Joy Takes Flight (4 page)

“Evening,” said a stout, friendly looking woman as she stepped into the room from the back of the cabin. “You must be the Andersons. I'm Mary Jo Connolly.” She shook both Kate's and Paul's hands. “Congratulations. Heard you're newly married.”

“We are. I'm Kate and this is my husband, Paul.” She glanced around the room where mounted trophies of caribou, mountain sheep, and moose stared at them. A large brown bear rug hung on a wall at the foot of a staircase. “This is a nice place. I didn't even know it was here.”

“We're not a big outfit, don't wanna be. We mostly like small groups. Makes things more friendly.” She moved to a desk and turned a registry toward Kate. “I do like to keep a record of our guests, though.” She handed Kate a pen.

Kate wrote Kate Evans and then realized she'd written the wrong name. “Oh my gosh.” She looked up in embarrassment. “I'm not used to writing Anderson yet.” She corrected the mistake, then handed the pen to Paul, who wrote in his name.

He threw an arm around Kate. “We could have just written Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anderson.”

“I didn't think of that,” Kate said, feeling a flash of irritation. She had a name—Kate. She might be married to Paul, but she was still her own woman.

“Well now, let me show you to your room.” Mary Jo led the way to a corridor directly off the main room. There were four doorways. She stopped at the third, and grabbing a wad of keys out of her apron pocket, she stuck one into the door and opened it. “It's not fancy, but it'll give you some privacy. We make sure to keep the pitcher filled and there's a bureau for your things. The barrel stove will keep the cold out.”

Kate followed the woman into a small room, which was just big enough for the stove, bureau, and bunk beds. A tiny window framed by plain cotton curtains allowed in the subtle light of the winter moon. She hadn't expected anything fancy, but this was so far from what one might expect on a honeymoon that she had to hold back a chuckle. Her eyes met Paul's and she could see his disappointment.

“Dinner's at 7:00.” Mary Jo handed Paul a room key and moved back into the hallway. “After your long day you might like to take a rest. The dining hall's through that door you saw me come out of when you first arrived. If you need anything, just holler. There's a bathing room, but no running water, so let me know in plenty of time if you want a bath. That way we can heat up enough water for you.” She smirked. “Levi promises we'll have indoor plumbing by the end of next summer. We'll see. Sometimes things take longer than planned.” She turned to go, then stopped. “Oh. The outhouse is on the west side of the building, just go out the front door and follow the path.” She headed down the hallway.

Paul closed the door and looked at Kate. They both laughed. He circled his arm around her waist and they turned to look at the bunk bed. “Do you think we'll both fit on that bottom bunk?”

“We'll manage, one way or the other,” Kate said, leaning against him.

After a meal of roasted moose, potatoes, and carrots along with freshly baked sourdough bread and crowberry cobbler for dessert, Kate and Paul sat over steaming cups of coffee at a long table with benches for seats. Kate was feeling the fatigue of the busyness leading up to the wedding, lack of sleep, and the long day. Her lids felt heavy and she longed for bed. However, it didn't seem proper to eat and then leave without some conversation. She did her best to look interested as the three young men talked about their adventures.

They were all from Palmer. Charles was tall and thin and had a big toothy smile. And there was Fred who liked to talk. He was a big man. Sam was smaller and quieter than the other two, but he seemed friendly enough. All three were red-cheeked and looked tousled, as if they hadn't taken any time to clean up before dinner. They were full of stories. Hours of skiing hadn't seemed to have worn them out at all.

Paul was full of questions about the slopes and was obviously eager to set off on his own skiing adventure. Kate sipped her coffee and thought of bed. She tried to focus on what Fred was saying . . . something about a jump he'd made. The room felt overly warm and seemed to swim in front of her.

Paul draped an arm around her. “You ready for bed? You're looking worn out.”

Kate leaned into him, loving the feel of his strength. “It has been a long day.”

“So, the two of you just got hitched, huh?” Fred said.

Paul gave Kate a little squeeze. “Yesterday.”

Fred's smile turned into a lopsided grin. Kate knew what he was thinking and felt a blush heat up her face.

