The Wedding Guest
Chapter 8
Mike watched as Henry's older model Jeep pulled up to the curb in front of Christine's house. Katie's bedroom was complete, with the exception of the crib that Mike was working on. He was still not overly excited about Katie being there but he agreed with Christine; she didn't need to be alone.
He hugged Katie and clapped Henry on the back. Henry would be flying back the next day and Mike knew; Katie and Henry needed some time to themselves. After a nice dinner together; he talked Christine and Hannah into going to a movie.
The next day; he drove Katie and Henry to the airport and waited in the truck while Katie went in to see Henry off. She came back to the truck and looked to have been crying. He drove her home, back to where Christine was and could help her. He would have been more able to help Henry process leaving his pregnant wife behind. He was ill-equipped to help Katie.
Christine wasn't home from work yet when they got home and Hannah tried her best to cheer Katie up. Little helped. So, Mike started one of Katie's favorite dinners and puttered around the kitchen. FInally about four; Katie came out and looked around.
"Spaghetti. Your favorite." Mike remarked.
"Dad…that was my favorite; like 10 years ago. Now it's full of carbs." Katie said, making a face.
"But its one of my favorites now!" Hannah said, joyfully. She walked into the kitchen and squeezed Mike's arm. Katie's words stung more than she realized but it was true. He didn't know his daughters' likes or dislikes because he had been away from them for so long.
"Just tell me what you like to eat and I'll make it." Mike replied.
"Whatever." Katie said before storming off.
"Don't listen to her, Dad. She's just hurting and taking it out on everyone." Hannah said from the kitchen island.
"Do you actually like spaghetti?" Mike asked his youngest daughter.
"I don't mind it. I still like pancakes better though." Hannah replied.
"What does Katie like now?" Mike asked.
"Avocado toast." Hannah answered, making a hilarious face. Apparently not one of her favorites.
"I'll get some avocados, I suppose." Mike replied.
"You don't have to. They're like snot." Hannah replied just as Christine walked in.
"Oh, Hannah is telling you her opinion of avocados." Christine teased.
"Katie doesn't like spaghetti anymore. Said something about the carbs." Mike explained.
"She is eating for three and needs the carbs and protein. I'll explain that to her." Christine replied, before giving Mike a kiss.
"Mom…can you also explain to her that a chocolate pie sounds really good and you plan to make one this weekend?" Hannah asked.
"Sounds good to you?" Christine teased.
"It does." Mike replied for Hannah.
"Alright. I'll go talk to her." Christine said before giving Mike another kiss.
"I love you." Mike said.
"I love you too." Christine replied. She walked out of the kitchen and Mike handed Hannah the bread.
"Let's make the garlic bread." Mike said.
"You're going for broke with the food tonight, Dad." Hannah teased Mike.
"I thought it would be a pick-me-up for Katie. I was wrong." Mike said as he stirred the spaghetti sauce that he had worked on most of the afternoon.
"Dad, she might not like spaghetti anymore but at least you tried. That has to count for something." Hannah replied
"I was never good at this part. The pick-me-ups and such. That was your mom's area." Mike said.
"You aren't?" Hannah replied before giving him a kiss on the cheek and walking off; leaving Mike to finish dinner on his own.
Apparently, Christine had convinced Katie to eat the carb-laden dinner. Mike wondered how long the mood would last but it had never been his department. He only remembered leaving a pregnant wife behind and how hard THAT was. He never really gave how hard it was for Christine. In fact, he remembered how he had complained to anyone that would listen, about Christine complaining during phone calls and emails.
That night as they got to bed; Mike watched as Christine got ready for bed. She had followed the same pattern for many years. Shower, dry her hair, lotion, pajamas and then cuddle as close as she could to him. Even since they had reunited, she still did the same thing every night.
"Hey, I wanted to tell you I was sorry." Mike said.
"That's open-ended." Christine said with a laugh.
"When you were pregnant with Lucas; I had to leave on that cruise that got extended until after he was born. I complained to literally anyone who listened, about you complaining." Mike replied.
"Mike; that was over twelve years ago. Are you trying to pick a fight?" Christine asked with a laugh.
"No. Watching Katie is kind of bringing memories back…sort of." Mike replied.
"She's hurting. Right now, she can't see past her own pain. And yes, I remember those days. Except I had two other children and couldn't dwell on it. I figured back then, it was easier for you then it was for me at home." Christine replied.
"How are we going to keep her occupied?" Mike asked as he pulled Christine onto his chest.
"As the pregnancy progresses, she'll be more occupied preparing for the babies." Christine said.
"Hard to believe in a few months time, we'll be grandparents." Mike remarked.
"I'm already picking out our names. I think I'll be Memaw and you can be Pappy." Christine teased.
"Surely something more dignified for me. Granddad?" Mike suggested.
"Nah. I think I'll get you a shirt or something. Coffee cups…a keychain…" Christine continued. Mike gave her a long kiss.
"Tell me, do Memaws and Pappy's still do this?" Mike asked as he kissed down Christine's neck.
"I don't want to think about my grandparents ever doing this but I suppose we can give it a spin?" Christine suggested as Mike worked her pajama top off.
"Let's do this." Mike answered and Christine laughed.
"So romantic." Christine complained. It made Mike smile down at her.