The Alaskan Rescue

by Dominique Burton

  Sashi dropped her other crutch as she leaned against the railing of the boat. “You’re a liar!” Sashi reached into her pocket. “In my hand I have irrefutable evidence that you were the father. She was ten weeks along. How could you deny it? Who else did you think she was sleeping with? She was in love with you and you knew it, damn you. How could you have done that to her? Why did you lie and bring her all the way from the East Coast?”

  Freddy was getting visibly agitated. His dad didn’t look too pleased with him, either. “Sashi, my job is to bring women to the resort to work. The easiest way to get them was to let them believe I loved them. I did care for Kendra. But I wasn’t ready to settle down. The idea of being a dad scared me. I’ve been hiding out and feeling terrible ever since I learned what had happened. I’m sorry, Sashi. So sorry for what you’ve been through.”

  He sounded sincere, Sashi thought, then felt an arm slip around her waist. Cole. His touch gave her the strength to continue. “I believe you, Freddy. And I accept your apology. But you still need to talk to Kendra’s parents, the Knights. They deserve to hear the truth from you personally.” She took a deep breath. “And you, Frank Marshall, you need to treat your employees better. We’re not slaves, we’re humans who have rights. Start thinking about it before you’re faced with a class action suit from all your employees, past and present.”

  Sashi handed the megaphone back to Trace. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I feel much better.”

  * * *

  COLE GRABBED HER CRUTCHES and helped her into the cabin, where he placed a blanket around her shoulders and made her sit.

  “You did an amazing job, Sashi. You really humbled that SOB.”

  “Thanks. I feel so much better. It’s going to take time to get all my anger out, but I feel as if I’ve done a lot to purge myself of those terrible feelings. I also feel I’ll be able to return home soon.”

  Cole felt as if he’d been hit with a ton of bricks. There had to be a way he could convince her to stay. “Sashi,” he said, “will you come with me and help me let go of some of my pain?”

  “All right. Where are we going?”

  “Let me surprise you.”

  * * *

  THE FLIGHT TO VALDEZ took the rest of day. They made gas stops along the way. Sashi couldn’t remember being this happy in months, not since well before the attack. She was happy that Cole wanted her to help him get over some of his fears.

  She wondered if helping him would draw them closer. Could they fight their way to each other? Only time would tell. Today she was excited to see what would happen next. No feelings of impending doom.

  Looking out the windows, she saw the biggest mountains she’d ever seen in her life. They rose like centurions from the crystal-blue sea, jutting up thousands and thousands of feet in the air. Valdez was nestled in the foothills and on the shoreline.

  Sashi turned to Cole. “Why did you ever leave this place? It’s stunning.”

  Cole glanced at her. “It’ll always be home, but I’ve built my life in Tongass. And it snows here too much for me.”

  “That’s right. You used to be a world-class skier. Do you still ski?”

  “Yes, but not like I used to. I didn’t push myself hard enough with rehab. Instead I turned to my studies. I didn’t want to be reminded of Luke all the time. It’s my own fault. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve rehabbed my body now, but lost the edge I had when I was younger. I hope you won’t do what I did.”

  “I don’t plan on it. All of you—Mary, Dr. Samuelson—have given me such inspiration, I don’t want to give up on my dream. I love to dance too much.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. You’re an amazing woman.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  The gesture surprised and moved her. She knew she was healing. The one area she still needed to work on was forgiving herself. Hopefully she would find a way to do that.

  They landed at a private airport, where they were greeted by an attendant. The door to the cockpit opened. “Welcome, Dr. Stevens. Your parents are thrilled to have you home, sir. They’re also excited to meet Ms. Hansen.”

  “Thanks, Jens.”

  Five minutes later they were loaded into an enormous Cadillac Escalade. Jens was the driver.

  Sashi stared at Cole. “I seem to recall a little conversation about how you were just a doctor who lived on his salary.”

  Cole leaned back in the seat and drew her into his arms as close as he could with the seat belts restraining them. “Can we talk about it later?” There were a million reasons for her to fight having Cole hold her so close. Yet there was something about this setting, and Cole’s response to her. He was completely attuned to everything she was doing. It was also comforting to have Cole hold her in his arms for a while—it had been a hellish twenty-four hours.

  “Sure.”

  “How did you figure it out, anyway?” Cole wanted to know.

  “The way you live—your house—the way you talked about the arts. There’s an air about you, but I didn’t guess it the first time I met you. Over time it started to make sense.”

  “Good. I don’t like people to know.”

  Cole kissed her hair, then relaxed. The poor man must be exhausted. She realized after a moment that he’d dozed off with her in his arms.

  What a wonderful feeling! She didn’t know how her luck had turned the way it had, but she was so grateful Cole had been the one to find her.

  She relished this moment, though she was nervous about meeting his parents. What if they didn’t like her? She wondered if he’d brought many women home before. What other things did he want to do up here at his parents’ house?

