Gwen's Lifesavers

by Eileen Green

  She had to be thankful that Jake seemed better off than the other two, but her heart still went out to the others.

  Standing, she excused herself and headed back to the back of the trailer. Gwen didn’t have to turn around to know that every eye in the trailer was trained on her. The love and support she was getting from everyone really did touch her heart. She was amazed that after years of being alone to raise her daughter, she now had an extended family that was there for her if she needed it. One that she could love in return.

  When she was finished in the bathroom, she headed out into the main area. “I’m heading back out to the car.” She wasn’t looking for the other ladies to come with her, but Heather and Siobhan rose and started to follow her.

  “We’ll call you when they are nearly here,” Lawrence said. “We know you’ll want to ride in with Jake to the hospital.”

  “Thank you. For everything.” Gwen smiled. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done to help me out.”

  The blond man rose to his feet, as did Lyndee. They both approached her. Lawrence gazed into her eyes with his amber ones, the ones that made her feel uncomfortable. The reminder of a monster in a horror flick, but she knew he was far from it. “We’re family now, Gwen. We may not be related by blood or by marriage, but we are. We protect and look out for our own. You guys are part of that, including your daughter here. One day, you’ll help someone out and feel the same way. Now, go rest. You’ll need it. We’ll make sure we call you when it’s time to go.”

  “Thank you,” she told the man. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had family and you guys have certainly made me feel like part of a big one.”

  “Oh, sweetie pie,” Lyndee said, her voice quivering a bit. “I know how you feel. You’ll get used to it. Even if most of the men are bossy and demanding. We all mean well.”

  Gwen and Lyndee met as they were both moving in to hug each other. Gwen held the petite blond tightly as they both silently showed their bonding. Pulling back, Gwen smiled. “Thank you.”

  Turning, she opened the door and stepped out into the strong wind and snow. A hand on her arm stopped her, causing her to turn and find Lawrence there, a stern expression reminding her that she wasn’t supposed to go without an escort. Taking his arm, she noticed Heather had already latched onto his other arm and Siobhan was on the other side of her.

  When they got to the Tahoe, he helped each woman in. “Remember, call me if you need anything. I’ll call you when they’re almost here. Get some rest.”

  When he closed the door, the women snuggled close to each other, pulling the blankets over them. The wind howled around the vehicle, but Gwen wasn’t as in tune to it as she was before. A calmness had washed over her in the trailer and now, she knew she could let herself rest.

  * * * *

  Fatigue was beginning to overtake Andrew. He knew it weighed on every man in their group but they pushed on. The wind whipped wildly around them wildly as the snow slashed across any exposed skin. He felt as if his face was burned and ripped to shreds.

  Concern for Jake who was riding down in the litter that was tied to where it moved downhill in front of the group surrounded Andrew. He had seemed all right except for probably some hypothermia, but then Jake would say he was fine even if he wasn’t. He had to hope the man was telling the truth.

  His thoughts moved now to the woman who was on the backboard about ten feet in front of him, he was worried about her bruising. It had gotten worse when he check while the group stopped about an hour ago. Her breathing was a bit more ragged than before. She must have a punctured lung, but there really wasn’t much they could do until they got out of this weather.

  Andrew could practically feel the vibes wavering off of Kyle. Being able to sympathize with the man, he knew exactly what it felt like to know you found the woman that was meant for you, but that she was close to death. All he could do was try to support his friend as much as possible.

  Men on the line were beginning to stumble as numbness moved through their bodies. Andrew told his body in no uncertain terms was he going to let this night beat him. He had too much to live for, as did everyone out there, but, also being the only medic on the line, he had to be there for everyone else. The responsibility he felt was overwhelming.

  The dim lights they had been heading for was a comforting sight. A warm woman waited for him there along with safety and some hot coffee. It also meant an end to this little fiasco.

  Trudging along, he tried his best to stay on his feet and hope for the best for everyone.

