Father's Day Blues
"It was the appointment last week that you missed because of your lunch with Russ when he was in town. The nurse let it slip that the baby was a girl. I wasn't sure how to even celebrate Father's Day, but felt you needed something." Maddie explained as Mike held the little onesie that said 'Daddy's Little Girl' on it.
"Thank you. I can't wait for next year. Father's Day is rough." Mike admitted. It was particularly emotional. It would have been regardless of the baby's gender. He missed his kids. He knew the new baby wouldn't help that but she would make him smile when he was hurting.
"Mike, I really don't know how to help you. I wish I did." Maddie admitted.
"You are. Just being here helps. Next year will be better." Mike replied. He squeezed Maddie's hand and gave her a kiss. She cuddled into his chest and he held onto her for quite a while.
"This little girl is going to be incredibly blessed to have you as her daddy." Maddie said. Just then, the doorbell rang. "Were we expecting someone?" Maddie asked.
"Not that I know of." Mike said as he got up to answer the door. On the other side, Kara was standing on the porch with Frankie, who had a gift bag in his hand.
"Since Danny is away right now, Frankie wanted to get you a little something." Kara said. Aaliyah was on her hip and waved at Mike. He waved at her and then knelt down next to Frankie.
"Thank you, Son. I bet you're missing your dad, aren't you?" Mike asked Frankie.
"A little." Frankie admitted.
"I'm sure he misses you too. What'd you get me?" Mike asked as he took the bag.
"I signed Frankie up for Little League, thinking His mission has been extended indefinitely and Frankie is struggling. Miller offered to help but it's a lot for him. Frankie is hoping you'd help him." Kara explained as Mike pulled a new ball glove and baseball out.
"Please?" Frankie asked.
"Of course. Kara, if you'd like to visit with Maddie? She's inside." Mike said as he stood up and let Kara into the house. He took Frankie's hand and led him to his backyard and began teaching him the basics of catching. He would have to do some work with the bat, but Mike thoroughly enjoyed the time with Frankie and shockingly, when they finally went back inside; Maddie and Kara had fixed dinner for all of them.
Mike thoroughly enjoyed the evening with Frankie, Kara, Maddie and Aaliyah. It had been kind of a low day all day for him, but his visitors gave him a reason to smile and laugh. The next year, he would have his new baby girl there. It made him able to bear his losses a bit easier.
Maddie crawled into bed with him that night and gave him a long kiss. He could feel the baby kicking and it made him smile. The kicks made it seem so much more real. He wrapped his arms around Maddie and smiled into her hair.
"I thought of a name for the baby." Mike said.
"What's that?" Maddie asked.
"Hope Elizabeth. Hope because she gives me hope and Elizabeth was my mom's middle name. I know it seems kind of corny but seeing your belly growing and feeling these kicks makes it seem so real." Mike explained.
"I love it." Maddie answered.
"And I love you. Thank you." Mike said. He had a feeling that Kara and Maddie had orchestrated the whole evening but he didn't mind. Frankie always made Mike feel better and Aaliyah was so sweet.
"Your welcome. Hope and I love you too." Maddie said before giving him another kiss and settling in. She was quickly asleep and Mike felt himself getting tired as well.