Joy Takes Flight (28 page)

Susan continued, “I so wish you'd come for a visit. I'm not allowed to go out at all. I miss my family and friends. And Paul insists there will be no trips out until the baby arrives. And when that day comes I'm certain he will speed to the hospital in a frenzy, doctor or not.”

Paul smiled. She was right. He would have.

“I'm concerned about him,” she wrote. “He worries to the extreme. I doubt he gets much sleep for all of his anxiety. He watches over me with such care. There's never been a more devoted husband. I love him for his attentiveness, but I wish he would rest in the Lord more. After all, I belong to God. I trust him with me and my child.”

Paul stopped reading, tears building behind his eyes. He had watched over her. He'd done everything he could to protect her. And Susan was right, he'd forgotten that God's hand was upon her. He felt a lightening of the burden he'd carried in his heart.

He wiped away tears and returned to the letter. “The waiting is dreadful. I'm so looking forward to pushing the pram down the street with my child in it. I do hope it's a boy. I'm sure he'll look just like his father and have the same sweet disposition.

“I wish you'd speak to Paul. He continues to insist that I stay at the hospital until our child is born. I've never told anyone, but I loathe hospitals. They smell of medicine and disease. And the horrid green paint they have on the walls is enough to make a person ill. Everyone is in a hurry, rushing from place to place wearing worry on their faces. It's a very unpleasant place.”

She'd never told him how much she detested the hospital. Paul wiped his face with his hand. Or had she and he hadn't been listening?

She continued, “I don't know how Paul can manage working there. It's so full of pain and suffering.”

That might be true, but it was also a place of healing, and he got to be part of that. He wished she would have seen that part of hospital life.

He returned to reading. “I truly want to have our child at home. It is warm and comforting here, the perfect place for a life to begin. I see no reason to go to the hospital at all. However, I can't persuade Paul to change his mind. Perhaps a word from you could make the difference. I know he's only thinking of my welfare, but I'm not afraid. I absolutely trust God. Our child and I are in his care. And should something go wrong . . . then it is his will. I have no doubts about his sovereignty.”

Paul shook his head. He'd never had her faith. From the first day they'd met, she'd revealed it to him. They'd talked and talked and she'd openly shared her love for God without hesitation. All these years, he'd longed for the kind of faith she possessed and for the peace she carried within her. Now, she was in the presence of her Lord. Is that what God had intended all along?

Paul tried to imagine Susan and their son with God in heaven, living out an eternity of peace and joy. In all these years, he'd never considered their happiness. She'd been so young. It hadn't seemed fair. Didn't she have a right to a long life?

Paul could hear her speaking of God's will. How many times had he heard her lay a decision or a problem at the Lord's feet, always trusting, always believing for his best?

If what she believed was true, then she was where God wanted her. Paul had assumed that what had happened had been his doing because he hadn't insisted more strongly that Susan stay at the hospital.

As if blinders were being removed from his eyes, Paul could see. He'd done all he could. The rest was not up to him. He didn't possess the power to save her.

A sob rose from deep inside. He pressed the letter against his chest and dropped to his knees. As if a floodgate had been opened, tears flowed. He knelt on the deserted beach for a long time as seven years of sorrow were released. Finally, with the weight removed, he took a deep breath and looked toward the sky. A swirl of white clouds danced upon the wind.

It hadn't been his fault.

And now he knew what to do.

I
wish you didn't have to leave so soon,” Lily told Kate. She leaned against Clint.

“I'd like to stay, but I've got to get my plane ready.” Kate hugged Lily. “I'm so happy for you.” She looked up at Clint. “I expect you to take good care of my friend here. She's a special lady.”

Clint smiled down at his bride and gave her a squeeze. “I promise.”

Sassa held Teddy on one hip. “You'll look after each other. That's how it works between husbands and wives.” Her brown eyes were bright with happiness.

Kate's pleasure slipped away. What was happening between her and Paul? It didn't feel like they were looking after each other. “I better go.”

“Where are you off to now?” Sassa asked.

“I'm doing what you told me to—I'm getting my husband. Anyway, I hope that's what happens. I'm afraid he won't want to come back.”

“He'll come. Don't you worry.” Sassa gave Kate a hug with her free arm.

“Do you think you should fly down this time of year?” Lily asked.

“No. You take a ship,” Sassa said. “The weather in the south is dangerous.”

“I can't wait for a ship. Who knows how long it will take to book a cabin. And it's a day to Seward and then another six to Seattle. Plus two more on a train or bus.” Kate shook her head. “It will take too long. We'll miss our first Christmas together.”

“You're worried about Christmas? What about your life?” Sassa compressed her lips and shook her head.

“You don't have to worry. I've flown in every kind of weather, all over this territory. I've seen the worst Alaska has to offer. I'll be fine.”

