The New Ship
Chapter 14
Grace was thankful to have Mike along for the long trip back to Texas. He kept the kids entertained and would stop to show them some little thing. They hiked a bit in Appalachia, visited Chicago for the night, saw the St. Louis arch, hiked a bit more in the Ozarks and then endured the rest of the trip.
She was glad to pull into the small cottage that she kept in Texas. The kids were glad to be 'home' and Mike seemed to like it. She was worried about him feeling underwhelmed by the house but he seemed content.
"I need to go to the grocery store. We've got sandwich stuff for tonight. I'll leave early before breakfast." Grace remarked.
"Or I can order something for tonight and run to the store to get us by until you feel up to going?" Mike suggested.
"You spoil us. Mike; money is tight for me. Maintaining two households is not easy but I can't let go of this house. I love it." Grace said as she hugged Mike's neck.
"Didn't say a word about you paying for it. I am pretty chauvinistic and pay my own way, and part of that is helping you. I understand you being nervous about this but I care about you and the kids." Mike said before giving Grace a long kiss.
"Its just hard to get used to." Grace remarked.
"I know. Just tell me when you need help." Mike answered. He kissed her forehead and just held her until Eli came back into the kitchen.
"Mom, when's dinner? I'm hungry." Eli asked. He was always hungry.
"What kind of take-out is there?" Mike asked.
"Chinese, pizza, and barbeque." Grace answered.
"What do you want?" Mike asked her.
"Chinese sounds good, but whatever the kids want." Grace said.
"Eli? Let's go grocery shopping and then we'll pick up dinner." Mike suggested.
"Okay." Eli agreed happily.
"Mike…we literally need everything. Sugar, salt, pepper, condiments, stuff to drink, coffee, all of it." Grace said. Mike kissed her again on the forehead before grabbing her keys.
"No problem. Eli?" Mike answered before leading Eli out.
Grace cleaned and dusted, gave Liv her bath and smiled when Mike pulled back in. He and Eli unloaded the food and all the groceries he'd bought. Finally, they sat down to eat. The kids were exhausted and they would be going to bed after dinner.
Mike helped get Liv settled down and cuddled with her until she fell asleep. Eli was already sound asleep in his old room and Grace smiled as Mike settled next to her in her queen-sized bed, complete with the turned wood headboard and footboard.
"This bed is beautiful." Mike remarked.
"My grandfather made it for me. A wedding gift. Kent hated it, but I kept it. When I bought this place; it was the only bed I would consider…although, it might not be so comfortable for you." Grace replied.
"It is perfect." Mike said.
"Mike; thank you. I love you." Grace answered.
"I love you too. So, how long is your mom and dad's cruise?" Mike asked.
"They get back early July." Grace answered.
"So…you can say no and I will understand. Do you want to get married while we're here?" Mike asked. Grace was shocked.
"Married? Are you sure? You really love Christine." Grace asked. She would love to marry Mike but it seemed soon.
"I do love Christine and that won't change but I also love you. You are here. She would want me to be happy." Mike answered.
"Are you sure the kids and I can make you happy?" Grace asked.
"Yes. You already have made me happier than I have been in years. I did plan on this being more romantic and I've not found a ring I liked enough. I also haven't asked your dad for your hand or…Eli for that matter." Mike admitted.
"Mike; I am forty-two years old. You don't need to ask for their permission." Grace replied with a laugh.
"Its important to me." Mike answered before giving her a long kiss.
"And we'll wait until my parents are back?" Grace asked.
"Yes, absolutely." Mike agreed.
"Then, yes." Grace answered before giving him another long kiss.
"Thank God! I was afraid you'd give me a flat out no." Mike replied.
"Small, though? I don't mind if you invite friends but I don't want a huge wedding." Grace asked.
"No problem." Mike agreed before yawning.
"Tomorrow, we'll talk about all the details. Right now; we're both beat. I love you." Grace said.
"I love you too." Mike answered. Quickly enough, he was sound asleep. Once Grace shut the bedside lamp off, she cuddled close and quickly fell asleep, not caring that Mike was not overly romantic. He loved her, protected her and her kids and seemed to be a general cheerleader for all of them.