Dispatched || Maddie Buckley

Chapter Forty: Preparations.

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains as Mikey stirred awake, his mind slowly emerging from the depths of sleep. With a deep breath, he stretched his arms above his head, feeling the weight of the day ahead settling upon his shoulders.

Rolling over, Mikey's gaze fell upon Maddie, her form nestled beneath the covers beside him. A tender smile tugged at his lips as he watched her sleep, the gentle rise and fall of her chest a comforting rhythm in the stillness of the morning.

Careful not to disturb her, Mikey slipped out of bed, his footsteps soft against the floorboards as he made his way to the bathroom. With practiced efficiency, he went through the motions of his morning routine, the sound of running water mingling with the hum of his thoughts.

As he shaved and dressed, Mikey's mind drifted to the day ahead, a mix of anticipation and apprehension churning in his stomach. Work had been demanding lately, with deadlines looming and expectations high. But amidst the chaos of his professional life, there was a sense of purpose that drove him forward, a determination to provide for the family he cherished.

Returning to the bedroom, Mikey paused by the bed, his gaze lingering on Maddie's sleeping form. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent promise of his love and devotion.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice a soft whisper in the stillness of the room.

As if in response to his words, Maddie stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal eyes heavy with sleep. A sleepy smile graced her lips as she reached out to him, her fingers brushing against his cheek.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice soft and warm with affection.

Their conversation was brief, filled with quiet words and tender gestures that spoke volumes of their love for one another. And as Mikey prepared to leave for work, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the woman who had captured his heart and changed his life in ways he never could have imagined.

Before he left, Mikey paused by Maddie's side, his hand coming to rest on her baby bump with gentle reverence. "Take care of Mommy for me, you two," he whispered, his voice tinged with emotion.

With a final kiss pressed to Maddie's belly, Mikey bid his family goodbye, his heart heavy with the weight of leaving them behind. But as he stepped out into the bustling world beyond their doorstep, he carried with him the knowledge that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always have Maddie and their growing family to come home to.

Arriving at work, Mikey was greeted by the familiar hustle and bustle of the office, the air alive with the energy of a new day dawning. Making his way to the locker room, he found Athena, her focus unwavering as she buttoned up her shirt and strapped on her vest.

"Morning, Mikey," Athena greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine affection.

"Morning, Athena," Mikey replied, returning her smile as he opened his locker. As they stood side by side, the conversation turned to more personal matters, Athena's curiosity piqued by Maddie's pregnancy.

"How's Maddie doing?" Athena asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

A soft smile tugged at Mikey's lips as he spoke of Maddie, his words filled with love and pride. "She's doing great," he replied, a note of warmth in his voice. "She's been a trooper, taking everything in stride and looking radiant as ever." He smiled, a giddy grin stretching across his face.

Athena nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "I'm glad to hear that," she said, her voice tinged with sincerity. "Tell her I said hello and that I'm here if she ever needs anything."