Train of Thought
Chapter 3
Christine could tell Mike was becoming overly exhausted. After Tom and his kids left, Mike arranged the funeral for Tex Nolan and helped Kathleen come up with what she was going to do next. Fortunately, Christine and the kids were able to stay on the James while it was being navigated through the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi River to St. Louis.
One night, Mike came in as the kids were getting settled for bed. He was able to give Katie and Hannah goodnight kisses and even read Peter a story so Christine could shower in peace. She was walking out just as he was settling Peter in the middle of the bed.
"Sleepy-time." Mike told the little boy.
"He isn't going to love having his own bed." Christine remarked.
"I've been wondering about that." Mike replied.
"You okay? You seem off." Christine asked.
"I threw my back out again. I'm going to take a shower. See if that helps." Mike said. His back had been bad for years.
"Once you've showered; I can see about massaging it. That's helped in the past." Christine replied.
"Thanks." Mike answered before grabbing his pajama pants and boxers. Christine made sure Peter was settled down and the girls were asleep. Before she would have heated up a bit of lotion, but that wasn't a possibility now. Mike walked back in and Christine pointed at the bed.
"I moved Peter over. Lay down on your stomach. Where does it hurt?" Christine asked.
"Between the shoulder blades." Mike answered. Christine warmed her lotion up as much as she could with her hands and began massaging Mike's back. It had been awhile since she had done it and he was tense at first. Finally, she felt a pop and he groaned.
"Better?" Christine asked.
"Yes. Thank you." Mike answered.
"No problem. You'll smell like coconut lime though. It was all I had." Christine remarked. Mike had slowly sat up and was now sitting right next to Christine.
"Its alright. I appreciate you doing it." Mike said. Christine leaned over and kissed his temple and smiled at him.
"You've got another long day tomorrow. You should get some sleep." Christine said. He nodded and shut the light off.
"Good night." Mike answered. Christine gave him a kiss on the lips and settled next to him.
"Good night. Wake me up if it starts bothering you again." Christine said.
"'Kay." Mike answered in a drowsy tone. She turned on her side and pulled Peter close, not expecting for Mike to do the same thing with her and Peter both. It had been a long time since she had allowed him to hold her like this, but she was thankful he was still willing to.
They all slept throughout the night, even Mike; who was typically very restless. They would be in St. Louis by that night, but Christine didn't know the plans after that. She figured she and Mike would be living together. She hoped they would be sharing a bed when he was home. In the past week, she had found she had enjoyed having him so close.
At noon, he brought their lunches and even ate with them. The girls were starting to get cabin fever and would be glad to be off the ship that night. Peter would also be easier to handle.
"So, we will be in a hotel tonight. It's a nice one. I have had help getting a house. Couldn't be choosy but it's a nice house. It'll be ready in the morning." Mike explained as he helped Christine with their dishes.
"Anything is fine." Christine said.
"Its only four bedrooms." Mike remarked.
"One for Katie, one for Hannah, one for Peter and…oh." Christine said.
"Yeah. I can sleep on the couch if you would prefer?" Mike said.
"No. I've actually really enjoyed this." Christine answered.
"Me too. Granted, I will not mind not having a three-year-old in with us all the time." Mike admitted.
"He is going to take a bit of time to adjust." Christine warned.
"Oh, I know. Its fine." Mike answered. Mike had come up with some children's toys and the girls were putting a small puzzle together with Peter.
"Mike, thank you. I know you probably wanted something else." Christine said.
"This is exactly what I want. The only person I want more is Lucas but that can't happen. Peter is not replacement. He can't be, but he can be a fresh start." Mike answered.
"Thank you." Christine remarked.
"I'd better get to the bridge. I will come get you and the kids when its time." Mike told her.
"Alright. Be careful." Christine said before giving him a kiss.
"I will be. Love you guys." Mike said before leaving the stateroom or giving them a chance to answer.