After the comforting hug Killian gave her and the delivery of their meals, they ate in a comfortable silence each lost in their own thoughts. Now knowing for sure that she was pregnant with Dominic’s child she needed to focus on how to tell his parents and her mother. To them, their children’s marriage was just a business deal they didn’t expect both of them to find a mutual attraction to each other. Mikel smiled sadly remembering how his long blonde hair will brush her cheeks when he kissed her goodbye the day before her birthday. They made love all night and it was her day off. “My Mikky,” he whispered against her lips in the most reverent way. “My Nicky.” she returned sleepily. In her sleep haze, she saw how his brown eyes soften when she smiled at him. Somehow she knew they always told each other their love for each other in those endearments. “Hurry back.”

“For you, I will.”

She didn’t realize she was crying till she felt a napkin brushing her cheek. Looking up she saw Killian reaching over to dry her tears. He was so gentle with her. “That had to be a beautiful memory. I saw your smile through those tears.” He spoke gently to her and was so attentive and caring to her. A woman he just met.

“Why?” she asked holding his hand still for a moment. He looked confused then seem to understand her sudden question. His shoulders fell and a small smile was on his lips. “You were like this beacon to me when I first saw you back home. I-I wanted to do anything for you just to be rewarded with that laugh I first heard from you. I wanted to get to know you and have you in my life somehow...”

He stopped then shrugged his shoulders pulling his hand away from hers. A sense of sadness came from him, all day he was this jovial teasing man that made her feel so damn happy amidst her grief. Then it hit her.

“Then you found out my situation,” she said softly.

“I’m not cruel or disrespectful to anyone’s feelings. You lost your husband who you loved, a month ago. You’re carrying a bundle of joy that was created by the love you guys had. Though I find you so damn exquisite and have these small feelings for you, I just want to be your friend. I want to help you through this. I’m not truly in touch with my feminine side but I want to be there for you."

“Kelsey was right. You’re Captain America in the flesh,” she blurted out.

Killian let out a loud laugh garnering some attention from other patrons. “Just what have you two been saying about me.” Mikel gave him a cheeky grin but held his gaze, “I want you to be there for me too. I feel... this attraction you said but I...”

“Feel guilty? I do too. We can work through this,” he finished for her.

“Thank you, Killian.”

He nodded and motioned for their bill. “We gotta make it to the pharmacy then Doc. You still wanna check out the shops?” he asked taking out some cash.

“Need a new pair of boots and shorts so yeah.”

“And a hat. It’s nearing summer and the heat will be blazing as Hades’ lair.”

Mikel chuckled and stood up to wait for him. She let her gaze roam the cafe and chuckled lowly at how oblivious Killian was to the female stares. “C’mon,” he murmured taking her hand in his and led her outside. They walked back the way they came chatting about anything under the sun till they reached the van. He made sure she was comfortable before starting the van, driving them to the pharmacy at the edge of the bustling Main Street. The veterinary clinic was conveniently opposite it next to a shoe store.

“Ready for the whole town to know your business?” he asked getting her bag for her.

“Just like how they knew I was the city girl visiting Kelsey the first day I reached.”

“Yeah. Just on a wider scale,” he said grinning while leaving the van at the same time. Rolling her eyes at his silliness she waited for him to come on her side. Going into the pharmacy was surreal. All eyes were on them, more on Killian so to speak. His name was shouted with so much disbelief and sheer surprise from two older workers and maybe four customers around his age. They surrounded him welcoming back home the town hero. Easily she took her bag from him and went up to the pharmacist. “Hello, Mikel. How are you faring sweetheart?”

Collette Byron was one of the first older ladies she met on her first visit to Whispering Creek. With hair white as cotton and always in a french braid past her shoulder, she had the kind face of your favorite grandma who will spoil you rotten. Collette was her first patient, well her mastiff Benny. She was interning at Doc’s and as a newcomer everyone was wary but she didn’t care, her Benny was sick. Her acceptance opened up the town’s heart.

“Still in a daze. I expect him to call me saying he’s stuck at the airport or something,” Mikel said softly. Collette nodded knowing the young woman’s pain.

“It was the same with my Issac. It will get better. Keep the memories and go on with life. He would have wanted that. As you told me he pushed for you to visit here more often to get your career moving.”

Mikel chuckled, sniffing a bit as her eyes began to well with tears, “He knew me being head honcho wasn’t my thing. I know he would have moved us out here in a heartbeat if he heard doc’s offer.”

Collette’s eyes widen with happiness. “He wants to leave the clinic to you?”

“Something like that. I’m on my way to meet him now. Killian is helping me go through the day.”