“Do not forget that you've also nearly died.” Sassa softened her determined expression. “You go. But if the weather is bad, stay right where you are.”

“I will.”

“Promise.”

Kate chuckled. “I promise.” But even as she assured Sassa, Kate knew she'd push the limits. She felt an urgency that would be hard to restrain. “If I'm going to make Anchorage before dark, I'd better get moving. I already asked the boys if they'd watch over the dogs and they agreed.” She smiled. “I promised to bring them something back from San Francisco.”

Lily hugged Kate again. “I'll be praying for you and for Paul.”

Sassa pulled Kate into her arms and held her tightly. “You come back, okay?”

“I will,” Kate said, but she knew if Paul wanted a life in San Francisco, that's where she would stay.

It didn't take Kate long to ready the plane and load her bag along with extra water and fuel. After that, she fed and watered the dogs, gave them each a hug as if she might never see them again, and then headed for the creek.

The engine's roar filling her ears, Kate watched as the wind sifted fine snow over the surface of the ice. She sank her hand into Angel's deep ruff. “Ready, girl?” The dog whined and Kate started down the airstrip. The skies were clear, the air brittle as she lifted off the ground. She prayed the clear weather would hold.

Paul didn't know she was coming. She was sure that if he did, he'd try to talk her out of making the journey on her own, so she'd decided it would be better to just show up.

After a long night in Anchorage, the morning dawned clear and cold, a promising beginning. After a hurried breakfast, Kate headed for the airport. Jack and Sidney were the only ones in the shop when she walked in.

“Good morning,” she said, hoping her excitement and trepidation weren't too obvious.

“Morning. No runs yet,” Jack said, as he continued to read through a form.

“That's all right. I'm going to be gone for a couple of weeks.”

Jack's head popped up. “What? Gone? But I need you here.”

Trying to sound upbeat, Kate said, “I'm spending Christmas in California.”

“You're leaving now?” Jack lifted his brows.

“Uh-huh. I know I should have let you know sooner, but I didn't even know until a couple of days ago. And you weren't here last night.”

Jack scowled and leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. “You could have radioed.”

“You'll be fine without me.”

Sidney took a toothpick out of his mouth and tossed it into the kindling box beside the stove. “I heard the weather's bad down south. Maybe you ought to hold off until it clears.”

“I can't. Besides, it could change before I get there. If I'm lucky, I'll ride this clear weather all the way south.”

Jack shook his head. “Knew you were a fool woman the first time I met you. But risking your life over a man?”

Kate wondered what had happened to the admiration he'd felt when they'd been in Palmer. “That man is my husband. And I'm not risking my life any more than when I fly for you.” Kate knew better. This trip was different. She had very little flying experience in Southeast Alaska. The weather could be hideous and unpredictable. “I've got my maps and my plane's in top condition.”

“Suit yourself,” Jack said. “But pilots who leave their bosses in the lurch can't be trusted. So if someone comes along . . . well, I just might give them your spot.”

Kate knew it was an empty threat. “Do as you like.” She narrowed her eyes. “Whatever happened to your advice about bringing Paul home?” She grinned. “How'd you expect me to do it?”

“Yeah . . . well,” he glanced at Sidney and cleared his throat. “I don't remember much about that.”

“Today's the day.” She strode to the door. “Oh. If Paul calls, tell him I'm on a run.” Puzzlement crossed Jack's face, but Kate was done explaining and walked out.

She headed south. And she did ride the edge of high pressure coming from the north. With any luck she'd avoid the southern storms.

By the time she reached Juneau, the system was falling apart. Light clouds stretched across the sky, caught by upper airstreams. She'd done well, catching a tailwind and flying the calm airstreams, but all that was about to change. To the west, threatening clouds billowed above a dark sea.

The next morning the winds were strong and clouds hid the sky, but there was no snow or rain. Kate figured she'd make a stab at reaching Ketchikan. She dressed, skipped breakfast, and headed for the airport.

When she checked in at the airfield, the fellow manning the office said, “If it was me, I wouldn't go. Don't be a fool. That storm's coming in fast.”

Kate stood at the door and looked at the sky. She knew it would be rough, but she'd seen worse. “I figure I'll be all right . . . at least as far as Ketchikan.”

The man shook his head and shrugged. “Do as you like.”

Once in the air, there were no quiet currents. Turbulence bucked Kate's plane, lifting her atop a mountain of air and then driving her downward. Snow splattered the windows, growing heavier as she pushed on. The storm allowed Kate only glimpses of the sea below and the heavy green forests that grew along the coastline. Had she made a terrible mistake? Would she die trying to reach Paul? Maybe she was a fool. She glanced at Angel, who lay curled up on the seat, sleeping. Kate remembered the story of Jesus and how he'd slept in the midst of a tempest. He'd trusted.
Lord, keep us in your hands,
she prayed and knew she wasn't alone. They'd be all right.

