Denali Dreams, page 22
On one knee and with the other stretched awkwardly over her because of the lack of room and the position of her body, Logan checked for breathing. “Deline, c’mon. Deline. Talk to me.”
Her eyebrows rippled in a half frown. A small moan. As if trying to wake from a bad dream.
A noise behind him alerted him to Dr. Malcolm’s insertion into the plane. An inflatable brace appeared over his shoulder. “Breathing?” Dr. Malcolm asked.
“Shallow.” Logan slid the neck brace on and inflated it. Touched her face as he scooted aside so the medical professional could do his work. “Deline. Deline, I need you to wake up.” He held the sides of Deline’s face to make sure her neck didn’t shift as the doc began assessing her.
“Her leg’s broken. Possibly her arm.” Experienced hands searched her abdomen.
Deline moaned. Then whimpered.
“Deline, you there? Deline!” Logan angled, half-bent over another seat, so he could see her face. “Deline, let me see those beautiful eyes.”
Her eyelashes fluttered.
“That’s right. Fight your way out.”
Malcolm probed her side.
Deline arched her back with a yelp. Then slumped down.
“Deline. Deline, you okay?”
A tear slipped free from her closed eyelid.
“Hey,” came a warm, calming voice. Logan’s. She could feel his hand wrapped around hers as he lifted it.
A pinch plucked the top of her hand.
She hissed, but that pinprick—an IV?—was the baby of the pains ravaging her body. “Hurts,” she gritted out. “Hurts.” Hot tears streaked across her cheeks.
“I know, but you’re alive. That’s all that matters.”
Deline forced her way past the black wall of pain that competed against Wickersham Wall. She’d struggled with the plane to avoid that monster.
Monster.
Bender.
Her eyes shot open. She stared into eyes the color of the sky. “Bender.”
Logan frowned. “Shh, relax.”
“He told me you were up here,” she managed, ignoring the fire licking through her side. “Told me you were dying.” A flood of tears washed her face.
“I’m here. I’m fine—now that I know you’re alive.” The worry gouged into his face told her the story. He’d never been in danger. Bender wanted her out here.
No. Not out here.
Out of the way.
“He tried to kill me.” She wrinkled up her nose and fought the sobs that were pulling against whatever agony took over her abdomen.
Logan squatted closer, touching her face. “Deline, take it easy. It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen.”
Brave words. So sweet.
A bolt of fire and then ice stabbed through her. She howled.
“Sorry,” an older man with dark skin—Dr. Malcolm—eased into view. “I had to stabilize your leg.”
She looked down and saw the makeshift splint.
“We need to get you out of here,” the doctor said with an expression of sorrow. “But there’s not enough room to bring a board in here.”
She understood and gave a nod. She’d have to get herself out before they could secure her.
“I’ll help you,” Logan said. “We need to turn you, so I can support your weight as you exit.”
Together, they made the position switch. Sweat beaded on her brow and nausea cinched her stomach at the pain. The incredible pain. As they worked their way out of the plane, down, and into the snow, her hearing hollowed.
Logan hooked his arms under hers and drew her out. White-hot fire erupted through her torso. I’m going to pass out. Her vision grayed as she vaguely became aware of Logan lifting her into his arms.
Her head lobbed.
Seconds later, the suffocating constriction in her abdomen and pounding in her head eased. Cold—terrible cold—snapped through her body. “I’m dying.”
A laugh massaged her worry. “Not if I can help it.”
Opening her eyes, a blinding sheet of white stabbed her corneas. She flinched. Then felt something slide along her temples. When she looked again, the world was … less bright.
And Logan didn’t have sunglasses anymore. He knelt beside her, gently adjusted a belt that held her neck and head in place. Ah, that explained the cold—lying on the ground, being strapped to a board.
“Chopper!”
“I’m a pilot,” she mumbled.
“Not this time,” Logan said with a smile.
She caught his hand with her uninjured arm.
Wind gusted and whipped the loose snow into a powdered frenzy.
Logan’s gaze flickered to hers.
She wanted the gap bridged. She wanted to apologize for panicking when he’d kissed her. “The thought … of life without you …”
The left side of his mouth quirked. “Don’t say something you’ll regret later.”
“Let’s go!” the doctor shouted.
The litter lifted into the air and within a few minutes, she was secured to the chopper and flying thousands of miles over the mountain that nearly claimed her soul.
