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A simple kiss on her forehead shouldn’t affect her that much, but Grace’s entire body tingled from the touch of Drew’s lips on her skin.
And the impact of his words.
The same ones he’d uttered in the past when she’d been trapped in a burning cabin.
Today, they each had a role to play and the thought they were partners in this endeavor sent extra warmth flooding her veins.
“Hello? Are you there?” The man’s voice in her ear brought her back to the present crisis and the fact she was still on the phone with the concerned guest.
“Yes. And I’ve got someone heading your direction now. He’ll carry the equipment for you and then you can plug it in here since we’ve got generators running.”
“Oh good.” The man sighed in relief, then whispered something presumably to his wife before coming back on the line. “Is there anything we should do here?”
“Actually, yes.”
In a matter of minutes, the man had agreed to knock on doors and get everyone staying at the Big Horn lodge up, dressed, and ready for a wintry trek to the castle with the essentials they’d need to rough it at the shelter until the storm broke.
Essentials they’d have to carry in their arms or in backpacks since trudging through deep snow would be hard enough without trying to roll a suitcase behind them.
How was Drew going to manage an oxygen generator?
She shrugged. That was his problem to solve.
Grace turned her attention to the next lodge on the phone list and dialed the first room. A half hour later, her throat was dry and her notepad filled with the names of guests who would begin migrating to the Pink House temporarily, then across the valley to the castle.
Hopefully with Drew’s help once he finished his first rescue mission.
She tracked down a glass of water and paused to stretch the cramping muscles in her shoulder. In addition to that unfortunate wince Drew saw earlier, sitting in the drafty gallery wasn’t doing much to ease the stiffness caused by a short night’s sleep on an unfamiliar bed.
Although her improvised desk near the entrance to the Great Hall was the perfect spot to communicate with the kitchen below.
As evidenced by the perky redheaded volunteer who bounded up the stairs with a plate of food for Grace and asked if Grace had any idea if and when the outlying guests might arrive. Promised the delivery of a percolator for hot water soon. And requested a headcount for lunch if and when Grace had one.
She tallied a temporary number but promised an updated number once the Big Horn lodge group arrived. After all, since Drew and the helpful guest were in charge of rounding up those guests she did not know how many there were.
Speaking of guests, between bites of eggs and bacon, Grace checked in with the Pink House hosts so they knew who to expect, then called Mallory with an update and to ask what she should tell guests about room charges, meals, and other financial questions they might have. Last, she called John and requested his crew of shovel-wielding volunteers focus on paths toward the Big Horn Lodge and then the Pink House.
At last, she sat back in her chair and finished the rest of her plate and the glass of water she’d gotten earlier.
Might as well rest while she could before the shelter filled up.
Except down the hall came the first of her castle guests...the talkative inquisitive woman from yesterday’s tour. Was that truly only yesterday when she’d been offering up every random trivial fact she could remember?
Grace stood with a smile. “Are you looking for breakfast? If you go down these stairs—”
“Yes. No. I was going to wait for the rest of my family but I’m not sure.” The woman twisted her necklace. “I never thought I’d get snowed in on a research trip, let alone have my kids and grandchildren over in Big Horn with no cell service—”
“Big Horn? They’re without power so my friend already headed over there with plans to bring all the guests back here to the Great Hall for the day.” Grace waved a hand behind her. “You’re welcome to wait—”
“Thank you.” Tears glistened in the woman’s eyes. “It’s such a relief to know they’re getting help and will be here soon. I’m Mary, by the way.”
“I remember from the tour. I’m Grace.” Then she remembered something the woman had just said. “You said something about a research trip? I thought you were on vacation.”
“Yes. Family time first. But when they head home Monday—weather cooperating—then I’m staying with a friend for a few weeks. Researching background for a new series.”
“A series. Of books?”
“Of course.” Mary waved her ringed fingers as she rattled off her pen name.
Grace felt like an idiot. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you, but I enjoyed your orphan train series as well as the one featuring mail order brides.”
Mary’s smile bloomed as if pleased to have found a fan.
“What’s the new series going to be about?”
“I’m leaning toward a silver mining town location, but was curious about the railroads leading up into the mountains.”
Grace’s eyes widened as realization dawned. “Did you happen to contact the local historical society for help? Because I was there studying General Palmer and the docent mentioned someone—”
“I did.” The woman chuckled. “I’m so blessed to get to indulge my love of history and romance while calling it a career.”
“I wish I could do that.” Grace tamped down the jealousy.
“Why not? What’s keeping you from it?”
Good question. “I need a job with a steady income.” Which made that offer of a teaching job semi-appealing but only for that reason. Nothing more.