When she caught sight of Ketchikan, Kate heaved a sigh of relief, but getting down wasn't going to be easy. Winds buffeted her plane, tossing her about like a kite caught in a willful breeze. Snow was mixed with rain, visibility was still poor. Like a dance, her feet worked the pedals, her hands the control wheel. As she approached the ground, her speed dropped and she eased the control wheel forward, then felt the wheels touch. She bounced twice, but finally the plane rolled solidly on the ground. When it stopped, Kate rested her head on the control wheel. She'd made it.

She checked into a roadhouse, had a simple meal of soup and bread, and went to her room. Lying in bed, she imagined Paul beside her. She could nearly feel the warmth of his body, hear his steady breathing. She ached for him and prayed the weather would improve so she could continue south.

The following morning, she woke to a quiet world. Had the storm passed? She threw off her blankets and hurried to the window. The sky was gray, but the winds were quiet and there was no snow or rain falling. She smiled. She would be moving on.

After a breakfast of eggs and biscuits, she gathered her belongings and headed for the airstrip. She could make Seattle today, rest one night, and be in San Francisco the next day. And then in Paul's arms.

A low gray ceiling held Kate off the coast for most of the day. The terrain was too rugged to risk losing her way in the clouds and fog. By the time Kate spotted the emerald green islands of Puget Sound, daylight was fading. When the Seattle skyline came into view, she let out a whoop. She'd made it. Tomorrow she'd be in San Francisco.

Kate stepped out of the plane and into a warm drizzle. The air felt humid. She walked toward the terminal, Angel at her side. “So, girl, where do you think we'll stay tonight?” She checked in, got the name of an affordable hotel, and called a cab. She didn't have to wait long. Seattle had plenty of taxies. Big cities were nothing like Anchorage. Here there was abundance. In Alaska a person learned to make do. Kate preferred making do.

When she went to climb into the cab, the driver said, “No dogs!”

Kate kept a hand on Angel's collar. “I can't leave her here.”

“No dogs.” He squared his jaw and stared straight ahead.

“Look. I'll pay extra for her.” She held out a quarter.

“One dollar.”

Kate sucked in a frustrated breath. “Fine.” She dug into her pocket and pulled out a dollar bill and handed it to the man. “Come on, girl.” She climbed in and Angel followed, lying beside her on the seat.

At the hotel, Kate had the same argument with the clerk, which ended with the same solution. Once in her room, Kate showered, changed into a nightdress, and climbed into bed. She felt as if she was bundled inside a blanket of exhaustion, but she couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were on Paul. What would he do when he saw her? Would he be happy? What if he wasn't?

Of course he will be.
He loves me.

Fatigue finally overcame her worries and she slept until morning sunlight slanted in a window. She opened her eyes and squinted into the light, then reached her arms over her head in a stretch. Excitement rolled through her. Today was the day!

Fully awake, she sat up and dropped her legs over the side of the bed. She'd skipped dinner the previous night and was starved.

Kate was more meticulous about her appearance, taking extra care with her hair and makeup. She also dabbed on
Evening in Paris
perfume. Paul would like that.

She left Angel in the room and went for breakfast in the hotel restaurant, where she laid out her map and studied it while she waited for her meal. The journey should be easy. All she had to do was follow US 99 south. She had it clearly marked, and where she turned southwest toward San Francisco, she'd placed a large black X.

As the waitress approached with her oatmeal and coffee, Kate rolled up the map.

“Where you headed?” asked the waitress.

“San Francisco.”

“That's a mighty long way.”

“Not so far. I'm flying.”

The waitress smiled. “I always wanted to fly on one of those passenger planes. It must be exciting.”

“It is,” Kate said, not wanting to take time to explain that she was flying her own plane.

“Have a good trip.” The woman moved on to customers at the next table.

Anxious to be on her way, Kate downed her oatmeal in a hurry, paid her bill, and returned to her room to retrieve her bag and Angel. The airport was close, so she walked, feeling more energized than she had since the baby died and Paul had left. With each step, her anticipation grew. She'd see him today!

Grateful for good weather, Kate flew south, her heart full as she took in the beauty of the rugged Cascade Mountains buried in heavy snow. Mount Rainier rose above the peaks as if she were standing guard. Yakima was on the other side of the mountains—so close. Kate decided she'd see her family on the trip back, if there was a trip back.

The Oregon countryside, with its open farms and forests, reminded her of a giant patchwork quilt. The Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon seemed small compared with those in Alaska, but their wind currents were treacherous and took Kate by surprise. In a matter of moments her plane was tossed heavenward, and then dropped toward rugged white peaks. Kate brought the plane under control and vowed to respect
every
mountain range.

Beyond the peaks and hills of Northern California, the land seemed to reach out forever. Farmlands lay fallow and grasslands were a vivid green. The Sierra Mountains to the east looked blue, purple, and white, a feast of color and texture.