  * * * *

  Jake shook himself awake for the umpteenth time since his friends had found him and Lily. He knew he needed to stay awake and not let himself slip into sleep that he might not wake from. The knowledge that this was what his poor Gwen had gone through made his stomach flop and his heart hurt. He couldn’t believe she had gone through the hypothermia twice. It proved how strong a person she really was.

  Looking behind him, he could see the line of friends that had come looking for him. All these people out here were fighting the weather. The wind was unforgiving and the snow biting as it hit skin. He knew they shouldn’t be out there in the middle of the night but they had come to help a friend in need.

  A couple months ago he and Andrew were looking for the woman with whom they could share. They would have occasional drinks with men from the station when they were off duty but they never really enjoyed a friendship with anyone. Now, they had both. A woman and friends beyond what he ever imagined.

  He let his mind wander to the woman who he had to rescue up on this mountain. He had seen Kyle’s expression when he saw Lily for the first time. It was most likely the same look he and Andrew had when they had seen Gwen for the first time. He was certain that his friends Kyle and Morgan were going to be joining them in the ménage circle. Whether or not they would be into the BDSM, only time would tell.

  The closer they got to their destination, Jake let his mind wander to the club Gwen was a part of starting up. He had really enjoyed seeing her open up while they were at the club in Denver and he couldn’t wait to see her in action in the local club. Actually, he was intrigued to see how a vacation home was going to be reinvented into a club.

  Gwen had been excited to furnish her office with what she was going to need. It was nice that she would be able to work from home for the most part until the club was nearly ready to open up. They wouldn’t have to worry about her driving to work or having any more ordeals like the ones she had already suffered through. Also, on their days off, she would be accessible to Jake and Andrew.

  A jolt brought his attention back to what was happening. He had stopped sliding but the men were still advancing on him. They had come to an area where the ground had leveled out which meant that they were nearing the bottom of the mountain. Guilt swept over him that he was going to have to be carried, but he knew he didn’t have the strength to get up and walk.

  Several men stopped, picked up the litter, and then continued walking. They were just as committed to getting home as he was.

  * * * *

  Gwen woke with a start. At first she couldn’t figure out what had woken her but then she heard murmured voices. Glancing out the window, she could make out several men walking past the Tahoe making their way to the command trailer. They didn’t look familiar so she didn’t think they were part of the search party.

  Before she could reach for her phone, her hand hovering over it, it rang. As she picked it up, Siobhan and Heather woke on each side of her. “Hello?”

  “I’m coming to get you,” Lawrence said abruptly before the call ended.

  “What’s going on?” Heather asked, pushing the blankets out of the way.

  “Lawrence is coming. I think the guys must be nearly back. I saw some other men arrive. Not sure what that’s about,” Gwen explained as she grabbed her purse. She felt like she wasn’t going to be coming back to Connor’s Tahoe.

  Heather followed suit, grabbing her own purse. S
iobhan began to fold up the blankets as they waited for Lawrence. It seemed to be taking longer for him to arrive than the last time.

  When he did arrive, there was another man with him. As they stepped out into the elements, Gwen was thankful for the other man for that meant that Siobhan didn’t have to hold onto one of the women.

  Arriving at the trailer, Gwen found the interior greatly diminished in size due to the arrival of nine new men, ten, if you count the one who had helped out Lawrence. They all ranged in ages from mid-twenties to mid-forties and from what she could see of their pants, they were in uniform.

  Martha was busy distributing coffee to the newcomers while Lyndee was passing around sandwiches, which the men accepted graciously. Gwen, Heather, and Siobhan took seats at the table as the men watched them.

  “These guys are paramedics. They’ve come to help out,” Lawrence explained as he set down a cup of coffee in front of Gwen and Heather. Turning, he took another cup from Martha and set it before Siobhan. “The guys are about ten minutes out. The four from the mountain are going to be taken in first, and any others that might need help will be assessed and then assisted after that. From what I understand, the girl is the one in the worst shape.”

