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  “So Fort Davis is the closest town?”

  “Sí.”

  The plane had veered severely off course. Reed closed his eyes as he thought of Fletcher and Melody.

  The road was bumpy, but Reed didn’t mind. It was the best ride of his life. They rode in silence and Reed was glad. He didn’t have any strength left.

  “Look.” Pedro pointed to the sky.

  Reed saw the big helicopter and a feeling of relief suffused his body. Now Cari would get help.

  “Stop,” he said and Pedro slammed on the brakes.

  Reed waited until the big bird found a landing spot and then he got out, holding tightly to Cari. “Thank you, Pedro.”

  “Sí.” He nodded. “God go with you.”

  The doors of the helicopter opened and three men jumped out with a stretcher.

  “Cari, we’re going home.”

  “THE MEDEVAC IS on the ground,” Mr. Avery said and everyone gathered around, waiting for the magical words.

  The wait stretched.

  “What the hell is taking so long?” Richard snapped.

  Mr. Avery held up a hand and switched to speakerphone. “Sir, we have a white female in bad shape. She barely has a pulse and is severely sunburned and dehydrated, but she’s alive.”

  “What’s her name?” Sam asked as he held his wife’s hand.

  There was a long pause and mumbled voices could be heard in the background.

  “Cari Michaels,” came through loud and clear.

  “Oh, oh.” Ruth began to cry. “Thank God. Thank God!” The family embraced tightly and then they all waited again.

  “Who’s the other survivor?” Mr. Avery asked.

  Richard’s voice was lodged in his throat. All he could do was hold on to Vanessa’s hand. Marisa wrapped her arm around him and they waited for the name. Colter walked in and joined them.

  “Sorry, sir, this is taking a moment,” the voice came through. “The second survivor has just collapsed. We’re trying to revive him.”

  “We need a name,” Mr. Avery said. “Families are waiting. Just give us a name.”

  A long moment followed and more muffled voices. Then the voice came again, “The man who found them said the man called himself Reed Preston.”

  Ohmygod! His prayers had been answered. His son was alive.

  Richard’s knees buckled, but he managed to keep standing. Vanessa sobbed tears of joy and Marisa clung to Colter.

  The Michaels family walked over and they all embraced, and Richard clung just like the rest.

  “Our children are alive,” Ruth said. “We have been blessed.”

  “Both patients are loaded and we’re headed for Midland,” came through on the phone.

  “No.” Richard immediately took charge. “If their injuries are not life threatening, please bring them to Dallas—to the Dallas Medical Center.”

  “Is that possible?” Mr. Avery asked into the phone.

  “Just a minute, sir. The patients are being evaluated.”

  They waited again.

  “All go here. We’re headed for Dallas.”

  “Thank you,” Richard replied.

  “We have to be there when they arrive,” Vanessa said, brushing away tears. They hurried for the door.

  Richard hung back. “Thank you, Mr. Avery,” he said.

  “I’m glad your son and Ms. Michaels are alive. It’s as close to a miracle as I’ve ever seen.” He swiped a hand through his hair. “Now I have to meet with the other two families. They’ve been told there were two survivors.”

  “I have already spoken to them, but I will be contacting them again to offer my condolences.”

  “I’m sure they’d appreciate that.”

  “Please let them know that whatever they need is at their disposal courtesy of the Preston family and Dalton’s.”

  Mr. Avery nodded.

  “Richard.” Vanessa rushed back into the room. “Let’s go see our son.”

  He linked his arm through hers. Today was a day for miracles and he embraced that knowledge with all his heart. His son was alive.

  Now Richard had to tell him the truth.

  He’d promised.

  Before God.

  THE WAITING at the hospital grew intense. The men paced and the women huddled together. Colter had dropped the kids at his sister’s and was soon back, but the medevac still wasn’t in sight.

  They had strict orders not to walk out to the helicopter pad, so they waited just inside the hospital, the pad in view. Richard just wanted to see his son.

