Wings of Promise

by Bonnie Leon

  Bill dropped down over the trees, and when he spotted an open area, he flew over it. Kate knew he was checking to make sure it was clear of debris or ruts that might cause trouble. “Looks good. You want to land?”

  Kate nodded, the lump in her throat preventing her from speaking.

  The landing was a little bumpy, and Kate grabbed the edge of her seat. Then she let loose. Everything was fine.

  Once the engine was shut down, she climbed out and walked to the bank, drawn by the high mountain waters. She stood there for a long while, staring at the lake and listening to birdsong and the chirps of squirrels. She heard the screech of a hawk and caught a glimpse of it as it glided beyond the trees. This place didn’t seem fearsome at all. The water glistened in the sunlight like thousands of sparkling crystals. She felt her father’s presence beside her.

  “The last time I was here was the day of the accident,” she said.

  “That was a terrible day.” He gazed at the blue sky. “But today’s not.”

  Kate smiled at him. “No. It’s not.” She breathed in the scent of pine. Alison felt close. Kate knew if she were here, she’d pull Kate into a tight hug and ask her what was wrong. Why wasn’t she flying? She’d laugh and goad Kate on. A smile played at Kate’s lips. Alison had been so much fun. The weight of guilt that had begun to lift the previous day now drifted off her shoulders.

  The crash had been an accident. It wasn’t her fault. And once in the water, she had done everything she could to save her dear friend.

  Kate closed her eyes and envisioned Alison’s warm smile, knowing that if she could see her now, she’d be laughing and congratulating Kate on finally getting back her good sense.

  All of a sudden, Kate knew what she had to do. It was clear now. God had a plan for her and it wasn’t living in fear or hiding on a Yakima farm.

  She hoped Jack hadn’t sold her plane.

  — 26 —

  While flying back to the farm, Kate kept up a lively conversation with her father even though her mind swirled with possibilities and questions. She didn’t share her feelings about what she ought to do with her life. She wanted to speak to him, but it was important that her mother was there too. She needed both of their opinions.

  She wondered how difficult it would be to reestablish herself in Alaska. She’d have to rebuild trust. Jack might not even take her back.

  “You seem distracted,” her father said. “You all right?”

  “Yeah. Just thinking.”

  Bill raised his brows and the furrows across his forehead deepened. “Mind letting me in on those thoughts?”

  “I haven’t got things figured out yet, but I do want to talk to you . . . and Mom.”

  “Really?”

  Kate gave him a nod and smiled. “I feel good, better than I have in a long time.” With a smile on her face, she gazed at the farmland below and to the rolling hills that reached toward flat golden plains. She imagined what the tundra in Alaska looked like. If it was free of snow, it would be burnished gold fused with warm oranges and reds. She wanted to be there.

  Her mind carried her back to the anxiety over whether Jack had sold her plane or not. What would she do if he had? Settle down. Nothing’s been decided yet, she reminded herself. She still needed to talk with her parents, but she was pretty sure what their response would be.

  The plane approached the airfield. “Didn’t expect to take so long,” her father said. “Your mother’s probably fit to be tied.” He grinned. “She hates it when I take side trips and don’t tell her until after I get back.”

  “She’s used to it.” Kate chuckled. “You’ve always been like that. I doubt she’s upset at all.”

  When they set down, Kate was the first one out of the plane. Dark clouds rolled toward them from the north, and wind swept up dirt and debris.

  “We better tie her down and get a tarp over her,” Bill said. “Looks like we’re in for a real storm.”

  By the time they’d finished putting the plane to bed, clouds covered the sun, the temperatures had dropped, and the winds were stronger than ever.

  “I’ll milk the cow now. Won’t want to go out later.” Her father headed toward the barn.

  “I’ll take care of the chickens.” Kate strode alongside her dad.

  While he milked, she watered and fed the chickens and checked for eggs. Chickens generally laid eggs in the morning, but there were always some stragglers. Today there were four eggs left. With two in each hand, Kate walked alongside her father toward the house. Clouds swirled and tree limbs danced.

