“I’ll help.” Brendan stood and headed for the front. Brianna was surprised he could walk straight given the number of drinks he’d had, but then, this was Brendan.
“Wait for me.” Shawn stood and joined him.
Andrew nodded in appreciation. “We won’t be long.”
After the three men exited the bus, those remaining talked in hushed tones. Brianna learned that Lizzy’s parents had left early, taking James and Clare with them. Concern grew when Aislin and Joel stated they hadn’t seen Grace and Ryan on the mountain. Brianna’s chest grew heavy once more until she remembered God was looking after them.
Grace moaned as she lay flat on her back in the snow, wincing as pain shot through her right shoulder when she tried to move. Snow swirled all around, and she could barely see a foot above her. Tiny darts of ice, like needles, pelted her in the face. Her chest tightened as panic set in. Ryan… where’s Ryan? She called out, but the howling gale stole her voice. She placed her hands over her stomach and bit back tears. Cold seeped into her body and she shivered uncontrollably. How had this happened? One minute they’d been skiing down the hill looking for Aislin and Joel, and the next, a mighty gust of wind blew her off-track and sent her flying… now she had no idea where she was, nor where Ryan was, and she couldn’t move.
Ryan had to be all right. After everything she’d been through… the horrid years at Aunt Hilda’s, Brianna’s rape, the bomb… and then finding God, and Ryan. No, she couldn’t lose him now, especially now… Trying to pull herself up again, she cried out as pain shot across her shoulders and down her arm. No, she couldn’t move. Ryan would have to find her. She whimpered. God, please help him find me…
Sometime later, Grace thought she heard a voice calling her name. A glimmer of hope washed through her but quickly faded. She must have been hallucinating. But then, moments later, relief flooded her body when Ryan’s face loomed over hers.
He cupped her face and planted kisses all over it. “Grace… thank God.” The warmth of his breath was like nothing she’d ever known. She stifled a scream as he covered her body with his, transferring his heat to her. Life slowly returned to her bones. She wouldn’t die out here after all.
Lifting his head, Ryan stroked her face and gazed lovingly into her eyes. “I looked everywhere for you. One minute you were beside me, next minute you were gone. Are you hurt?”
Grace looked back at him, nodding as best she could. “My… my shoulder…”
“I’m sorry, darling, I’m leaning on you.” He eased himself off her. “Which one?”
“Right.”
“You can’t move?”
She shook her head ever so slightly. Despite Ryan’s gentle manner, Grace flinched as he felt the injured area. She didn’t need him to confirm she’d broken something. The look on his face when he straightened said it all. But at least they were together.
“Any pain in your back?”
“I don’t think so. Just my shoulder and arm.” Her lips were so cold she could hardly move them.
“I think you’ve broken your collarbone.”
“Oh…” Her voice was small. “What are we going to do?”
“Get you off the snow for a start. It’ll hurt, but I’ve got to lift you off it or you’ll freeze to death. I’ll grab some branches and place them under you. Are you okay while I go find some?”
She blinked, and it felt like her eyelashes were frozen. “Don’t be long.”
Lowering his face, he kissed her gently, warming her lips. “I’ll be right back, but before I go, I’ll wrap you in this.” Taking out a small package from his backpack, Ryan removed a thin, silver piece of plastic which flapped wildly in the gale until he managed to secure it around her.
“I should have known you’d come prepared.” Her teeth chattered.
“Once a soldier, always a soldier.” Blue eyes she’d come to love so much winked at her. “Better?”
She nodded and gave him a weak smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I’ll go and grab those branches. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Although she knew Ryan wouldn’t go far, fear of losing sight of him outweighed any pain she might experience by turning her head and keeping him in sight. She bit back pain as she watched him stumble through the fresh snow to reach the pine bushes only metres away. Despite the emergency blanket blocking most of the wind, Grace still shivered uncontrollably. Ryan was right… they could die out here. Visibility was so low no one would find them, and early dark was already setting in.