  “I hope she’s going to be all right,” Gwen offered. The girl may have done something wrong, but she didn’t deserve this.

  Martha offered the ladies some cookies but they all declined. Nerves were stretched too thin right now to be eating. Once the men were safe, then they could relax.

  The minutes ticked slowly by. Heather grabbed Gwen’s hands finally when Gwen kept twiddling her thumbs. Siobhan’s hands covered Heather’s in a loving gesture, a smile on the woman’s face. “It’s going to be all right,” she offered in her lyrical Irish accent. “Just a little longer.”

  “I know.” Gwen’s voice sounded even small to herself. “I feel like I’ve aged ten years.”

  “No, Mom. You’re just as young and beautiful as you were a few hours ago. You’re heart has done some serious growing up and you’re a changed woman. I’m so proud of you. You’ve handled this whole situation quite well.”

  Heather’s words touched Gwen so deep she felt tears prickle behind her eyes. To have such validation and love given to her from the person she gave life to was beyond anything she could ever imagine. Her heart and soul lightened and she knew everything she had done for her daughter, the sacrifices, the heartaches, was worth it. Now, Gwen could enjoy the rest of her life with her men and possibly any more children she might have.

  The radio crackled and everyone turned toward it expectantly. “We’re in sight of the trailer,” came Andrew’s voice. “Coming up on it now.”

  Chapter Twenty

  The bitterness of the weather was oblivious to Gwen as she stood next to the stretcher that held Jake at the back end of the ambulance. He was pale and his hand was icy as she held it in her own. Andrew was speaking with the two paramedics who were going to be taking Jake to the hospital.

  Gwen tried her best not to let Jake see the tears that had sprung to her eyes when she had heard that they had arrived. The thought that she never thought she would ever love a man as much as she loved him and Andrew seeped into her mind. She was so lucky to have them.

  “I’m going to be okay, my honeybee,” Jake said, his voice low.

  “I know. Why do you call me honeybee?” she asked. She had been wondering for a while now since it wasn’t a standard sentiment.

  “Because you are always going from one place to another, bringing happiness,” he answered with a smile. Then, a look crossed his features of, perhaps, confusion. “Do you not like it?”

  Leaning down, she brushed her lips against his. “No, sweetie. I love it.”

  His free hand came up and cupped the nape of her neck. “I’m sorry I made you worry. Thank you for being here for me.”

  “You were there for me in my hour of need. Twice. I’ll always be there for you when you need me,” Gwen said. “I think we’re even now.”

  “No, sweetheart. We’ll always owe you so much. You came into our lives and showered us with love. We’ll be indebted to you forever,” he said right before he kissed her. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Andrew tapped Gwen on the shoulder. “They’re ready to take him, baby girl. You can ride with him. I’ll drive my truck in.”

  Standing, she looked up into his blue eyes. He looked haggard, his eyes red rimmed and tired. Tiny cuts were scattered around his face and she had to wonder what had caused them. Raising her hand, she caressed his cheek lightly, lovingly. “Are you sure? We can come back for the truck tomorrow.”

  “I’m sure. I’d rather be with you tomorrow.” He leaned down and touched his lips to hers. “I love you. Now, go take care of Jake. He needs you.”

  “Okay. Be careful driving.”

  “I will, baby girl. I’ll see you at the hospital.” Andrew kissed her one last time.

  When she turned around, she found that the medics had already slid Jake into the ambulance. Andrew helped her up into the vehicle and she went to sit up near Jake’s head. She held his hand while they drove and the medic attended to him.

  Quiet filled the ambulance. Jake drifted off which was good, for Andrew had told her that Jake had tried very hard to stay awake on the way down from the mountain. He needed the rest so she sat quietly and let herself relax.

  * * * *

  Peeking her head in the door, Gwen found the person she was looking for, but she wasn’t alone. Lily lay small and pale in the bed, the covers up to her chin. An I.V. line was attached to her hand which, besides her head, was the only other part of her body exposed.

