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Chapter 8
Christine smiled as she watched Katie braid Hannah's hair. They had settled into a hotel suite in St. Louis. Mike was busy with things with the Navy, but they were settled and comfortable. Mike would be looking into finding them a house. After dinner and baths, the girls and Christine settled for the night.
She never heard Mike come in, but knew that they were having a party for the Nathan James crew. She was getting the girls up, dressed and eating breakfast when Mike stumbled in. He looked rough.
"Rough night?" Christine asked.
"Yes, but not in the way I thought it would be. There was an incident." Mike said. He gestured into one of the bedrooms and Christine followed him in. "One of the Immunes got in and shot Dr. Scott. She died a few hours ago. Because there isn't many LEOs around here, I ended up conducting the investigation." Mike explained.
"Is he in custody?" Christine asked.
"Yes." Mike answered while stifling a yawn.
"I can't say that Dr. Scott was my favorite person but it is a shame." Christine remarked.
"Yea, exactly." Mike said.
"Why don't you shower? I'll order you some breakfast and then you can get a nap in." Christine suggested.
"That does sound good. Thank you." Mike said. He surprised her by pulling her close and giving her a long and passionate kiss. Finally, he pulled away, leaving Christine slightly breathless. "Sorry, I shouldn't have." Mike said.
"I just wish you hadn't stopped." Christine admitted.
"We can't continue this here with the girls so close, but maybe once we're in a house?" Mike suggested.
"Sounds like a plan." Christine answered. She gave him another kiss before heading into the living room area. She ordered breakfast for Mike and fixed up Hannah's braids.
"When do we get to go to a new house?" Hannah asked.
"Your daddy has to find one. Hopefully it won't be too long." Christine said.
"Will you and Daddy sleep in different bedrooms like before he moved out or in the same room like before that?" Hannah asked.
"I don't know, sweetheart." Christine said, not wanting to commit one way or another.
"I hope so." Hannah remarked.
"Honey, I don't know what's going to happen but we both love you." Christine replied. She kissed the top of Hannah's head and smiled down at her.
Earlier in the year, Christine had no interest in being back with Mike. Now, she didn't want anything else. She just hoped it wasn't the stress of everything going on, that was causing them wanting to be back together.
Mike ate breakfast and visited with the girls before laying down for a nap. Christine struggled to keep the girls quiet, and was surprised when he was back up at one. He still looked worn out but he smiled at the girls.
"Did we wake you?" Christine asked.
"Nah. I got a message that they may have a house for us. I'm going to go check it out." Mike said.
"Doesn't Mom get a choice?" Katie asked.
"Katie…Mike, its fine." Christine answered with a warning look at her oldest daughter.
"Normally, yes, but right now, finding a home is more important than preferences. With that in mind, I will try to keep needs in mind." Mike said.
"Mike, it'll be fine. Whatever you find, we will make work." Christine told him. He nodded at her and leaned to kiss the top of Hannah's head. He started to kiss the top of Katie's as well but she turned away from him. Christine could see that it hurt Mike but he stood back up to fix his watch.
"I'll be back, hopefully before dinner. But order room service if not." Mike said.
"What if we don't want room service?" Katie argued.
"That's all there is." Mike answered as he walked out of the door.
"Katie, why? He's trying." Christine asked.
"Because I don't want to live with him." Katie answered.
"He is your father and he loves you. Rather you want to or not, we are going to be living together. He probably will be deploying again soon anyways. You need to just make your peace with it." Christine lectured.
"I can't wait until we're all living together." Hannah remarked.
"And you're also stupid." Katie said.
"KATIE! Room now." Christine ordered. Katie left out a grunt and went into her hotel room.
"Hannah, please ignore what your sister just said." Christine said.
"I'm used to it." Hannah said with a shrug.
"You shouldn't be. You know, your daddy and I love you very much, right?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. I hope we all live together. I really missed Daddy." Hannah said.
"And he missed you too, sweet pea." Christine replied as she kissed Hannah's cheek. If only Katie could take lessons from sweet Hannah.