A Time of Seasons

by Kay Edwards

Chapter Ten

  Christmas Eve service had ended hours ago. Dalton sat staring into the flames of the fire Chad had built. Everyone else had gone to bed, but Dalton still sat enjoying the peace.

  Misty watched Dalton from the doorway of the living room. Rachel was finally asleep, but she was more restless. She put the monitor on the end table. Walking over to him she sat down beside him on the floor and snuggled into his side. She whispered. "Are you ok?"

  Dalton smiled as he kissed the top of her head. "I was just enjoying the fire. There is something so calming when you watch the flames."

  Misty closed her eyes. She smiled as she spoke. "Rachel ate about fifteen minutes ago. She is out like a light, but I can't seem to sleep now. I think she went and changed my schedule."

  Dalton chuckled. "You seem drowsy enough now."

  Misty sighed softly her eyes still closed. "I think you are making me that way."

  "Umm…thanks?" Dalton said with a soft laugh.

  Misty giggled as she scooched herself into a laying position. "It is a compliment. You are nice and warm. It makes me tired."

  Dalton put a pillow under her head. He watched her curl onto her side beside him. "Do you need a blanket?"

  Misty shook her head no. "Dalton?"

  "Yes?" Dalton knew the look she was giving him.

  Misty hesitated for only a second. "Will you just hold me a little? I just need to feel safe again for just a little. You make me feel safe. I still feel so cold sometimes."

  Dalton scooched himself down beside her and pulled her against his chest. He knew she was not asking anything that was inappropriate. It was not the first-time Misty had asked him to keep her warm. He felt her shiver and knew she was reliving her time alone in the cold. He whispered softly as he had done before. "It's ok. You're safe now."

  Misty turned in his arms and grabbed his shirt like a lifeline. Her voice shook as she spoke softly. "I'm so tired of being afraid. When I remember, I just can't seem to warm up. It is like the cold is swallowing me again. Please don’t let it."

  Dalton closed his eyes and assured her gently. "It is ok. I'm not going to let the cold take you."