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Chapter 10
Christine knew she had hurt Mike. He was busy with work and had been promoted to Captain. He spent every available minute with the girls because he would be deploying again. Katie was not thrilled with it, but she didn't complain too loudly. One night, Christine found Mike sitting at the kitchen table after the kids went to sleep, working on paperwork.
"What's this?" Christine asked.
"I have to meet with an attorney tomorrow. Its…with us being divorced, it complicates my situation. Making sure you and the girls gets the things you need." Mike explained.
"It wasn't a problem before." Christine remarked.
"Its changed." Mike answered.
"So…what are the options?" Christine asked.
"I don't know." Mike admitted.
"Hence the attorney visit." Christine replied.
"I'll know tomorrow what to do." Mike said.
"Just let me know." Christine squeezed his shoulder as she walked by. She was surprised when Mike turned and looked at her.
"Are we never going to talk about it?" Mike asked.
"About that night?" Christine asked.
"Yes." Mike answered.
"Mike; I don't regret it, but it was still wrong. It gave you false hope." Christine remarked.
"I'm so confused." Mike replied as he fidgeted with his pen.
"A part of me will always love you. You are the father of my children. That is a connection that will never leave us." Christine said.
"But you don't want to entertain any possibly of us being anything more than ex-spouses?" Mike asked.
"It would not be wise for the kids." Christine answered.
"For one damn minute—don't think about the kids. Think about what you want. What I want. I promise, the kids would adjust. That's what kids do. Katie is a young teenager. She thinks its fun to divide and conquer." Mike said.
"I'm just worried about her. That's not a crime." Christine said.
"No, but I promise, she will survive any embarrassment we might put her through." Mike answered.
"I'm going to bed." Christine said. She headed upstairs, showered and settled. It had all been a mistake and now, her relationship with Mike was damaged. She tossed and turned for a bit, then sit up. Maybe Mike was right. She got up, checked on both girls and let herself into Mike's bedroom. He was sound asleep but looked uncomfortable. Christine carefully laid down next to him and smiled as he roused.
"Christine?" Mike asked.
"I don't want us to fight before you leave. Theres not much time to do anything but we can at least agree to explore it more when you get home." Christine said.
"Thank you." Mike answered. He kissed her forehead and smiled down at her.
"How do you sleep in this bed?" Christine asked.
"Its…not ideal." Mike said.
"I have a king-sized bed that is very comfortable." Christine suggested with a laugh as she sat back up.
"The girls?" Mike asked.
"They'll survive any embarrassment." Christine said. Mike chuckled but followed her out of the room and into her bedroom. Within a moment, he settled next to her in bed. It didn't take long for him to fall back asleep and his soft snores lulled her to sleep.