“Tour guides don’t make that much?”
“Not when they’re volunteers.”
Mary’s eyes widened. “You don’t live here?”
“Just for another week. Then I’ll have to return my borrowed RV and go back to Castle Rock for a few months.”
Something like disappointment flashed in the woman’s eyes.
Grace hurried on. “However, until then, I’m happy to tell you everything I know about General Palmer’s railroad and the gunfights with the Santa Fe railroad workers.”
“Gunfights?” Mary pulled out her phone as if to take notes but was interrupted by the arrival of a couple staying on the third floor.
After relaying the directions down to the dining room, Grace turned to Mary. “You might as well eat while you have the chance. If your family arrives before you return, I’ll point them your direction. Otherwise, you can come back up here to wait.”
“You’ll be here?”
“All day.”
With a nod, Mary followed the other couple down the stairs.
In the quiet that followed, Grace stepped into the Great Hall and eyed the progress Drew had made. The drink station table held a few paper products he must have found in the storage area but the kitchen crew should supply the rest. Assorted games and puzzles lay in the center of the scattered tables while more chairs were grouped near the fireplace.
If there was a fire to warm their occupants.
Because no one had turned it on.
Should she call John for help, wait for Drew—however long he’d be—or figure it out for herself? Could she even get close to those flickering flames?
Nothing said she had to.
Except she was tired of living scared.
Grace eyed the dial mechanism on the wall. Surely she could turn it off as easily as on, right? Could approach the fire on her own terms as if she was in control?
God, help?
Before she lost courage, she reached out with a quick twist and heard the whoosh as the flames ignited.
She averted her eyes, feet planted in place for a seeming-eternity of seconds before taking a deep breath.
She’d done it.
Grace risked a glance, then relaxed slightly at the confirmation the fire was contained. And extra warmth was spreading into the giant room.
Except it was still hard to stand this close.
Deciding that baby steps of progress were enough for now, she retreated to a quiet corner and gazed through the tall windows out at the vicious storm.
Drew was outside in that weather right now and she couldn’t help but worry about him.
And about the less prepared guests she’d spoken to that morning.
The older couple with the wife on oxygen.
Mary’s family with their younger children.
Did they have warm coats? Had they packed for the fickle Colorado weather?
Or would they be shivering, wet, and desperate for dry blankets beside the fire and hot chocolate to warm their stomachs?
Before she could turn back to call the kitchen and ask when the drinks would be in place, her cell phone rang. Who knew there was a sliver of reception near the windows?
A glance at the screen revealed the caller. Uncle John. Probably worried about her because of the storm.
Grace swiped to answer. “Hello. And yes, I’m—”
“I hear you got the job.”
She cringed. No niceties at all. Just confirmation that her personal life wasn’t off-limits. “I only got the message offering the position last night and haven’t had the chance to—”
“Well, don’t wait too long. You’ll want to accept it before they change their mind.”
There was so much wrong with that statement. Starting with how much he knew. How invested he was in her career. Had she even been offered the position on her own merits?
“They gave me until Monday to respond and in the meantime, I’m praying about it. And just in case you were wondering, I’m safe. But I can’t talk now.” She hung up before she said something she’d regret.
Then moved away from the windows before he could call back.
She hated to imagine what he would say if he knew she considered turning down the job.
Could she actually decide her own future?
Hadn’t she come here to Glen Eyrie to escape her guardian’s ivory tower? How long would she let him dictate her path?
Perhaps like the story she’d been reading last night, there came a time to fight for the future she wanted. She might not know any dukes, but she did know God. And He promised to give her a future and a hope.
Before she could rouse enough courage to draw a real line in the sand, she heard voices approaching through the gallery and returned to her self-appointed station.
“Are you looking for breakfast?”
###
DREW WAS BREATHING hard by the time he finally spotted the entrance to the Big Horn Lodge.
Borrowing the snowshoes he’d seen in Palmer’s Den would have made the trek easier—and faster—except these guests needed something resembling a path to walk on for the return trip.
Which meant he’d been deliberately kicking the heavy deep snow from side to side and trampling down even more every step of the way.
Every single step of the quarter mile journey. Uphill. In the snow.
He shuddered to think of the effort required to reach any guests staying at the far distant Glen View lodge.
Winded and tired and chilled to the bone, he hadn’t felt like this since the SERE arctic training he loved to tell others about.
And yet, he was invigorated by the challenge.
Even if it left him out of breath and sweating beneath his insulated coat.
At least he’d been doing a bit more cardio ever since his hike with Grace or else he’d be in worse condition. Then again, no gym on the planet quite beat real-life outdoors living for the hands-on conditioning he craved.
