Wings of Promise (2 page)

“And we’ve been blessed,” Helen said. “Just keeping the business afloat through this horrible depression is a gift from God. So much of the country is suffering, so many out of work and losing their homes.” She shook her head. “It’s terrible.”

Albert looked around the table. “Let’s thank the Lord for the food and all his blessings.”

Everyone at the table clasped hands. Muriel’s felt small in Kate’s. Mike’s was warm and callused. He gave hers a squeeze. His sudden affection made Kate uncomfortable.

“Our heavenly Father,” Albert said. “Thank you for friends and family. And thank you for your abundant blessings. We have more than we deserve. We ask that you will provide for those who have so little. And on this special day, when we remember the birth of your Son, we think about the price paid on our behalf and we are grateful. Please bless our time together and continue to build the bonds of friendship between us. Amen.”

Mike gave Kate’s hand another squeeze. She quickly let go.

When everyone had finished eating, the men retired to the front room while the women cleaned up the kitchen. Muriel cleared the table, Helen washed dishes, and Kate dried.

“I’m so full I can barely breathe,” Kate said. She glanced out the window. Winter’s early nightfall had descended. “I need to walk. I wish we had longer days.”

“I love being outdoors after dark,” Muriel said. “Especially when the northern lights put on a show. Sometimes when I stand under the sky with the lights dancing, I feel as if I’m getting a glimpse of heaven.”

Helen studied her daughter. “You need to keep your heaven-gazing to the church sanctuary. You’re in a delicate condition and shouldn’t be out when the temperatures are extreme.”

“I’m fine. Don’t fuss.”

“I’m not fussing.” Helen turned back to the dishes. “You’ve got to think about the baby.”

Muriel set an empty casserole dish on the counter. “You worry too much.” She leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “But I love you for it.”

“When is the baby due?” Kate asked, adding a plate to a stack.

“The doctor thinks mid-July,” Muriel said, glancing at her stomach.

“It’s the perfect time for a baby.” Helen handed Kate another dish. “The days are warm.”

“Don’t let Terrence drag you off on a trip into the bush this summer. I’d hate to have to fly Paul in to some remote spot to deliver your baby.” Kate laughed.

“Terrence loves to get out of town, but I doubt he’ll be leaving in July.”

Helen chuckled. “When your time gets near, he’ll be like all expectant fathers—nervous as a rooster locked up in a chicken house with a hungry fox.”

“I can’t imagine Dad being like that.”

“Oh, but he was.” Helen smiled as she scrubbed gravy off a plate. “The day you were born I thought he would walk a path right into the floor.” She chuckled. “But he’s been a good father.”

“It’ll be nice to have a doctor tending to people who live out of town.” Muriel dipped a washcloth in the sink water and wrung it out. “I think what Paul’s doing is very kind.”

Helen immersed the plate in rinse water, and then handed it to Kate. “It’s such a shame he couldn’t join us today.” She turned to Kate. “How does he feel about being a bush doctor?”

“He’s excited. But it’s been awhile since he did any doctoring, so he’s kind of nervous.”

“Why did he give up his practice in San Francisco?” Muriel asked.

The muscles in Kate’s stomach tightened at the question. She’d wondered the same thing, but the topic was off limits. “I don’t know,” she said as nonchalantly as she could manage. “He doesn’t talk about it. And I don’t want to pry.”

“I’m so happy for you two. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found each other,” Muriel said. “When I met Terrence, I knew right away that he was the one for me.”

Kate smiled. “I’m sure he’s the one for me. He hasn’t proposed yet, but I hope he will. When we were making plans to get together for Christmas, he mentioned talking about our future.”

“I’ll bet it won’t take him long to ask you,” Helen said.

Kate ran a towel over the plate. “I hope you’re right.”

“How do you feel about being a flying hospital?” Muriel asked, gathering up the napkins.

“I’m thrilled. I’ll love working with Paul. And there’s such a need for a doctor. I think it will be wonderful.”