  Sashi had a lot of questions, but she realized she needed to stop worrying and just let life happen. He said he needed her help and she wanted to help him any way she could. Cole had done nothing but help her since the bear attack. It was nice to be needed for once.

  The car was heading up into the hills now. As they climbed higher, the homes became mansions in the style of ski lodges. Some were like places she’d seen in photos of the Swiss Alps. Others were more contemporary with big wooden beams and peaked roofs like Marshall’s. When she’d realized Cole came from money, she truly had no idea what kind of money.

  Jens slowed and made a stop at a gate with a coded entrance. She was surprised how much snow had already fallen up here—it was mid-October. She could see that if you didn’t love snow, you wouldn’t want to live here. But to her it was all so beautiful.

  They drove up a paved driveway that was snow-free. The upkeep had to be staggering, she thought. Once they rounded a corner, a home came into view that looked like it belonged in a European village. It was charming, yet immense with a stone chimney and stenciled flowers all over the exterior. There was even a medieval-style turret in the middle of the home.

  Sashi rubbed her cheek against Cole’s slightly bristled one. “I think we’ve arrived.”

  Cole’s eyes opened, and he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Then he sat up and looked around. “Yup. This is their place.”

  “It’s pretty incredible,” she said in a quiet voice.

  “It’s home. Let’s go inside. I’m dying for a shower.” His eyes traveled over her body taking in the cream camisole and sweater set she wore to match with a pair of navy slacks. She’d taken off her jacket. Cole traced his finger along the top edge of her camisole. “You look stunning today, New York. I can’t wait to get you alone.”


  His touch and words made her mind go hazy. The idea of being seduced by Cole had been something she hadn’t allowed herself to think about since she’d been attacked. Now that the idea was a possibility, her body was on fire and all she wanted to do was respond.

  Was this what he needed help with? No. She knew there was something else. But his loving responses to her were breaking down barriers she’d fought to keep up. It was rattling all of her senses.

  There was a knock on the car door, then it opened to Jens.

  “I’ll have your luggage brought up to your rooms,” he said. “Your parents are waiting for you in the salon.”

  “Thanks, Jens.” Cole got out of the car, then eyed Sashi one more time before he handed her the crutches. Sashi was becoming a master of getting out of cars, and she thumped her way into a home unlike any she’d ever seen before. The decor was stunning, from the marble-tiled floors to the paintings on the walls, to the arched ceiling.

  Cole led her through the home to a cozy room—the salon—with a fireplace decorated with hunting gear and trophy heads of various animals. The furniture was modern—puffy leather couches and a TV built into the wall. Obviously a family room.

  The couple sitting on one of the couches got to their feet. Attractive and smiling, they were obviously Cole’s parents. Cole put his arm around her shoulder so he could massage the back of her neck. Did he have any idea that his touch made it difficult to pay attention to what others were saying?

  His father had the same steady gaze along with the same height and build. He’d gone gray, but was handsome with a friendly smile and deep dimples. His mother was beautiful. She still had the same color of blond hair as Cole, as well as his sensational eyes. The genes didn’t lie. His mother was a slender woman of medium height who seemed absolutely thrilled to see her son.

  “Cole, darling!” she spoke first. “What have you gotten yourself into again? Do you know how much we worry about you?” With tears in her eyes she reached out and hugged him tightly.

  Then his dad reached out and hugged him. “Cole, we’ve been waiting for you. I’ve missed my boy. How are you?”

  Sashi could see the dynamic in play here. His parents had never blamed him for Luke’s death. Only Cole did, and he had yet to forgive himself. That was why he’d stayed away.

  Cole drew Sashi forward and looped an arm across her shoulders. “Mom and Dad, I’d like you to meet Sashi Hansen. Sashi? My parents, Richard and Lucy Stevens.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet both of you, as well.” She freed her right hand from her crutches and held it out. Both Richard and Lucy grasped it warmly. “I can’t tell you what a blessing it has been for me to meet Cole,” Sashi said. “He saved my life.” Her eyes misted over.

  Richard and then Lucy gave her a big hug. “That’s what he does, my dear,” Lucy said with a wink. “But you’re the first woman our Cole has ever brought home.”

  Richard nodded. “We’re excited to meet you and get to know you. We’d love to hear this story if you feel comfortable talking about it.”

  Sashi nodded. “I’m happy to.”

  “Mom and Dad, give the poor girl room to breathe. She can tell you the story tonight at dinner.”

  Richard jumped back in. “We understand you’re a dancer who studied in New York. It’s hard to believe that a woman as beautiful and talented as you came into Cole’s life out here in the wilds of Alaska, and we’re dying to hear—”

  Cole put his hand up. “Sashi is still recovering from some serious injuries. She needs to rest and I really need a shower. Can we talk about all this at dinner?”

  “Of course,” Lucy said. “But at dinner, you two are fair game.”

  Sashi started to laugh. “You can ask away, Mrs. Stevens.”

  “Oh, no, please call me Lucy. Now let’s get you to your rooms. Cole said you both have your own room? Correct?”