Paul stood. “It's been a pleasure. Thanks for all your tips. We'll try out some of the hills you mentioned.” He helped Kate to her feet. “And thank you for the delicious meal, Mrs. Connolly.”

“Yes. Thank you. It was wonderful,” Kate added.

“We've got a pond up on the flat. We make sure to keep it cleared of snow so folks can skate. And we've got skates if you want to give the ice a try.”

“That sounds like fun,” Kate said, thinking about laying her head on her pillow. “Good night.”

Paul looped Kate's arm into his and they strolled to their room. Kate felt as if she'd been tucked into a warm cocoon of contentment. Paul opened the door and stepped back, allowing Kate to step inside.

He stood with his arms folded over his chest and studied the bed. “You want the top or the bottom bunk?”

“The bottom. And we can both fit.” Kate climbed onto the narrow mattress and scrunched up against the wall. “See, there's plenty of room.” No longer sleepy, she smiled up at her husband provocatively.

Paul climbed onto the bunk and lay on his side, facing her. He gently swept a strand of hair off Kate's face and then traced a line down her cheek and jaw line. “We just fit,” he said and kissed her.

“I love it here. It's the perfect place for us.”

Paul's dark brown eyes gazed at her. They blazed with desire. “I feel more alive today than I have in years.” His voice was deep and heavy with emotion. “I have a reason to live again, and I can't wait for all the days ahead.” He cupped her cheek in his hand.

“I've no doubt our life will be full of thrills, but we can count on troubles too.”

“Good days are all I'll allow,” Paul said, grazing his lips over hers.

After a breakfast of flapjacks, bacon, and eggs, Paul and Kate headed outdoors. Levi followed.

“I think I've got just the thing for you,” he said, as he inspected several sets of skis leaning against the side of the building. “Here we go.” He picked up a pair. “These have Dovre bindings. They'll hold your boot in so your skis won't come off.” He handed the skis to Kate, then moved down the row until he came across another set. “These ought to work for you, Paul. They're a little heavier and they've got the same kind of bindings. Have you used them before?”

“No. Never even heard of them.”

“I'll give you a hand and show you how to strap them on.” Levi helped them get their boots secured in the bindings, then with a salute said, “Have fun. The rope tow is already running. Things are pretty quiet this morning. Seems the lads are sleeping in. We're expecting a few more guests later today, though.” He headed toward the snow cat.

Paul snugged his hat over his ears. “Ready?” he asked Kate.

Kate shrugged. “It's been awhile.” She struggled to keep the skis parallel. “Which way to the tow rope?”

“Just follow me.” Paul headed away from the lodge.

Kate pushed off with her poles, working hard to catch up.

They were soon at the bottom of a steep hill where the sound of the tow's engine disrupted the morning quiet as it wound its way through the pulley and up the hill. “Just grab hold and it'll carry you all the way up.” Paul waited for Kate. “Don't let go until you get to the top.”

“I know. I've skied before,” Kate sniped. She hadn't meant to sound so sharp, but she hated to be incompetent at anything.

“Okay. Let's go. I'll follow you.”

Kate grabbed hold of the tow and nearly lost her balance as it dragged her uphill. She wasn't about to fall, not after what Paul had said. She had to prove she was capable. Soon she was gliding along smoothly and feeling ashamed of herself for her competitiveness. By the time she'd reached the top she felt exhilarated.

Paul skied up beside her. They looked out over a valley of white, glistening in the sunlight. Evergreens looked like shrubbery in the deep snow. Craggy peaks, reaching through white mountains, surrounded the high valley.

Kate took in a breath of icy air. “I feel as if I'm standing on top of the world. It's so beautiful.”

Paul was silent as he gazed at the view. “It reminds me of the old days back in California when my family used to go skiing.” A tone of longing touched his voice. “It was a long time ago.”

“Maybe you should visit?”

Paul didn't answer right away, then said, “Maybe.” He glanced at her. “Ready?”

She peered down the slope. It looked steep. She stuck her poles in the snow on either side of her, feeling a shiver of fear. “I'll give it a try. Besides, there's no other way down.” She chuckled, but her muscles felt tight and prickles of anxiety moved up and down her body. Still, she pushed off and picked up speed, too much speed. If she didn't slow down, she'd end up in a heap. Cautiously she turned her skis so she moved across the hill, then she made another turn and swooshed downward.