Helen dunked a cup into soapy water, and then glanced toward the front room. “I’m so glad Mike came tonight. He’s not been himself since . . . well, since you two—”

“I know. But he seems fine now. Maybe we can still be friends.”

“I’m sure he hopes so too. He seems pretty comfortable tonight.”

Mike stepped through the kitchen door. “Almost done in here?”

Helen untied her apron. “We’re nearly finished.”

“Good. It’s time to open gifts. I think I have one under the tree.” He winked at Kate.

What had come over him? He’d been morose since her refusal, and now all of a sudden he was his old charming self? Maybe he’d accepted things as they were and was ready to move on. The thought made her feel relieved. He could have stayed mad, but that wasn’t like Mike. He was a good man, and hopefully they’d resume their friendship.

With the kitchen sparkling clean, the women joined the men in the front room.

“I was thinking it would be nice to sing some carols,” Helen said. She settled on the divan beside Albert and patted his thigh.

“How about ‘Jingle Bells’?” Albert said.

Remembering her own rendition of the song, when she’d flown packages into the villages the previous year, Kate nodded and wondered if she ought to teach the group. They’d get a kick out of it. Before she could say anything, Albert began, “Dashing o’er the snow in a one horse open sleigh . . .”

When the song came to an end, Mike said, “How about the new one that’s out, ‘Winter Wonderland’?”

“They’ve been playing it over and over on the radio,” Muriel said. “I love it.”

Soon everyone was singing the new melody. After that, Helen insisted on a religious carol, and then it was time to open gifts.

Albert handed out two packages to each person, explaining they were from him and Helen. One was a canister of assorted homemade candies and the other a knitted muffler.

Kate wrapped her deep green scarf around her neck and then took a bite of fudge. “Thank you so much. You know how much I love candy, and the muffler’s beautiful.”

“I wish we could have done more, but with things slow at the store . . . Well, you know how it is.”

“Thought we were coming out of the depression,” Terrence said. “But it looks like we’ve plunged right back into it.”

“Everything will work out.” Helen leaned against Albert and smiled at him, her love for her husband, even after all their years together, evident.

Kate’s gifts were next. She’d managed to purchase several hand-carved pieces of ivory from Joe Turchik. He’d offered to give them to her but at her insistence had finally accepted a token payment. She handed them out and watched while everyone unwrapped their gift.

Helen held up a delicate mother seal with a baby at its side. “Oh, this is lovely. Where did you get it?”

“You remember the Turchiks—Nena was with me when my plane went down.”

“Yes, of course. Such nice people.” Helen ran a fingertip across the seal.

“Joe Turchik made these.”

“Is he a native?” Terrence asked, studying his plump walrus.

“Yes. Eskimo,” Mike said, as he unwrapped a native man holding a spear.

“Whenever I’m in Kotzebue, I stay with them. They’re good friends. Although I doubt Nena will ever fly with me again after what happened.”

“It’s a miracle—the both of you surviving that terrible crash,” Muriel said.

“Please tell Joe how much we love his work and thank him for us.” Helen studied her ivory seals. “I’ll write a letter so you can take it to him on your next run north.”

The rest of the gifts were opened, all except one. It was from Mike, for Kate. The package was small. Kate couldn’t imagine what it could be.

Everyone watched as she carefully removed the Christmas paper. “I know you didn’t wrap this yourself. It’s much too nice,” she teased.

“I did.” He gave her a tender look. “Only the best for the best.”

With the paper removed, Kate held a small box in her hands. She was suddenly afraid. What if Mike had decided to do something foolish? Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted the lid.

When she looked inside surprise radiated through her. “Oh, Mike!” She lifted out a tiny gold airplane attached to a gold chain. The words
Fearless Kate
were inscribed in red on the plane’s side. “It’s beautiful!” She held it up in the light and tears sprang to her eyes. “It’s my plane.”

