“How about we challenge ourselves with a two-mile hike to see Watson Lake in the Cascades?”
“I doubt that would be much of a challenge for you.”
“With you, everything is a challenge. Trust me. There won’t be a moment where I can let my guard down.”
I laughed and nodded in agreement. “There was a reason why I dropped out of gymnastics in second grade and switched to tap dance.”
“And I fully support that switch, or you might not be here in front of me.”
“And Coco could have died . . . twice,” I added.
“I think the first death would have killed her.” His eyes glimmered with an amazing amount of kindness.
“Very funny.”
Just as I went to lick my last bit of sorbet, a blood-curdling scream came from the water. People began running toward the dock and Jake shot up and tossed the rest of his sorbet in the trash before taking off.
He was over to the dock before I’d even made it out of my seat. My heart raced with worry as I ran over to see the last of Jake, kicking off his shoes and diving into the water. I scanned the water and didn’t see the problem.
It wasn’t until someone pointed that I realized what the crisis was. Two sea kayaks were floating upside down in the middle of the harbor, but there was only person bobbing up and down.
“That’s Jenny. Her son was in the other one,” I heard one of the onlookers telling someone.
“How old is he?”
“Maybe ten. I don’t know,” a man said.
With every stroke of Jake’s arms, my worry turned to fear as he pulled himself farther away from shore. Several people were on the phone with emergency services, and their cries for help blurred into the background as I watched Jake’s head turn to a small dot.
He righted the first kayak, but Jenny was too hysterical to follow any protocol. Jake turned the other empty kayak over and held up an empty life preserver.
I watched his head go under water, and it was like my entire world slipped into slow motion as Jake attempted a rescue without any help in sight.
I slowly walked to the end of the dock, praying for any sign of Jake’s head to pop up, but seconds turned to a minute. What was he thinking? If they had life vests and still had this problem, why would he even attempt this without one?
My fear began to turn to anger as I waited impatiently for any sign of Jake. I swore another ten seconds went by before Jake’s head popped up. In less than a second, he was down again.
Cries from Jenny as she clung onto the kayak shattered me, and I prayed for the safe return of her son.
And Jake.
Everything around me drifted away as I kept tunnel vision in Jake’s direction, praying he would appear periodically. Each time, he was gone for a little longer and tears began to fill my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away right as a wave of cheers erupted behind me. Jake had shot out of the water with the boy just as a rescue boat arrived from the other marina.
Biting wind nipped at my cheeks as the rescue team took the boy from Jake and began life-saving measures. I let out a slow release of air and let myself come back to life, but as Jake readied to get in the rescue boat, his arms shot up into the air and he slipped into the water.
The crowd gasped, and I fell to my knees, begging for Jake to be okay. There was no reason for him to disappear.
Of course, he would be okay. He was always okay—never the one needing to be rescued.
“Damn currents. They can just pull a person under without warning,” a man grumbled behind me. “Remember that poor college student last summer? Never did find his body.”
“Makes sense with the kayaks tipped,” another said.
My world tilted into another realm where all I could see and hear had to do with Jake’s rescue. I watched Fire and Rescue work on the boy as two divers jumped into the water feet first. I’d grown up hearing about sneaker waves and deadly riptides. I respected nature, but I never expected her to steal from me. I stayed hyperaware, watching the men in the boat and the lines to the men in the water.
Jake’s words surged through me from last night with a painful force, and my body began shaking uncontrollably.
Sometimes, we’ll never know why certain people show up in our lives at a particular moment.
Jake would be back. Jake would be okay.
I bit my tongue to stop from crying as I counted the seconds since the divers went under. Hildie’s voice screamed behind me as she ran down the dock toward me, collapsing next to me. I whispered calming sentiments, more for her comfort than mine. I knew how long he’d been under. Hildie’s body shook as we held one another and waited for Jake to suddenly emerge, but he didn’t.
A holler echoed through the air, and we all turned our attention to about a hundred feet from where the boat and divers had been searching.
Jake had already begun swimming back to us when Chance spotted him and hollered at the rescue team that he’d been found. Within seconds, Hildie was on her toes, yelling at Jake to get to the shore right this instant, and the nervous crowd behind us chuckled softly.
The next thing I knew, Chance dove into the water as I wiped away the tears, but I was too afraid to let myself believe he was really above the water. It wasn’t until Chance got to his brother that I finally let out the air I’d been holding inside.
I wished I never had to experience this to realize how much I’d fallen for Jake Harlen. Every cell of my body hurt with the thought of losing Jake. I could barely move as I watched Chance pull his brother with him toward our dock. Hildie wrapped her arms around me and hugged. The world was a better place because of him. I never wanted to let him go, and I never would.
“Maybe you can get him to quit thinking he’s always got to save everyone,” she whispered, her body still shaking.
“I don’t know that I can. He’s got a mind of his own. That’s for sure.”
“Just like his father.”
Medics pushed people away and readied for Jake as the brothers hauled themselves onto the dock in front of us. I thought Hildie was going to go for Jake, but she went for Chance instead, landing a slap on the side of his soggy shirt.