Breaking off several branches, he carried them back and knelt beside her. “I’m going to put these under you. I’ll try not to hurt you, but I can’t promise.”
Grace nodded and tried to prepare herself for the pain, biting down on her lip to stop screaming as he rolled her gently onto her left side. He slid the branches under her before rolling her back. The relief of being off the freezing snow was worth the pain.
“I’ll grab some bigger branches now and make a shelter.”
She looked up at him with pride. “You’re… quite the boy scout.” Her voice wobbled as her teeth continued to click together.
His mouth twisted in a smile. “Survival training, Grace.”
“I’m glad you know what to do.”
“I’ll be back in a minute.”
After Ryan returned with some larger branches, he wedged them into the snow and huddled down beside her, careful not to hurt her as he placed an arm across her body, drawing close to her as he gazed into her eyes. “I thought I’d lost you.”
Her throat was so cold and sore, she could barely reply. “I thought I’d died.”
“Thank God you didn’t. I love you, Grace.”
“And I love you, Ryan.” She swallowed hard. “There’s something…” She swallowed again. “There’s something I need to tell you…”
“What is it, love? What’s the matter?”
“I… I was keeping it as a Christmas present, but you need to know. Just in case…” She sucked in a breath and felt a sharp pain in her chest.
In the rapidly fading light, she could just make out his furrowed brow.
He stroked her cheek. “Tell me love, what is it?”
“I… I hope nothing’s happened…” Her lips trembled. “I’m… I’m pregnant.”
Ryan’s eyes enlarged. “Pregnant?”
Grace nodded, pushing back the tears stinging her eyes. “I hope I haven’t lost the baby.”
“Oh Grace, I’m sure he or she will be fine. Pregnant? Really?” Intensity radiated from his bright eyes.
“I shouldn’t have gone skiing.”
“You didn’t know this was going to happen.” He traced her cheek with his finger before kissing her forehead gently. “That little baby is well protected in there.”
“It was supposed to be a surprise.”
He gave her a smile that spoke straight to her heart. “It is a surprise. Telling me a day early hasn’t spoiled it at all.” He stroked her hair. “And you know what?”
Grace shook her head.
“We’ll remember this moment forever.” Leaning closer, Ryan kissed her softly on the lips before cradling her head against his chest. He began to hum the tune to Silent Night, Holy Night as the wind howled around them.
“All is calm, all is bright…” Grace’s voice was quiet and weak, but the words of the carol filled her with peace. Everything would be all right—God was on their side.
Sometime later, Grace didn’t know how long, a flicker of light penetrated the darkness and an overwhelming wave of relief washed over her. Thank you, God. All is calm, all is bright.
Chapter 10
Back at the house, the atmosphere was subdued as the family sat around the kitchen table. Even Brendan, who’d had more than a few drinks up on the mountain, was quieter than normal. Having two of their group missing in a blizzard was the last thing anyone had expected when they’d set off that morning for a day in the snow, and everyone’s thoughts and prayers wer
e with Grace and Ryan.
Lizzy forced herself to remain positive. When the phone rang, she raced to answer it, placing her hand over the mouthpiece to let everyone know it was Daniel. But there was no news, other than to let her know that the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was out searching for Grace and Ryan. Daniel was annoyed and disappointed that he and Caleb hadn’t been allowed to accompany them.
Lizzy turned her back, keeping her voice low. “Did you really expect they’d let you go with them?”
“Yes. We know what we’re doing.”
Her hands tightened on the receiver. “Let them do their job, Daniel. They’re trained to do this.” Sometimes her husband was just too sure of himself, even though he meant well.
“It’s just annoying, that’s all. We could be out there helping.” She could imagine him raking his hands through his hair.
“What, and put yourselves at risk?”
Silence. She was pushing the boundaries, casting doubt on Daniel’s abilities, but surely, he’d see it was better for him and Caleb to stay safe. They were both fathers, and the Mountain Rescue Team did this type of thing often. Putting themselves at risk needlessly would be foolish and possibly even selfish, although Lizzy was sure they didn’t see it that way.
