Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series)

by Blythe, Bonnie

  By early afternoon, Faith heard shouts of celebration as those in front made it to the top of the mountain. She forced her legs to speed up, anxious to get some shots while the light was still good. One by one, the climbers ahead celebrated in turn, their happy voices floating down to where she was. An hour later, she finally crested the peak, her muscles rubbery, her lungs heaving and pushing out clouds of condensed air in the thin atmosphere.

  Lowering her head and gripping her thighs, she concentrated on her respiration, determined not to pass out again. Once was bad enough. Twice would be downright ridiculous. When the dizziness dissipated, Faith slowly straightened.

  Her eyes widened at the panorama before her. Aside from the south and little Sister slopes, the clear conditions afforded her views of Mt. Adams, Three-Fingered Jack, and Mt. Hood peeking out from the fragile mist, their peaks glowing like white neon. The sight was absolutely exhilarating. Why had she never attempted this climb before?

  Releasing a weary, Faith knew why. And once again, she'd cut off her nose to spite her face. But thanks to Shane and her own obstinance, she stood here now. She swallowed, knowing the moment was far from complete. It would've been fitting—and admittedly more fun—to have him along for the journey.

  Fumbling with exhausted movements and even more exhausted thoughts, she set up her camera equipment and took shots from every vantage point available to her. In the background, she heard the others taking snapshots of each other amidst their congratulations. Their pictures focused on people, friends, significant others. She focused on the peaks. As the other climbers slowly made their way past to head down the mountain, she moved her camera to new areas, trying to maximize the opportunity.

  As the last voices trailed away, Faith realized she'd been completely deserted. She powered down the camera, sure she had plenty of spectacular photos to work with.

  Straightening, she gazed out at the vista, a sudden lump in her throat. She'd made it. The North sister was the roughest peak, and she'd scaled it. The other two would be much easier. Despite the solo effort, this moment was something to celebrate. And next time Shane mentioned the peaks, she could say she climbed them. Climbed her namesake first.

  That meant something, she was sure.

  It had been a tough climb, but still considered more of a hike by the most experienced climbers. Mt. Hood was the biggest challenge in the state. And next door in Washington, Mt. Ranier was even higher. A world away stood Everest. But she didn't plan on scaling it because it was there. This peak was enough for her. She'd made her point.

  Which was?

  Contrasting thoughts chased each other through her weary mind. The chill air blew past her face, tugging tears from the corners of her eyes. Faith swallowed hard, thinking of the times she'd gone on hikes with Shane. Even though she didn't want to compare the differences, her heart had other ideas.

  And she could admit those times were more than good. It was better than this. Better than being on her own. Experiencing such beauty was even more meaningful when shared. And yet here she was, alone, after ignoring Shane for the past week. Why hadn't she asked him along? Why did she always feel she had something to prove when he was around?

  Instead of the exultation and bragging rights she'd expected to experience, she felt desolate that he wasn't here next to her, taking in the spectacular view alongside her. No doubt he'd have some deep, spiritual insight or climbing metaphor to share or challenge her with.

  The words from song she'd heard on Sunday rose in her mind. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

  Faith closed her eyes for a moment, her heart swelling in prayer. Lord, thank you for allowing me to experience Your beauty. Help me remember that You're higher than any challenge I face. She swallowed. And thank You for reminding me Your presence is always near, even when I'm on my own.

  Faith clamped her lips against a rising sob, blaming her fatigue for her wayward emotions.

  “Are you coming?”

  Twisting to one side and sniffing back tears, she looked for the speaker. The surfer-looking guy stood about ten feet away.

  Faith forced a smile, hoping he didn't notice her tears. “Yes, I'm just about done.”

  He stared at her, a quizzical expression on his face. “Do you want me to, uh, get a summit shot of you?” His smiled crookedly. “I mean, you're at the top.”

  Then why do I feel so low? The unanswered question hovered in her mind. Faith nodded and held out her camera.

  After a few shots, he returned the camera and Faith began packing up her gear.

  “Thanks,” she said. “I guess I wasn't thinking about that part.”

  “Are you like a professional photographer?”

  “I work for a company that puts out travel brochures.”

  “Rad. I bet what you got today was money.”

  She nodded, stifling a smile. “Money.”

  His comment reminded her that while her trip had not been in vain, it wasn't as profitable as she'd hoped it would be.

  She followed the man down from the summit and began the long trek back to the trail head, wondering if Shane would like her pictures.

  Chapter Fourteen

  By the time Faith returned home Sunday afternoon, she wondered if she'd ever be able to hike again. Or for that matter, walk. Her muscles screamed with every step as she lugged her gear over the threshold then collapsed onto the couch. She knew she should be running water for the bath, but her body wasn't listening.

  Leaning her heavy head onto the back of the couch, she stared up at the ceiling. Just as she'd thought, the two other peaks had been easier to climb, despite sore muscles from the previous day. But only slightly. She'd had a long time to think—to think of issues she'd rather avoid.

