The New Ship
Chapter 16
Mike loved being in Texas with the kids and Grace. He felt at home and he enjoyed all the various things they did. Most were political in nature, but Grace made appearances at nursing homes, hospitals, schools, law enforcement offices, and community events. She blended into everything.
A few people recognized Mike but the people in Texas were so polite; they never said a word. Mike was used to being in the shadows and it suited him just fine. He was completely and totally fine keeping the kids entertained while Grace was in the spotlight.
He had talked to Eli, who was thrilled for Mike to marry Grace. Eli had even helped Mike find the perfect ring. A princess-cut diamond with turquoise baguettes on either side, set in rose gold. Grace loved it. Mike had also spoken with Rob, Grace's dad and gotten his blessing. One night; Mike was tucking Liv into bed while Grace did a phone interview with a local news program. Liv gave a big yawn and smiled at him.
"Mama said you miss your little girls alot." Liv remarked.
"I do." Mike replied. He wondered what point Liv was making.
"Do…you want me to be your little girl?" Liv asked.
"You mean…adopt you?" Mike asked.
"Is that what its called?" Liv retorted.
"Liv, I love you and your brother very much and I would happily adopt you, if your mom was okay with it. And if your brother was okay with it. He misses your dad alot." Mike said.
"I don't remember him." Liv remarked.
"I know, honey. How about this…let me talk to your mom and brother about it first." Mike said.
"Do you think they'll say yes?" Liv asked.
"Maybe. Just know, I love you all." Mike answered. He kissed Liv's forehead and tucked the covers around her.
"We love you too, Daddy." Liv said. It made Mike smile. He hadn't been called that in over five years. He kissed Liv again and shut her light off before heading to the bedroom he and Grace shared. Eli was already asleep and Mike showered before settling into bed. He grabbed his wallet off the bedside table and found the photo he kept inside it, with his kids and Christine. Seeing the photo made him miss them, but for the first time in many years; he knew he was going to be okay.
A half hour later; Grace came in. She changed and settled next to Mike. He hesitated telling her about Liv's request, but it was only right to tell her so she wasn't blindsighted. He leaned over and kissed her, and looked at the schedule she was looking over.
"What tomorrow?" Mike asked.
"Actually, nothing official. I pick Mom and Dad up at the airport and then the next day; Mom, Liv and I are going wedding shopping." Grace said.
"Good…so about Liv…she asked me tonight if I wanted her to be my little girl. She meant adoption. I told her I would have to talk to you and Eli about it. I figured he would be on the fence. Before I left the room; she said she loved me." Mike explained.
"You say that like its a bad thing." Grace remarked.
"Its not. I love Liv and Eli." Mike said.
"Mike–I don't know how I feel about this. I know you love me and you love the kids. Marrying you…everything I have becomes yours and vice versa, but I have alot more skin in the game." Grace started.
"Your career…" Mike started.
"My kids is what I was actually talking about." Grace replied.
"You're worried I'll hurt or disappoint them?" Mike asked.
"Yes…Kent always…" Grace started.
"Look; I know he hurt you and the kids. I get that and no relationship is perfect. But I am not anything like you describe him. I won't hurt you or those kids, that is a promise." Mike interrupted. He didn't like how the conversation was going.
"He always said that too." Grace replied.
"Grace, I love you. I hate what has happened to you. I understand if you want to hold off on talk of me adopting the kids. At this rate; I am wondering if you want to hold off on the whole wedding until you can decide if you're going to trust me." Mike said as he got back out of the bed.
"Where are you going?" Grace asked.
"I am going to sleep in the living room." Mike answered. He bent down and kissed her forehead before grabbing his pillow and walking out of the room. It would be a sleepless night for him at least.