The Wedding Guest
Chapter 10
Christine stared at the test in shock and embarrassment. At her age? And the fact that she would have grandchildren older than her own child? Of course, she and Mike had not been careful. Neither thought a pregnancy was even possible. And what would Mike think? Knowing him, he'd be thrilled.
Christine finished her work day and headed home. Mike was playing a board game with both girls and she smiled at how sweet he was with them and how protective he was of Katie and even Hannah. He had always loved being a father and the kids adored him. Maybe this baby would be a boy?
That night; as they got ready for bed; Christine watched as Mike got ready. Now what was left of his hair was gray and he would soon be turning forty-nine. She would be forty-five. Old enough to be grandparents but a little too old to be new parents. Mike settled into bed and she climbed in next to him.
"What's on your mind?" Mike asked.
"How can you tell there's something on my mind?" Christine retorted.
"You've just been unusually quiet and I noticed how you handled that sleeper Katie showed you." Mike remarked.
"Mike…remember last week when I said that it would be nearly impossible for me to get pregnant?" Christine asked.
"How far along are you?" Mike asked. He didn't seem shocked or bothered by it.
"I don't know. I haven't been to the doctor." Christine admitted.
"We probably need to get you into a doctor." Mike replied.
"Mike…I'm sorry." Christine said.
"What for? A baby is a good thing. A great thing." Mike asked as he wrapped his arms around her.
"At our ages though? And we'll have grandchildren that are older than this baby. What will the girls think?" Christine asked.
"They will probably be quite embarrassed at first but they will probably see it as a sign that we are doing good. As far as our grandchildren are concerned; they will accept it. Kids are resilient and our kids have rolled with every punch we've ever thrown at them. And as far as our ages are concerned; yes, this an interesting turn but its not impossible." Mike said.
"I knew you'd be happy about it." Christine remarked.
"My concern is you." Mike replied.
"I'm still wrapping my head around it. The reason I'm…not sure of it is so selfish and ridiculous." Christine remarked.
"And what is that?" Mike encouraged.
"It's just…I've loved this. The way we've gone on dates and spent time together. Made love. Talked. I remembered how it was when the kids were younger. I think it was what led us to being almost divorced. I don't want to go back there." Christine explained.
"Christine; that is not…selfish or ridiculous. It is honest and I've loved it too. We had Katie so soon after getting married that its been nice to not have to worry constantly about kids and we will be back to square one with this little one." Mike said. He gave her a long kiss and held onto her.
"Boy or girl?" Christine asked.
"I actually wouldn't mind a girl. But I'm hoping Katie has a boy." Mike answered.
"As long as it's not both. I don't think I could handle twins." Christine remarked.
"I wouldn't mind. Now…work?" Mike asked.
"I will have to think about that. Work is boring at times and it would be nice to get to concentrate on this baby." Christine said.
"Whatever you decide to do; I will support you." Mike replied. He gave her another kiss and Christine smiled.
"One of the things that I forgot about pregnancy was the hormones. Certain hormones that you never minded." Christine said as she straddled Mike and took his glasses off.
"Right." Mike replied as he worked at her nightgown.
"I love you, Mike. More than you will ever know." Christine said.
"I love you too." Mike answered. He gave her a long kiss.
"Pretty soon, you won't want to do this." Christine remarked as she threw the nightgown off.
"Now, has that ever been a problem? Really?" Mike asked with a laugh.
"No. You've loved me at every size and shape." Christine answered.
"Yes, I have and I always will." Mike said. He very gently laid her onto her back. "Is this how you want it?" Mike asked.
"Yes." Christine said. Mike nodded and pulled the blanket over them.
"I am happy about this baby and we will be fine. This baby will be fine. The girls will be fine." Mike said.
Several hours later; Christine got up and put her nightgown back on. She tucked the blanket around Mike and then checked on Katie and Hannah. Both girls were sound asleep and in Katie's sleep; she had her hand on her already growing belly; almost like she was waiting to feel the baby's kick. It wouldn't be long before Christine would start doing the same thing. It made Christine smile because she could remember eagerly anticipating Katie's first kick.
A first baby was so special and even though the baby Christine was pregnant with wasn't her first; it had been so long that it would like a first baby for her and Mike. That was pretty amazing. And they would be able to experience it together without the fear of Mike being deployed. The girls might be a bit grossed out but it would be okay.
The next morning; a Saturday, Christine woke up and found Mike and the girls making waffles. He spoiled them and didn't seem to regret that in the least. He gave Christine a smile and a kiss. Behind them; Katie made a gagging noise.
"You guys act like newlyweds." Katie complained.
"I was thinking…if you and Hannah can keep from killing each other for a weekend; your mom and I might take a weekend trip soon." Mike replied.
"Oh, I'd like that." Christine said.
"Hannah, will you be okay?" Mike asked.
"Of course she will. I'll be here." Katie answered.
"Katie…" Christine quietly warned her oldest daughter.
"I'll be okay." Hannah answered.
"It might be a few weeks. Will just depend on when I can get reservations." Mike said.
"It would also be fun to do something as a family once Henry gets back, once the twins are born. Maybe a beach?" Katie suggested.
"South Padre Island?" Hannah suggested.
"That sounds nice. We'll just have to see." Christine said as she watched Mike over her cup of hot tea. She hated hot tea but wouldn't drink coffee.
"Mom, you're drinking tea today?" Hannah asked. Like her father; she was very perceptive but Christine wouldn't tell the girls until the pregnancy was further along.
"Just wanted something more mild than coffee." Christine replied.
"Alright, ladies; breakfast is served. Come eat." Mike said. He sat the plate of waffles down on the table while the girls carried in the fruit, syrup, sausage and bacon.
"These babies are going to be massive with me eating Dad's cooking." Katie remarked as she helped herself to a waffle, fruit, whipped topping and sausage.
"They'll be fine." Christine said as she topped her waffle with the hot syrup and pecans. Mike squeezed her hand under the table, and gave her an encouraging smile.
After breakfast; Christine settled against Mike on the couch; glad the girls were occupying themselves. Katie drafting another email to Henry and online shopping for her babies and Hannah reading a new book. Under the blanket; Mike touched her belly and smiled at her.
"Last night was amazing. Are you okay?" Mike asked.
"Other than the fact that I could tear your clothes off right now and have a repeat of last night; I am perfectly fine." Christine replied.
"We can do that tonight." Mike said with a laugh.
"I will hold you to that." Christine said before giving him a kiss. He cuddled her close and eventually fell asleep, with his hand on her stomach.