Intertwined

Birthdays and a Big Goodbye

A/N: this chapter is 9500 words. There's a lot to cover. There is celebration and sadness.
I'm trying to remember lately to find joy and love even in the most difficult of times. That's kind of the theme of this chapter.
No trigger warnings, but you may need some tissues and comfort food.

Love you all my beautiful readers.

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'What was that all about?' I asked Mia curiously. I had come in at the end of her and Grace dancing to Nirvana's 'Smells like teen spirit'.

Mia smiled at me, 'Our princess Gracie has been introduced to Nirvana by my Dad,' I raised my brow at her.

'Only the one song sweetheart. Apparently he was showing her that it's ok to be angry, but sometimes it helps to express it, like by dancing or singing, talking, but you know, in a healthy way,' Mia was smiling but tears were starting to form. 'She saw that I was upset and told me it might help if I danced,' she wiped her eyes as we watched Grace and Evie outside playing.

'And she was right, it did help. I was so angry when I came out of the room, not with him, just angry because it's so unfair Char, he's going to be gone soon,' I felt her lean into me and I rubbed her back, 'but after dancing with Grace and,' she looked at me, awestruck, 'she is so clever and'.

Mia let out a sigh and looked up in an effort to stop more tears, 'Grace reminded me I'm going to miss him, but that I'm so grateful for all the love he has given us,' I pulled her in tight and brushed her hair with my hand, while rocking us side to side.

Spending time with her Dad these last few months wasn't making up for the time lost. They had talked about how that was impossible and not as important as getting to know each other again. I was so proud of how Mia had let Michael in and loved how respectful, patient and gentle he had been with her. The time they had spent together added so much love to her life and to all of our lives.

Michael, Grace and Evie were like the three cheeky musketeers. When Mia saw him with them, it was healing part of herself that had missed her dad for so many years, part of herself that feared he didn't love her. When she saw him with our daughters she could see his love for them and knew that he loved her too. It was like a reflection back in time, a portal to her own childhood memories of happy times with her father.

'Why don't you go tell him how much that means to you, tell him that what he did for Grace, she passed onto you?' She took a deep breath and looked towards the doorway to his room.
'Ok,' she said softly. I held her hand and we walked towards to door.

Michael was lying in his bed sleeping peacefully. He had a drip slowly administering pain relief. It was the only medicine he had now. There wasn't anything else to be done. Mia sat on the bed beside him. She held one of his hands in both of hers.

'Daddy,' she said softly, 'Daddy,' she placed a soft kiss on his head and his eyes slowly opened. It was hard for him to move much now, but his eyes still sparkled when he saw his Mimi and he smiled.
'Hey my wonderful girl,' he gave her hand the tiniest squeeze and took a slow, shaky breath in.

Mia looked at me, with an understanding across her face. Holding his hand, being up close to him now, hearing the small noises he made from the pain each breath took, I knew the way their conversation would go. As hard as it was going to be for her, she knew it was best to let him go, when he was ready. She would make sure he knew she wouldn't be angry at him for letting go. I went over to her, because I knew she needed me. She pulled me close to her so our foreheads rested together.

'I have to tell him it's ok to go sweetheart,' a tear rolled down her face and we both looked down at Michael who had already fallen back asleep.
'I know baby. I know,' I put my hand on the back of her neck.
'Please call everyone,' she asked, suddenly collecting herself, 'let them know they can come over if they want to,' I nodded and kissed her head, leaving them in the room.