Anjelica looked at her altimeter. Five thousand feet. Almost time for deployment.
Four thousand.
Three thousand five hundred feet—time for the wave-off.
Watching the airspace around her, she caught sight of black-suited Kyle shadowing on her left; Erick on her right, clad in red. She clicked her legs together three times, indicating her intention to pull. On the third tap, she kept her legs together and slightly arched.
Her next movement was critical. The pull.
She extended her legs fully. Reaching both arms symmetrically over her shoulders, she threw her pilot chute into the air with vigor then quickly closed her arm wings. A brightly colored canopy of silk formed overhead, dangling her on its strings like a puppet. Except she was the puppeteer; she pulled the strings.
Anjelica unzipped her arm zippers, leaving her limbs free to reach the risers and toggles. With the airspace around her secured, she unsnapped and unzipped her booties before stowing the leg wing on the snappers—no chance of it dragging on the ground now when she landed. No ruffling this bird’s tail feathers.
By the time she touched down on the green grass of the drop zone, she’d come to two decisions. One, she’d make a concerted effort to be nice to Luke, and two, she’d talk to Jeremy about adding some pizazz to her act. She was, after all, a star at the top of the tree. And stars should shine.
~*~
Every one of the men who currently held some kind of significance in her life had acted strange the entire day. She’d wanted to let Erick know she wasn’t prepared to let a stolen kiss come between their friendship, but he was focused on leading the team. Too focused. Except for imparting bigway information, he avoided her. She’d have to make the first move, if she could get a chance.
As for Kyle, he seemed to be trying his best to stay out of her way, which was rather difficult as they were in the same flocking group. Every now and then, he came unglued, and the Kyle she’d encountered the night before surfaced. In those brief moments, they enjoyed snippets of conversation.
Then there was Luke, her new intended friend. He was acting the strangest of them all. He constantly waggled his eyebrows at Kyle, and with a huge grin, made hand movements that resembled the stones she and Erick skipped across the water as children. The action did one thing though—it emphasized the importance for her to make things right with her childhood friend.
As they touched down for the last time that day, she hurried toward Erick, desperate to get to him before he latched onto someone else again. “Wait.” She gathered her chute beneath her arms, struggling to keep the slippery material contained, and trundled after him.
He slowed, then stopped. But he didn’t turn around.
She caught up, and they walked together in silence.
“Great day’s flying,” he finally said, keeping his gaze locked on the path ahead. He kicked some loose stones and sent them scattering in several directions. “I’m really sorry about last night. When you spoke of falling in love, I assumed you meant me. I—I don’t want this to come between us.”
Anjelica stopped and grabbed him by the arm, bringing him to a halt. “Look at me.” She couldn’t sort this out if he was focused on the green grass ahead.
Erick turned.
She locked on his gaze. “Nothing will ever come between us. You’re Kristoff’s brother. We were almost family.”
“Part of me is glad we aren’t. If you had married my brother, I’d never have a chance with you. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t wish Kristoff dead, but I’m glad you’re single.” He wrapped his arms around her. She tensed, fearing he’d try to kiss her again. “And while you’re still single, I’ll never give up hope.”
~*~
It hurt to watch Anjelica locked in Erick’s embrace once again, though the whole situation seemed quite bizarre to Kyle. There’d clearly been tension between Anjelica and Erick the entire day—they’d hardly spoken to each other. Not the case now.
Had she possibly told Erick that he’d kissed her last night? Surely, she couldn’t have? Erick had been nothing but friendly to him all day. As had Anjelica. She no longer seemed upset that he’d kissed her. In fact, he could’ve sworn she’d flirted with him several times through the day.
Kyle couldn’t figure it out. He was missing something. Maybe tonight would bring some answers. Except, Luke would be along.
Silence reigned on the field dotted with subdued figures repacking their parachutes for the umpteenth time in just a few hours. Up ahead, the bus waited to take the wingsuiters back to the hotel. It had been a long, hard day of training, but they’d made good progress with no incidents.