  Bill studied the sky. “Looks like a doozy of a storm.”

  When they reached the house, he hurried up the steps and opened the front door, holding it for Kate.

  She stopped at the top of the steps. “I think I’ll stay out here on the porch for a while. I love strong winds and maybe we’ll get some lightning and thunder.”

  “Okay. I’m going to take a shower. That sassy cow got me with her tail twice.” He stared at Kate. “You sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine.” She held out the eggs, smiling back at her father.

  “Okay.” He took the eggs, stepped inside, and closed the door.

  Kate leaned on the railing and looked across the yard to the rows of apple trees, breathing in the delicious scent of rain. She would miss this place, but she missed Alaska more.

  The first drops fell and Kate leaned out, catching them in her palm. Dry earth soaked up the moisture and plants seemed to reach toward the wetness. Kate wanted to step out into the shower. Instead, she turned and faced the house. It was time to speak to her parents.

  The first thing Kate noticed in the kitchen was the deep boiler on the stove. She could see shimmering silver lids beneath bubbling water.

  Her mother picked up a canning jar filled with golden liquid from the counter and wiped it with a damp cloth. “Hi, Kate. I heard you and your father had a nice time.”

  “We did. Rimrock Lake’s a beautiful spot.” A fresh sense of freedom welled up inside Kate. Ever since the accident, she’d been unable to think about the lake without sorrow and shame piling on her. “I haven’t been there since the accident, and I needed to go back.” She closed her eyes for a moment and visualized the mountain lake. “I think God led me there. I’m at peace about what happened. I feel like I’ve been set free.”

  Joan set down the jar. Her eyes shimmered. “Oh Kate, I’m so happy to hear that. I’ve been praying for such a long time.” She pulled her into her arms. Holding her close, she smoothed Kate’s hair.

  Content, Kate snuggled against her mother. “I’m happy, Mom. Really happy.” She finally stepped back. “I’d forgotten what it felt like. I didn’t even know how tied up in knots I’ve been until they were untied.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I do need to talk to you and Dad, though.”

  “He’ll be down in a few minutes. He’s cleaning up.” Her mother retrieved another jar from the kettle. “I’m just finishing up this batch and then we can sit in the living room and chat.”

  Feeling calm, Kate seated herself on an easy chair across from her parents, who sat side by side on the sofa. She settled a gaze on her father. “First, thanks, Dad, for convincing me to go flying with you today. I needed someone to give me a push.”

  “I didn’t think it would take much.” He winked at her.

  “When I was at the lake, I think God spoke to me.” She gave a wave of her hand. “I know that sounds kind of strange, but I had a strong sense of his presence, and I think I know what he wants for me.”

  She pressed the palms of her hands together. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about God being in control of our lives, and I agree. I can trust him more than anyone or anything. Whether I live or die, he’s the one directing my life.

  “And when I talked to the Gibsons, Mrs. Gibson told me she didn’t think Alison would want me to give up my dream of being a bush pilot. And that my love of flying was given to me by God and it would be wrong for me to
walk away from that.”

  Her father nodded, wearing a knowing smile.

  Wind whipped against the front window as if in jubilation.

  “I’m not afraid anymore.” She studied her hands resting in her lap. “I think I’m supposed to go back to Alaska.” She looked at her parents. “What do you think? I know what you said about my going back, but do you still feel the same?”

  They both smiled, but Kate could see a touch of sorrow in her mother’s eyes. Even though it was the right thing to do, saying farewell would be difficult.

  Her parents looked at each other. Bill took Joan’s hand in his. “We’ve talked about this. And we agree with you. Alaska’s where you belong.”

  Joan blinked back tears. “It’s been wonderful having you here and it won’t be easy to say good-bye, but I want you to be happy. And if that means you need to live in Alaska, then that’s where you should be.”

