Life Interrupted

Chapter 11

The sweet reunion between Molly and her parents stuck with Deanna and warmed her heart as she finished packing for their trip. In fact those same feelings followed her as she collapsed into bed, tenderly pricking at her heart.

Mike sensed her thoughts as he laid down next to her. "Hey, you okay?" Deanna leaned toward him. "Yeah, I am. Still processing through the day." She turned, greeting him with a warm smile.

The room lay in stillness for a long few moments before Deanna spoke up.

"You know?" She spoke into the air, not really up a deep conversation, but needing to process the emotions coursing through her. "It's funny how something like a broken leg can show you exactly what you want." She released a long breath. "It's also funny how this," she tapped her cast, "has been, and probably will always be, one of the biggest blessings of my life. The time off has been so good for me." She sighed and looked over to meet her husband's eyes.

Mike ran his fingers through her hair. "I agree, as silly as this sounds I do think your broken leg is a blessing." They both chuckled as Mike wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I'm getting sleepy. And tomorrow, well, tomorrow ushers in an entire week we get to spend with just the two of us." He smiled. Deanna stretched her arms, settling in a bit more. "Mmmm, I'm so ready for that." She admitted sleepily."

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By ten AM the next morning they were all packed and ready to head out. "Hey Babe?" Mike called out as he grabbed the last suitcase from the top of the stairs. Deanna was on the couch with her leg elevated, waiting for Mike to finish. "Yeah?" "Did you get everything you need up here?" Mike panted breathlessly as he carried the suitcase downstairs. "What in the world is in here?" Deanna leveled a smooth 'don't mess with me look' at her husband. "Well, since it's our anniversary trip, I needed some fun things, but I also wanted to have a choice of nice outfits in there for dining at the Grand Hotel." She shot him a softer look. "Thank you for bringing it down." Mike set down her suitcase and wrapped his arms around his wife. "Anything for you, my love. Anything." He planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "In fact I have a surprise for you in the car." Deanna's eyes widened at that. Mike handed her the crutches. "I'm going to finish loading the car. Why don't you wrap up in here, then I'll help you get settled in the car."

A few minutes later, Mike followed Deanna to the car. Deanna paused at the edge of the sidewalk and glanced back at Mike. "Okay, I'm dying to know, what's the surprise?" A sly grin came across Mike's face. "Alright, if you insist. Follow me." He motioned for Deanna to follow him to the trunk. Puzzled, she dutifully followed.

Mike opened the tailgate with a cheesy grin. As Deanna's eyes caught sight of the item, tears came to her eyes. It was a wheelchair. She sniffled. "I didn't want you to miss out on the fun this week just because you can't walk or ride a bike like normal." "Thank you. It seems so weird that I'm so grateful for something I never thought I'd need, but I guess that's often the case." Deanna smiled gratefully at her husband. "You're the best, you know."

The next few hours passed quickly filled with music, conversation, audiobooks and suddenly Mike was parking in downtown Mackinaw City. Dee shot Mike a puzzled look. "Aren't we going straight to the ferry?" A glimmer of surprise shone in Mike's eyes. "I thought it would be good to get some lunch before we just headed out there." Deanna followed Mike's eyes up to the words on the window. The Pancake Chef. How could she have forgotten? This was the spot they'd eaten the first time they came to Mackinaw City.

Deanna's eyes got a bit misty as she cleared her throat. "Babe..." "I know." Mike said as he reached for her hand. "I thought we could enjoy some sweet memories before heading out." "Thank you."

Lunch was fantastic and next thing they knew they were boarding the ferry. Mike, in all his genius moves, suggested that Deanna ride in the wheelchair. Which really turned out to be the best idea. Their bags were attended to by the staff and Mike sat next to Deanna on the deck as they took in the scenery.

Staying at the Grand Hotel meant the hotel staff took charge of their luggage leaving them free to check in and breathe a bit.

The day was warm and Deanna soaked up the sunshine as Mike pushed her chair down the Main Street toward the hotel.

They settled into their room, opting for a room service dinner so they could watch the sun set over the lake.

Sunday morning brought warm temperatures and crystal blue skies. Perfect for a round of golf and relaxation. Originally they'd planned to play a round of eighteen holes together, but since Deanna couldn't even walk unassisted, there was no way she'd be able to golf. Instead, she decided the fresh air would do her good, so she made herself comfortable in the golf cart. At least she also enjoyed watching golf.

A vaguely familiar voice pulled Deanna's attention away from Mike. "Deanna? Is that you?" The voice was getting louder, but she still couldn't quite place it.

Suddenly a blonde haired beauty appeared in her field of vision and made her toward the cart. Deanna day, momentarily stunned, her mouth open slightly. "Amy?" She questioned, pushing her sunglasses on top of her head, unsure of what she was actually seeing.

"Yeah, it's me!" The woman jogged toward her. It was then that she noticed Deanna's cast and crutches. She stopped mid stride, a few feet back from the cart. "What happened?" Deanna quickly waved the question off in favor of offering a hug.

"What in the world are you doing here?" Deanna asked, not even trying to hide the surprise in her voice. "Well," Amy began, "we're on our honeymoon." She motioned to a blonde man, picking up clubs. He was a fine specimen of a man, that was for sure. Just then Mike strode up. "Hey, babe." Amy eyed Dee. "And who's this?" A light flush rose on Deanna's cheeks. "Amy, this is my husband, Mike." Deanna turned, meeting Mike's eyes. "Mike, this is Amy. We worked together in New York."

Mike reached his hand out. "Nice to meet you, Amy." He glanced toward his wife. "I'm ready to head to the next hole. Amy, will you be joining us?" The blonde glanced back at her husband. "No, we're just getting started." She met Deanna's eyes. "I would love to catch up." "How about we meet you for coffee this afternoon? I'll fill you in on all the juicy details behind this then." Deanna offered as she laid a hand on her casted leg. A sweet smile moved onto Amy's lips. "That would be great!" After a quick cell number exchange, Amy was off to catch up with her husband and Mike had moved behind the wheel of the golf cart, ready to head to the next hole.