“You’re right, Liz. I’m sorry. You know how bad I am at waiting.” He sounded apologetic, slightly downcast.
Lizzy let out a relieved sigh. “I know.” Daniel would go stir-crazy if they had long to wait. “Hopefully they’ll be found quickly.”
“That’s what we’re praying for.”
“As are we.” Closing her eyes, she sent up another silent prayer. “Keep us posted, Daniel.”
“I will.”
When she turned around, all eyes were on her. She gave a small shrug and shook her head, biting back the pent-up emotion welling within her. What if Grace and Ryan weren’t found quickly? What if they lay injured somewhere and weren’t found until it was too late? Lizzy wrung her hands. No, she couldn’t allow herself to think like that. They would be found. God was with them and was looking after them. She just had to trust. How important, in times like these when faith was tested, to truly practice what she believed. She prayed she wouldn’t be found wanting.
Lizzy forced herself to sound positive when Clare asked if Auntie Grace and Uncle Ryan would miss Christmas. “I’m sure they’ll be back soon, sweetheart,” she answered, lifting Clare onto her lap and pulling her close.
Andrew’s parents, Rosemary and David, had joined the group in the kitchen while Lizzy was on the phone. Having lived in the area all their lives, they knew the procedures for a search and rescue, and did their best to assure everyone the Mountain Rescue Team knew what they were doing and would find Grace and Ryan as quickly as they could. “However, saying that, we should continue praying. Conditions often change rapidly in the mountains,” David said, his thick Scottish brogue doing little to soften the sobering statement.
Caitlin and Gwyneth, who were busily making cups of tea for everyone, stopped and took a seat. Lizzy glanced around the table. No doubt Brendan and Shawn, and possibly the girls and Joel, would feel uncomfortable, but surely with the seriousness of the situation, they’d put their discomfort aside and stay.
They did. “I’ll start if you like,” Lizzy said. Bowing her head, she took a slow breath. “Dear God, our hearts are filled with worry over Grace and Ryan, out there somewhere in this blizzard.” Her voice was soft and she struggled to speak. “You know where they are. Please wrap your arms around them and protect them from danger. Fill them with your peace, and keep them safe.” The inside of her mouth felt as dry as sawdust. “Please help the Mountain Rescue Team find them and bring them home in time for Christmas. Lord, give us peace at this special time of the year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. May we truly see your power and might at work in this situation. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.” She wiped her eyes as a round of subdued Amens followed.
Roger cleared his throat and began praying. Even to Lizzy, her father sounded posh. She prayed the others wouldn’t care. “Our dear Lord and heavenly Father, we beseech You to bring Grace and Ryan back to us safely. And be with the rescue team. Guide them and lead them to wherever Grace and Ryan might be. And please bless those of us who are waiting for news. Help us to trust You and to keep Grace and Ryan in our prayers and close to our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Lizzy brushed another tear from her eye before lifting her head. Never in a million years had she expected her well-bred, arrogant father to have his heart softened by the Almighty God, but she should have—because wasn’t that what God did? It was the message of Christmas… God reaching out to a fallen world by sending His perfect son, Jesus, to earth, offering all those who believed in Him new hearts and new lives.
David prayed next, followed by Andrew, who was holding Brianna’s hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks. From what she’d told Lizzy when they arrived at the house, Lizzy knew she was blaming herself, but she shouldn’t. It was no one’s fault that Grace and Ryan were missing.
After the prayer time ended, Caitlin and Gwyneth resumed making tea. Everyone remained at the table chatting quietly, expecting the phone to ring at any minute. It wasn’t how Lizzy had planned to spend Christmas Eve. Instead of the roast chicken dinner she and Caitlin had thought they’d be serving, they had toasties and tatties with grilled cheese. Everybody’s appetite had fled.
The phone rang again as the dishes were being cleared after dinner. Lizzy sprang and answered. Her eyes lit up and she nodded. “That’s fantastic news.” Covering the mouthpiece with her hand, she shared the news that Grace and Ryan had been found. Loud cheers shattered the air. She returned her attention to Daniel on the other end of the phone.
