A Time of Seasons

by Kay Edwards

A little less than three hours later found both men at the Bishop's kitchen table. Wyatt watched the footage. "That is her. Misty was right. She is running. I just wish she had told me. I could have helped."

  Dalton looked at Wyatt. "How do you know her?"

  Wyatt answered. "I'm in love with her. Our relationship is…I don’t know. I guess it is more complicated than I thought it was. I wish she would have trusted me instead of just… leaving. I was an officer I could have helped."

  Dalton looked at Wyatt surprised. "You were in law enforcement?"

  Wyatt nodded. "I think I prefer ranching. I came back here after she left and I couldn't find her. The fact is this will be her last appearance for a little while. She doesn't want anyone to find her. I’m trying not to be angry with her but…"

  Dalton looked at Wyatt. "Do you have any clue why she is running?"

  Wyatt shook his head. "Not one…"

  Dalton hesitated before he spoke but was sure Wyatt would want to know as much as possible. "I don't think this is the first time she has been physically harmed. She was way too calm. Her plan was flawless. She knew exactly how to get the treatment she needed and get out before we could stop her."

  Wyatt tried to understand what was going on with her. The Kelly he knew was not this person. "Thanks for showing me the video. I think I'm going to go to bed now. Maybe if I sleep on it something will come to me?"

  Misty watched her brother walk down the hall. She had Rachel in her arms as she walked up to the table and sat down. When Dalton looked at her, she smiled. "I would ask how things went, but I take it you are no closer to figuring out what she is running from."

  Dalton shook his head. "It just doesn't make sense."

  Misty nodded. She wished she could be more help but had never met the woman that was the center of all of the drama. Looking up at Dalton she knew he felt responsible for her as a physician. "Are you ready for bed or do you want to hang out?"

  Dalton stood and pulled Misty up. He peeked at the now sleeping Rachel. "I can hang out."

  Misty looked at her sleeping daughter and said softly. "I'll lay her down and then meet you in the living room."

  Dalton walked in and sat on the sofa. He looked up as Misty came into the room. When she sat down beside him, he put his arm around her and let her snuggle in. "Are you ok?" he whispered sensing something was off.

  Misty spoke softly. "Nothing is wrong. I'm just enjoying our time together."

  He kissed the top of her head and pulled her a bit closer. When she looked up at him, he could see what was different. He slowly lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. When he pulled away, she said softly. "I love you, Dalton. I don't feel guilty for that. I know you may…" he stopped her with another kiss.

  When Dalton ended the kiss, he whispered softly. "I am in love with you too."

  Misty looked up at Dalton. She was in love with this man. It had not snuck up on her but came slowly as she worked through her grief. She touched his face with her hand. "Will you kiss me again?"

  Dalton kissed her one last time. He smiled at her gently. "I think I have always loved you."

  Misty cuddled into his side. "I think I have always wanted to love you. I was just afraid to let myself fall."

  Dalton whispered softly. "After all we have been through together, didn't you know I would catch you?"

  "I do now." She said as she closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat.