A Time of Seasons

By Kay Edwards

Misty Adams finds herself in a real life and death struggle. When she becomes stranded along the road, will she find help before the forecasted blizzard hits. Alone and pregnant, will she find shelter? When Dalton Nelson's dog takes off before the blizzard, he goes to find her. He ends up finding more than he bargained for. Can Dalton do what needs to be done to help Misty? As a fragile friendship is forged, can this couple see that God has more than friendship for them? As a season of mourning is dealt with, can this couple see a season of love? As Dalton gets to know Misty, can he see the Texas handful she is and learn to save her from herself? This book will have you crying and then laughing until you are crying. You know what they say, things tend to get very crazy in Texas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Edwards
• Release date: Feb 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310940255

Kay Edwards

I am a country girl. I grew up along the Susquehanna River in central PA. I am a Christian and not ashamed of it. I have four children and an awesome (according to him) husband. I believe that Christ must be first, family second and everything else as God sees fit to lead you. I absolutely love a great love story and have written many just for fun. After introducing some friends to my writing, I have been encouraged to publish. I will find a way to always put a twist of humor in everything I write, because that is who I am. If it comes into my mind it is usually out of my mouth, which has put me in some absolutely hysterical situations. I look forward to sharing work with people and hope you all enjoy.

Book preview

About the Author

Kay Edwards is new to the publishing scene. This is the first book in her second series. Kay grew up in the church, and she loves Christ. In her books, she does her best to bring an entertaining story to life with her Savior in mind. After her Susquehanna Trilogy. Kay takes us to Texas. She brings wit and charm to some very daring ladies. Her Crazy in Texas series will have you laughing and crying. Please join Kay as she introduces you to her very first couple in the series. Enjoy the adventure of Misty Adams and Dr. Dalton Nelson in this fast pace hysterical romance. Let’s face it, things can get pretty crazy in Texas.

Dedications and Recognitions

I want to first and foremost dedicate this book to those that serve this country in the military and to the families that have had to say goodbye too soon to their beloved soldiers.

I also want to dedicate this book to my Texas friends. I have been a transplant here for over fifteen years, and I love it.

To Diane Graves a true Texas gal. I love laughing and getting into trouble with you.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my family. You have been great during this journey of discovery. Leron, Tyler, Samantha, Joseph, and Maggie thank you for giving me the space I need to create.

Prelude

Misty Adams stood at the front door of her home. Her hand went to her mouth as the two uniformed men informed her that her husband, Brent, had died in combat. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shook her head in denial. He had just left two weeks ago. They had found out she was having a baby the day before he was scheduled to deploy. Brent had knelt in front of her telling their unborn child he would come home soon. As she sobbed uncontrollably, Misty's knees buckled underneath the weight of the devastating news. She felt strong arms pick her up and carry her into her house. Please, God, she begged, Please let me wake up.

Chapter One

Six Months Later

Standing beside her car, Misty glanced at the flat tire that had caused her to stop. She pulled out her cell to call for help. A look at the screen caused alarm to shoot through her.

No bars. She whispered softly before looking around in hopes of spying a passing car.

It was freezing outside, and all Misty wanted to do was get home to Texas. Her heart had ached when she had left the house that she and her husband, Brent, had shared in Colorado, but it was time to go home to her parents' ranch. Looking at her flat tire, she headed to the back of the car for the spare. She may be thirty-six weeks pregnant, but she was pretty sure she could still change a flat tire.

Horror filled her as she opened the trunk and saw that the spare was dry rotted. Putting her hand protectively over her abdomen, she looked around.

Misty was miles from any town or house. She was also on a road less traveled. Looking up into the sky, she looked for any signs of life. She was just getting ready to give up, when she saw it. A tiny strand of smoke could be seen in the distant sky.

Tears filled Misty's eyes as she prayed. Please help me get there. Please, Jesus, help me get there. Pulling her coat tight around her, she grabbed two blankets from the car and started walking.

