Train of Thought
Chapter 4
Christine stretched in the large king-sized bed. Granted, Peter was also stretched out but it was a much larger bed then the one in Mike's stateroom. She could definitely get used to the big bed. On Peter's other side; Mike was sound asleep.
What surprised her was that Peter was also draped across Mike. Fortunately, Peter looked nothing like Lucas, but he was all little boy. Lucas had loved dinosaurs even as when he was Peter's age. Peter seemed more interested in sports, but he also really loved mechanical things and puzzles. Christine hoped that their new house would have a backyard for Peter and Hannah.
"What are you thinking about?" Mike asked quietly.
"I was hoping the house would have a yard for him and Hannah to play in." Christine answered.
"It has. I don't know much but the house but it's a house for a family. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths. Big kitchen. The living, kitchen and dining room are open to each other. It has a mudroom. The mudroom, laundry room and pantry are kind of connected." Mike explained.
"I can't wait to see it." Christine said.
"The primary is really nice too. You'll love the closet. Big walk in. Bathroom is nice too. It has one of those big bathtubs like you like. Nice shower with a bench too. Two sinks. Enough room to do your make-up. In the closet…it has an island. I guess to put jewelry or something in." Mike continued.
"Sounds nice. Expensive." Christine said.
"Well, the house market is bust." Mike answered.
"Or…you know you're gonna be gone a lot and you want to set the girls, Peter and I up." Christine remarked.
"A bit and I want somewhere nice to come home to when its time to come home." Mike admitted. Christine leaned over Peter and gave Mike a kiss.
"I hope its often." Christine answered. She knew she and Mike needed to talk about that last fight. Hell, all of them. But with a little boy between them, and Katie and Hannah close by; it wasn't the right time.
"As often as I possibly can." Mike said.
"I wonder if the girls would notice if we carried him in and laid him down with them?" Christine remarked as she brushed her hand through Peter's red curls.
"Probably. He would just come back in with us anyways. We'll have time once we get into the house to talk." Mike said.
"I wasn't thinking about talking." Christine said before giving him another kiss.
"Ah. Its been a while since you've been interested in that." Mike replied.
"Too long. Mike; we do need to talk. I agree, but this is probably the worst place in the world to do either thing. I just hope we have time once we get settled." Christine remarked.
"I do too, but as soon as I see that you and the kids are settled, I will be at work trying to get the Navy going again and the government is in shambles." Mike replied.
"With Tom leaving, where does that leave you?" Christine asked.
"Not sure. President Oliver wants to meet with me as soon as the kids and you are settled in. Tom was essentially CNO, but that doesn't mean I will be." Mike explained.
"You are too hard on yourself. Who else would be? Who would want it?" Christine asked.
"Joe Meylan might." Mike answered.
"I like Captain Meylan but I think you're the better choice for it." Christine said.
"You are also biased. Joe is a good man." Mike said.
"Mmm. Perhaps so. So, this house. You said that it had a bathtub and a big shower. Big enough for two?" Christine asked mischievously.
"I believe so. Throwback to our honeymoon?" Mike asked quietly.
"Yes. Then we had Katie and were both too busy." Christine remarked.
"Well, now; we have older girls who don't mind helping with Peter." Mike said.
"Yeah but they would probably take issue with us spending hours in the bathroom together." Christine pointed out. She let out a yawn and Mike pulled her and Peter that much closer.
"Get some rest. We'll be in the house tomorrow night." Mike told her before kissing her forehead.
He actually fell asleep before Christine and as she waited to fall asleep, she smiled, because at first glance, Peter could have easily been Mike's son; with the red curls. Katie was the one who most closely resembled Mike but her hair had turned into a dirty blonde, much to her disgust. Funny how fate worked.