“They think Grace has broken her collarbone,” he told her.
“Oh, no. That’s terrible. Poor Grace. Has the wind dropped up there?”
“It’s dropping, but it’s still too risky for the helicopter. They’ll bring her down on the snowmobile and rush her to the hospital.”
“Well, it’s great news they’ve been found. I guess you and Caleb will stay with her and Ryan?”
“If we’re not needed at home.”
“The children are missing you, but you need to be there for Grace.”
“Yes, we agree.”
“A great way to spend Christmas Eve.” Lizzy grimaced as she thought about all the fun things they’d planned for the evening.
“Better than stranded on a mountain.”
“You have a point,” Lizzy conceded.
“I’ll keep you posted, Liz. Tell the kids they need to go to bed early so Santa will come.”
“Daniel!” Lizzy turned and faced the wall so the others wouldn’t hear.
“Only joking.”
“Well, don’t! Not now…” She let out a frustrated sigh but then followed it with a small chuckle. Did it really matter?
“Sorry, love.” He sounded apologetic.
“Apology accepted.”
“I need to go. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” Lizzy hung the phone up and sent up a prayer of thanks.
Brianna couldn’t help it. As she listened to Lizzy on the phone, tears spilled down her cheeks. It was the best news ever. Grace was safe. She silently thanked God, and apologised for doubting Him. She wasn’t the only one with tears. Alana also wiped her eyes, as did Caitlin.
When Lizzy turned around, a broad smile filled her face. “I’m sure you all heard that. Grace and Ryan are safe. Grace has a broken collarbone, but apart from that, they’re both okay. She’ll be taken to the hospital as soon as the rescue team can get them off the mountain, and hopefully she’ll be home for Christmas.”
The children whooped, and everyone visibly relaxed. In an instant, the feeling in the room changed from worry to relief.
“We need to thank Jesus,” Dillon stood quietly beside Lizzy and locked eyes with her.
“Yes, we do. You’re right. Let’s do that now.” Her g
aze travelled quickly around the table before she placed her hands on his shoulders and bowed her head. “Dear Lord, thank you so much that Grace and Ryan have been found, and that they’re both all right. Thank you for looking after them and for leading the Rescue Team to them. We’re very grateful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Her voice was so much more upbeat than in her earlier prayer.
A round of enthusiastic Amen’s followed. Brianna was surprised to hear Brendan and Shawn utter the words.
The children were eager to go to the hospital, but Lizzy told them they needed to go to bed early.
“So Santa will come?” Clare asked.
“Can’t we go to the hospital and sing Christmas carols to all the sick people?” Dillon asked. “Santa isn’t real anyway.”
James and Clare looked up, their eyes questioning. A hush fell over the room as everyone waited for Lizzy’s response.
“That’s a great idea, Dillon, and yes, you’re right… Santa isn’t real.” She reached out and squeezed James’ and Clare’s hands. “But it’s fun to pretend he is.”
Clare burst out crying. “Does that mean we won’t get any presents?”
“Oh sweetheart. It doesn’t mean that at all. You’ll still get your presents, and if you want to believe Santa’s real, that’s okay.”
“Why did Dillon say he’s not real?” Clare flashed her brother an angry look as she mixed her words with sobs.
“Maybe because of what’s happened with Auntie Grace. Sometimes when serious things happen, we say things we might not normally say.”
“Is Auntie Grace going to be all right?”
“She’s going to be fine.”
She nodded and wiped at her damp cheeks. “I don’t mind if Santa isn’t real as long as Auntie Grace is here.”
Lizzy pulled Clare back onto her lap and hugged her. “She’ll be here when you wake up in the morning.”
“That’s good. Can we go and sing to her?”
Lizzy kissed the top of her head. “It’s too late to do that, sweetheart, but we can sing Christmas carols here. We can light our candles and hang our stockings, just like we planned.”
A Highland Christmas (The Shadows Series Book 5) Page 7