Chapter 14
I have a broken rib, not a broken head.”
“One might think you had both,” her father groused.
“What were you thinking, flying up there without a flight plan, without—”
“Mr. Tsosie, she followed protocol. The tower communicated with her and gave her clearance. There was a lot of miscommunication that went into this—”
“You going to sit there and tell me Bender miscommunicated his attempt to kill my daughter?”
Sheriff Wellesley tipped his head down. “No, sir. Bender is under arrest and charges are pending. We’ve got evidence that places him at the scene of the fire that burned down your home, and”—his gaze cut to Deline, who sat on the sofa, her leg elevated with pillows—“we’ve learned from the mechanic that the oil line on your Otter had been tampered with from the first time you had to make that emergency landing. There’s video footage that shows Bender out there.”
“What about this time?”
“The Chinook is scheduled to retrieve your plane tomorrow. We’ll do a full investigation on the plane once it’s back on level ground.”
“I just don’t understand why he’d do this. It’s insane.”
“Well, he had a mountain of bills and debts he had to pay off. When he lost his last job and opened up his air taxi business, every last dime went into the air taxi. He was losing thousands every month and couldn’t keep up. With you out of the picture, I reckon he thought he could save his financial future.”
The sheriff stood and waved the papers. “Thanks for your time, Deline. If I need or hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you.” Pushing off the cushions, she grimaced.
“Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.”
Deline watched out the door, strained to see up and down the street.
“He’s not coming,” her father muttered. “Told you he has to finish out his month at High Camp. There’s no rescue for a ranger.”
“There’s always a rescue.” Just not for a broken heart. She slumped back into the cushions.
“Why you so worried about this boy now anyway? You didn’t seem to care none when he was hovering over you and paying you all that mind.”
“I’m not worried about Logan.” I miss him. She wanted to talk to him.
Antsy from a week on the couch, she pushed herself up. Wobbled, then righted herself.
“What’re you doing?”
“Going to cook myself some sourdough pancakes.”
“That’s what you always make when you’re worried.”
Deline groaned as she moved into Jolie’s kitchen. With the wedding this weekend, Jolie had opted to stay with her family in Anchorage. David was out there, too, doing last-minute preps. Which gave Deline and her dad time to find a new home. “Oh, hey. I heard the McClellans are selling their home.”
“Too close to the highway.”
Highway—in a town this small, to call it a highway was crazy.
Deline grunted. He’d found something wrong with just about every place she’d suggested. “We have to find someplace, Daddy.” She drew the fry pan from beneath the cabinet, set it on the Viking stove, then dug through the drawer for a spatula and fork. Once she had those, she opened the pantry door and rifled through to find the ingredients, careful not to aggravate her injuries.
“I like Logan’s place,” her daddy announced. “Think he’d sell it to us?”
“Logan likes his house just fine. I’m sure he isn’t interested in selling it to us.” Armed with a box and some spices, she closed the door with her toe. “Besides, I think he’s forgotten about me.” She turned.
And found herself staring into blue eyes. “Logan,” she breathed.
“Is this part of your ‘life without me’ plan?”
Afraid she’d drop the contents in her arms, she set them down. Her insides quivered as she felt his gaze on her. Intense gaze. This wasn’t just a social call. She braved a glance.
Hand on the granite island, Logan leaned in. “I need to know, Deline.”
She brushed the curls from her face and folded her arms, hiding a cringe at the pain.
Logan tugged her closer. “Do you want life without me?”
Whistling, her dad sauntered out of the living room and into the hall. She couldn’t resist the smile at his “told you so” posture as he vanished into the back room.
Logan’s hand traced her cheek. “Finding you on that mountain, unconscious—” He bit off his sentence.
She let the bravado drain out and looked up at him. “I’ve never needed anyone, Logan.” With a bob of her head she indicated her father in the other room. “I’ve taken care of him and Enli since I can remember, even though I was the youngest and Mama was around—until, well, you know.”
Defeat deflated Logan.
“But when Roger told me you were dying, that they needed someone to fly you out—” She gulped the memory back. “I realized I needed you more than I ever realized.”
His expression shifted to one of surprise, then joy.
“When I woke up in the Otter with you there, seeing you … when I thought I’d never see you again …” Tears threatened. “Stupid tears.” She stomped her foot, cringing as tingles ran up her casted leg. “I think … I think hope is taking flight.” She placed her hands on his abdomen. “I’m not good at this stuff, so just—as I tried and failed to say that night at the lake—give me room to adjust.“
“I’ll give you the rest of my life.”
