Juliet's Journey To Love (The Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1)

by Elsie Davis

  “I’m Jake Kensington. Sheriff Alan Harper sent me to help,” the man said, his tone vibrating with impatience.

  “Sheriff Harper.” Laura glanced over at her and Blaire. “He’s the one I talked to on the sat phone.”

  Blaire glanced back and forth between the medical bag in the man’s hand and Juliet. “This is Juliet,” she said, pointing in her direction. Blaire was clearly convinced he was legit.

  It was all too much. Lowering the gun, Juliet put one hand to her head, but it didn’t stop the spinning and she felt herself falling.

  The sound of voices called Juliet back from the blackness. She shook her head, trying to escape the awful odor she recognized. Smelling salts. But why? The fog in her head cleared a tiny bit as she tried to focus.

  “Is she okay?” Blaire asked, concern in her voice. “We told her to stay in bed, but she’s hard-headed. Please, help her.” Blaire’s gift was one of sympathy and nurturing, and her friend’s presence was calming.

  “Her pulse is weak, but okay,” the man said. The name Jake came to mind, but she didn’t know any Jakes.

  Juliet tried to pull away.

  “It’s okay; I’m here to help. I’m going to carry you to your cot and check you over. Do you understand?” the man asked, trying to calm her fears. It’s not like she had a choice but to trust him in her condition.

  “He’s the guy they sent to help, Juliet,” Laura reassured her.

  Juliet glanced back at him and nodded.

  Jake picked her up and headed for the lean-to. “Can one of you grab my bag?” he asked, clearly expecting his request to be followed as he walked away. He laid her down on the bed and felt her forehead. “You’re burning up.”

  Tell me something I don’t know, mister. The prickly sweat of her skin was driving her nuts.

  “And judging by the hair plastered to your neck and forehead, you’ve been running a high fever for a while. First things first, we need to get your fever down.” He picked up something from the floor and frowned. “Can someone get me a fresh, cool compress? Stat.”

  Blaire moved off to get what he needed.

  Jake looked up at Laura. “Which one of you called this in?”

  “I did,” Laura answered, moving closer.

  “Sheriff said you mentioned vomiting. Any more bouts of it since you called for help?”

  “Twice. We’ve tried to get her to drink water, but she’s not had more than a few sips,” Laura added, bringing him up to date.

  “At first guess, I think it might be a gastrointestinal virus. The fever, sweats, vomiting, and ashen color all fit. The problem is, I can’t be positive as there are other possibilities. And I’m not sure she can keep a tablet down based on what you’re telling me.” He reached for the cup of water, put a hand behind her back, and lifted her forward. “Try to drink some of this. We’ve got to get you hydrated.”

  Juliet noted the compassion in his voice, and it drew forth an unexplained level of trust. Jake wanted to help her—and he cared. She tried, but the effort cost her.

  “A couple of sips is a start, but not enough.”

  “Thank you,” Juliet said, her voice soft and weak, barely recognizable to herself.

  “Does your stomach hurt?” he asked, lowering her back onto the cot with great gentleness for a giant.

  She nodded.

  He turned to Laura. “When was the last time she vomited?”

  “About ten minutes ago.”

  “Anyone notice a dark coloring, other than what she might have eaten for dinner last night?” he asked.

  “No, not that I know of. But then I wasn’t exactly examining it.” Blaire scrunched up her face in distaste as she handed him the cold compress.

  “No, no blood,” Juliet said, forcing the words from her lips, his question comforting. Dark coloring would be indicative of bleeding and, considering the current situation, life-threatening. Only someone with medical training or a prior experience with the condition would zero in on the importance of the information.

  Jake nodded, satisfied with her answer.

  “Is she going to be okay? Blaire asked, both her friends hovering close and watching every move Jake made.

  “She’ll be fine if I have anything to say about it,” he said, his voice filled with a confidence Juliet wasn’t feeling. He reached in his bag and pulled out a needle. He prepped it before inserting it into an individual dose bottle like those used in the hospital. It wasn’t something someone typically had lying around the house. “This is an antibiotic. It’s the quickest way to get something into your body to start fighting back. It’s critical we get the first dose in right away. Okay?” he asked, watching her closely.