“Hey, this isn't as hard as I thought,” she called as Paul caught up with her.

He grinned and, with a wave, passed her, cutting a fine edge in the snow.

Not to be outdone, Kate turned her skis so they pointed down the hill. She'd catch him and then slow down. By the time she reached Paul she was out of control and going too fast. She turned, trying to slow down, but as she did, one foot slid too far to the left and she caught the edge of the ski.

With a yell she plunged sideways and her legs went in opposite directions. The left ski dug in and her knee exploded with pain. She plunged forward and tumbled downward. With a jolt she stopped, her face planted in the snow.

She turned her head to the side to breathe, but with the wind knocked out of her she could barely get a breath. And she hurt everywhere, but mostly her left knee. She was afraid to move.

Kate tried to call for Paul, but all that came out was a weak, feeble sound that barely resembled her voice.

K
ate!” Paul hollered as he skied across the face of the hill. She wasn't moving.
God, please, not Kate.
It felt as if he were slogging through mud.

When he finally reached her, Paul freed his boots from his skis and dropped to his knees beside her. His hands trembled. “Kate? Are you all right?” He thought he heard a mumble as he tore off his gloves and felt for a pulse. It was strong, but too fast.

“Kate. Can you hear me?”

She nodded and, in a voice that sounded like she was short of breath, she said, “I hurt my leg.”

Relief washed over Paul, and he carefully removed one of her skis, then started to unhook the other when Kate cried, “Stop! It hurts! ”

Paul stopped immediately. “What—your foot? Your ankle?”

“No. My knee. But my whole leg aches. I don't think I can move it.”

“I need to get the ski off, honey. I'll be careful.”

Cautious not to move her knee, Paul untied the leather lacings and slipped off the ski boot. Kate groaned. Paul wondered if she'd torn a ligament. Or if she'd broken the tibia, pain could be radiating to her knee.

He rested a hand on her back. “Take some deep breaths. Everything's going to be fine. We'll get you back to the lodge where I can have a look at your injury.”

“How am I going to get there?” Kate looked down the hill, trepidation in her eyes.

Paul glanced around to see if there was anyone who could help. The slopes were empty. “I'll have to get a sled.” He took her hand. “We've got to get you on your back. Try to relax and let me do the work.” He grasped her arm and hip and rolled her onto her side.

Kate let out a gasp, then said, “I feel sick.”

“That's normal.” Paul made sure his voice remained calm. She might be going into shock. “Ready?”

She nodded, and he turned her over the rest of the way. She stared up at him, pain dulling the vivid color in her hazel eyes. He'd have to leave her. His stomach clenched at the thought. He stripped off his coat and covered her with it.

“I'll be back as quickly as I can. Okay?”

“I'll just wait here,” Kate said, managing a small grin.

That's my Kate. Always courageous.
He loved her more, if that were possible. He held her face in his hands and kissed her “I love you. Hang on.” After quickly lacing on his skis, he pushed himself upright. “I won't be gone long.” Reluctant to leave her, he headed down the hill.

The trip to the lodge seemed to take forever, and when he finally approached the building, there didn't seem to be anyone about. What would he do if there was no one to help? He unlaced his skis and ran inside. “Hello. Anyone here?”

Mary Jo emerged from the kitchen. “Hi. Didn't expect—” Concern touched her eyes. “Something's happened. What is it? Where's Kate?”

“She took a bad fall. I need a sled and someone to help me. I had to leave her up there.”

“Oh dear. Levi's not here. He went to pick up guests.” She headed for the hallway and Paul followed. “I saw Fred come in a while ago.” She stopped at a door and knocked.

“Yeah, just a minute,” he called from inside. A few moments later, the door opened. He looked at Mary Jo, then Paul. “Everything all right?”

“Kate's been hurt,” Paul said. “I need your help to get her off the mountain.”

“Sure thing.” Fred grabbed his coat and gloves, then followed Paul and Mary Jo down the hallway. “What happened?”