****

Dalton added another log to the roaring fire knowing the temperatures were going to drop even lower as the day progressed. He had decided to spend Christmas alone in the cabin his grandfather had left him in hopes of regenerating his spirit. It was not that he wanted time away from the rest of his family. It was just that he felt he needed time away from them. He had been working non-stop as an ER physician and felt so out of touch with God, that the thought of reconnecting with his Savior was more appealing than a holiday meal. When he was approved for two weeks off, he went to the nearest Christian bookstore and grabbed a devotional book. The next two weeks would be a time for him to rest and renew himself in Christ.

Hearing a scratching at the door, he glanced down at his dog, Jamie. Do you need to go out girl?

Jamie scratched the door again and made a small woof sound.

Opening the door, Dalton was surprised to see Jamie dash toward the woods. He yelled her name, but the stubborn dog didn’t seem inclined to listen. Looking at the snow coming down, Dalton knew he needed to go and find her, because later would be impossible. There was a blizzard coming, and he wanted to have her back there and safe before it hit full force.

****

Misty gasped as a sharp pain radiated through her abdomen. She could still see the smoke in the distant sky, but Misty knew she was still quite far from the safety she hoped to find. Tears started streaming down her cheeks as the snow that she was hoping to avoid began to swirl around her. Please, Jesus, please help me. I'm so afraid. A wave of peace came over Misty as she sought her Savior’s help. She looked around her as she walked toward the smoke. Misty was aware that she needed to find a landmark behind the smoke just in case the snow made it hard to see. I trust You, Jesus. I know You’ll give me strength. Please help me to remember that.

Two hours later, Misty leaned against a tree and panted through a very strong contraction. Looking up, she saw a blur coming toward her. Thinking it was a bear, she cried out. However, as the blur got closer, Misty realized she wasn’t alone. A wave of hope washed over her as she saw a dog heading right toward her.

Come here puppy. I won't hurt you. She said softly. She cried in relief as the dog walked up to her and nudged her hand. I need help girl. I hope you live close. Can you take me home? Go home girl. She said hoping the dog would listen.

Another contraction hit her as the dog turned and started walking, but Misty walked through the pain. It hurt like crazy, but this dog was her and her baby's best hope. The dog would turn and bark loudly at her every couple of yards. It was like the canine was telling her to keep up. Please Jesus… she begged again, as she felt the wetness of her water breaking saturate her pants.

****

Dalton followed Jamie's tracks. He had been looking for her for almost thirty minutes and was becoming anxious to find her. He could finally hear her barking and quickened his pace. The snow was really coming down now, and he needed to get both of them back to the cabin. Jamie…! he yelled over the howling wind. Looking up, he saw Jamie coming toward him.

Come Jamie! He commanded sternly. He was surprised when she didn't listen. Instead, she turned around and barked. She paced back toward the path a little and then turned and barked at him once more. When she started whimpering, Dalton knew something was wrong.

Ok girl, show me what you found. He said as he began to follow her. Maybe there was a lost animal or something. Rounding the bend of the path, Dalton saw that Jamie had not found a what, but a who. He broke into a run praying he wasn’t too late to help. Leaning against a tree was a young woman. As he neared her, Dalton saw why she had stopped.

Misty looked up and watched as a man ran toward her. Tears continued to make their way down her cheeks as she spoke to her Savior once more. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for hearing me and sending help.

Knowing time was not on their side, Dalton didn't ask any questions. As soon as he got to the woman, he scooped her up into his arms and started back toward the cabin at a run. He knew anything he needed to know would have to be discussed on the way to the cabin and the safety it offered. How close?

Misty whimpered as another contraction started. She panted against the man's chest. They are only seconds apart. Please…

Dalton tried to reassure the woman. It's ok. I have you. We can't let you have this baby out here. We’re not that far now.