  They ran to the large windows as they saw the helicopter hovering above the landing site. It landed smoothly. The door flew open and a stretcher was lowered to the ground. Hospital personnel rushed through the double doors to meet the paramedics. The stretcher was pushed through to the waiting E.R. team.

  Cari Michaels was on the stretcher, her hair plastered to her head, her skin sunburned and dirty. Richard hardly recognized her. Sam and Ruth hurried to the stretcher before they could roll her away.

  “Cari, baby, it’s Mama.” Ruth kissed her forehead.

  “Hey, sweet girl,” Sam said, his voice cracking.

  Cari didn’t respond and Ruth dissolved into tears while Judith and Kitty hugged her. Her brothers stood stoically by their father.

  Richard turned as the other stretcher was rolled in and for a moment he forgot to breathe. Vanessa and Marisa ran to Reed’s side, but Richard’s feet seemed glued to the floor. The man on the bed didn’t look like his son. He had a growth of bead, a gash on his head and he was sunburned and filthy from head to toe.

  Vanessa stroked Reed’s face. “Darling, it’s Mother.”

  Marisa kissed him a moment before they wheeled him away.

  “The doctor will be out after he’s checked them over,” a nurse said. “Try to relax. There’s a cafeteria downstairs.”

  “Thank you,” Marisa said. “We’ll wait right here.”

  The families adjourned to the waiting room, but Richard was rooted to the spot. He’d seen his son and he was alive. But was Reed okay? What had the crash done to him mentally? Was this nightmare ever going to end?

  Richard heard the tip-tap of high heels before he saw Daphne.

  “Richard.” She walked up to him. “I heard they found survivors from the crash. Is that true?”

  “Yes, Daphne, it’s true.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why wasn’t I notified?”

  “I’m sorry. It’s been a very trying time.”

  “Winston said one of the survivors is Reed. I really resent not being notified.”

  Richard saw the fire in her blue eyes, but it didn’t faze him. “To tell you the truth I didn’t have a clue where you were, off giving interviews or whatever you deemed so important. My only focus is my son, and everything and everyone else can just go to hell.”

  “I do not appreciate that tone, but I understand you’re upset.” She took a breath. “Where is Reed? Is he okay?”

  Richard was wondering when she’d get around to Reed. “He’s in the E.R. They’re working on him.”

  “I can’t believe it. I’m so happy. I want to see him as soon as possible.”

  Before Richard could answer, Daphne looked at the people in the waiting room. “Who are those people?”

  “Cari Michaels’s family.”

  “She’s one of the survivors?”

  “Yes.”

  As Daphne contemplated this, a swarm of reporters descended on them, firing questions. Richard was drained and at the end of his rope. Sammy and Chase marched them right out the door. They both were over six feet and heavily muscled, while the reporters were smaller of stature and soft. No way were they going to put up a fuss.

  The doctor came out and their attention was on him. He introduced himself as Dr. Benton. “Ms. Michaels is severely dehydrated,” he said. “She’s sunburned and has blisters on her feet. Her body is bruised, but she doesn’t have any major injuries. Mr. Preston is basically the same, sunburned, bru
ised and dehydrated. He has a gash over his left temple that has started to heal. They haven’t had food in several days so they are understandably weak. We’ll start the refeeding process slowly. They are both still out, but they’re getting intravenous fluid, so I feel they’ll come out of it soon. Right now they need to rest and heal. Thankfully they are going to be fine.”

  “Thank you.” Daphne hugged the doctor.

  Dr. Benton seemed disconcerted. “And you are?”

  “Daphne Harwood. Reed Preston’s fiancée.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’d like to see him as soon as possible.”

  “Mr. Preston is not conscious. He won’t know if you’re there or not.”

  “But I will.” Her mouth formed a pout. “Please.”

  The doctor wasn’t moved. “They will be moved to the Intensive Care Unit. I want them monitored for twenty-four hours. You can see him at the scheduled visiting hours.”

  “Oh, thank you.”