  Kate felt her parents’ love wash over her. “You guys are the best.” She got up and hugged them both. “I love you.” Taking a step back, she said, “You can come to visit, and I’ll fly down to see you.” She headed for the kitchen. “I have to call Jack. I’ll pay the long-distance charges.”

  “Jack?” Bill asked.

  “He has my plane. I’ve got to make sure he doesn’t sell it. And make arrangements to get it repaired.”

  Knowing her plane was still waiting for her, Kate had one more task to take care of. She needed to speak to Richard. They’d arranged to meet at the soda fountain. She arrived first and sat at a table in the back, farthest from the door. She’d already ordered a Coke and was sipping on it when Richard walked in.

  With a wave, he headed for the table. He pulled out a chair and sat. “Is everything all right? You sounded kind of tense on the phone.”

  “Everything’s fine.” Kate knew that the news she had to share wasn’t something he wanted to hear, and she wished she didn’t have to hurt him again, but there was no way to avoid it. “Do you want something to eat and—”

  Before she could finish her question, a pretty young waitress with dark hair and deep blue eyes walked up to their table, a pad and pencil in hand. “Can I get you something, sir?” She smiled softly at Richard.

  Richard glanced over his shoulder at her. “Sure. How about a chocolate malt?”

  “Anything else?” Her blue eyes seemed to hold a special interest in Richard.

  Kate hoped so. Richard deserved someone special in his life. And the waitress seemed like a nice girl.

  He thought a moment. “Yeah. I’d like a burger too.”

  “How would you like it?”

  “Rare. No onions.”

  “Coming right up.” She smiled and walked away, tossing a glance over her shoulder as she moved toward the counter.

  Kate smiled to herself. From the looks of it, the waitress was definitely interested in Richard.

  He leaned on the table. “Now, what is it that couldn’t wait?”

  Kate could see concern in his eyes. She took a deep breath and blew it out.

  “Uh-oh. That sounds like a worry breath.”

  “It’s not . . . exactly. I just need you to know that . . . I’m moving back to Alaska.”

  Richard closed his eyes for a moment, then looked straight at her. “I figured you’d go back.” He clasped his hands on the table in front of him. “It was just a matter of time.” He tried to smile. “Will you be working as a pilot?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “So, you’re over your fear?”

  “Yeah, mostly. I’m still a little nervous. But you always are.” Kate felt like she ought to say more, but she didn’t know what.

  He gave one nod. “Well, you’re a good pilot.” The waitress brought his malt and flashed him a smile. “Thanks,” he said, and used his straw to stir the ice cream mixture. “As much as I hate to see you go, I think that’s where you belong.”

  Kate could have kissed him, only she didn’t want to make saying good-bye more complicated. “I appreciate your saying that. You’re a good friend, Richard.”

  He half grinned. “I am. And if you ever need anything . . . anything, you call me. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Kate reached across the table and took his hand. There was nothing more to be said, so she simply squeezed it.

  “And hey, don’t forget I’m here.”

  “I won’t.”

  November was upon them and the weather was already a threat to travel, so Kate dared not wait any longer. Within the week, she, her father, and Angel were headed north. Kate hadn’t been specific with Jack about her intentions, but he knew she was coming and that she wanted to keep her plane. Kate hoped he’d also want a pilot.

  Time dragged as the miles passed. Kate wanted to get back to what she knew—Alaska, her friends, and flying. Albert and Helen had offered her the use of the apartment, so she’d be able to settle in easily, as if she’d never left. But Kate knew it wouldn’t be easy. She’d have to prove herself all over again, especially to Jack. She knew he saw her as a quitter. He wouldn’t make life easy. He’d test her. That is, if he’d even give her a job. It depended on whether or not he needed a pilot.

  “So, what’s your plan?” her father asked.

  “First I’ve got to talk to Jack. See if he needs a pilot.”

  “Oh, he will. He knows a good one when he sees one and you’re good.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “And after that?”