He smiled broadly. “Thought you’d like something to remember it by.”

“I love it. Where did you get it?”

“You’re not the only one who knows an artist.” Mike winked. “I’ll help you put it on.”

Kate draped the chain around her neck and let Mike hook the clasp. His hand rested on her neck for a moment.

Choosing to ignore the gesture, Kate studied her tiny plane, and then let it drop against her chest. “Thank you. It’s a wonderful gift.” She wanted to hug him but didn’t dare. Instead, she looked into his quiet blue eyes and said, “I’ll cherish it always.”

T
he sound of a plane set Paul’s pulse racing. He stepped onto the porch and searched the skies, hoping it was Kate. He’d missed her, couldn’t stop thinking about her. Then he spotted it, a new red Pacemaker. “Kate,” he whispered.

He ran down the trail, but when he caught sight of Kate as she stepped out of the plane, he was suddenly unsure of himself. He hadn’t seen her since that day in Anchorage when he’d told her of his feelings. How should he greet her? What did she expect? Should he kiss her or just give her a respectful hug? What if she’d changed her mind about him?

Kate waved, and he returned the gesture. Angel galloped toward him. Thankful for the distraction, Paul knelt in the snow and caught the dog in his arms as she slammed into him. With a laugh he avoided her wet kisses and gave her a rubdown. “You’re in a fine mood,” he said with a final hug.

Paul pushed to his feet and headed toward Kate. She stood tall and trim like one of the reeds that grew along the creek bank in summer. His heart thumped and his body shivered with anticipation. She brushed short hair off her face and smiled at him, her amber-colored eyes warm and expectant. Love swamped Paul, and he knew exactly how to greet her.

He hurried his steps and when he reached Kate, he pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.” He pressed his face against her hair and breathed in the lingering fragrance of Breck shampoo.

Kate wrapped her arms around him and held on as if she’d never let go. “It seems like forever since I’ve seen you.”

They stayed like that for a long moment. Kate looked up at Paul. “I’ve dreamed about this reunion. It’s been too long.”

He kissed her, a long lingering kiss. When they parted, Kate smiled and hugged him again. “I was afraid I’d imagined it all, and that I’d get a howdy and shoptalk. I’m so glad I was wrong.” She hugged him again.

“No shoptalk from me, at least not today.” Paul held her against his chest and rested his chin on her head. “When I got up this morning and saw that the sun was out, I hoped I’d see you.”

“I left at first light. All I’ve thought about is you. I missed you so badly at Christmas.”

“Well, we’ve got New Year’s.” Paul grinned. “We’ll bring in the New Year together.”

Paul turned his attention to Kate’s Bellanca and studied it. “So, this is your new bird. Pretty sharp. Red just like your last one.”

“It’s my favorite color.” Kate gazed at the Pacemaker. “I was lucky to get her. She’s a couple years newer than my last plane. And she has a radio.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Paul continued to look at the plane. “No ‘Fearless Kate’ this time?” He grinned, remembering how Kate had painted the name in florid script across the fuselage of her last Bellanca.

“No. I figured once was enough.” Kate touched the tiny gold plane hanging around her neck.

“What’s that?”

“This?” She lifted the ornament. “It’s a replica of my Bellanca, the one I cracked up. Mike gave it to me for Christmas.”

Paul felt a stab of jealousy. “That was nice of him. Didn’t know you saw him during the holidays.”

“He was at Albert and Helen’s for Christmas dinner.” Kate looped an arm through Paul’s and leaned against him. “I was thinking of you.”

“Good thing.” Paul dropped a kiss on her forehead.

After a dinner of roast chicken, Paul and Kate moved to the porch and huddled together to stare at the night sky. A wolf howled in the distance, but tonight it didn’t make Paul feel lonely. He wasn’t alone anymore.

