Finding Kate by Julie Pollitt Page B

cover.”
    “That’s fine. Just remember, you are writing about what the residents want to know and what will affect them and their families. Those are the most important stories.”
    Kate nodded and finished her dinner. Her eyes felt heavy and her body still sore from yesterday’s long arduous day of helping move cattle.
    “So what’s going on with Victoria?” Kate decided she would come right out and ask.
    “We’ve decided to put our engagement on hold.” He paused and tapped his fork against his plate. “In fact, we decided to put our relationship on hold.” His eyes met Kate’s.
    “When did this happen?” She rested her back against the booth.
    “This afternoon.” He continued eating. “We want to make sure we’re making the right decision. After all, it’s a lifetime commitment.”
    She couldn’t fault him for being sure about Victoria, but it didn’t seem like his true motive? What changed his mind? Just the other day they looked so in love. Now he didn’t appear fazed by this decision.
    Could God be opening the door of opportunity for her relationship with Trevor to blossom into something more than friendship? She stared at him until he lifted his head, and then darted her line of vision in another direction. She stopped eating and chugged the entire glass of water in front of her. When it was empty she set it back down on the table.
    “You OK?” he asked, pausing his fork in midair.
    “No problems here.” She lied. He’s available. Be happy. Why did it feel like a heavy weight landed on her shoulders?
    ***
    The wind blew gently through Kate’s hair as she and Trevor stood next to her car outside the restaurant. The moon shone down on his face. His strong chin, blue eyes, and blond hair always made her heart flutter. This time, as she stared into his eyes she felt different. Unaffected.
    Trevor reached up and brushed a piece of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Before Kate knew what was happening, Trevor took a step forward, slid his hands around her waist, and planted his lips on hers.
    Trevor backed up. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now.”
    “I…uh…” Kate’s hand dove into her bucket purse. She fumbled around for her keys. She felt the metal, pulled them out, and held them in front of her. “Leave…I have to leave.”
    “I’ve missed you Kate. Our long walks, talking together past midnight, and eating our favorite hotdogs while sitting next to the river.”
    She loved those times and she couldn’t deny it. Her heart pounded in her chest, but for all the wrong reasons. She felt as though she should grab Trevor and embrace him, but something held her back. She felt it in the pit of her stomach. Instead, she grabbed the door handle and almost leapt into her car.
    “I gotta go.” She threw her purse into the passenger seat, and turned the key in the ignition.
    “Call me Kate,” Trevor yelled through the window. He lifted his eyebrows and tilted his head like a lost puppy.
    She nodded and drove out of the parking lot, turning onto the highway toward Wintervale.
    “What is the problem? He’s right there in your hands. Ready. Willing.” Kate smacked the steering wheel with her hands. What held her back? Who held her back?
    He wore boots and a cowboy hat and moved fast on his horse.
    ***
    Sunlight streamed in through the silver-colored mini blinds covering the hospital window and woke Will. He had planned to leave during the night, but once he sat down to rest, his heavy eyelids won the battle.
    He watched Emma sleep. Her chest rose and fell with rhythm and consistency. He remained thankful for that simple fact. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock. Eight a.m. Will couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept so late.
    He rustled around the room for a few minutes. He wanted to stay, but too many things at home and work needed attention. Will leaned down and kissed Emma’s forehead before leaving the room.
    A glint of sunshine flickered off