The New Ship
Chapter 13
Mike was glad that the kids were out of school. It gave him and Grace something other than Lily and Hannah to think about. Both Eli and Liv seemed to understand that both Mike and Grace were hurting and Liv, especially, was more affectionate. While Grace fixed dinner with Eli's help, Liv crawled up next to Mike.
"Momma said you are going to Texas with us. I'm glad." Liv remarked.
"I am too. I would have missed you." Mike replied.
"My momma loves you…but its a secret so ssh!" Liv said.
"Want another secret?" Mike asked with a smile down at the little girl.
"Yeah!" Liv answered.
"I love her too. And you guys too." Mike answered with a smile.
"We love you too…but that's not a secret." Liv answered. Mike kissed the top of her head and smiled over at Grace and Eli.
He wondered about the conversation he and Grace had had the night before. He had never given having another child any thought. He adored Eli and Liv and would happily adopt them if Grace allowed it. He also knew they hadn't been 'dating' for long but he was thinking about asking her to marry him.
That night; Mike walked in to find Grace packing. They would be leaving for Texas in two days. She had sat down on the bed and was looking at a small onesie on her lap. Given the tears rolling down her cheeks; it was Lily's.
"Lily's?" Mike asked gently.
"Yeah. I only have a few of her things. I found it in my closet tonight." Grace said as she wiped the tears away.
"You really miss her." Mike remarked as he sat down next to her.
"I…do miss her but more than that…Lily only knew unhappy times. She was old enough to know my marriage to Kent was in trouble and he was not…pleasant to her. He was constantly belittling her. She was constantly seeking his approval and love. And she never got it. I watch you with Eli and Liv and I wish she had had that. She deserved it." Grace explained.
"Well…she might have wondered about her dad but I suspect she never wondered about you." Mike replied.
"You don't talk much about your kids." Grace remarked.
"Honestly–it hurts. I hope someday that I get to the point that I think of them and smile, but I'm not there yet. I think retirement is forcing me to face it." Mike said.
"And here I am talking about my one daughter and you've lost so much…" Grace started.
"Don't downplay your grief for your daughter on my account. We both have lost. My loss is not more than your loss." Mike said. Grace leaned over and gave him a kiss.
"I think I just want to sleep. We'll pack tomorrow." Grace replied before give Mike a kiss and standing up.
"Sounds good." Mike agreed. He helped Grace cleaned the bed off and then changed into his pajamas. As soon as they laid down, she cuddled as close as possible.
"Mike, thank you and I love you." Grace said.
"I love you too and thank you for making this bearable. You and the kids have been wonderful." Mike answered. He kissed her forehead and smiled down at her. He was glad he was the one showing Grace a true love for the first time in her adult life. He couldn't erase the damage her first husband had done but he could make her happy again.