“Easy there, cowboy. That’s a little fast, don’t you think?” She smiled at him. “Maybe a few more flights up with me?”
He flinched. “If I have to.”
“What … don’t you like flying with me?”
“I love doing anything with you.”
“But?”
He looked like a sheepish schoolboy. “I hate flying.”
Stunned, she stared at him. Wanted to laugh. But … couldn’t. “Then, why …?”
Logan eased in closer, his hand around the back of her neck as he guided her into his arms. “Deline, this whole thing with you—for me, it’s love taking flight.”
Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a golden retriever. She has a BS in psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers.
DENALI
GUARDIANS
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Dedication
To the Talkeetna Rangers. For everything you do, everyone you rescue, and all the crazy authors you put up with on a day-to-day basis (well, okay, so at least this crazy author). You’re all amazing.
Missy—this one’s for you.
A Note from the Author
What a joy it has been to share this journey with you all. I’d like to give a big shout-out to my friend Ronie Kendig. She’s brilliant, and I love her dearly. We’ve had a blast with these stories and characters, and we hope you’ve enjoyed a taste of Alaska, mountaineering, and the incredible rangers.
More than anything, I hope you can walk away with a sense that God is with you at all times and His joy is always there for the taking.
Never let go.
In His Abundant JOY,
Kimberley Woodhouse
http://kimberleywoodhouse.com
Chapter 1
Mountaineering ranger Josh Richards grabbed his gear off the helicopter and headed back to the station. This last thirty-day stint on upper mountain rotation had kicked him in the rear. Twenty-seven rescues, two plane crashes, and three acute cases of HACE. Must’ve been a record. With over twelve hundred people climbing Denali during the short summer season this year, it shouldn’t surprise him. But his body protested, clearly saying it would have liked some warning.
A whiff of unsavory odor rose up to meet him. Ugh. He stank. Needed a long, hot shower, a haircut, and a good shave. And then sleep. Real sleep in a real bed.
Kyle greeted him at the door. “Good to have you back, bud.”
Josh nodded. “Feels good to be back. I’m glad I don’t have to look at the side of that mountain again for a while. I’m worn out. Shredded.”
Zack joined them. “Yeah, this season’s been a mess. Just goes to show that even the most experienced climbers aren’t prepared for everything.”
“I’m glad the official climbing season is over.” Josh shook his head. “Can I just say how much I’m looking forward to winter?”
Kyle smacked him on the shoulder. “You and me both.”
The rangers laughed together.
A smile crinkled Zack’s eyes. “You definitely earned your position, Josh. Good to have you with us.” He started to walk away, then turned. “Hey, Karon will kill me if I don’t ask if you brought her book back.”
Josh dropped his duffel. Pulled out a gallon Ziploc with two books inside. “Tell her thanks, here’s the one from David as well. She’s a lifesaver.”
“That’s my girl. She’s becoming the mobile library for the camps.” Zack grinned from ear to ear and left the station.
“You know every time I see him now, he can’t seem to wipe the smile off his face.” Josh laughed.
“Yep.” Kyle walked with him to the conference room.
“And when I first met him, I thought he was the most arrogant grouch I’d ever encountered.”
Kyle nodded. “That’s because he let go of the rope, before Karon entered the picture.”
“Let go of the rope?”
Kyle smacked his shoulder. “That’s a story Zack will have to tell you sometime. It’s a good one….”
Josh’s attention diverted. Deanna Smith walked by talking on the radio. Fellow ranger and heartbeat of the station. She kept everything and everyone moving. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Wait. Kyle was still talking. Was he supposed to respond? He couldn’t remember. “Uh-huh.”
“Josh?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Josh!”
Oops. “What?” His gaze remained on Deanna as she rounded the corner.
Laughter answered him. “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”
Huh? Oh right. He panned back to Kyle. “Uh, no. Sorry.”
“And another one bites the dust.” The other ranger—his senior—mumbled and patted him on the back again. “Turn in your paperwork, then do us all a favor and get some sleep.”
Josh watched him walk away. He’d better focus. He had a job to do.
After he found all his paperwork and took care of his equipment, Josh ran a hand through his scruffy hair and headed toward Deanna’s desk.
