Page 127 of Unhinged Kallie

Kallie had her arms crossed as she leaned against the truck and stared at her feet. It reminded me of when she was a little girl and wanted something she couldn’t have. Kirby would say she had the cutest pout.

Reaching out, I lifted her chin and forced her to look at me. “What is it? Why are you so sad?”

“You don’t have to leave Dad. I said I was sorry.”

I smiled at her. “I’m not leaving because of you, not in the way you think. I’m leaving because you’ve proven you no longer need me.”

“No, I haven’t. I almost got myself killed and….”

“And you recognizing that and being safer and smarter in the future tells me you’re ready to fly on your own.” I pulled her into a hug, and she gripped me tight.

“I’m worried about you out there all alone,” she said, and once more, she amazed me with her heart.

“You are more like your mother than you realize, and I never want you to lose that Angel. Your mom would’ve been very proud of you and the woman you’ve become.” Pulling back, she looked up at me, tears streaming down her beautiful face. “I need to leave for a little while, but I’ll be back before your wedding. I still can’t believe you asked Abel to officiate.”

She giggled and wiped away the tears. “You have to admit, it will be a one-of-a-kind service.”

“Yes, I’m positive it will. Abel hasn’t stopped talking about getting a Pope’s hat.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay? You could help us plan.”

I kissed her forehead and stepped back from my daughter. “I’m not really the planning festivities type, but I promise I will be here. This is something I need to do.” I looked back at the house that held so many memories for me and all the best ones after I met Kirby. “This house haunts my mind. It’s time I step away and clear my head.” Carter laid his hands on her shoulders. “And it’s time you moved on with your new life.”

Hopping in the driver’s side of the truck, I put the window down, and Kallie still looked like she would try and come with me. I couldn’t understand her worry for me.

“Angel, I will be fine, and…I do love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

Starting the truck, I backed up and pulled out of the driveway but watched Kallie and Carter get smaller in the rearview mirror. He wrapped his arms around her, and I knew they would be fine. She was ready.

* * *

It took me two days to reach Colorado Springs. It would’ve been less, but I decided Kirby would’ve liked the scenic route. I rented a cabin near Mount Muscoco and spent the night before setting out early to hike to the top of the mountain. The four-and-a-half-mile trail was quiet as I made my way to the top.

I chugged some water and sat down to stare at the tops of trees and the other mountains in the distance. Pulling out the small container, I sat it beside me and grabbed a protein bar.

“We made it. I promised I’d bring you one day,” I said to Kirby and looked over at the urn, but all I saw was her beautiful smile, her amethyst eyes shining in the light while her unruly hair blew around her face.

“It’s perfect,” she said, cuddling close to my side. “Exactly how I pictured it.”

“Kallie is all grown up. She’s everything you hoped she would be and more, and I hate to admit it, but I’m pleased that you talked me out of killing Carter.”

Kirby laughed, and the sweet sound filled me with the warmth I’d missed all these years.

“Yes, she really is, and I wasn’t sure about them getting together, but they’re perfect, aren’t they?”

“They are.”

“Are you going to go back?”

“I will. I promised to be back for the wedding. There is no way I’m letting Abel give her away.” She slipped her hand into mine, and I shuddered with her touch. “I miss you every day.”

“I miss you more, but it’s time to let me go. You’ve been an amazing father. You’ve done everything you promised, and Darryl is burning in hell. You even sent the FBI to the farm to find the bodies of all his victims. So many families will find peace.”

“Carter asked me what you would want. I figured that was it.”

She kissed my cheek, and I cupped hers and softly kissed her lips. “I don’t want to let you go. My chest aches every second with the void of not having you by my side.”