Collette looked over at the crowd forming around the now strapping young man she once held in her arms. “That’s Killian for ya. Heart of gold that one. He will take care of you no matter what.”

‘Even if it hurts him’ Mikel thought to herself remembering his confession over lunch.

“I’m grateful. We met just yesterday and now here he is helping through the changes. My mourning.” Mikel said out loud going for the prescription for her prenatal vitamins. She gave Collette the paper, the older woman’s eyes teared up. “Did he...” she asked wistfully. Mikel sadly shook her head, “Oh sweetheart." In a flash, she was on the other side of the counter pulling Mikel in a warm hug. It took everything in her not to get taken into the warmth and compassion this woman was showing her. Collette reminded her of Lucia Rysdale her paternal grandmother. All love and great advice.

“Mikel? You alright?” The worried voice of Killian brought her back to the surface. “She’s fine Junior. I just saw the good news. A bittersweet moment” Collette said drying her eyes. Killian gently turned her towards him and blessed her with a smile. “Come on now. I can’t let you go to Doc looking like this. He will want to hover over you all afternoon and blame me for not making you smile,” he said drying her tears. Collette and Mikel chuckled at his words, he beamed knowing he did make her smile again. The older woman watched Killian closely and breathe a sigh of relief. He was moving on too but his eyes weren’t as bright as before. That’s what war can do to you. She went back behind the counter to start an account for Mikel and filled out her prescription. “You need anything in here?” Killian asked rubbing her back soothingly.

Mikel was beginning to feel a bit tired but was told that was to be expected. “New shampoo. The one home makes me gag and some feminine wipes,” She said distractedly looking at the candy bars in front of her. She didn’t see his ears turn red but Collette did.“Oh, and lotion,” she called over her shoulder picking up two cans of Resees snack mix.

“Yes. Miz Rysdale,” he answered letting his drawl be more pronounced.

Knowing Mikel will need some time with Miss Collette he took his time to browse the feminine aisle. Never in a million years, he thought he will be doing this. Basket in hand he was looking over the shampoos with a mild or no scent at all. Finding two he placed them in his basket, he did the same for the lotion but took more time at the wipes. “Killian! Oh my god. It’s really you. I heard at the Diner, that you were back and I just couldn’t believe it.”

There was a time in his life when that voice will send him in a tailspin but now it only made him angry and tense. Picking up the wipes he thinks Mikel will like he turned to find his female greeter who was now too close for his liking.

“Betty Ann, how are you?” he returned politely. His overly formal response stopped her from throwing her arms around him. She rolled her eyes, “Don’t tell me you’re still miffed. That was years ago. I learned my lesson, I was immature. I was lonely Killian and you were off fighting some war.”

“I expected the woman who wore my ring to wait for me,” he seethed.

“We were kids,” she grounded out.

“We were 20. Didn’t you know we were kids when you said yes? When you were excited to be the future Mrs. Drummond?”

“Killian that was years ago. It’s time to move on. We can pick up where we left off.”

He never heard someone so blasé of another person’s feelings like Betty Ann. Was she always this selfish? Did she really love him at all? Being with Killian Drummond was a dream back in high school and when he placed his eyes on Betty Ann Duboir all the girls knew that was it. He was and still is a one-woman kind of man. The woman in front of him was his everything and his first in everything. Promises they made under the Montana sky apparently meant nothing to her. But to him they did, she was on his mind when he signed up. Her promise to wait for him was an empty one. Foolishly he believed her.

“Killian! We’re ready.” The sound of Mikel’s voice calling out to him brought him back to his normal calm self and a smile on his face.

Hearing the woman calling out his name Betty Ann took a quick look at his basket then put a search for the owner of the voice. “There you are. Oh, sorry for interrupting.” Mikel was at the beginning of the aisle peeking into it when she found him. Killian chuckled, “It’s nothing. Just an old friend welcoming me back home.”

“Okay Mr. Small Town Hero,” Mikel said walking to meet him. Betty Ann watched their interaction, a hint of jealousy ignited in her by being brushed off for this woman.

“Hi. I’m Mikel. I’m sorry for interrupting but Killian was just getting some stuff for me.” Her bright smile and the way Killian took her bag from her and the snacks in her hand, made Betty Ann’s jealousy grew. She looked familiar but just couldn’t place it. The town was small and she definitely knew everyone.

“Betty Ann.” She offered, taking her in fully.

“Betty Ann? Sounds familiar.” Mikel watched her closely then felt Killian stiffen beside her. She now knew the name. “I bet it is," the woman sneered. Mikel kept her gaze on Betty Ann then shook her head, “Well have a nice day.” she said grabbing Killian’s hand and walking away. Betty Ann didn’t miss the way Killian threaded his fingers with the grey-eyed woman's.