Kate took a sip of her hot chocolate. “This is just how I imagined it would be. The two of us, a clear night sky, and hot chocolate.” She smiled at him and he kissed her. “I don’t think my life could be better than it is at this moment. Except, I wish we had more time together like this. But it’s back to work tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Alarm, like a barb, jabbed Paul’s insides. What if he wasn’t good enough? What if someone died . . . because of him?

Get hold of yourself. You’re ready.
But the words didn’t convince him he was either competent or ready to be a bush doctor.

“I’m so excited. I love to fly and I love you. We’ll make a good team.” She squeezed his arm.

“I love you too.” The venture he and Kate were about to set out on was suddenly real. And the dangers it involved were real too. He loved Kate. He hadn’t loved anyone since Susan. A picture of his wife flashed through his mind. She’d been tiny with blonde hair and blue eyes—nothing like Kate. Fear raised up its ugly head like a cobra, threatening to strike. What if he lost Kate too? Flying with him would only increase her hours in the air. He tightened his embrace.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Kate stood and darted inside the house. A few moments later, she reappeared with a small package in her hand. “I got something for you.”

“For me?”

Kate grinned and held out a small box. “It’s not much, but I thought you might like it.”

Paul unwrapped the box and lifted the lid. “What in the world?” He studied an ivory carving of a dog that looked like Buck, pulling a sled. “Where did you get this?”

“Joe Turchik made it. I would have had him include all the dogs but there wasn’t time. So I thought if you had to pick just one it would be Buck.”

“It’s beautiful.” Paul ran a finger over the polished figurine. “Thank you.” He hugged her, and then with a slight grin, he said, “I got something for you too.” Kate followed him inside. He retrieved a small box from the bookcase. It was festooned with bright red Christmas wrap with a red bow on top. He handed it to her.

Kate carefully removed the bow and gift wrapping to reveal a gift box. She glanced at him, her eyes alight with anticipation. Her hands trembled. She lifted the lid and inside a pearl necklace nestled in tissue paper.

Kate stared at it, not saying a word. Maybe she didn’t like it? Was it too feminine? “I took a chance,” Paul said with a shrug. “I can take it back and get something else if you want.”

“Oh no. I love it!” Kate lifted it out of the box. “It’s beautiful.”

“The last time I was in Anchorage, I spotted it in a store window on my way out of town. I thought you might like it.”

“I do. I love it.” Kate studied the perfect ivory string of pearls. “Can you help me put it on?”

“It won’t look good with the one you’re wearing.” Paul wondered which one Kate liked best—Mike’s gift held special meaning.

Kate quickly reached up and unhooked the necklace Mike had given her and then turned her back to Paul so he could fasten the clasp of the pearl necklace. “I’m sure you spent too much money on this.”

“Never too much for you.” He dropped a kiss on her neck.

Kate turned and faced him, her hand resting on the pearls. “It’s a wonderful gift.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He kissed her. The love he felt for her swelled and his heart seemed as if it would burst. He tried to quiet the emotion. He adored Kate, but loving her also reminded him that he could lose her. And he couldn’t bear that.

“We better get some sleep,” Kate said. “We have a long day tomorrow.”

“Let me get the lantern. I’ll walk you over to the Warrens’. Sassa has a bed ready for you.”

The following morning they headed for the frozen creek. Paul shaded his eyes and gazed at the azure sky and tried to quiet his nerves by taking a couple of slow, deep breaths. He was capable and ready, but what if he loused things up? He turned to Kate and said as confidently as he could manage, “Good day to fly.”

“It’s perfect.”

Paul turned his attention to his cabin, where smoke trailed into the unspoiled air. “Would you mind if I bring along some pelts? I was hoping to sell them at the winter carnival.”

“Sure. I have room.”

Paul placed his bag and pack in the plane. “I’ll be right back.” He headed toward the trail.

“I’ll give you a hand,” Kate said, falling into step beside him.

Their arms loaded with furs, Paul and Kate walked back to the plane. “Not much in the way of pelts this year,” he said.