  “How long will it be before my daughter is in ICU?” Sam asked.

  “In about an hour. But check with the nurse for visiting hours.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  Dr. Benton nodded. “This will be something they’ll be able to tell their grandchildren. They are both very lucky to have made it out alive.”

  “We’re very grateful,” Ruth said. “We’ll go to the ICU and wait.”

  The Michaels family trailed toward the elevators and the doc turned to go back to the E.R. Richard caught his arm. “I’m Richard Preston, Reed’s father, and I really need to see my son.”

  “Like I said…”

  “Don’t give me that bull. I demand to see my son now and you might want to check with the CEO of this hospital to find out how much money I’ve donated for various fund-raisers. I’m not trying to throw my weight around, but up until a couple of hours ago I thought my son was dead. Five minutes is all I’m asking.”

  The doctor bristled as Richard knew he would. “We’re very busy saving lives in the E.R. and we’d rather not have families interfering with our work.”

  Richard glared at him as he had so many times in his past when he was determined to get his way.

  Dr. Benton swallowed. “Five minutes.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Richard, do you have to be so pigheaded?” Vanessa asked. “Our son is alive. Let him have some peace. We’ll see him in the ICU. The Michaels family understands that. Why can’t you?”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “Vanessa.”

  She walked closer to him. Marisa, Colter and Daphne stood some distance away. “Don’t you say one word to Reed that will upset him in any way.”

  “I would never do that.”

  “Oh, please.” Vanessa rolled her eyes. “This is about you and your desire for forgiveness. Once again we stand the risk of losing our child because of your insatiable desire for control. Let’s don’t do it today. Let’s just celebrate his life and sort out the dirty laundry later.” She touched his arm. “Apologize to Dr. Benton and let’s go up to the ICU. We’ll see our son when we’re supposed to.”

  “Vanessa, I…”

  “No, you don’t. Apologize.”

  Richard knew she was right and he had a feeling he wasn’t going to like this calm, rational woman. The self-centered one suited his life. She never interfered with his decisions. But their whole lives had changed in a matter of a few days and he had to acquiesce as she wanted him to.

  That’s how he started to make up for all the wrong he’d done.

  He shoved his hands into his slacks pockets. “Dr. Benton, I’m sorry. I’m just worried about my son. I’ll see him in the ICU.”

  Dr. Benton inclined his head. “I’ll let the head nurse know you can see your son as soon as they have him comfortable.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  Vanessa linked her arm through his. “I’m very proud of you, dear. Let’s go join the Michaelses.”

  Proud of him? She’d never said that before. Stepping back. Letting go. He’d never done that before either. He had a feeling a lot more changes were yet to come.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Reed’s head throbbed, but he wouldn’t give in to it. He had to stay focused and get Cari to the truck. They were going home.

  Something was wrong. Different. His body felt relaxed and he wasn’t lying on the ground. Where was he? Where was Cari?

  With extreme effort he opened his eyes and a soft light seemed to surround him. He was in a room—a hospital room and an IV dripped into his arm. They’d been rescued!

  Where was Cari? Through a large window he could see a nurses’ station directly ahead. Other than that he couldn’t see anything else. He was so tired, but he had to find out about Cari.

  A nurse walked in and adjusted the IV. “Oh, Mr. Preston, you’re awake.”

  “Where’s Cari Michaels?” His throat felt dry and raw.

  “She’s in ICU also.”

  He relaxed. She was okay.

  “Your family is here and anxious to see you. I’ll bring them in, but they can only stay for a minute. You need your rest.”

  She left quietly and Marisa ran in and grabbed him. He gripped her tightly and felt her tears on his face. And his own.

  “I’m so happy you’re alive. It’s been so terrible thinking you and Cari were…”

  “Shh.” He stroked her hair. “We made it.”

  “Our prayers were answered.”

  “How’s Cari?”

