Chapter Eight

The rescue team located them not long after sun-up. Quickly and efficiently, they checked out Walker's ribs and wrapped them professionally to avoid further damage. When Walker refused to be placed on a stretcher, they were ushered onto a helicopter for the trip back to civilization.

Lena gulped down a thermos of coffee and two granola bars.

Walker had to be content with small sips of coffee due to needing tests and x-rays when he arrived at the hospital. He gave the details of what happened to the rescue team leader for his report between sneaking glances at Lena. Even mussed, in a torn shirt, with no make-up, and a bit worse for wear, she looked beautiful.

The rescue team leader told Walker that Calvin took over his group of hikers and they were doing fine. The group had returned to the base camp and used the radio to call for help when Walker and Lena didn't return by one o'clock yesterday. Then they actually stayed put like they were supposed to until Calvin arrived.

Walker reached for Lena's hand and gave it a squeeze as he saw buildings on the horizon. "Will you wait for me? At the hospital, I mean. We have a lot to talk about and I don't want you disappearing on me."

"I'll wait to make sure you're all right." She scooted closer to him on the bench seat. Then she smiled up at him, "This could get complicated, you know? I mean...if we intend to—"

"Oh, we definitely intend to, whatever it takes," he interrupted. "I wanted to get to know you since that first day when you were so tired and your feet hurt, but you refused to let Rob gather your share of the wood." In time, he would tell her how hard he fell for her nicely rounded derriere too.

He smiled at her so tenderly she felt tears fill her eyes.

Then he went on, "And, that's the trouble with fishing. It can get complicated pretty fast. There are tangles and dry holes, the wrong bait and fish that are throw-backs. Believe me, I've seen my share of those. But it's sure worth it all when you use the right bait and land a keeper, a true one-of-a-kind trophy." Walker grinned through his scruffier than usual beard then leaned down to plant a long, possessive kiss on her sweet mouth.

"Honey, you're a keeper for dang sure."

~ The End ~