  Juliet nodded. Everything he said made sense to her.

  “What’s that? Laura asked when he pulled out another vial and combined the contents with the first one.

  “It’s anti-nausea medicine. I’m not sure she can hold anything down taken orally,” Jake said, trying to put them at ease. Trusting a stranger didn’t come easy, but it’s not like they had a choice.

  Juliet’s eyes grew large as he rolled up her shirt sleeve.

  “Just a little prick, and then hopefully, you’ll start to feel better. We need to get you to drink some more water. Think you can handle that?” he asked gently, brushing the hair back off her face.

  Juliet nodded.

  “Good girl.” Jake stuck the needle in her arm and injected the fluids slowly. When he finished, he turned to look at her friends. “The sheriff mentioned you all have three more days listed on the plan you registered for this hike. There’s no reason you two can’t continue, but Juliet’s not going anywhere. I’ll have to take her back to my cabin and continue to monitor her health. I’m hoping within the next twenty-four hours that we’ll see the fever break and be on the right side of this nastiness.”

  “We’re not leaving her. If she’s going anywhere, we’re going with her,” Laura spoke up, not happy with Jake’s plan of action.

  “But what about meeting up with our pickup group at the other end?” Blaire asked, frowning.

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Let’s just hope she gets better quickly, and then maybe we can make double-time and still make it to the pick-up location on schedule. We’ll figure something out. All I know is that we’re not leaving her alone with a strange man in the middle of nowhere.” Laura was in a take-charge mode, something Juliet was grateful for—even if it was supposed to have been her job.

  “Ladies, I’m taking your friend with me, and I’m leaving in five minutes—with you or without you. I don’t care which. So, if you’re coming along, I suggest you pack up. Now.” It would seem Mr. Gentle had a domineering side when it came to getting his way. He stood, closing his medical bag, and looked down at her. “I’ve got to get you back across the creek while your friends pack up.”

  “The sheriff mentioned you had medical training, not that you were a bear. Chill out, Grizzly Adams,” Laura said, rolling her eyes at him.

  “Name’s Jake. Grizzly Jake if you insist, and I don’t give a bear’s behind what you think about me. But now, you’re down to four minutes.” He lifted Juliet into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

  His solid chest gave her a sense of security as she inhaled the woodsy scent on his neck. It wasn’t a heavy scent, one more like soap instead of cologne. Fitting, considering it didn’t appear the man had seen the sharp edge of a razor in years.

  “Well, let’s just hope, Grizzly Jake, your medical training is more than a two-hour first-aid course,” Laura teased. She did, however, start tossing all their things together to comply.

  “I reckon my training will do in a pinch. Three minutes,” he called out and started across the bridge.

  Juliet’s arms slipped around his neck as she held on. “Don’t mind them; they’re just protective.”

  “I’m not worried about them. My responsibility is toward you.”

  Minutes later, her friends had loaded their bel
ongings into the back of the ATV.

  “Since we're going to be staying with you, I figure you should get to know us all on a first-name basis. I’m Blaire, and this is Laura,” she said, pointing at Laura. “And you already know Juliet.”

  Jake nodded. “Great. Now that we’ve established first names, you need to understand something—my concern is for the patient. You two are on your own.” He settled Juliet across the front seat, propping her upper body across his lap and holding her up with one hand. She felt protected.

  “Exactly where are we supposed to ride?” Laura asked, frowning when she realized the ATV was only a two-seater.

  “I hadn’t planned on a group rescue. You can each stand on one side and hang on to the upper bar to keep from falling off. It’s the best I can do unless you want to walk.” Her friends took his words at face value and stepped up, hanging on for dear life as he put the ATV in gear and shot forward.

  2

  Juliet wasn’t surprised when they exited the woods into an open meadow area that revealed a rustic cabin. Given the appearance of her rescuer, it made perfect sense. The man came across as a loner and, judging by the appearance of the place, further confirmed her first impression. There were no feminine touches to make the place look homey.

