Train of Thought

Chapter 13

Christine smiled at how Hannah was cuddled up against Mike. They were sitting in the living room; watching a movie. While Hannah was thrilled to see Katie, she was practically glued to Mike's side. And he didn't seem to mind in the least.

After helping Katie shower, Christine helped her settle into her room. Mike tucked Piper and Peter into bed and visited with Hannah for a while. Christine could understand why Mike had been so broken up about Katie's injuries. It was hard to see. Even though Katie was eighteen, Christine tucked the blankets around her.

"I found Piper's baby monitor. If you need Dad or I, just holler. We'll hear you." Christine said as she pointed to the nightstand.

"My bed feels so good." Katie remarked.

"Good. I changed the sheets and aired everything out yesterday. If you want something changed…" Christine started.

"Mom-all I've thought about the last year was getting to come home and sleep in my own room." Katie replied.

"I thought you might want to redecorate it." Christine remarked.

"Nah. Not right now. Maybe later. Right now, I am just glad nothing changed in here." Katie replied.

"We were all in a holding pattern." Christine said just as Mike came to the bedroom door.

"All settled?" Mike asked as he stepped in.

"Yeah." Katie said with a smile. He leaned down and kissed the top of Katie's head.

"I have Piper's baby monitor in here so we can hear her if she needs us." Christine said.

"Good. I was worried about that." Mike answered.

"Are the kids asleep?" Katie asked.

"Yes. Hannah fell asleep a few minutes ago and the younger kids have been for a bit." Mike answered.

"Good." Katie answered.

"Alright. You ready to sleep?" Christine asked, seeing that Katie was fading fast.

"Yeah." Katie answered. Christine gave her a kiss and smiled as Mike bent down and kissed the top of Katie's head again.

"I love you, sweetheart. Wake us up if you need us, okay?" Mike requested.

"I love you both too." Katie replied.

"Love you. Night." Christine said. She shut the light off and followed Mike out of the room.

"I locked everything down and shut all the lights off. I assumed you were done?" Mike asked.

"I am." Christine answered. They walked into the primary bedroom and Christine pulled her pajamas out of her dresser.

"I know I napped most of the afternoon, but I am beat." Mike admitted.

"Go ahead and lay down. I'll just take my shower and will settle. Don't wait up for me." Christine answered. She stopped Mike long enough to give him a kiss and then patted his cheek. There was some awkwardness between them, mostly due to Christine nearly filing for divorce. They would have to talk about it a bit more but for now; they had to get Katie healed. The emotional scars that both Mike and Christine carried would last for a while longer.

After showering, Christine settled in next to Mike. He was already sound asleep. In his sleep, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Christine was not shocked when his eyes opened and he gave her a soft kiss. The kisses were becoming more and more intense and Christine knew they should wait, but Mike was an emotional mess. She felt the need to comfort him, even if only physically. Against her better judgement, they began making love. It was slow and lazy, but also intense. Afterwards, Mike was still holding her and kissed her forehead.

"I was so scared I was going to lose you. I don't know if I could have handled it." Mike said.

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way." Christine answered.

"I don't blame you for it. Me not coming home was a lot to ask of you. I guess I didn't realize how badly I was needed until I talked to Hannah. I was only thinking about me. That I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to Katie. I didn't think about what was going on at home." Mike admitted.

"I should have been more understanding. Not…had those papers drawn up." Christine remarked.

"Once Katie is stronger, I would like to take a weekend away. You and me. I think we need it." Mike said.

"I think that could be arranged." Christine said as she cuddled close.

"I am going to retire." Mike said. Christine raised up and looked at him in surprise.

"Mike, don't rush the decision. You've only been home twelve hours." Christine warned.

"Piper is terrified of me. I know she'll adjust but only if I am here. Peter wants to play Little League and I need to coach his team. Hannah…Hannah needs a lot right now. She was really the driving factor. She blames herself. Thinks if Katie hadn't been on her way to pick her up, Katie wouldn't be in the shape she is now. She can't carry that kind of guilt and pain. While you are an amazing mother, I understand the guilt. I need to be home to help her." Mike explained.

"You're also afraid that if you leave again, I will go through with the divorce?" Christine asked.

"And I couldn't blame you." Mike answered.

"Just please think about it. You love your career…" Christine started.

"But I love this family far more. I haven't always been good at showing it. My kids need me home. And you want me at home." Mike answered.

"I need you here too. I just want you to be sure." Christine replied before giving Mike a kiss.

"I am, but I will give it a couple days before I send the letter." Mike answered.

"That will work. I love you, Mike. I hope you know that? My having those papers drawn up didn't stop me from loving you." Christine replied.

"It was the wake up call that I needed. I love you." Mike admitted.

"We had better sleep. Katie might need us through the night." Christine remarked.

"Yeah." Mike answered before pulling her onto his chest and wrapping them both up with the blanket. Within just a few minutes, they had both fallen asleep in each other's arms.