The New Ship
Chapter 6
Those kisses. As the week progressed, Grace could think of little else. Mike had been busy in Norfolk, but he and Grace were in almost constant contact. Work was a slog for Grace but it seemed like the new ship would be named for Alicia Granderson and Carlton Burke. The crew was all for it and Grace was in the planning stages of announcing it to the media and having a formal presentation.
She had planned on a barbeque Saturday evening. Her parents wanted to meet Mike and the kids were excited for him to be there. For all intents and purposes, they were dating, even though they hadn't been on a date alone yet. It seemed that Mike missed family interactions.
He showed up with a new leotard for Liv and a basketball video game that Eli had mentioned. There was also a bouquet of flowers and bottle of wine. Mike and Grace's dad hit it off. Grace's dad, Rob, was also prior military, although he had been Army. It seemed that they enjoyed exchanging stories, cigars and barbeque tips. Grace went inside to help her mom with a salad.
"I like Mike. And the kids seem to really enjoy him." Mary remarked.
"He's good with them." Grace said.
"So, are you two dating or what?" Mary asked.
"We can't until the new ship is officially named." Grace said.
"Why? How long?" Mary asked.
"There will be a press conference later this week. Just looks better." Grace answered.
"But you don't have to. Is it because of Kent?" Mary questioned.
"Mike is not like Kent." Grace replied.
"No, nothing at all. But you are afraid to move on because of the sort of husband Kent was. He was always mentally abusive. I always thought he could have been physically abusive. My point is…don't dismiss Mike simply because of Kent. Think about the kids. They need someone like Mike…and so do you." Mary said as she tossed the salad.
"I don't even know what to expect dating." Grace admitted.
"Yeah, you and Kent really didn't date. You ended up pregnant with Lily and got married." Mary remarked.
"My point is—I don't know what to expect." Grace answered.
"I suppose it will be different since you are both are more mature and there are kids in the picture. Mike is going to have to figure out if he's falling in love with you or the fact that he would have an instant family." Mary said, always blunt and to the point.
"Mom, I don't think we're even close to that." Grace said. Mary pointed outside, through the French doors, where Mike was putting Liv's arm floaters on her.
"You sure about that? I never once seen Kent seem remotely interested in the kids, even Eli." Mary remarked.
"And yet, Eli idolizes him." Grace replied.
"Aside from your dad, he's had no other examples. I would guess if Mike sticks around and you let him stick around, Eli is going to have a lot more male role models. Just find what works for you all. This has to work for you, for Mike and for the kids. Now, let's take this out." Mary ordered before grabbing the salad dressings. Grace picked up the salad bowl and followed her out.
It was a really nice dinner. The kids kept it lively and Mike seemed to enjoy visiting with her parents, but also seemed to relate well to the kids. Because Grace was prior Navy, there was a connection between them. The next week would be a busy week with a press release and meeting with other members of the Nathan James crew, including with Tom Chandler.
Mike helped her wash everything up and even cuddled with Liv before she was supposed to be tucked into bed. It was nice to have help and Eli had gone upstairs to work on some homework. Grace decided to just bring up the subject of them dating, because she wasn't even sure.
"So…dumb question. What is this? Are we dating?" Grace asked as she handed Mike a wine glass to dry.
"I suppose we are, but I also suppose we are both at an age that dating looks different. With Christine, we were barely out of high school when we married. Dates included going out for pizza and movies. Maybe going bowling. Other that with the kids, that isn't an option anymore." Mike admitted.
"Yeah. I'm not crazy about pizza. My kids love it but its not a favorite." Grace said.
"And because of both of our positions, dating will look different. Dating might be things like this, more than being in public, if that's okay? I am an incredibly private person, and have only become more private in the past few years." Mike said.
"I am too. I am a home-body and haven't quite adjusted to the media attention." Grace admitted.
"Me either. Fortunately, I am not the media darling that some of the crew is, so I'm safe." Mike said with a smile.
"The media wants me to be a darling. I'm not. Proof positive was the interview I did when the reporter asked about gun control. It didn't go well, but it is humorous." Grace remarked.
"I may have to look that up." Mike answered after he dried the last dish and Grace pointed out where it went.
"What's your plan for tomorrow?" Grace asked.
"I asked your mom if she'd look after the kids so we could do something. Just not sure what." Mike answered.
"How about we go and figure it out when we get there?" Grace asked.
"Perfect." Mike answered. He leaned down and gave her a long kiss. Another one of 'those kisses.'
He left soon after, and Grace checked on both kids before settling in for bed herself. As new as the relationship was, she was already looking forward to it becoming more serious. Grace only knew, even she got lonely sometimes and she had people, unlike Mike.