The highlight of any day, she’d smile at him and talk to him as though they were best friends. But that was her way. She made everyone feel special, every day. But just once, he wanted it to be different. He wanted to be the one. Would she ever turn that smile his way? For him alone?
He shook his head. Focus, man!
When he found her, Deanna had her head bent over her desk. Long, auburn hair pulled back with a simple elastic band. She never wore any makeup—didn’t need any, in his opinion—and he’d never seen her in anything other than the green ranger uniform. But she was beautiful.
The same question had plagued him for months: Why did she keep everyone at a distance? Everyone loved her. But it was like she didn’t want any attention drawn to herself. Ever. But she certainly drew his attention.
Get a grip, Richards. He shook his head. He was acting like a hormonal teenager. If he didn’t watch it, he’d start drooling all over her desk. Not a good look for a twenty-six-year-old.
Deanna’s head popped up, those green eyes landing square on him. She put a hand to her chest. “Oh! Sorry, Josh. I didn’t know you were standing there.”
“Didn’t want to interrupt your train of thought.”
“You’re never interrupting.” She smiled. “What do you have for me?”
“Paperwork.” He grimaced. “Your favorite.” Hopefully his sarcasm wasn’t over the top.
Deanna’s light laughter washed over him as she took the file folder. “Oh joy. Well, someone’s gotta do it.” She flipped through the papers. “Bet you’re glad to be done with your first full season.”
Small talk. He could do that. “Yeah, I am. Looking forward to the work around here this winter.”
She nodded. “Just wait until we need your help with a winter rescue. Those are always fun.”
“And … cold … I bet.” Couldn’t he come up with anything more clever to say? He needed to quit now before he made a bigger fool of himself. Walk away. Out the door, into his Jeep. He could do that. Get some sleep and maybe smack his head against the wall a few times.
But Deanna had the courtesy to laugh. “Yeah, just a little.” Then she pointed a finger in his direction. “But don’t get your hopes up that things will be easy over the winter—there’s always a million things to be done.”
“Okay.” Escape. Run away. Before he stuck his foot in his mouth and couldn’t remove it. “Well … I better get cleaned up.” He took a few steps backward and waved. “Thanks … for taking my paperwork.” Good one, Richards. He wanted to roll his eyes at himself. What an idiot.
Her eyebrows rippled in a half frown. A small moan. As if trying to wake from a bad dream.
A noise behind him alerted him to Dr. Malcolm’s insertion into the plane. An inflatable brace appeared over his shoulder. “Breathing?” Dr. Malcolm asked.
“Shallow.” Logan slid the neck brace on and inflated it. Touched her face as he scooted aside so the medical professional could do his work. “Deline. Deline, I need you to wake up.” He held the sides of Deline’s face to make sure her neck didn’t shift as the doc began assessing her.
“Her leg’s broken. Possibly her arm.” Experienced hands searched her abdomen.
Deline moaned. Then whimpered.
“Deline, you there? Deline!” Logan angled, half-bent over another seat, so he could see her face. “Deline, let me see those beautiful eyes.”
Her eyelashes fluttered.
“That’s right. Fight your way out.”
Malcolm probed her side.
Deline arched her back with a yelp. Then slumped down.
“Deline. Deline, you okay?”
A tear slipped free from her closed eyelid.
“Hey,” came a warm, calming voice. Logan’s. She could feel his hand wrapped around hers as he lifted it.
A pinch plucked the top of her hand.
She hissed, but that pinprick—an IV?—was the baby of the pains ravaging her body. “Hurts,” she gritted out. “Hurts.” Hot tears streaked across her cheeks.
“I know, but you’re alive. That’s all that matters.”
Deline forced her way past the black wall of pain that competed against Wickersham Wall. She’d struggled with the plane to avoid that monster.
Monster.
Bender.
Her eyes shot open. She stared into eyes the color of the sky. “Bender.”
Logan frowned. “Shh, relax.”
“He told me you were up here,” she managed, ignoring the fire licking through her side. “Told me you were dying.” A flood of tears washed her face.
“I’m here. I’m fine—now that I know you’re alive.” The worry gouged into his face told her the story. He’d never been in danger. Bender wanted her out here.
No. Not out here.
Out of the way.
“He tried to kill me.” She wrinkled up her nose and fought the sobs that were pulling against whatever agony took over her abdomen.