  She’d clung to Jake all the way there, as if by doing so, she’d absorb some of his strength. His shoulders were a good indicator he had plenty to share, but as they drew near to the cabin and came to a stop, Juliet tried to move away.

  Jake held fast. “Stay put. It’s not like you could make it far on your own two feet.” He shook his head, his expression clearly mocking her notion to try. He might as well have rolled his eyes and done away with subtlety.

  The problem was, he was right. Juliet was too tired to argue—and too smart. This man wanted things done his way, and right now, he was the one in charge.

  Her friends stepped down off the ATV. Laura made her way to the front door, holding it open for Jake to pass through, Juliet still firmly tucked in his arms.

  Jake walked down the hall, which was all of a few steps, confirming her first impression that the place was small. There wasn’t much room for four people and Juliet couldn’t help but worry about her friends.

  “I’m putting you in my bedroom. It’s the only separate room in the place.” Which also meant she was putting him out of his own room, for which she felt even more guilty.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, trying to speak loud enough to be heard.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be right back after I get a few things. Will you be okay?”

  Juliet nodded. “My head really hurts. Do you have—”

  “I’ll take care of it. Save your strength and try to rest. I’ll see what I can do for the aches and pains. We’ve got to get some liquid in you.” Jake was in complete control, and Juliet was all too happy to give her care into his efficient hands.

  “Okay. I’ll try.” After Jake left, Juliet glanced around the room, finding nothing to give her a clue about the man or his character. Trusting her instincts had gotten her this far, and she trusted him. At least she did after the first few gun-pointing seconds when they first met. Those were self-preservation instincts.

  Minutes later, the door opened, and her friends walked in, leaving the door open.

  “How are you doing, sweetie?” Blaire asked, smoothing Juliet’s hair off her face.

  “Not so good. I’m sorry,” Juliet said, clutching the blanket up around her shaking body. In minutes she’d be burning hot again, but at the moment, it was time for the freezing cycle.

  “Stop worrying about it. We’ll make do for tonight, and hopefully, if it’s just a twenty-four-hour bug, your fever will break, and we can be on our way by dawn. You’ll have all day today to rest and get better.” Laura’s optimism wasn’t reflected by Juliet’s own impression of the situation.

  Having dealt with enough patients over the years, she knew her body would be weak after a bout of illness such as the one she was experiencing. “Let’s hope you’re right,” Juliet said, unwilling to be the killjoy. If there was any way to make it happen, she’d walk out of here on her own accord. Sooner versus later.

  “But what if she’s not better? Grizzly Jake is a loner out here, and he isn’t exactly warm and welcoming. Do you know he had the audacity to tell us not to get snoopy around his things?” Blaire huffed. For her normally soft-spoken friend to get upset, Jake must have been exceedingly rude in his warning.

  “I don’t think he’s used to having company if you ask me. He’s more than a little rough around the edges,” Laura added.

  “Breaker one-sixer. Sheriff Harper, do you read?” Jake’s deep voice had them all turning toward the doorway to listen.

  “Ten four. What’s up with the woman?” the newcomer’s voice crackled in the living room.

  “I think it’s a gastrointestinal virus, but it could still be the flu. I’m giving her antibiotics just in case.”

  “So, it’s not just a tummy ache?” the sheriff asked, his voice taking on a teasing tone.

  The three of them looked at each other, none of them sure what he meant. They all kept quiet, interested in hearing more.

  “No, it’s not. If she isn’t stabilized and doing better by morning, I’ll let you know. You can send an airlift to pick her up and fly her to Gatlinburg,” Jake answered with no hint of teasing. The man was seriously thinking she could be sick enough to warrant a helicopter ride out of the place. It wasn’t a comforting thought.

  “Or you could just drive her there,” the sheriff said. “Way easier and far less costly.”