  Sashi nodded. She could tell Lucy was trying to figure out the nature of their relationship. Her guess was as good as Sashi’s. It was too complicated to think about right now. A shower and a nap sounded good.

  “I’ll show you to your rooms.”

  * * *

  AFTER A SUMPTUOUS MEAL of rack of lamb with rosemary potatoes and a mixed green salad, Cole, Sashi and his parents relaxed in the family room. Cole sat with Sashi in the crook of his arm, facing his parents. The home had outdoor lighting, and they could see the snow falling outside.

  For the first time since Luke had died, Cole felt peaceful being in this cozy atmosphere. “Mom and Dad, I need to talk to you.”

  His father looked at him with love. “We’re all ears, Cole.”

  Cole closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hand shook as he drew a letter from his pocket. He’d written it while he’d been sitting on the boat looking for Freddy.

  He gently removed his arm from around Sashi and leaned forward. He looked his mother, then his father in the eye. “First, I want you to know that Sashi is very important to me.”

  Lucy smiled. “For you to bring her home, we assume she must be.”

  Cole’s eyes suddenly brimmed with tears. “Sashi has helped me more than anyone could ever know. She thinks I saved her when she was injured some weeks ago, but really, she has saved me.” Cole glanced at Sashi, saw her confusion.

  “I want to read you a letter I’ve written to Luke.”

  He could hear his mother’s sharp intake of breath. “What is this about, sweetheart?” she asked.

  “I’m finally in a place where I can forgive myself for Luke’s death. And I hope you can forgive me for letting him die on that mountain.” Cole’s heart was pounding as he said the words, but with Sashi at his side, he had the courage to forgive himself and ask for his parents’ forgiveness, too.”

  He stood up when he saw his parents get up from the sofa they’d been sitting on. Their eyes filled with tears, they crossed the room to embrace him. “Son, we never held you responsible,” Richard said. “Not ever. Where did you get that idea?”

  “I blamed myself, so I believed you blamed me, too,” Cole responded.

  “Oh, darling—” Lucy cupped his face in her hands “—how did we not see this before now? You’re our precious boy. We love you and were so grateful that you lived. Maybe we got so caught up in mourning, we didn’t see your pain. Will you forgive us for not knowing?”

  She hugged him close. “What a terrible burden you’ve carried all these years. We never ever blamed you, Cole. It was a terrible accident.”

  Sashi sat on the couch as a bystander, tears of joy and pain streaming down her cheeks. How wonderful for Cole to finally be rid of the burden. She was happy for him, although she felt awkward being present at such a private family moment.

  But then Lucy turned to her. “Thank you for bringing our son back to us, Sashi.” Lucy bent down and hugged her. “Thank you for your strength.”

  Richard came over and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re both strong,” he said. “You’ve given us a gift that is irreplaceable.” He sat down by Cole, who resumed his position on the couch with Sashi.

  Lucy sat on the ottoman right in front of Sashi and Cole. “I want you to save that letter, Cole, and tell it to Luke. It’s private. Whatever is in it is between you and him. We’ve let go of Luke years ago and moved on. He still lives in our hearts, but it doesn’t hurt so much anymore. We want the same for you.”

  Sashi looked at Cole and could see a light in his tawny eyes. She didn’t think
he’d ever looked more beautiful than he did now. He seemed completely happy and at rest.

  Cole focused on her, and she could see the love in his eyes. “Sashi, will you come up in a helicopter with me tomorrow so I can read my letter to Luke at the place where he died, then shred it and throw it to the wind?”

  The thought of being in a helicopter made her a little nervous. But she knew she’d do anything to help Cole heal. “Of course,” she said.

  Chapter Ten

  It was a beautiful sunny morning in the back country of the Chugach Mountains. Jagged, snow-packed peaks soaring to heights of thirteen thousand feet surrounded them. The small, piloted helicopter Cole had hired carried them around chutes and crannies of the rugged terrain to their final destination.

  Sashi wore a parka that Cole’s mom had lent her. It was a little big, but it was warm and that was all that mattered. She tapped Cole’s shoulder and yelled, “I can’t believe you jumped out of a helicopter and skied up here!”

  His face lit up. “I still do it.”

  Sashi shook her head. “No, you don’t. I don’t think I could handle that.” Her heart skittered all over the place. But then she realized he didn’t belong to her, nor she to him.

  “How about this—we’ll talk about it,” he responded.

  The helicopter now hovered above a huge chute. “Is this where you and Luke jumped?” It didn’t look humanly possible to even stay on the slope, let alone ski down it.

  “Yes!” He nodded. “Come closer so you can hear me. I want you to know what the letter says.”

  “Okay.”

  Cole leaned over to help her get unbuckled and put her on his lap.

  The pilot of the helicopter gave Cole a three-minute warning signal with his hand. Cole gave him a thumbs-up, pulled out the letter and began to read.

  Luke,

  It’s been twenty years since I’ve been able to talk to you. You were the best big brother a guy could ever have. I now realize you wouldn’t have wanted me to blame myself for your death.