  In the midst of her introspection, she heard everyone talking about the differences between the peaks, which made her think about her sisters. The middle peak, Hope, was also the middle, age-wise. According to the discussion she'd overheard, Hope was the least understood mountain of the three. The youngest, Charity, was the easiest to climb, and held the state's highest crater lake, known as Teardrop Pool.

  The similarities and differences between the peaks and her sisters intrigued her. Hope had been the quiet one, the sister most likely to keep her peace, or make peace between others. Charity, with her chronic illnesses, had been small and weak. And she'd cried a lot. Sticking to mountain terms, Faith figured that made her the oldest and most difficult. How inspiring.

  When she was younger she'd thought they should all have the goal of climbing the mountains they were named after, but her sisters never bought into the vision. What were they doing now? What vistas were they viewing at this moment? Did they keep in touch with each other?

  Faith sunk deeper into the cushions. It was shameful she didn't know the answers to those questions. Maybe...maybe she'd try to contact them.

  If she passed her GED test.

  Then again, making a call and mentioning that she'd finally graduated high school seven years too late might not be the best springboard of conversation. Faith closed her eyes. Why could she scale a mountain but not call her own sisters?

  Why had she shut out Shane?

  As possible answers burgeoned in her brain, she hoisted herself off the couch and headed for the bathroom. Maybe a long soak would bring clarity when a hard trek could not.

  ***

  Shane was exhausted from the effort of not calling Faith. He knew from a discreet phone call to Merle that she had made it home late Sunday night. Knowing she might be tired, he'd decided to give her the weekend in addition to the week. Added to that, he tested the limits of his endurance by holding out a couple more days. By Wednesday, he threw in the towel.

  He checked the time. Ten thirty in the morning. She'd had time to settle in at w
ork for the day. He'd just pop in to say hi. That was all. No 'oh, here's how to take better pictures' or 'so tell me about your deep, inner spiritual life' comments. He grimaced at the direction of his thoughts, and as he pulled next to her Nissan at Bascombe's, reminded himself to be pleasant. Not confrontational.

  Shane exited the Jeep and took a deep breath before heading into the office. Dear Lord, help me guard my tongue...and maybe my heart. But most of all, help me to be a friend to Faith.

  He sought out Faith's form as he entered the lobby. She turned at his entrance, putting down her cell phone. Her luminous eyes met his.

  Shane's smile couldn't be contained. “Good morning, Faith.”

  She seemed a little dazed, smiling slightly. “Hey.”

  Merle came out of his office. “Hello, Shane. Did Faith tell you she did the Sisters Marathon over the weekend? All three peaks!”

  Shane felt his smile slip as he looked at her. “I thought you were just getting some basic shots in the area.”

  She blinked as if coming out of a trance. “It, uh, turned out to be a little more involved.”

  Tamping down a sting of disappointment that she'd gone without him on such an endeavor, he nodded. “Impressive. Congrats!” But the disappointment grew despite knowing Faith could do whatever she wanted on the weekends.

  Without him.

  “Thank you,” she said quietly, the color in her cheeks deepening.

  “I bet you got some amazing images.”

  “Yes, there are some good ones.”

  “So that probably means you're too sore to head up to the the plateau with me.” He held his breath for her answer, reminding himself to slow down with her.

  “Actually, I think some climbing might help with the stiffness.”

  “Great!”

  “That would be wonderful,” Merle said. “Most of our plateau shots are in high summer. Might be nice to see what's different in the spring images.”

  Faith nodded at her boss, then looked up at Shane. “Are you ready to go now? Or we could go later in the day.”

  “Now, if you're up to it.”

  She grabbed her camera bag and got to her feet, a tell-tale wince marring her features.

  “It'll be more drive than hike,” he said, grinning.

  She sent him a pointed look. “I can handle it.”

  ***

  Faith climbed into Shane's Jeep and settled her weary bones against the seat. It took some effort to keep from staring at him. I missed him. Bad. Sitting straighter, she asked, “So, how was your weekend?”

  “I sent in our entry to the contest. But other than that, my weekend was boring without you.”

  She gave a surprised laugh. “Okay.”

  “Seriously,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “I didn't have anyone to bully while you were gone.”

  Faith's smile faltered. “You shouldn't think that. I mean, you're actually right about a lot of things.” She twisted her hands in her lap, dying to share her news, but still worried she'd sound silly.

  “If I'm so right about things, how come I still can't figure out a paint color for the inside of my house?”

  Glad for the reprieve of what pressed against her heart, she smiled. “I already told you, a neutral color is best, especially for resale.”

  “I don't want resale, I want your opinion.”

  “Then let me think. What about a Naples yellow? Base neutral with a light hue, which also happens to be good for resale.”

  He made a face. “What I want to know is what color you'd paint it.”

  Faith shrugged, wondering why they were talking about paint colors. The last time, she'd just assumed he'd been making conversation.

  “C'mon, you're a photographer. You deal in color. Be bold and help me out.”

  She took a moment to consider the question. “Since your house is of the Craftsman style, I've seen woven reed wallpaper that looks great with all the woodwork.”