“I could have lost you both. Don’t you ever go trying to be the hero again.” Chance smiled and gave his mom a hug while the medics began taking Jake’s vitals, but he stood up, leaving them with empty hands.
His eyes bored into mine, and I literally felt the same urge as Hildie, but I restrained myself and hugged him instead.
“Oxygen level’s low,” the medic said.
“Well, that would help to explain a lot of things over the years.” Chance chuckled, and Jake smiled as I pressed my cheeks into his cold, dripping shirt.
“You should get out of the wet clothes,” I whispered, giving my best unsolicited advice.
The boat carrying Jenny and her boy had pulled into the other dock.
One of the medics patted Jake on the back. “You saved that kid’s life. Another few seconds underwater, and—”
Jake nodded in understanding, but the act of saving someone’s life didn’t seem to resonate. It was like Jake figured it was just expected, part of why he was put on this planet, and I loved him for it—especially with my history.
“You should go into the clinic,” the medic advised Jake, but he shook his head. “I wasn’t under for very long. I was just pushed really far out in the current and had to swim back. That’s why I’m winded.”
I glanced at Chance, who rolled his eyes and shrugged. He was used to it, and so was his mother.
“Let’s get back home. Chance will fly you out tonight and take the ferry back. You might not listen to me often, but I’m putting my foot down this time. You cheated death once today, and I think that’s plenty.”
I took a step back and nodded. “You need to listen to your mom.”
He narrowed his eyes on me, and a touch of a smile dotted his lips.
“I knew I liked her,” Hildie said as we began to make our way through the
crowd that had gathered and continued to congratulate Jake.
By the time we’d gotten back to the farm, Jake could barely keep his eyes open, which was no surprise, considering everything he’d managed to accomplish while still staying alive.
I climbed into the back of the chopper and put on my headset as Jake and Chance climbed into the cockpit. It was hard to believe so much had changed from the moment we touched down on this island.
Hildie stood by the herb garden and waved as Chance lifted us into the air. The purple fields were as beautiful as when we’d first arrived, but now it felt as if the lavender stocks were ushering us home to Fireweed.
I craned my neck and looked below as Hildie became nothing more than a speck, and it suddenly made me and everything feel very small in the scheme of life. I came to Hound Island afraid to even get in a helicopter without a blindfold, but I was leaving ready to tackle the world.
I sank into the seat and watched the rugged island terrain trade out for the beautiful sparkling water. Being here with Jake and Chance made me more overwhelmed with gratefulness. Life was so fragile.
“So I heard there’s some online guy who’s been trying to get your attention,” Chance’s voice came over in the headset, and I chuckled.
“Word travels fast.”
“Are you really going to meet him?” Chance asked. I heard Jake’s laugh come over the headset, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I feel that with your brother, I need to keep him on his toes for as long as possible.”
“So that’s a yes, you’re going to meet this guy.”
“With Jake in tow,” I added.
“To be a bumblebee on that lavender.”
Jake laughed and shook his head. “Aren’t you lucky you got the brother with the good sense of humor?”
“Better sense of humor,” I corrected. “Only better.”
“Mom was right. She’s definitely a keeper.” Chance’s words were the most lyrically balanced words I’d ever heard. Okay, maybe not, but they were certainly beautiful to me.
I saw Jake’s estate come into view, and a little bit of anxiety pressed its way into my veins. It was still hard to believe that all Jake Harlen did was choose a couple of stocks right and shear a couple of alpacas to get here.
I let out a sigh and braced myself for a landing that was completely flawless. The moment we touched down, Chance began flipping switches and Jake took off his headset and climbed out of the front. He opened my door and unharnessed me.
“Don’t forget to bend over,” he said, guiding me away from the helicopter.
“Well, that was an experience-and-a-half,” I sighed, nearly crawling to safety again.
The entire reason a person was supposed to bend over was enough reason for me to slither through the surroundings like a cobra. I liked my head, and I especially liked it attached to my body.
Chance brought our bags over and smiled.
“I’ve got to go cancel that impromptu get together,” I informed Jake.
“Oh . . . no, you don’t. What do you think kept me paddling to safety? I’ve got to see this guy.” Jake squeezed my shoulder, and my cheeks turned bright red. Now that this encounter was so close, I literally wanted to go bunk with Dotty and Todd. There was no reason to meet BlznBookie. None. I had my hero, and he was only inches from me.
“Are you really going to make me go through with this?” I groaned.
“Absolutely.”
I grumbled a few obscenities and picked up my bag. “Then since we’re already running late, can I get ready for my date at your house?”
Chance chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, realizing this was purely for their entertainment.
“I’d like to meet this guy too,” Chance said.
“Of course you would.”
I followed Jake inside and down the hall to the left. He pushed open a door to a beautiful guestroom with sheer curtains framing oversized windows, and a sleigh bed and matching dresser with a light pine finish warmed up the room.
“Beautiful,” I said.
“I thought you might like it.” He grinned and shut the door, leaving me to prepare for a meeting I’d never be ready for. But at this point, I wanted Jake to realize it meant nothing to me beyond the superficial.