  “I could if the truck was working. But I can’t take care of her and fix the clutch, now can I?” Jake’s voice had grown frustrated, echoing the sentiments her friends had said about their host.

  “Reckon not. What about the other women? Did they continue on with their planned hike they have on file?”

  “Negatory. They’re all here at the cabin.”

  The sheriff chuckled. “That’s rich. Ought to be interesting.”

  “Stow it, Alan. It’s bad enough without you adding salt to the wound,” Jake said, clearly unhappy with the sheriff’s comments and his visitors.

  “Copy that. Keep me posted.”

  “Ten-four. Over and out.” Seconds later, Jake appeared at the bedroom doorway.

  “What’s wrong with her that she might need an airlift?” Blaire asked, zeroing in on the most important part of what they’d overheard.

  “No privacy with women around, I reckon. Try not to jump to conclusions. It’s a precautionary statement if things don’t turn around in the next twenty-four hours. Nothing more, nothing less.”

  “What did the sheriff mean when he said that ought to be interesting having us all here? Should we be worried?” Laura asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she focused on Jake. Her friends were looking out for her best interests, and it was nice—although it would seem Jake didn’t agree judging by his frown.

  “I’m not the entertaining kind of guy, in case you haven’t figured that out.”

  “That’s an understatement, but don’t worry, we’ll stay out of your hair. All massive amounts of it. Or at least as much as humanly possible in this tiny place you call home,” Laura added.

  “Good, I’m glad we understand each other. Now, I think you two are taxing the patient and would do well to let her rest,” Jake said, moving into the room.

  “Yes, yes. Of course,” Blaire stammered.

  “Touchy, touchy. You don’t seem like a very happy man. Perhaps you’ve been alone for far too long,” Laura said, plopping herself down on the sofa.

  “Lady, you don’t know diddly squat about me, and I’d appreciate it if you keep your opinions to yourself.”

  “Well, your Royal Grizzly Highness, when you get back, can Blaire and I go outside and look around while Juliet is sleeping? Or is that off-limits too?” Laura asked, sarcasm lacing her voice.

  “It’s a small cabin. Anytime you want t
o spend outside is fine by me. Just watch out for the bears.”

  “I think I’d fare better with a grizzly bear over you. Don’t worry, Grizzly Jake, you’ll have your backwoods cabin all to yourself again soon enough,” Laura quipped.

  “Let’s hope you don’t get a chance to find out for yourself. Around here, they eat people.” Jake smirked, and for some odd reason, Juliet found herself appreciating his humor.

  “Not much different than you at all then, is it?” Laura retorted.

  “I’m not used to company, and it’s by choice. What you see is what you get. I keep to myself and expect you to do the same,” he said gruffly. “This cabin isn’t made for this many people, so I hope you weren’t expecting luxury accommodations. The best I can offer you is the cushions off the couch and a floor for your bed tonight.”

  “We are backpacking the Appalachian Trail. I don’t know what part of that spells luxury accommodations for you, but you’re wrong. We’re okay roughing it—trust me. The question is, where do you plan on sleeping?” Laura asked, trying to regain some ground and put him in his place.

  “In the chair next to the patient in case she needs me.” Jake wasn’t backing down in words or actions.

  “I don’t think that will be necessary. One of us should be in the room with her,” Laura insisted.

  “As long as she’s in my care, I make the rules. Feel free to camp out next to me. There’s plenty of space on the floor.” Jake shook his head. “I’ll be right back with the pain medication, and I’ve got to get a throw-up bucket. Unless that is, you all are volunteering for clean-up services?” Juliet’s lips twitched with another hint of a smile, even though all the talk was making her head spin.

  “Ewww…get the bucket. And hurry,” Blaire exclaimed as Jake headed out the door.

  Her friends sat down on the edge of the bed. Blaire opened her Bible and started to read, the words from Psalms bringing Juliet a sense of peace. She let her eyes drift shut.

  “This time, I’m serious,” Jake said from the doorway, his voice firm.

  Juliet opened her eyes reluctantly, the sound of Jake’s voice interrupting their bible time and her restful moment.