Kyle joined them in spreading his chute out on the grass. As he began to fold and roll the fabric, a shadow fell across the area he was working. He looked up.
Anjelica smiled as she shifted the colored load beneath her arm. “So, how about I meet you and Luke in the hotel lobby at five?”
He stopped rolling and stood, not worrying that he’d have to start all over again. “Here, let me help you with that.” He took her chute and stretched it out on the grass beside his own. “Where are we going to church?”
“Oslo International Church in the city center.”
“I take it the service is in English?”
“Yes. My brother, Ralf, goes there. He really likes it. I promised myself I’d check it out when I was in Oslo again. The church was started recently by a South African missionary and his Finnish wife. Ralf says it’s growing fast. Apparently, when this pastor prays, things happen.”
Sounded like just the kind of guy he needed to talk to.
“Will I meet your brother tonight?” Kyle smoothed the colored silk and straightened the ropes of her chute.
“Unfortunately, he’s out of town this weekend visiting my parents in Stryn, but if you’re around next Sunday…” Anjelica knelt beside Kyle. “I’d love you to meet him. You’ll like him.”
“We leave Saturday for Kjerag and then Stryn.” If he survived that morning’s flight.
“That’s a pity. But maybe you could meet my parents when you’re in Stryn?”
“Maybe I could.”
Anjelica reached for the ropes. Their hands brushed against each other. Tingles prickled his skin.
She slipped her fingers around the ropes. “Thanks. I’ll take it from here. You carry on with your chute, otherwise we’ll both miss the bus, and then we’ll be late for church.”
“We wouldn’t want that to happen.” He really needed to be in church tonight. He needed this pastor with the amazing prayer life to pray for him—about the stupid challenge he’d embarked upon with Luke, and about his desire for Anjelica. The Word said not to covet your neighbor’s wife. While she might not be married to Erick, she was still involved with him, and that made her off limits.
“Is Erick coming, too?”
A laugh exploded from her mouth. “What? No.”
Her answer stymied him. Why hadn’t he just waited to see? He probably sounded like a jealous stalker. Kyle returned to rolling the silky chute, although he’d far rather entwine his fingers around her silken hair. He pushed the thought aside. Getting Luke to church might’ve come at a great cost as he was placing himself in danger fulfilling their wager, but having his friend beside him tonight would be worth it. He couldn’t trust himself to be alone with her and not want to wrap his arms around her like a blanket and kiss her over and over.
6
Anjelica heard a low whistle from behind. She groaned silently. He’d spotted her.
“Where are you going in such a hurry, looking so good?”
She hadn’t put on the loose short-sleeved cotton blouse and matching knee-length skirt, with its dainty pink and gray flowers patterned against a soft white background, to impress Erick.
He’d been in the passageway as she rounded the corner, hands behind his back, engrossed in the art pieces that hung on the walls leading to the hotel lobby. She’d hoped to slip past without anyone seeing her.
>
Glancing back at him, Anjelica noticed the white shoestring strap of the tee she wore beneath her blouse. Exposed. She hitched the top of her sleeve up. Her fingers tightened around the light cardigan she carried along with her Bible. “Erick. I didn’t see you. I’m off to church in the city.” And I’ll have to say a prayer for that lie.
“On your own?”
Small sideways movements of her head indicated her answer. “Kyle and Luke wanted to join me.”
“The Kiwis…of course.” He sidled up beside her. “I’d love to come too, if you don’t mind? We can do something fun in the city afterwards.”
She hesitated for a moment. There was already one guy too many in the car. But Erick wasn’t a church-goer. Like Luke, he should come. As long as he didn’t try his touchy-feely stuff in front of Kyle. “Sure.”
A sickening thought trickled into her mind. What if Kyle had witnessed Erick stealing an ungiven kiss, seen him claiming more than the peace offering she’d extended? It could explain his sudden aloofness.