  Marisa lifted her head, brushing away tears. “Her family is with her and I’m on my way there now. Mother, Father and Daphne are waiting, so I can only stay a minute. I finagled my way in first because I wanted to see Cari, too.” She kissed his forehead. “I’ll be back later. I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” he murmured as she walked out.

  Daphne.

  It took him a moment to bring up her face.

  His life just got very complicated.

  Before he could ponder that issue, his parents arrived. His mother hugged him and tickled his beard. “My precious son, you’re so handsome and wonderful to see, even with the beard.”

  He rubbed it. “It’s a bit scratchy. Cari and I are lucky to be alive.”

  On the other side of the bed, his father gripped his hand so tight Reed thought his bones were going to snap. “We’re all so grateful.” Richard took a breath. “Son…”

  “What?” Reed asked when his father couldn’t seem to say anything else.

  Richard shook his head. “Nothing. You just get better.”

  Vanessa stroked his arm. “I baked you cookies.”

  He frowned, thinking he’d heard her incorrectly.

  “In all the excitement I forgot to bring them, but I will tomorrow. You’ll be stronger then, too.”

  “You baked cookies for me?”

  “We’ve all been going through a rough time.” His father patted his hand. “Get some rest and we’ll talk more later.” Richard paused. “Son, I’m glad you’re home.”

  “Me, too.”

  His mother kissed him again and they left. He lay there feeling disconnected with the world and his family.

  He needed to see Cari.

  He tried to move, but couldn’t seem to make his body work. A delicate perfume wafted to his nostrils and he looked up to see Daphne staring at him. She was as beautiful as ever.

  “Oh, darling.” She gazed down at him in shock. “What happened to you?”

  “A plane crash.”

  “You poor thing,” she cooed, touching his arm in a tentative gesture. She made no move to hug him and he wondered why.

  “It’s been so horrible.” A tear slipped from her eye. “I was so worried and we canceled all the wedding plans.”

  “You took time to do that?” He was stunned. Did a grieving person think about things like that?

  “Of course. I had to do something or break down completely.”

  “It’s over now,” was all he could say.
r />   “Yes. Now we can go ahead with our plans.”

  Plans? He couldn’t even think beyond this moment.

  “The first thing is to get rid of that beard. It’s atrocious.”

  He loved this woman, didn’t he? Where was the emotion, her joy and her love? His mind was just muddled, he told himself. He needed to rest and to regain his strength before he could deal with anything.

  “I have to go, darling.” She picked up his hand and kissed his knuckles. “I love you. I’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll talk about the wedding.”

  “Not tomorrow, Daphne.”

  Tiny lines marred her forehead. “Oh.”

  “All I want to do is concentrate on regaining my strength.”

  “Sure, darling. I’m just glad you’re alive.”

  “Yes.”

  She kissed his hand again and left.

  He closed his eyes and wondered how his life had gotten so messed up. Where did he go from here?

  Once again he felt like that little boy who was all alone in the world. For a brief moment in time, though, the most harrowing days of his life, he wasn’t alone.

  He had Cari.

  Closing his eyes, he drifted back to sleep with that thought giving him comfort.

  CARI’S EYELIDS felt so heavy. She was exhausted, but she had to keep up, keep going. Suddenly she sensed something was different and she tried to open her eyes. Through flickers of light she saw she was in a room and not on the dusty, hard ground. Thank God!

  Reed had said they were going home. Reed! Where was he? She tried to move but her body was so weak.

  Someone touched her face and she looked up into the loving eyes of her mother.

  “It’s okay, Cari,” Ruth said. “You’re safe now.”

  “Ma-ma.” Her throat was sore and her lips cracked.

  “Shh.” Ruth stroked her forehead. “Just rest. You’ll feel better soon.”

  “Where’s Re-ed?”

  “He’s being taken care of.”

  She turned her head to stare at her father.

  “Girl, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” He bent to kiss her cheek. A scent of Old Spice drifted to her nostrils. His hand shook as he took hers. She felt the calluses that defined exactly who he was—a hardworking man who loved his family.

  “Dad-dy.”