“She fell and wrenched a knee pretty badly. I won't know how serious it is until I can examine her. We need to hurry—she's up on the slope alone.” Driven by urgency, Paul strode out the front door.

Mary Jo grabbed a quilt off the back of the sofa and followed them out. “Here. You'll need this.” She handed it to Fred. “There's a sled in the barn that Levi uses when things like this happen. I'll make some tea so she'll have something hot to drink when she gets back.”

“Thanks.” Paul headed toward the barn.

The sled was easy to find, but Paul fought panic as he pulled it outside. Kate was alone and vulnerable. He had to get to her. He and Fred grabbed hold of the tow and headed up the mountain. She could go into shock or the wolves he'd heard the night before might find her. He shut off the thoughts and turned to prayer, begging God to protect her.

When he reached the general area where she'd fallen, Paul called over his shoulder to Fred, “This is far enough.” He let go of the tow. “She's over this way somewhere. He headed down a steep hill. Pulling the sled made skiing more difficult, but he pushed himself to keep up a fast pace.

It didn't take long for Paul to realize he'd made a terrible error. He hadn't marked the area or been careful to remember landmarks. Everything looked the same. Searching the landscape, he tried to find anything that looked familiar. Nothing. Where was she? Snow had started falling, along with the temperature. What if he couldn't find her? He stopped and scanned the slope. “I don't see her.”

“You don't know where she is?”

“I thought I did. She's got to be close by. Kate!” he yelled, the rising wind carrying away his voice. “Kate!” He tried to quiet his drumming heart and listen.

He thought he heard something. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah. I think it came from over there.” Fred pointed toward the south side of the hill.

“We're coming,” Paul yelled and hurried across the face of the slope. And then he spotted her. “Thank God.” He skied as fast as he could manage. “Kate, we're here,” he hollered.

When he reached her, he pulled off his skis and knelt beside her. “You all right?”

Kate nodded, but she was shivering.

“We've got a sled.” He pressed his cheek to hers. She was badly chilled.

“I'm glad to see you.” She managed a trembling smile. “It's cold.”

He gently kissed her. “We'll be at the lodge in no time. Fred's here to help.” He maneuvered the sled alongside Kate. “Are you having pain any place besides your knee and leg?”

“Yeah, just about everywhere, but I think it's mostly bruising and sore muscles.”

“Okay. Fred, can you lift her under the arms, and I'll get her legs.”

Careful to keep his hold on her thighs and away from her knees, Paul slid his arms under her. “Ready? On three—one, two, three.”

They hefted Kate onto the sled and she let out a yelp of pain. Once settled, Paul covered her with the quilt. “Mary Jo sent this along.”

Kate only managed to nod. She was shaking uncontrollably.

Paul tucked in the sides. “We'll have you warmed up soon. Just hang on.” He took her pulse. It was too fast. And her skin looked pasty white. He had to hurry. She might be going into shock.

By the time they reached the lodge, Kate looked better and she was in good spirits. “I'm sure it's just a strain,” she said. “I feel silly over all this fuss.”

“No reason to feel silly. And I'll decide whether it's a strain or something more.” Paul's voice was stern. They pulled the sled to a stop at the lodge's front porch. Kate immediately sat up. “Stay put,” Paul ordered.

“I'm not a child. I can—”

“I'm the doctor and you're the patient. So, do as you're told.” He tried to sound as if he were teasing, but he was serious. At this point there was no way to know how serious Kate's injuries were. He leaned over her and checked the pupils of her eyes. They looked normal. Her skin color was good. He picked up her hand and pressed his fingers to her wrist. Her pulse was slightly elevated but much better than it had been. “Do you have any pain in your neck?”

“No.”

“Okay. You can sit up, and then we'll carry you in.”

Kate pulled the blanket back and gingerly sat up. She groaned when she tried to bend her leg.

Paul leaned down and caught her under her right arm. “I'll lift and you push up with your good leg.” Kate stood and leaned against Paul, careful not to move the injured left limb. “Fred, you and I can make a chair for her with our hands,” Paul said. “It'll be easier to carry her.”

Putting her weight on Paul, Kate stood on her right leg while the two men clasped hands and made a seat for her.

