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Chapter 26
Christine laughed as Levi made his way between her and Mike, taking his first solo steps without any furniture to hold him up. The girls were cheering him on and Levi was giggling at them as he made his way to Mike. Levi finally got to Mike and was swooped up.
"See…nothing to be scared of!" Mike said as he threw Levi up in the air.
"Careful. He just ate an hour ago." Christine warned.
"Good point." Mike said as he snuggled Levi close. Christine was just slightly jealous because now that Mike was in the picture, Levi reserved most of his cuddles for his daddy. Apparently making up for lost moments.
"He's so cute." Katie remarked. Mike sat down between her and Hannah and passed Levi to Katie.
"He's so spoiled." Christine remarked.
"Can I read his story to him tonight, Mom?" Katie asked.
"Of course, sweetheart." Christine said. Mike smiled up at her. "I'm going to work on dinner." Christine told them.
"I'll help." Mike said. He stood up and followed Christine into the kitchen area.
"I figured you might grill the meat?" Christine asked.
"Of course." Mike said. He picked up the pan of hamburgers and vegetable packets.
"Mike…thank you." Christine said.
"When do you think we can go on a date? I can see about someone staying with the kids." Mike asked.
"Any idea who?" Christine asked.
"Not totally. I hate asking for help but I'm sure someone would." Mike replied. Christine followed him out and watched him get the grill set up.
"Mike, we'll get to that date. I know you are trying. Don't stress about it until the girls are a little better off. I don't want to overwhelm any of our friends or scare the girls." Christine said. She wrapped her arms around Mike's waist and gave him a kiss.
"Maybe until that point…we can do something here. A nice dinner or something?" Mike suggested.
"That would be nice." Christine answered.
"I can cook dinner for us one night after the kids go to bed?" Mike said.
"That sounds really nice." Christine said. She gave Mike another kiss. "I'm going to back in. Its cold out here. Come in if you get too cold?" Christine suggested.
"I will." Mike said.
"Mike…I look forward to that dinner. It sounds really nice." Christine said. She leaned up and gave him a kiss before walking into the living room.
That night, once she got the girls settled, she found Mike in Levi's room, rocking him to sleep. Levi was getting sleepy but was listening to the story Mike was reading him. It made Christine smile. She stepped into the room and leaned against Levi's dresser.
"He's almost asleep." Christine said.
"Yeah. Just give me another minute." Mike said as he stroked Levi's hair.
"You take as long as you need. I am going to go in and take a shower. The girls are almost asleep too." Christine said. She gave Mike a kiss and touched his hand. "Its all going to be fine." Christine said. She slipped out of the room and to the bedroom she shared with Mike.
Christine only reserved her tears for when she was showering. The girls didn't need to witness them, and Mike was on shaky ground. He was not okay. She finished up and washed her face, not wanting it to be obvious that she had been crying. She didn't even know why she'd been crying. Her husband was back. Her girls were back and recovering. Levi was happy, healthy and bonding with Mike. But, her marriage was floundering. Her daughters would never be the same.
Mike didn't seem to notice that her eyes were watery but he did pull her onto his chest once they settled into bed. She tried to stop the tears but suddenly…the sobs began and Mike tightened his hold on her. He didn't talk. He just held her and kissed the top of her head repeatedly.
"I'm so…tired." Christine said.
"I know. Just let it out." Mike replied and Christine did just that.