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Chapter 35

The property was bought, financing was through and a construction company hired. They had looked over Katie's designs and made a few modifications to make the house structurally sound, but said everything looked good. Christine was excited.

Katie and Mike had gone out for breakfast twice. They both seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time together. He was also spending time with Hannah doing other things. He still doubted himself but he was trying hard to be the husband and father they needed him to be.

Mike's retirement finally went though. The government had made a really big deal of it and a lot of Mike's former crew members and friends came in for it. For Christine and the girls; it was nice to celebrate Mike's accomplishments and service, and not dwell on the bad stuff. After the President, government officials and the press left, Mike and his friends were able to cut loose and they did. Christine was glad she couldn't drink, because she would have had to drive. She got Mike settled into bed, Levi into his crib and the girls into their own room, before walking into the primary bedroom and laughing at Mike.

"Here's some pain-reliever and water. You will probably need it later." Christine said.

"I feel pretty good right now." Mike remarked.

"That is fleeting." Christine said as she changed into her pajamas, noting that the pants were getting too small in the waist.

"Probably true. Was I embarrassing?" Mike asked.

"Nah. You behaved yourself around the VIPs and media." Christine said. She took the pajamas back off and put a forgiving nightgown on. She was going to have to pick up some maternity clothes soon.

"Lucy Caroline." Mike said abruptly.

"Is that your new girlfriend?" Christine teased.

"No…baby name." Mike replied.

"A little like Lucas' name. I would be scared I would slip." Christine said.

"What about Lila Caroline?" Mike asked.

"I do like Lila. Or Leah. I really like Leah." Christine agreed.

"Leah is a good name. Biblical." Mike remarked.

"Let's discuss this when you aren't drunk." Christine replied from the bathroom.

"But I feel so good and this pregnancy is going so fast." Mike replied.

"I'm only twelve weeks along." Christine replied as she climbed in next to Mike. He pulled her close and kissed the side of her neck.

"Only thirty-eight weeks more to go, give or take." Mike replied.

"Counting down the days, are you?" Christine replied.

"A little." Mike said.

"I'm excited to see you with her." Mike remarked. He gave her another kiss and cuddled her close.

"I love you." Christine said.

"I love you too." Mike replied.

Thirty-Six Weeks Later

"One more push, Christine; you can do it." Dr. Gregory encouraged.

"Squeeze my hand." Mike said. Just then the contraction rushed over her and she bore down.

"EEW!" Christine yelled out. Just then she heard a baby's cry.

"You did it!" Mike replied. He kissed the top of her head and moved to cut the umbilical cord.

"She's a beauty." Dr. Gregory remarked. She was settled on Christine's chest and Mike came up beside her.

"You did great." Mike said. She noticed the tears gathering in his eyes. She reached up and gave Mike a kiss as they looked at their new daughter.

"Alright, if you will let the nurse have her for a moment; I'll get you fixed up and the baby will be checked over." Dr. Gregory said. Christine reluctantly handed the baby over but never took her eyes off of her.

"Is she okay?" Christine asked.

"Everything is absolutely perfect. She literally is the perfect baby. Her APGAR is 10. She weighs eight pounds, seven pounds and is 22 inches long." The pediatrician said.

"Not very many 10's." Dr. Gregory remarked as she finished up with Christine. A nurse handed the baby back to Christine. Mike touched the baby's hand as she looped her fingers into her hair.

Quickly enough, the nurses and doctors all left and Mike and Christine were left with Baby Leah. She nursed and Mike was able to burp her. Christine smiled as she watched Mike with Leah. He was always surprisingly good with babies and Leah already had him figured.

"I'll call Katie about eight. I know she and Hannah will want to know." Mike said. Christine's labor had been induced but it had taken almost sixteen hours.

"She is perfect." Christine remarked.

"I just can't figure out who she looks like." Mike remarked as he handed the baby back to Christine.

"I think she's a mix of both of us." Christine replied.

"She reminds me a bit of Katie though." Mike said.

"Yeah." Christine said as she stifled a yawn. It was two am and she was beat.

"Alright. I'll lay her down in the bassinet so you can get some rest." Mike said. He took Leah back and settled her back into the bassinet with ease.

"Only if you lay down next to me." Christine told him.

"Gladly." Mike replied. He slipped his shoes off and settled next to her, having already put comfortable clothes on.

"I love you." Christine said.

"I love you too." Mike replied. He gave her a long kiss and helped her settle next to him.

Christine smiled as Mike fell asleep next to her. Leah was making soft snoring sounds and Mike had his arms wrapped around her. The girls and Levi would visit in the morning and in a day or so, they would go home.

The house was nearly done. Katie was enrolled in online classes and was doing really well. Hannah was back in high school. It had been a bit of a struggle but she was adjusting. Mike had worked extremely hard on his relationship with Katie and supporting Hannah. The girls had to learn to trust men and Mike was a good place to start. And Mike and Christine's marriage had never been stronger