Misty could see the cabin in the distance. Thank You, Jesus, thank you… her gasp ended her prayer as another contraction hit her small body.

Dalton could feel the woman’s body shuddering from the pain. He knew that they didn’t have much time. He held her with one arm as he opened the door and walked into the warmth of the cabin. Laying her on the bed, Dalton didn’t hesitate to do what needed to be done. We need to get your pants off. I need to see what’s going on.

Misty's body was again contracting. She nodded her head but couldn’t speak. She felt his cold fingers hook into her maternity pants and pull them off.

Dalton breathed a sigh of relief at the absence of blood. It looked like the moisture was slightly pink and clear. I know you don't know me, but I need you to listen to me. I’m a doctor, and I can help you. However, I need you to help yourself too. I need to wash my hands, but while I’m doing that, I need you not to push until I can see what is going on. Can you do that?

Misty nodded as she panted and fought the need to push. Yes.

Dalton walked over and grabbed a bottle of rubbing alcohol. He poured it over his hands and then waved them in the air to dry. Walking over, he spoke to the young woman gently. I'm going to move your legs. Just relax and let me see if the baby's head is down, ok? I know this is going to hurt, but don't tense up. I need you to breathe.

Misty nodded and tried not to hold her breath. She started panting as another contraction shook her. She wanted to push so badly, but she didn't. Instead, she listened to the man God had sent to help her.

Dalton felt the baby's head and breathed a sigh of relief. It looks like this little one wants to come out right. How many weeks are you?

Misty's voice was breathless as she answered. I'm thirty-six weeks.

Dalton was relieved. There was a good chance everything would turn out fine. Ok. It feels like you are fully dilated. So, the next time you feel a contraction, I want you to push. I'm going to show you how to hold your knees.

Misty was exhausted. She nodded her head and looked up into the doctor's kind eyes. She grabbed her knees. As she felt another contraction surge through her abdomen, she pushed with all of her might.

Dalton spoke firmly. Now that I can see your pushing right, I need you to give me three big pushes with every contraction. Listen to my voice. I’ll count to four. Push with all your strength while I’m counting. Remember, I need three pushes.

Misty looked up again into his face. I can do it. She whispered as another contraction hit. She pushed with all of her might for the four seconds and then pushed again, and again. Breathless, she leaned back against the pillow and waited for the next contraction.

Dalton encouraged the young woman to continue her efforts. That was perfect. Okay, here we go again.

For the next hour, Misty listened to everything the doctor said. When he said, ‘Push’, she pushed with all her might.

Dalton did everything he could to help the young woman bring life into the world. When she had trouble holding her legs, he came beside her and helped. He never stopped talking, and she never stopped listening. He only left her a couple of times to get things ready for the baby after delivery.

Seeing the baby’s head, Dalton spoke, I need you to hold your legs again. I can see your baby's head. We’re almost there.

Dalton positioned himself to deliver the baby. Ok now push. That's it, don't stop. One more time… Dalton caught the baby in his hands and started to clear her mouth. He placed the crying infant on her mother’s tummy as he cut the cord.

Misty let out a yell as she pushed one last time. She felt her baby leave her body and enter the world. She cried as the doctor placed her little girl on her stomach. Misty gently pulled her crying baby into her arms. Hello Rachel, I have waited so long to meet you.

With the cord cut, Dalton knew it was time to deliver the placenta. He looked up at the new mother and spoke softly. Do you have one more push in you?

Misty looked up from her baby's face and into the face of the man who had saved her life. I do.

Dalton delivered the placenta and put it into a basin. He examined the young woman for tearing and grimaced as he realized she would need a few stitches. Dalton was glad he had fishing line and a needle soaking in alcohol. What needed to be done wasn’t going to be pleasant for the young mom. I'm going to have to put a few stitches in. This is going to hurt just a little. Are you able to be still?

Misty nodded yes. She held Rachel close as he stitched her. She breathed through the pain. It had not taken long, but it did hurt.