Logan squatted closer, touching her face. “Deline, take it easy. It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen.”
Brave words. So sweet.
A bolt of fire and then ice stabbed through her. She howled.
“Sorry,” an older man with dark skin—Dr. Malcolm—eased into view. “I had to stabilize your leg.”
She looked down and saw the makeshift splint.
“We need to get you out of here,” the doctor said with an expression of sorrow. “But there’s not enough room to bring a board in here.”
She understood and gave a nod. She’d have to get herself out before they could secure her.
“I’ll help you,” Logan said. “We need to turn you, so I can support your weight as you exit.”
Together, they made the position switch. Sweat beaded on her brow and nausea cinched her stomach at the pain. The incredible pain. As they worked their way out of the plane, down, and into the snow, her hearing hollowed.
Logan hooked his arms under hers and drew her out. White-hot fire erupted through her torso. I’m going to pass out. Her vision grayed as she vaguely became aware of Logan lifting her into his arms.
Her head lobbed.
Seconds later, the suffocating constriction in her abdomen and pounding in her head eased. Cold—terrible cold—snapped through her body. “I’m dying.”
A laugh massaged her worry. “Not if I can help it.”
Opening her eyes, a blinding sheet of white stabbed her corneas. She flinched. Then felt something slide along her temples. When she looked again, the world was … less bright.
And Logan didn’t have sunglasses anymore. He knelt beside her, gently adjusted a belt that held her neck and head in place. Ah, that explained the cold—lying on the ground, being strapped to a board.
“Chopper!”
“I’m a pilot,” she mumbled.
“Not this time,” Logan said with a smile.
She caught his hand with her uninjured arm.
Wind gusted and whipped the loose snow into a powdered frenzy.
Logan’s gaze flickered to hers.
She wanted the gap bridged. She wanted to apologize for panicking when he’d kissed her. “The thought … of life without you …”
The left side of his mouth quirked. “Don’t say something you’ll regret later.”
“Let’s go!” the doctor shouted.
The litter lifted into the air and within a few minutes, she was secured to the chopper and flying thousands of miles over the mountain that nearly claimed her soul.
Chapter 14
I have a broken rib, not a broken head.”
“One might think you had both,” her father groused.
“What were you thinking, flying up there without a flight plan, without—”
“Mr. Tsosie, she followed protocol. The tower communicated with her and gave her clearance. There was a lot of miscommunication that went into this—”
“You going to sit there and tell me Bender miscommunicated his attempt to kill my daughter?”
Sheriff Wellesley tipped his head down. “No, sir. Bender is under arrest and charges are pending. We’ve got evidence that places him at the scene of the fire that burned down your home, and”—his gaze cut to Deline, who sat on the sofa, her leg elevated with pillows—“we’ve learned from the mechanic that the oil line on your Otter had been tampered with from the first time you had to make that emergency landing. There’s video footage that shows Bender out there.”
“What about this time?”
“The Chinook is scheduled to retrieve your plane tomorrow. We’ll do a full investigation on the plane once it’s back on level ground.”
“I just don’t understand why he’d do this. It’s insane.”
“Well, he had a mountain of bills and debts he had to pay off. When he lost his last job and opened up his air taxi business, every last dime went into the air taxi. He was losing thousands every month and couldn’t keep up. With you out of the picture, I reckon he thought he could save his financial future.”
The sheriff stood and waved the papers. “Thanks for your time, Deline. If I need or hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you.” Pushing off the cushions, she grimaced.
“Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.”
Deline watched out the door, strained to see up and down the street.
“He’s not coming,” her father muttered. “Told you he has to finish out his month at High Camp. There’s no rescue for a ranger.”
“There’s always a rescue.” Just not for a broken heart. She slumped back into the cushions.
“Why you so worried about this boy now anyway? You didn’t seem to care none when he was hovering over you and paying you all that mind.”
“I’m not worried about Logan.” I miss him. She wanted to talk to him.
Antsy from a week on the couch, she pushed herself up. Wobbled, then righted herself.
“What’re you doing?”
“Going to cook myself some sourdough pancakes.”
“That’s what you always make when you’re worried.”
Deline groaned as she moved into Jolie’s kitchen. With the wedding this weekend, Jolie had opted to stay with her family in Anchorage. David was out there, too, doing last-minute preps. Which gave Deline and her dad time to find a new home. “Oh, hey. I heard the McClellans are selling their home.”