  “I’ll settle back into my apartment, hopefully get my mail run back, and go out to see Patrick and Sassa and the kids. And Paul of course. I’ve got to take the box of apples to him. He’ll love that. He always used to talk about how much he missed fresh apples.”

  The idea of seeing Paul made her tremble. How would she react when she saw him? She knew better than to expect anything more than friendship. If she were lucky, she could be as good a friend to Paul as Richard had been to her.

  “I can hardly wait for a trip to Kotzebue. I’ve really missed Joe and Nena and the kids. I hope I can get a run up that way soon.”

  Her father nodded. “They’ll be glad to see you.” He looked down at Seward as they flew over. “Won’t be long now. Glad we pushed hard. Looks like bad weather’s moving in.”

  Kate turned her gaze to the northwest. The clouds were dark and deeply stacked. She gazed down at the jagged peaks rising up beyond the small town of Seward, which huddled between mountain peaks and the ocean.

  They’d be in Anchorage soon. Her heart kicked up, and she realized she was clasping her hands tightly. She was afraid. What if she couldn’t step back into her old life? What if she was gutless and too nervous to fly into the bush? She closed her eyes and prayed for peace and for God’s help.

  She turned to her father. “Am I doing the right thing?”

  He glanced at her. “It’s a little late to second-guess yourself.”

  Kate shrugged. “It’s been awhile, and I won’t have Mike to help me. I depended on him. Things won’t be the same.”

  “Of course they won’t. But you have a lot of friends here who care about you. They’ll stand with you. You’ll be fine.”

  Kate wanted to believe him, but he was her father. He loved her and that might distort his perspective. “I hope you’re right.”

  “And what about Paul? I thought you loved him once.”

  “I did.” She didn’t want to talk about her feelings for Paul. “But we’re just friends now. Things change. I hope we’ll travel together again,” Kate said casually, but she felt anything but casual about spending time with him.

  When Anchorage came into sight, Kate’s stomach tumbled from a mix of excitement and trepidation. Now her new life would begin. If Jack was working, she’d have to face him right off.

  Wind bounced the plane and swirled snow against the windows. “Looks like we made it just in time,” her father said.

  When they touched down, Kate stayed in her seat. Her dad smiled at her, then reached out and squeezed her arm. “Yo
u’re going to be great. Stop worrying.”

  Kate nodded. “I guess I better talk to Jack—get it out of the way.” She climbed out of the Stinson and spotted her plane right off. It looked like it was in good shape. She headed across the field, her eyes fixed on the Bellanca. Putting off the meeting with Jack for a few more minutes, she walked around it, her hand trailing over the fuselage and wings. Excitement pumped through Kate. It looked just as it had. Jack had done a good job of repairing it. She climbed inside and went through her things. Everything was still there—her gear and supplies. It seemed as if it had been waiting for her.

  Memories of Mike and the adventures they’d shared bombarded her. They’d been a good team. Tears burned from behind her eyes, but she blinked them away. “Well, Mike, I’m back.”

  She saw Jack through a window. He trudged across the field toward her. He looked just as he always had, except he was carrying a few extra pounds, which emphasized his stocky build. He walked like he had a head of steam up. As always, he had a cigar clamped between his teeth.

  Kate climbed out of the plane and stood, ready to face him.

  He nodded at Bill, then turned to Kate. He didn’t offer a handshake or a greeting. “So, you’re back.”

  “Yep.” Kate reached for courage. She glanced at her father, whose eyes held a hint of mischief. She couldn’t imagine what was funny.

  “So you think you’ll stay this time?” He took the cigar out of his mouth and blew smoke in her face.

  “I’m here to stay.” She figured she might as well ask right up front. “I need a job. Do you need a pilot?”

  Jack narrowed his eyes. “Can I count on you to stay?”

  “I told you I’m staying.”

  He glanced back at the shop. “I’ve got a fella who’s willing to move up from Ketchikan who has a lot of experience.”

  “So, that means you’ve got Kenny, Alan, and this other pilot and that’s all?”

  He didn’t say anything for a moment. “I fly when I can.”