  The woman wasn’t alone. Kyle and Morgan were sitting in chairs off to the side keeping vigil over the woman that they had laid claim to. Closing the door behind her, Gwen made her way over to the men. They both stood, manners showing from their upbringing.

  “Aren’t they sweet,” Lily said softly from the bed. “Men with manners.”

  “Yes. I know it’s not something a lot of women are subject to nowadays,” Gwen said as she turned toward the bed. “My name is Gwen. My guy Jake is the one who found you on the mountain.”

  “Is he okay?” she asked. “I wanted to thank him.”

  It had been two days since Lily and Jake were brought into the hospital along with Pete and Gerald. Pete had already been released. His shoulder was just bruised so he had gone home the previous day. Gerald had a concussion as everyone had suspected. He would be released later today. Both he and Pete had been inside the copter so they were spared the elements for the most part.

  Jake had been exposed even though he had been under the space blankets and his clothing. There had been snow beneath him and Lily, so they had both developed some frostbite. Jake’s left hand was now bandaged and being treated while both of Lily’s hands had laid in the snow not only after Jake had found her, but before. Her face had a spot also where her cheek had lain in the stuff.

  Lily, of course, had been the one who had suffered the most damage. Her right lung had been punctured by a rib. She had ended up with seven broken ribs along with bruising on most of her other ribs, front and back. Her left radius had a clean cut fracture while her humerus was broken in three places, so her arm was going to be in a cast for a while. There had been damage to her liver which had caused her internal bleeding beside the broken ribs. A concussion had also been part of the diagnosis.

  “Jake’s going to be fine,” Gwen answered. She looked back at the two fire fighters, who were still standing. Giving a short nod toward the door, she was pleased when they got the hint and nodded.

  Both men stepped around Gwen, squeezed Lily’s left hand, and then tentatively left the room. Turning back to Lily, she saw the confusion on her face.

  “I see you have a following,” Gwen said as she smiled.

  “Yeah, I don’t know about those two. It seems like they are both hitting on me. I don’t know why they would even be interested in
me.” Lily’s voice was soft, confused, and unsure.

  “Why would you say that? You’re very pretty.” Gwen pulled one of the chairs over to the bed.

  Lily sighed. “No man has been interested in me before. I don’t know why they would start now.”

  Recognizing the self-esteem issue for what it was, Gwen wasn’t going to argue. Lily had enough battles to fight at the moment so she didn’t need a lesson from her. “Well, I know that when men like Kyle and Morgan become interested in a woman, they’ll do all they can to get her. But the reason I came to see you was to make sure you were doing okay. The doctor of course couldn’t give Jake any information on your condition, so I thought I’d find out for myself.”

  Gwen had obtained the information about her injuries from the guys from the Lazy R ranch that hadn’t left the waiting room since Lily had been brought in. Apparently, her brother owned the Lazy R and they felt it was their duty to watch over her until he was able to get back from the vacation he was taking.

  Even though she seemed very shy, Lily explained her condition. Tears filled her eyes for she was a writer and she didn’t know how she was going to do any of that with her arm in a full cast. Gwen took Lily’s hand in hers her heart going out to the woman.

  “One thing I have learned is that when you want something done, you’ll find a way. I was a single mother and had to find ways to make sure my daughter had a roof over her head, food in her belly, and whatever else she needed. I had to improvise on a lot of things. I’m sure you’ll find a way.”

  “Thank you. I don’t know why you would be so kind to me. I’m the reason your man was on the mountain,” Lily said sadly. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Why were you on the mountain? Why didn’t you go to the lodge and pay for lift tickets?”

  “I paid the guys I was with to help me learn how to snowboard for a book I’m writing. I don’t like to be out in public that much so I wanted to go somewhere private. I never imagined anything would go wrong.” Tears trickled down Lily’s temples. “I heard what everyone did for me. That was extra nice.”