Dalton finished with the stitches and looked up at the young mother. He needed to clean her and the bed up, but first, he needed to help her feed the baby. Have you read any books on breastfeeding? he asked softly.

Misty answered his question honestly. I’ve read a couple. Should I try to feed her?

Dalton smiled gently. I think it’s time to see if this little girl is as anxious to eat, as she was to get here.

Misty let the doctor help her position Rachel. He helped her get the baby latched on and then smiled when Rachel started nursing. She’s doing it.

Dalton looked down at mother and child. She’s doing great. I'm going to get you cleaned up, and then, I need to get you two settled. You may feel some stinging because I'm using water mixed with salt and alcohol.

Misty pulled the blanket over her and Rachel as the doctor uncovered her lower half. She smiled down at her eating daughter. Misty felt the doctor cleaning her stitches but wasn’t too bothered by the stinging. She looked up at him as he pulled the blanket down and wrapped it around her legs.

Misty knew it was time to introduce herself. My name is Misty.

Dalton looked up at the young mom. He smiled at her as he gave her his name. I'm Dalton. It seems a little too late to say very nice to meet you, but it is very nice to meet you, Misty.

Watching him put a plastic bag on a chair with a towel on top of it, Misty chuckled. After all of this, I agree.

Dalton spoke as he walked back over to Misty. I'm going to put you in the chair while I clean the bed. Are you able to sit up, or should I wait?

Misty was not sure. She looked up at him and answered. I guess we can try it and see. I honestly don't know. I feel fine right now.

Dalton gently scooped up mom and baby into his arms. He placed her in the chair and waited to see if she would be ok. How do you feel?

Misty felt just a little weak but not lightheaded. I think I'm good. I don’t feel faint.

Dalton nodded and then walked over and cleaned up the bed. He had never been so grateful that he had put plastic covers on the mattresses to protect them from dust. He cleaned and made the bed and then walked over and picked up Misty and the baby. He gently laid them on the bed and covered them up. I will see what I can find to diaper little Rachel. You go ahead and rest.

Misty looked down into Rachel's face. Tears formed in her eyes, and she sobbed as she pulled the baby closer to her. He would have loved you. Your daddy would have loved you so much. She whispered softly. Looking up, she saw Dalton watching her. He didn't say anything, but when his strong arms pulled her into his chest, she wept.

Chapter Two

Dalton woke up to the sound of a baby's cry. Looking over at the other bed, he saw Misty struggling to nurse Rachel. When it became evident that the baby needed something else, Dalton got up and walked over to them. Can I help?

Misty looked up at Dalton. I think she needs to be changed.

Gently taking the baby from Misty, Dalton spoke, I'll take care of her.

Misty watched Dalton take her daughter to a little wooden table. She observed him as he laid Rachel down on a bath towel and proceeded to change her.

Is she ok? Misty asked softly.

Dalton looked over at Misty. She just needs changing like you thought. When a baby is born, we need to make sure they pass their meconium. It’s precisely what I want to see. She’s wet too, so that means she’s getting something when you’re feeding her. Your milk isn't in yet. You are giving her colostrum right now. It’s thick but not as abundant as your milk will be. It’s also full of great stuff for her.

Misty watched as he finished changing Rachel. She spoke softly, I prayed so hard when I was out there. I can't believe your dog found me.

Dalton looked over at her as he picked Rachel up. Walking over to Misty, he gently put the baby back into her mother's arms. Dalton knew it wasn’t advisable for a woman thirty-six weeks pregnant to be traveling. As he sat down on the chair beside Misty’s bed and stretched out his long legs, he finally asked the question that had plagued him

Reviews for A Time of Seasons

[DamilolaDignityDT · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am just glad to see in this story how God wove their stories. It makes me eager to experience my story of love and seasons as God will take me and lead me. This book is so full of sound beautiful interpretation of God's love for each of his children.