The New Ship
Chapter 11
Mike could tell something was on Grace's mind and he suspected that she was wanting to slow down a bit. He hoped not but he also knew she had kids and her career to think about. That night as they got ready for bed, Mike brought it up.
"Eli mentioned today that once school was out, you all would go back to Texas for a few months?" Mike asked.
"Yes. I have to and I like to. I don't want to be out of touch from my constituents. Plus, it gives my parents a break. I think they are planning on going on an Alaskan cruise." Grace answered as she read the cover of a book. Mike had settled into bed and Grace climbed in next to him.
"So, you'll be all over the state?" Mike asked.
"I can get my itinerary if you want it. You are welcome to join us at any point." Grace offered.
"How about every point?" MIke asked. Grace dropped the book in response.
"You have work?" Grace asked.
"I probably should have told you…discussed it, I guess. I put in my retirement yesterday. My commission was up and it…seems right." Mike said.
"You don't seem to be struggling with it." Grace remarked.
"No. It honestly didn't seem to bother me." Mike answered.
"Why? You love your career. You are well-respected." Grace asked.
"Because I care about you and the kids and I have already sacrificed a wife and three children to my career. I will not do that again." Mike answered.
"I just hope you're sure. Its a big step and I don't want you to resent the kids or I." Grace replied.
"It was time." Mike answered.
"Mike, we care about you too. I was just concerned we were moving so fast. What happens if we don't work out? My kids are so attached to you."
"Eli asked me the same thing. I honestly didn't have an answer for him. But for you…I hope we do. Not just because of the kids. I had to answer if I cared about your kids simply because I missed my own. And I do care about Liv and Eli…very deeply, but they can't make me miss my own less." Mike answered.
"That is what I needed to hear." Grace answered before giving Mike a kiss.
"I also care about you. After Christine, I didn't ever feel this was possible." Mike said.
"I didn't have the same experience with Kent. I didn't get the happy marriage, but I also care about you." Grace answered.
"My marriage wasn't always happy. Christine and I struggled too. We were growing apart." Mike said.
"Yes, but if the roles were reversed; Kent would not have ever admitted to loving or even caring about me. You are very open in admitting how much you love and miss Christine." Grace replied before wrapping her arms around him and shuddering. Mike suspected she was remembering something that was not pleasant. He rubbed her arms and pulled the blanket over the top of them.
"You and the kids deserved more." Mike remarked.
"We have you now. I only wish Lily had met you. You and she would have been best of friends." Grace said.
"My kids would have loved you too." Mike replied. She leaned up and gave him a long kiss. It might have been passionate, but she yawned and he laughed in response.
"Good night, Mike. Thank you." Grace said.
"Thank you too and sleep tight." Mike answered. Quickly enough, they both fell asleep.