Killian’s mood dropped from his encounter with Betty Ann. He hasn’t teased nor tried to make any sort of conversation since they left the pharmacy. At the veterinary clinic, his greeting to Doc was very polite before he excused himself. Mikel saw how Doc become watching him leave. The older man knew also that something was wrong with him. The town loved Killian and Kelsey and was very protective of them both. She knew the older man probably knew why he was that way, she deducted in conclusion.

“Alright, Dr. Rysdale. How are you? I was expecting you here but not so soon.”

Mikel chuckled, yes, she attained her doctorate in veterinary medicine. Only a few knew but not her mother and late husband’s family. “I couldn’t stand how they shine a spotlight on Dominic’s death. I had no peace at our home and with him gone it’s so claustrophobic. I needed out. I thought maybe you will need help.” she said. Doctor Alexander Sampson eyed the young woman he taken under his wing carefully. She was hurting with her husband’s death but still cared about other’s welfare. “I understand. I can use some days to ease myself into retirement. Sheila will definitely like that.”

Mikel chuckled.

They both spoke about the daily runnings of the place and brought in the two assistants and a receptionist after their decision making.

"I know it's a trying time but will you look over my proposal. It has been years since I've taken a shine to a young vet and you have everything warranted to be a loyal and dedicated one. Take all the time you need." he said giving her a large folder with the clinic's name on the cover. Lightly she touched the insignia, it was her love of animals that brought her to this career but can she leave her father's legacy in another person's hands? Can she make her life her in Whispering Creek?

The town has been developing a lot over the years and isn't far from a small airport. The next town, a larger one with chain stores was an hour away. It had its prospects but her life... Dominic... they were in New York.

"Thank you. I will give this a lot of thought." she finally said giving him a small hug and smile.

"That's all I ask. Go on home and get some rest," he said giving her a little push out his office. On her way out she greeted both animal patients and their owners, indulging in a few chats and accepting their condolences before leaving.

Stepping onto the sidewalk she spotted Killian immediately. He had a lost look on his face that worried her. Quietly she walked the few steps to him where he was parked leaning against the van. When she stepped in front of him, he came back to the present. "Ready? Tell me where to next," he stated in a monotone voice. Mikel said nothing but simply took the keys from his tight grip and smiled.

"Let's go home. I will drive back. It won't be long and I noticed you favoring your right leg back in the clinic." She didn't say it harshly but in a firm tone to make him see reason. Releasing a tired sigh, he relinquished the keys and helped her in the driver's seat. Walking around to the passenger's side he felt a burning feeling of being watched. Turning his head over his shoulder he scanned the area and found himself locked with a familiar pair of browns. Betty Ann was on the other side of the street arms folded looking at him intensely. A part of him still wishes he can love her once more but her betrayal hurt now her flippant attitude to the pain she caused allowed him to be wary of her. She smiled his way, the sweet smile he lived for years ago. He tore his gaze away from her and entered the van.

Mikel waited for him to get comfortable before driving off sensing the angry tension in him. They rode in silence for a good ten minutes before he spoke.

"Kels told you?" His voice was barely above a whisper. She glanced his way noting his current position. He pushed the seat back and was now in a semi-lying position with his arm covering his eyes.

"Yeah after a small altercation with her in a store."

"What?!" With his arms removed from his eyes, she saw the fiery temper in them. She sighed and relaxed her hand on the wheel. "I was on an overseas trip when she called to rant. Apparently Betty Ann was cozying up to one of the ranch hands who accompanied Kels on her feed run. The man knew of y'all history. I think the whole town knew?"

She glanced and saw him nod in agreement with a clenched jaw. "So he called her out on her bullshit and she began to play the neglected girlfriend role. Kels overheard her saying you're probably 'tasting' the world on your duties to the country. She flipped and slapped Betty Ann. One thing led to another and the fight began."

"Shit."

"Yup. Heck, she deserved it. If I wasn't on a chocolate high and pregnant she would have been on the floor." Mikel murmured.

"What?" Killian asked with a smirk on his face. Mikel shifted in her seat and gave him a delicate snort, "Nothing." she mumbled but he heard. Who would have thought a woman sticking up for a man will ignite so much stronger feelings them?

They stayed quiet once more but this time Mikel was the one who broke the silence.

"How long you loved her?"

She thought he wasn't going to answer but he answered in that same low distant voice.

"Since I was 15."

Though he didn't elaborate Mikel knew that teen love to real love was something anyone will have a hard time getting over. Maybe Killian needed her as much as she needed him.