Christine said. She walked into the house and began heating up Mike's soup. It was going to be nice to have a house to get comfortable in again. She would like Mike to be there but she suspected he would be working a lot.
At least she and the kids were safe. The house was nice and there was plenty of food. Someday, Mike would tire of working. And Christine would just enjoy his presence when he was home.
He grilled hamburgers for them and she made roasted potatoes. Katie made a pie and they watched a movie. Peter fell asleep in Mike's lap and was carried into his bedroom. Mike and Christine were able to get Peter into his pajamas and into bed. Katie and Hannah were also ready to go to sleep, so after good night kisses, it was just Mike and Christine, and Mike was already getting ready for bed.
"Do you work tomorrow?" Christine asked as she walked into their bedroom.
"I actually am off. Supposedly, I am not supposed to be called." Mike said.
"Good. You do look tired." Christine remarked.
"So…we've not had much of a chance to talk. Do you like this house?" Mike asked.
"I love it." Christine answered.
"Good. So…I spoke with an attorney today on adopting Peter. We have to publicize for three weeks in two different publications. See if he has any family. From there, we can begin the process. I told him to go ahead. I assumed that was what you wanted?" Mike asked.
"It is, very much so." Christine answered.
"Good." Mike said.
"So, has the President given you an idea how long you'll be home for?" Christine asked.
"He thinks for a bit but he's not entirely sure. It'll depend on whatever the next emergency is." Mike said.
"Hopefully, no more emergencies." Christine remarked before giving Mike a long kiss. She threw her arms around his neck and his hands were on her hips. "Should we talk first?" Christine asked.
"I love you." Mike said simply.
"I love you too, despite all that I said and I'm sorry." Christine answered. Mike nodded in response.
"And I'm sorry too." Mike answered as he unbuttoned her blouse.
"I can see if I have anything sexier?" Christine offered.
"This is perfect. Do not change anything." Mike answered. She was untucking his shirt and he leaned over to lock their bedroom door.
"Hopefully, Peter sleeps well." Christine remarked.
"I agree." Mike said before giving her blouse a toss across the room. The rest of their clothes hit the floor and he helped her onto the bed.
"I've missed this." Christine said.
"Yeah, me too…but hey, I don't have any condoms?" Mike said.
"Its okay. After so long, I surely won't get pregnant." Christine remarked.
"I'm not so much worried about that. I told you about being a POW?" Mike asked.
"Briefly. And the transfusions? Rios tested everyone, correct?" Christine asked.
"He did." Mike said.
"Then I'm not worried." Christine said before pulling Mike down next to her. They made out for several minutes before they began making love. Christine had certainly missed this part of their relationship. It made her question why she had ever wanted their marriage to end.