Chapter 9 - Resolution

Mel left the shelter of city buildings and started down the length of the South Pier. There was a slight breeze coming out of the west, and the waves lapped at the walkway. Melody thought she could see someone near the end of the pier, but the sun was high in the sky and was causing the city to shine. She continued her walk, and as she got closer, she saw that it was indeed Carson at the end of the pier.

His back was to Mel the whole time she walked toward him, so when she reached him and touched his arm, Carson jumped. "Trying to give me a heart attack?"

Mel was trying to read Carson's face, but he was keeping his emotions from her. "I'm sorry for how I behaved last night."

"What did I say or do to make you run away, love?" Carson moved to take Melody's hands into his own.

Mel barked a harsh laugh and closed her eyes a moment before locking her gaze with Carson's. "It's nothing you did. It's all me. The last time I had a real relationship, I was in college and it just seemed so easy then."

"Radek?"

Mel blinked back a few tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes. "Yes, Radek. When we got together it was easy and casual and it just happened. And before we both realized, it was over just as easily."

"But you both are still very good friends." Carson wasn't sure where all this was going.

Mel smiled. "Yes, Radek and I are still good friends. He helped me to realize a few things today."

"Really?" Carson was hoping that she and Radek hadn't realized that they were better off together.

"Yes. He made me realize that I can't let the memory and baggage of our marriage color the rest of my life. That I can't be terrified to start something with a new person just because it didn't work out with him."

"Smart man." Carson still wasn't entirely sure what was on Melody's mind.

"I think I've been attracted to you since I first hear your name mentioned at the SGC. And when I came here and met you and got to know you..."

"Yes, love?" Carson's heart was about to burst if she didn't get to the point soon.

Mel smiled, moved closer to him, and pulled his head down closer to hers. "I'm falling in love with you, Doctor Carson Beckett," she whispered against his lips.

"It's about time you got to the point. And love?" He rubbed his lips against hers.

"Yes?" Mel answered breathlessly.

"The feeling is very mutual."