“Too close to the highway.”
Highway—in a town this small, to call it a highway was crazy.
Deline grunted. He’d found something wrong with just about every place she’d suggested. “We have to find someplace, Daddy.” She drew the fry pan from beneath the cabinet, set it on the Viking stove, then dug through the drawer for a spatula and fork. Once she had those, she opened the pantry door and rifled through to find the ingredients, careful not to aggravate her injuries.
“I like Logan’s place,” her daddy announced. “Think he’d sell it to us?”
“Logan likes his house just fine. I’m sure he isn’t interested in selling it to us.” Armed with a box and some spices, she closed the door with her toe. “Besides, I think he’s forgotten about me.” She turned.
And found herself staring into blue eyes. “Logan,” she breathed.
“Is this part of your ‘life without me’ plan?”
Afraid she’d drop the contents in her arms, she set them down. Her insides quivered as she felt his gaze on her. Intense gaze. This wasn’t just a social call. She braved a glance.
Hand on the granite island, Logan leaned in. “I need to know, Deline.”
She brushed the curls from her face and folded her arms, hiding a cringe at the pain.
Logan tugged her closer. “Do you want life without me?”
Whistling, her dad sauntered out of the living room and into the hall. She couldn’t resist the smile at his “told you so” posture as he vanished into the back room.
Logan’s hand traced her cheek. “Finding you on that mountain, unconscious—” He bit off his sentence.
She let the bravado drain out and looked up at him. “I’ve never needed anyone, Logan.” With a bob of her head she indicated her father in the other room. “I’ve taken care of him and Enli since I can remember, even though I was the youngest and Mama was around—until, well, you know.”
Defeat deflated Logan.
“But when Roger told me you were dying, that they needed someone to fly you out—” She gulped the memory back. “I realized I needed you more than I ever realized.”
His expression shifted to one of surprise, then joy.
“When I woke up in the Otter with you there, seeing you … when I thought I’d never see you again …” Tears threatened. “Stupid tears.” She stomped her foot, cringing as tingles ran up her casted leg. “I think … I think hope is taking flight.” She placed her hands on his abdomen. “I’m not good at this stuff, so just—as I tried and failed to say that night at the lake—give me room to adjust.“
“I’ll give you the rest of my life.”
“Easy there, cowboy. That’s a little fast, don’t you think?” She smiled at him. “Maybe a few more flights up with me?”
He flinched. “If I have to.”
“What … don’t you like flying with me?”
“I love doing anything with you.”
“But?”
He looked like a sheepish schoolboy. “I hate flying.”
Stunned, she stared at him. Wanted to laugh. But … couldn’t. “Then, why …?”
Logan eased in closer, his hand around the back of her neck as he guided her into his arms. “Deline, this whole thing with you—for me, it’s love taking flight.”
Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a golden retriever. She has a BS in psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers.
DENALI
GUARDIANS
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Dedication
To the Talkeetna Rangers. For everything you do, everyone you rescue, and all the crazy authors you put up with on a day-to-day basis (well, okay, so at least this crazy author). You’re all amazing.
Missy—this one’s for you.
A Note from the Author
What a joy it has been to share this journey with you all. I’d like to give a big shout-out to my friend Ronie Kendig. She’s brilliant, and I love her dearly. We’ve had a blast with these stories and characters, and we hope you’ve enjoyed a taste of Alaska, mountaineering, and the incredible rangers.
More than anything, I hope you can walk away with a sense that God is with you at all times and His joy is always there for the taking.
Never let go.
In His Abundant JOY,
Kimberley Woodhouse
http://kimberleywoodhouse.com
Chapter 1
Mountaineering ranger Josh Richards grabbed his gear off the helicopter and headed back to the station. This last thirty-day stint on upper mountain rotation had kicked him in the rear. Twenty-seven rescues, two plane crashes, and three acute cases of HACE. Must’ve been a record. With over twelve hundred people climbing Denali during the short summer season this year, it shouldn’t surprise him. But his body protested, clearly saying it would have liked some warning.
A whiff of unsavory odor rose up to meet him. Ugh. He stank. Needed a long, hot shower, a haircut, and a good shave. And then sleep. Real sleep in a real bed.
Kyle greeted him at the door. “Good to have you back, bud.”
Josh nodded. “Feels good to be back. I’m glad I don’t have to look at the side of that mountain again for a while. I’m worn out. Shredded.”