Four more snow-clearing steps later and he muscled the front door open, clearing a swath wide enough for someone to exit.
Or in his case enter.
Once inside, Drew stomped his boots on the mat, then gave a giant shiver to dislodge the accumulated snow on his shoulders and stocking cap.
“You made it.” A tall but slim older man stepped forward. “I was beginning to wonder...”
“Me too.” Drew laughed and felt the crust of ice on his cheeks crack at the movement. “But I did my best to forge a somewhat-passable trail on my way. Although...” He pivoted slightly to see out the frosty glass on the door. “We’ll need to hurry before the wind fills it with fresh snow.”
“Agreed.” The man introduced himself as Owen, then waved to a piece of equipment draped with plastic tubing and resting against the wall. “Are you sure you can carry that?”
Drew made an internal estimate of how much it might weigh, then forced a smile. “I’ll make it happen.”
Owen smiled. “You’re an answer to prayer...” He paused as if waiting for...
Oh. “I’m Drew.”
“Nice to meet you. Everyone else is gathered in the main room downstairs and should be ready to go.”
Drew followed the man down a short hall, then glanced through a window down into a large room filled with clusters of people. Thankfully, most appeared younger than Owen, but they did include a couple families with smaller children.
Owen stopped beside him. “I told them to wear as many layers as they could since some don’t have coats.”
Which meant they’d be soaking wet in minutes. Think, Drew. What he wouldn’t give for some waterproof gear...
Right. The key John had entrusted to him along with directions to a housekeeping closet.
Within minutes, Drew and Owen were handing out plastic trashbags to use as improvised raincoats or to protect belongings, plus as many extra blankets as he could find to drape over heads as cloaks.
Once his group arrived, the castle staff would probably appreciate having the extra bedding on hand. They could sort out later how to return the blankets to the proper lodge.
Knowing the larger group was too much for a single person to handle, Drew divided them into smaller segments, each with a capable-looking man in charge. Someone physically able to assist the weakest, slowest, or youngest among them.
He gathered the six leaders in a circle. “On the way here, I tried to make a path which should still be visible despite the blowing snow.” He pointed to one athletic looking father. “Could you take your group first? If you can lead your charges single-file on that path, it will conserve their energy while making it even easier for the groups that follow.”
The man nodded. “Can do.”
“Good.” Drew eyed the others. “Once you get inside the castle, head upstairs to the second floor, then down the hall to the right. Follow the signs to the Great Hall, then check in with Grace. She’s wearing a blue sweater with her reddish hair in a ponytail and will make a master list of names before she points you to breakfast and some hot coffee.”
His directions were met with a few smiles at the promise of warmth. And caffeine.
“Aside from the one oxygen machine I’ll be carrying with me, are there any other medical conditions I need to be aware of?”
A few recruits did a quick check with their groups, but all denied needing extra consideration.
One bearded man with a prominent Adam’s apple frowned. “Are you a doctor?”
“No. But I have some medical training as a Survival Specialist with the Air Force.” He forced a confident smile. “Let’s pray you don’t need anything more than a guide for your very-cold hike today.”
That got him a few smiles.
And then one child’s whining voice rose above the murmurs. “I’m hun-gwee.”
Drew grinned. “Me, too.” He turned to address the entire group. “I know there’s bacon waiting once we get to the castle. And hot chocolate.” He glanced at the children whose shivers and pale lips already showed the effects of the dropping temperatures, then at their worried parents. “Kids, I want you to keep your eyes out for polar bears and penguins. In fact, I think Santa might have sent Rudolph to help guide us on our way.”
That got a few laughs and even an impromptu song.
“The sooner we get started, the sooner we’ll be warm.”
A collective cheer rose.
“Men, head out with your groups as soon as you’re ready and I’ll bring up the rear.”
As the room began to empty, Drew focused on Owen and the frail looking woman seated in a chair with a small contraption slung over one shoulder. “Ma’am, are you going to be able to walk—”
“Yes.” Her chin jutted up. “I might be slow but I can do it.”
“It’s mostly downhill from here, so that will help.” And God willing, the others would have cleared an even better trail as they went.
Owen rested a hand on her shoulder. “Edith, we’ll sandwich you between us to block the wind but stop whenever you need.”
“Hush. Let’s just get out of here before I start developing icicles on my nose.”
Drew snorted. The woman sure had spunk. Hopefully it would be enough to see her safely to the castle.
As long as he could get her oxygen generator there.
He hurried up the stairs, already envisioning how to turn the last trashbag and a few straps he’d found in the housekeeping closet into a backpack of sorts to carry her medical equipment.