Kyle and Luke were waiting in the lobby. He looked so good in his white long-sleeved shirt and black trousers. She waved as they spotted her and Erick. The look on Kyle’s face confirmed that she needed to speak to him alone. And she needed Erick to keep his hands and lips to himself tonight.
~*~
Kyle held his breath.
Anjelica’s gaze moved to the backpack between Luke’s legs. “And that?”
None of them needed to explain.
As a wingsuiter, she’d surely recognize what it was.
The helmet was a dead giveaway.
Luke gave a Cheshire cat grin. “My BASE-jumping suit and chute’s inside.”
As is your book. Kyle was surprised she hadn’t asked for it yet. He’d return it tonight. He shrugged his shoulders and rubbed his chin. He really should’ve shaved, but he was in a hurry not to be late. “I tried to talk him out of it, but he’s determined to try every kind of jump he can while in Norway. Think there’s somewhere good he can BASE jump in the city after the service?”
Erick rubbed his hands together. “I know just the place. The Plaza Hotel. Thirty-seven stories is the highest jump you’ll get in Oslo. Give me five minutes to grab my gear. I don’t want to miss this.” He turned, then stopped in his tracks. “You’re not joining us, Kyle?”
Kyle shook his head and ignored Erick’s raised brow. He’d agreed to one foolhardy flight this week, he didn’t need another. Besides, it would give him some time alone with Anjelica. To return her book, of course.
He really needed that pastor’s prayers.
~*~
“What an incredible service. That guy sure knows how to preach and pray.”
Anjelica smiled at Kyle. “And play that guitar.”
He nodded as he walked beside her.
Luke and Erick trailed behind like lost sheep.
“Did you tell him we were coming, or was it pure coincidence that he spoke on Isaiah forty verse thirty-one?” He began to sing the well-known chorus in a low baritone. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”
Anjelica stopped. She leaned closer to him and whispered, “There’s no such thing as coincidence when it comes to God.”
He had to steel himself not to turn his head and kiss those lips that lingered at his ear.
The aroma of coffee wafted through the hall. On the opposite side of the room, friendly church ladies served refreshments. So like home. “Would you mind taking Erick and Luke for a cup? I really need to chat with this pastor.”
“Of course, but let me introduce you, and myself, first.” She turned to Erick and Luke. “Wait right here. I’ll be back soon.”
They crossed the room to where the pastor and, presumably, his wife chatted with a young woman. They stood to the side to wait their turn.
The pastor immediately noticed them. Leaving the two women to continue speaking, he stepped forward.
Anjelica stretched out her hand. “Hello, I’m Anjelica. My brother, Ralf Joergensen, attends your church. He’s told me so many exciting things about what’s happening here that I had to come and visit while in Oslo.”
The pastor’s eyes lit up as he smiled. He had one of those faces that looked like heaven itself lived inside his head. “Ah yes, Ralf. You must be his crazy little wingsuiter sister. He’s told me much about you and your…interesting sport.” He stuck out his hand, grasped hers and shook it. “Adam Carter. And this is my wife, Eveliina.” He touched the blonde behind him lovingly on her arm. She turned around. “Honey, this is Ralf’s sister, Anjelica. You know, the one who jumps off buildings and mountainsides and flies.”
“Really? It’s so nice to meet you.”
Anjelica giggled. “And you, too.” Anjelica reached forward to touch her swelling belly. “May I?”
Eveliina nodded.
“When’s your baby due?” Anjelica asked.
“Early August. Just a little more than two months, if I make it. Pregnancy and an approaching summer will not go well together. I’m already feeling it with this unexpected heat wave.” She rubbed her tummy. “That aside, I can’t wait for this little pupu.”
Kyle cleared his throat. He was here to talk to this prayer warrior, not chit-chat about babies. Anjelica shot him a look. He returned a sheepish smile.