  “Interesting. I'll have to check that out.”

  “Just pick what appeals to you, silly, it's your house.”

  “So the woven stuff all over?”

  “No, just below the plate rack. Above that a neutral color that complements the tone of the wallpaper.”

  “So you have thought about this.”

  Faith's face heated a little. “I just like that style of house and so it's easy to imagine how it might look.”

  He grinned. “I'm glad you like...the style of my house. That's a start, and I think I'll take your advice.”

  She couldn't help but be buoyed by his mood. “Just don't be upset with me if you don't like how it turns out.”

  “It'll be perfect. Of course, if you're a partner in picking, you're also a partner in painting and papering.”

  “Alliteration aside, I think I've just been conned.”

  His smile deepened as he looked at her.

  After a moment, Faith had to look away. The intensity of his gaze always upset her hard-won equilibrium. And she needed to keep a clear head. Today was a good day, and she didn't want it marred by misunderstandings and dissension.

  The plateau area of John Day was close in and soon they were parking and climbing from the Jeep. Faith got her camera bag and followed him to the trail.

  Shane held out his hand. “I'd be glad to assist the infirm.”

  She sent him a dry look tempered by a smile and took his hand. When his warm fingers wrapped around hers, she couldn't tell if it was relaxation or anxiety that radiated within her. In the end, the climb was challenging enough that she was thankful for his support. When they reached the top of the plateau, she released his hand and began setting up her equipment.

  “Work before pleasure, eh?”

  Faith glanced up from adjusting her camera. “What?”

  “Aren't you going to soak in the view before you get all professional?”

  She raised a brow and stepped away from the camera. In reality, it was her nervousness that had her needing to stay busy, but she couldn't resist tweaking him a little. Faith planted her hands on her hips, stared out at the view, then turned to him. “Not bad.”

  “You gotta be kidding me. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the county!”

  His outraged expression made her laugh. “It is lovely, Shane.” The plateau fell away to the outlying areas of John Day, showing off a scenic expanse where the earth met the sky in a barely discernible haze of merging colors.

  He stepped closer to her. “So you were messing with me?”

  “Just a little.”

  Shane stared down at her, as if trying to discern her secrets. “You're in a good mood today.”

  “Is that implying that sometimes I'm not?”

  He opened his mouth, then went blank. “Uh.”

  She bit back a smile. “Maybe you shouldn't answer that.”

  Shane rubbed the back of his neck, consternation written on his features.

  Faith turned to take in the view. It was incredible, and this time it felt good to share it with someone—with him—even if she continued making missteps when it came to the man.

  The hazy sunshine warmed her face while the breeze had a note of chill in it. They wouldn't be able to stay up here for too long. Faith decided she'd rather speak to Shane privately away from the office about the reason for her ebullient mood. She fought a pang of embarrassment. “Actually...I did get some good news today. Just when you came into the office, as a matter of fact.”

  His eyes widened with expectation. “Let's hear it.”

  Staring up at him, she mustered her courage. “I thought about what you said...about dealing with some of my obstacles instead of obsessing over them. I mean, duh, right? I knew that, but it was like I was paralyzed.” She licked her lips struggling
to stay on track. “Anyway, I finally took my GED test, and I passed.”

  A look of happy surprise flared in Shane's eyes, washing her in a feeling of achievement. He put his hands at her waist and pulled her close. Before she could react, his dipped his head and touched her lips with his.

  She stood, shocked by the action. Then it was over.

  Shane gazed down at her as if he hadn't just upended her world.

  “What was that?” she said breathlessly, a bloom of heat spreading up her neck like a prairie fire.

  He grinned, his eyes glowing. “A congratulations. I'm so proud of you, Faith.”

  She blinked. “It...that didn't seem like the traditional gesture.”

  His expression became serious, belying the shine of his eyes. “Oh.” Then he bent his head and dropped a soft kiss on her cheek. “Is that better?”

  She gulped, struggling to maintain kilter. “Yeah.”

  “Well, just to be sure...” Shane tipped up her chin and slowly brushed his lips against hers, giving her the opportunity to respond. But Antarctica was on top of the globe again and she wasn't exactly over the first kiss. Taking her silence as assent, he cupped her cheek with his hand and deepened the kiss until she gripped the front of his shirt for support.

  He raised his lips, his breath feathering her chin.

  “And,” Faith managed, “what was that?”

  He looked past her for a moment as he took in the view, then turned back to her. “Well, it just seemed like a nice place for a kiss.”

  Faith stared up at him. The usual teasing glint in his eyes had been replaced with a burning light. “Oh.”

  He regarded her for a long moment. Maybe he was waiting for her to comment?

  What did this mean? Where did they go from here? “So...so, is this a kissing plateau?”

  Shane laughed softly. “Feels more like a mountain peak kiss, if you ask me. He slipped his arm around her waist. “And it's also my way of telling you I'm crazy about you, Faith.”

  “Oh,” she said weakly.

  Again.