Once hoisted, it landed as a heavy awkward burden that dug into the tops of his shoulders even through the padding of his coat.
It would be a long trip back to the castle.
Drew opened the door, clutching one end of a blanket over his right shoulder while Owen held the other end—creating a barrier against the wind for Edith—and led his charges into the blowing snow.
After waiting just long enough for Owen to shove the door closed behind them, Drew forged ahead at a slow-but-steady pace, ever aware of Edith shuffling along behind him in her tennis shoes, her portable oxygen tank over her shoulder.
“Brr, that’s cold on my toes. Didn’t know I needed to pack my boots.”
“Well, there’s a giant fireplace waiting when you get there.”
From behind his wife, Owen grunted. “You said you’re a survival specialist?”
“That’s my training. We’ll see if it works today.”
Edith chuckled and he suddenly realized Owen was using conversation as a distraction for his wife.
Which had to be the only explanation for why he was soon sharing about Grace, their reunion, and his plans for after his discharge including running a camp.
Owen immediately suggested Drew could teach a few outdoor skills at Eagle Lake Camp. Even mentioned he held some sort of role in the Navigators’ ministry and while there might not be paid positions left, the man was willing to pull strings to get Drew there as a volunteer for at least part of the summer.
The offer was tempting. Even if Grace didn’t get the position she’d mentioned applying for.
But surely God understood if Drew just happened to mention that her experiences as a burn survivor could inspire the girls who dealt with shaky self-images. To see if those strings-to-pull might help her as well.
It didn’t hurt to knock on the door. To ask for the opportunity for both of them.
Right?
Drew’s group reached the halfway point, but as they rounded the corner and turned toward the bridge, he felt the brunt of the wind whistling down Queen’s Canyon and heard Owen gasp. The man had likely just gotten a blast of snow against the back of his neck.
“Not too much further.”
Ahead, he spotted the last of the previous groups entering the castle doors. And between their positions was a trio of shovel-wielding men lengthening a cleared path.
He’d wanted to be heroic in a big way to impress Grace and his ego...
But that section of cleared sidewalk had never looked so heavenly.
That and the knowledge there was warmth and food inside. A shelter organized by Grace and food prepared by other volunteers. It was true teamwork in action.
Now that they were on level ground, Drew picked up the pace a little, glancing back to see a resolute Edith watching her feet.
Soon, they reached the relatively snow-free section and Drew addressed the trio of shovelers who had stepped aside into the deeper snow to let them pass. “This is the last of the folks from Big Horn.”
“Good. Hey...” A bearded college age student spoke. “Are you Drew?”
“I am.” He glanced back to see the men fall into line behind them, helping block the wind from Owen.
The spokesman continued. “I’m supposed to pass along the message that all the other guests on the property are currently gathering at the Pink House. Once everyone is there, they plan to make the final trek here to the castle. They’ve got heat, but no food.”
“Meaning that location is not sustainable if this storm continues.” Drew glanced across the valley, already calculating their coming escape from the dim shapes hidden beyond the blowing snow.
Rather than follow the roads, the straightest line would lead across another bridge to the Carriage House and then up those stairs to the terrace. A short but steep climb. Yet it might be out of the wind here and there.
“We’re headed that way next to help clear a path, but it will take some time.”
And yet the sooner everyone was under one roof, the better it would be for all of them.
Drew made his decision. “Let me unload this oxygen generator and I’ll head back out with you.”
“You should warm up first.” Edith chided like the grandmother he didn’t have anymore.
“Thank you—” He darted a glance back over his shoulder at the plucky woman. “But I’m already sweaty and if the snow on my pants has a chance to melt, it will only make me colder. Since I only have one set of dry clothes left to put on, I’d better save those for when I’m done.”
The woman sighed but let the topic drop.
At last, they stepped inside the castle. The sudden wave of heat sent an involuntary shiver through his body and the straps of his improvised backpack began to slip.
Drew started to unhook the equipment, but then thought better of it. Who knew if the generators could handle operating the elevator. And after their exhausting walk, he wasn’t sure Owen could lug it up to the second floor where it could then roll.
So, after stomping the worst of the snow from his boots, Drew strode up the grand stairs before lowering the burden and untangling it from the plastic wrapping. “Owen, can you take it from here?”
“I can.” Owen was already assisting his blanket-draped wife up the stairs.
Drew started back down to where the shovel crew waited. “Make sure you check in with Grace and tell her you’re the last ones.”
“We will. And thank you for your help.” Owen’s voice trembled a bit.
Edith reached out to squeeze Drew’s arm. “Bless you.”
Their words sparked a warmth that followed him outside to the terrace.
Hopefully this next trip wouldn’t involve any heavy carrying.