The front door opened and Mary Jo stepped onto the porch. “My goodness. You poor thing.”

Kate draped her arms over the men's shoulders and cautiously lowered herself onto their locked arms.

Mary Jo backed into the house. “I have the sofa all ready.”

Paul and Fred moved slowly across the room, and when they reached the davenport, they carefully lowered Kate onto it. She propped herself against a pile of pillows at one end and Paul placed a pillow under her injured knee.

After removing her coat and gloves, he did a quick check of her arms and shoulders, feet and ankles. Kate wasn't just another patient. He hated to see her like this. Paul rechecked everything to make sure she was okay before saying, “Everything seems all right. But if I'm going to look at that knee, you'll have to remove your pants.”

Fred ducked his head slightly. “Well, I'm hungry. I'll see if I can find something to eat.” He headed for the kitchen.

Kate unbuckled her belt and unbuttoned her pants, then Paul gingerly slipped off the pants, careful not to move Kate's left leg.

“Oh, my word.” Mary Jo covered her mouth with her hands. “That's a terrible-looking knee.”

“It's already swollen and black and blue,” Kate said. “And it's throbbing. Do you think I broke it?”

“Lay back, Katie,” Paul said as he gently palpated the knee. It looked bad. He hoped she hadn't broken it. Kate groaned. Paul didn't feel anything out of place. “This is going to hurt. Take deep slow breaths.”

Kate nodded and closed her eyes. Paul bent the leg and Kate let out a moan. He rotated it to the inside, then out.

Beads of sweat appeared on Kate's forehead and she grabbed hold of one of the sofa cushions. “Is it broken?”

“I don't think so. But you've got a bad sprain.” He straightened the leg and rotated it away from her body. “The hip seems okay.” He smiled. “You're lucky. It'll probably only take a few weeks and you'll be back to normal. But, you'll have to stay off of it.”

“That's not hard to do,” she said with a smirk.

He looked at Mary Jo. “We'll need some ice.”

“We've got plenty of that.”

“Do you, by chance, have a pair of crutches too?”

“I do.” She smiled and lifted her brows. “Never know when you're going to need them.” She chuckled. “This isn't the first time we've had an injury.”

“I'll wrap the knee. It'll help support it and should decrease the pain. I'll need my bag.”

“I'll get it and the crutches too.” Mary Jo hurried off toward Paul and Kate's room.

Kate ran a hand over her forehead. “I'm so sorry. I've ruined everything.” She looked dejected. “Our honeymoon.”

Paul was disappointed, but he wasn't about to let Kate know that. And at this moment, he cared more about her than their honeymoon. “It's all right. I just wish you weren't hurting.” Paul's mouth tipped into a sideways smile. “'Course, you might not be laid out on this couch if you could rein in your competitive nature just a little.”

“I wasn't being competitive . . .” Her voice slid to a stop. “Well, maybe I was . . . a little. But so were you.”

“Yeah, but I didn't fall.” He chuckled.

After three days' rest at the lodge, Paul and Kate headed back to Anchorage. Kate's knee was still swollen and bruised, but it felt better. Kate kept her leg elevated on the seat next to her. She already felt the humiliation of meeting her parents at the depot. Once again she'd run into trouble.

Bill and Joan had stayed at Kate's home in town while she and Paul had been away. Kate could see them on the platform as the train pulled into the station. Using her crutches, Kate managed to hobble down the aisle and to the steps. Paul lifted her down and she made her way toward her parents.

“Oh Kate, are you all right?” her mother asked.

“I'm fine. Just sore,” she said with a sigh. “I got too bold and ruined everything.”

Paul came up behind her. “You didn't ruin anything.” He leaned close to Kate and whispered in her ear. “We didn't get to do a lot of outside activities, but I did like the inside activities.”

“Paul,” Kate said as if shocked, but she smiled.

He kissed her cheek and then loaded the bags in the trunk of the car.

“Glad it wasn't anything too serious, Katie,” her father said. “You'll be good as new before you know it.” He walked alongside her as she crutched to the car. He opened the door and helped Kate lower herself onto the backseat, then her father handed her the crutches. She set them on the floor.

Paul climbed in on the other side. “You doing all right?”