He was the one I wanted, and I apparently needed to let Nick, Natty, and everyone else within a fifteen-mile radius know, or I’d be getting set up for life with random acquaintances.
I tugged my shirt off and slipped a dress over my shoulders and kicked off my shorts.
But the problem was that it never felt like a random acquaintance with Blzn. There was a real connection. I searched through my bag for a hairbrush and pulled it through my hair.
I really didn’t want Jake to think I was primping for this complete stranger. It already felt weird enough to be meeting him. Nick was going to be in so much trouble.
Jake tapped on the door, and I quickly opened it. He’d changed too, his denim-clad legs looking fabulous. It was hard not to want to be tangled up in them.
“Wow. You’re stunning,” Jake whispered, locking his eyes on mine.
“Thank you.”
“Should we get going?” he asked.
I drew in a deep breath.
“I guess so.”
“Don’t be nervous. You’ll be surrounded by friends.”
I nodded. “Well, they were my friends.” I laughed.
I followed Jake out to the garage, and sure enough, Chance was already sitting in the backseat, ready to go to our next adventure. I climbed into the front.
Nick texted that he, Natty, and Cole were already at Norma’s, and he thought Blzn might have just parked.
My hands shook with nerves. This was a really bad idea. My phone buzzed a few times and I glanced down again.
So I wasn’t completely honest. I didn’t trust this guy, so I pretended I was you. I asked questions, flirted a little . . . But it was the only way I could fully infiltrate.
It was definitely Nick’s turn to be pushed into the Sound.
“You’ve certainly gotten quiet,” Jake said.
“Turns out that Nick took his spy responsibilities a little too seriously.”
“How so?”
“He’s been messaging this guy, feeling him out to make sure he’s legit.”
Jake’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“Are you sure?”
“That’s what he said.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
Jake traded glances with Chance in the rearview mirror, and my pulse spiked.
“What aren’t you saying?”
“I’m just glad this is a group thing.”
“Me too,” Chance seconded. “This makes me happy about living on Hound.”
We pulled into the parking lot, and Jake found a spot to park. My heart was beating so quickly, I could barely hear my own thoughts. Only minutes awaited until full disaster would strike.
“You ready?” Jake asked, and a glint of amusement streaked through his gaze.
“Would it matter if I said no?”
“Probably not,” Chance said, patting my seat. “Now let’s get our popcorn and enjoy the show.”
“So you’re the evil brother?” I asked, climbing out of the car.
“No. I’m just puzzled by the whole thing.”
Jake didn’t take my hand or slide his arm around my waist. He was giving me complete space to do whatever it was he thought I needed to do.
Chance opened the door, and I immediately spotted Nick, Natty, and Cole. Natty looked nervous but waved us over.
“Where is this the mystery man?” Jake whispered.
We walked up to the table, and Chance looked around. “Where’s he at?”
“In the bathroom,” Natty said, eyeing Jake and then me.
“Is everything okay, or should we turn around like we never arrived?” I asked, only half-joking.
“No, I think you should meet him.” Natty nodded.
&nb
sp; “Definitely deserves to be met.”
Nick stayed silent, which had me extremely vexed. Nick never missed an opportunity to talk.
“Here he comes,” Natty whispered as Chance took a seat, followed by his brother. I was left standing and slowly turned around to see Blzn coming my way.
He was about my height, with a slight build and potbelly. My mind was literally blown. His brown eyes were extremely kind, and his smile genuinely indicated he was excited to be here, but something wasn’t computing. The man had a red fanny pack securely fastened to his waist. There wasn’t a way in the world he could haul himself up the maple tree I scaled, let alone some of the cliffs my Blzn had faced. I glanced at his hands, and they didn’t match the ones in the photos. There was nothing rugged about them. They were too . . .
Something.
Polished?
“So nice to meet you,” I said, shaking Blzn’s hand.
“Pleasure is mine.” His voice was somewhat high-pitched and nasally—another quality that was perfectly acceptable to have, but not what I pictured for my adventurer. “It’s always nice to meet a fan. Although, I’ll admit I don’t have many.”
He motioned for me to take a seat, which I did—avoiding everyone’s gaze at the table—as he slid another chair to the end of the table. I could feel Jake’s gaze boring into me, but I refused to even give a look in his direction. I was never going to live this down. The man in front of me was absolutely nothing resembling anything I’d conjured in my mind. There wasn’t a sliver that was similar. The man I’d pictured behind every rock climb and paragliding experience looked like . . .
Well, he looked exactly like Jake Harlen or his brother. But that wasn’t Blzn’s fault. That was purely mine. I shouldn’t have placed my book expectations toward a real-life person.
“So, how long have you been following my blog?” he asked, folding his hands.
I took in a deep breath. It was now or never.
“I’m actually Island Girl. My friends just didn’t want to tell you.”
The expression didn’t change on Blzn’s face in the slightest. “Should that tell me something?” He folded his delicate hands, and I swore I could tell Jake was dying inside from laughter, but from the corner of my eyes, I saw nothing but a serious expression lining his face.
Forever Love on Fireweed Island (Island County Book 4) Page 20