“Seems like a lot.”

“Not really. Last year, I had four times this many.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. From now on there won’t be much time for trapping anyway.”

“Is that going to be a problem . . . financially, I mean?”

“No. I’ll be fine.” Paul hoped she didn’t ask more. Between his inheritance and the money he’d put away while working in San Francisco, he had more than most. But he wasn’t comfortable talking about finances yet. That would lead to other questions he wasn’t ready for.

He stowed the furs while Kate cranked the flywheel, then climbed into the cockpit and started the engine. Angel took her place up front.

“Sorry, girl, not today.” Kate hauled the dog off the seat.

Angel padded to the back of the plane where she settled on a stack of blankets. Looking dejected, she rested her head on large feet.

Paul folded his tall frame into the passenger seat and glanced back at the dog. “She’s not happy with me.”

“Don’t worry about her. She’s fine. When I have passengers, that’s her spot. She’s just pouting.” Kate gazed out at the brilliantly white landscape. “It’s a great day for new beginnings.”

“Sure is.” Paul felt tight. Was he ready?

“You all right?” Kate asked.

Paul nodded, but his insides churned. When he agreed to work as a doctor for people living in the bush, he’d been caught up in the moment. Had he accepted Kate’s offer recklessly?

“Nervous?” Kate throttled up.

“Yeah, a little.”

“You’ll be fine,” she said and leaned over and kissed him. “In fact, you’ll be great. Remember, I’ve seen you work.”

Paul felt a spark of elation. “Thanks. It’ll just take awhile for me to get into the swing of things.”

Kate turned her attention back to flying. “Who cleared the landing site?”

“Patrick and me. We figured since you’d be making extra stops here, we ought to make sure you had a safe place to set down.”

“You did a good job. Thanks.”

Paul and Kate fell silent, the drone of the engine the only sound.

They lifted off and the white world fell away below.

“You sure it’s not too much trouble, your coming all the way out here to get me?” Paul asked.

“Can’t lie—it’d be easier if you lived in Anchorage. But I’m just grateful that you’re willing to do this and it gives me a reason to come out to get you. I love it here.”

“I said I’d give it a try. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Oh . . . right.” Kate’s voice trailed off as if she wanted to say more.

“That was our agreement, remember.”

“Yep. That’s what we said—just a trial.” Kate stared straight ahead and chewed on her bottom lip.

Paul knew she wanted more from him, but he wasn’t ready. He hadn’t practiced medicine since his wife had died and that had been nearly six years ago. If Susan’s death hadn’t been his fault, he might feel differently, but it was clear to him she’d still be alive if he’d taken her condition more seriously.

“We’ll be gone about a week. Who’s looking after your dogs?”

“Patrick’s boys. Since Douglas is the oldest and most responsible, he’s in charge.”

“They’re good kids.” She glanced at him. “Has there been any word from Lily? I know Sassa misses her. It must be especially hard since she’s Patrick and Sassa’s only daughter.”

“Yeah. It’s hard on them, especially Sassa. Patrick said she writes pretty regularly, though. She found a job and an apartment in Seattle and decided to stay. I think she might have found a man too.”

“How does Sassa feel about that?”

“She knew it was bound to happen. Lily’s easy on the eyes and she’s sweet. My guess is Sassa’s fine with it, although I’m sure she’d have preferred Lily had fallen for an Alaskan. That way she’d be closer to home.”

“Lily has a whole new life. Seattle’s a big city—a far cry from Bear Creek. Kind of like when you moved out here from San Francisco.” Kate gave him a sidelong glance.

Paul clenched his teeth. He knew she was fishing for information. He couldn’t tell her everything about his past, not yet. “Yeah. S’pose it is.”

“Do you think Lily will ever move back?”

“Hard to say.” Paul folded his arms over his chest. “’Course from what I’ve seen, once an Alaskan, always Alaskan. It’s hard to get it out of your blood.”