Zack joined them. “Yeah, this season’s been a mess. Just goes to show that even the most experienced climbers aren’t prepared for everything.”
“I’m glad the official climbing season is over.” Josh shook his head. “Can I just say how much I’m looking forward to winter?”
Kyle smacked him on the shoulder. “You and me both.”
The rangers laughed together.
A smile crinkled Zack’s eyes. “You definitely earned your position, Josh. Good to have you with us.” He started to walk away, then turned. “Hey, Karon will kill me if I don’t ask if you brought her book back.”
Josh dropped his duffel. Pulled out a gallon Ziploc with two books inside. “Tell her thanks, here’s the one from David as well. She’s a lifesaver.”
“That’s my girl. She’s becoming the mobile library for the camps.” Zack grinned from ear to ear and left the station.
“You know every time I see him now, he can’t seem to wipe the smile off his face.” Josh laughed.
“Yep.” Kyle walked with him to the conference room.
“And when I first met him, I thought he was the most arrogant grouch I’d ever encountered.”
Kyle nodded. “That’s because he let go of the rope, before Karon entered the picture.”
“Let go of the rope?”
Kyle smacked his shoulder. “That’s a story Zack will have to tell you sometime. It’s a good one….”
Josh’s attention diverted. Deanna Smith walked by talking on the radio. Fellow ranger and heartbeat of the station. She kept everything and everyone moving. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Wait. Kyle was still talking. Was he supposed to respond? He couldn’t remember. “Uh-huh.”
“Josh?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Josh!”
Oops. “What?” His gaze remained on Deanna as she rounded the corner.
Laughter answered him. “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”
Huh? Oh right. He panned back to Kyle. “Uh, no. Sorry.”
“And another one bites the dust.” The other ranger—his senior—mumbled and patted him on the back again. “Turn in your paperwork, then do us all a favor and get some sleep.”
Josh watched him walk away. He’d better focus. He had a job to do.
After he found all his paperwork and took care of his equipment, Josh ran a hand through his scruffy hair and headed toward Deanna’s desk.
The highlight of any day, she’d smile at him and talk to him as though they were best friends. But that was her way. She made everyone feel special, every day. But just once, he wanted it to be different. He wanted to be the one. Would she ever turn that smile his way? For him alone?
He shook his head. Focus, man!
When he found her, Deanna had her head bent over her desk. Long, auburn hair pulled back with a simple elastic band. She never wore any makeup—didn’t need any, in his opinion—and he’d never seen her in anything other than the green ranger uniform. But she was beautiful.
The same question had plagued him for months: Why did she keep everyone at a distance? Everyone loved her. But it was like she didn’t want any attention drawn to herself. Ever. But she certainly drew his attention.
Get a grip, Richards. He shook his head. He was acting like a hormonal teenager. If he didn’t watch it, he’d start drooling all over her desk. Not a good look for a twenty-six-year-old.
Deanna’s head popped up, those green eyes landing square on him. She put a hand to her chest. “Oh! Sorry, Josh. I didn’t know you were standing there.”
“Didn’t want to interrupt your train of thought.”
“You’re never interrupting.” She smiled. “What do you have for me?”
“Paperwork.” He grimaced. “Your favorite.” Hopefully his sarcasm wasn’t over the top.
Deanna’s light laughter washed over him as she took the file folder. “Oh joy. Well, someone’s gotta do it.” She flipped through the papers. “Bet you’re glad to be done with your first full season.”
Small talk. He could do that. “Yeah, I am. Looking forward to the work around here this winter.”
She nodded. “Just wait until we need your help with a winter rescue. Those are always fun.”
“And … cold … I bet.” Couldn’t he come up with anything more clever to say? He needed to quit now before he made a bigger fool of himself. Walk away. Out the door, into his Jeep. He could do that. Get some sleep and maybe smack his head against the wall a few times.
But Deanna had the courtesy to laugh. “Yeah, just a little.” Then she pointed a finger in his direction. “But don’t get your hopes up that things will be easy over the winter—there’s always a million things to be done.”
“Okay.” Escape. Run away. Before he stuck his foot in his mouth and couldn’t remove it. “Well … I better get cleaned up.” He took a few steps backward and waved. “Thanks … for taking my paperwork.” Good one, Richards. He wanted to roll his eyes at himself. What an idiot.