Adam extended his hand to Kyle. “Are you the lucky one who has to put up with all her high-flying?”
Anjelica shook her head, waggling her finger. “Oh no…we’re not… Kyle’s another wingsuit pilot. He’s from New Zealand. We’re taking part in the bigway on Friday—part of the National Day celebrations and a new world record attempt.”
Adam laughed. “I’m sorry. You looked as if you were a couple.”
“A handsome couple, too,” Eveliina added.
Enough. This kind of talk wasn’t making things any easier. Kyle had to put a stop to it. “Pastor, would you mind if we spoke for a few minutes…privately?”
“Sure. There’s a prayer room at the back of the hall. Let’s go in there.”
“That would be great, Pastor.”
“Please, call me Adam.”
Adam closed the door of the small prayer room, separating them from the rest of the world. They sank into the armchairs facing each other. How many prayers had gone up from this room? How many had been answered? Lots, if the pastor’s reputation was anything to go by.
“So, Kyle, what’s on your mind?”
Kyle rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not quite sure where to…”
“Start? The beginning is normally a good place.”
With a nod, Kyle began to share his concerns with Adam. He had no problem discussing his fears about falling for a woman who lived on the other side of the world and his disappointment at discovering she was already involved with someone else. Finally, he told Adam about his stupid agreement with Luke.
Adam spoke little and listened much.
“So, Pastor…”
Adam raised his brow, and a smile appeared on the side of his mouth.
“I mean, Adam. I really need your prayers. Anjelica told me she’d heard that when you pray, things happen. I’m desperate not to feel this way about her. And I really need prayer for safety on Saturday.”
“Why don’t you call off the flight? It seems dangerous.”
You have no idea. “Because I’m a man of my word. Luke’s here tonight. I owe it to him to stick to our agreement, no matter how foolish.”
“And Anjelica? Was she a foolish choice, too?”
Kyle clasped his hands together and lowered his head. “Much as I try to convince myself that she is, I can’t.”
“You know, my story is not so different from yours. I, too, fell for a girl from the other side of the world. Literally. My year-long mission in Finland had just begun when Eveliina and I both landed up at her grandparents’ summer cottage in Helsinki, each expecting to have the place to ourselves. Two strangers on a tiny island, neith
er of us prepared to leave.” Adam chuckled. “Although she did try everything to get me to go. A few days later, I was helping her paint the cottage when it started to rain. Pour was more like it. It was a deluge. I should’ve stopped and gone inside, but I was eager to finish. There wasn’t much more to be done and the roof overhang kept the area I was painting dry. I don’t know if I slipped off the ladder, or passed out, or the ladder tipped, but I fell and hit my head against a rock.”
Kyle cringed. “That had to hurt.”
“Landed myself in the hospital in a coma.”
“My fall wasn’t so spectacular. I landed on the floor after kissing Anjelica. Slipped right out of my chair. The only thing that got hurt was my ego. Not sure which injury is worse though—yours or mine.”
Adam chuckled, louder this time. “Yours, I think.” He leaned forward. “Anyway, I had suspected Eveliina was in a relationship, which it turned out she was. For that very reason, I didn’t want to pursue her, no matter that I’d fallen in love with her the moment I first saw her. It went against what I believed. Like you.”
“But you obviously recovered—from your injury, your obstacles—and went on to live happily ever after.”
“God brought good out of my accident. When I was in hospital, she realized it was me she loved. She broke it off with her boyfriend right away. A month later we were married in a small ceremony at the place we met.” Adam shook his head and smiled. “Man, I love that summer cottage. Point I’m trying to make is this: God directs our steps, and He might use strange, even frightening events to fulfill his purposes for us. Maybe this daredevil flight of yours is part of that plan, like my fall and coma.” He patted Kyle on the shoulder. “As for Anjelica, make sure what you saw between her and Erick is true. It’s often easy to misinterpret things when you view them from a distance.”
Oslo Overtures Page 5