by Jenna Brandt
“I’m glad there is a slight breeze,” Zach noted. “The dogs will have a better chance of picking up the skiers because of it.”
Aiden nodded. “Plus, the area should be clear of anyone else, so we won’t get too many false alarms.”
Cooper and Harley took off along the trail with Aiden and Zach following behind. Every so often, they would stop, sniff the air, look around, then continue along the path.
“I hope the skiers are all right,” Aiden said, worried that with the cold temperatures and night approaching, they wouldn’t survive much longer.
“Harley and Cooper are good at their jobs. If anyone can find them in time, it’s them,” Zach pointed out.
The further they climbed up the mountain, the chillier the wind became until Aiden was fighting the urge to let his teeth chatter. He pulled a face mask from his back pocket and slipped it on under his hooded jacket, then replaced his goggles. It helped, but the freezing temperatures only got worse.
Aiden glanced at Cooper to make sure he looked warm enough. He was glad he put Cooper’s thicker vest on today to better help insulate him against the cold.
A few minutes later, Cooper stopped and buried his snout and head into the snow, showing he found a possible location of one skier.
“Dispatch, this is K-9 2. We have a possible location of one skier. Be advised, we will dig to verify.”
“Copy that, K-9 2. Let us know once you have eyes on a victim.”
Cooper dug along with Harley. Aiden and Zach pulled out their portable shovels from their bags and assisted. Several seconds later, the team found their first victim.
She was a petite woman with red hair. As they pulled her out, she was disoriented and frantic. “Where am I? What’s going on?” she whimpered out loud.
“Ma’am, my name is Officer O’Connell. I’m with Clear Mountain Search and Rescue. You were caught in an avalanche. Can you tell me if you have any injuries?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Can I check? I don’t want to move you if you’re injured,” Aiden explained.
After she nodded her consent, Aiden did a quick exam and assessed that other than having mild hypothermia, she was healthy. He pulled a warming blanket from his bag and placed it around her shoulders.
“Can you tell me how many skiers were up here with you?” Aiden inquired.
“My boyfriend, Matt, and his brother, Joey, were with me. We were the last on the mountain since dusk was approaching. I wanted to head back after our last trip down, but they wanted one last run before we headed back to the lodge.”
Aiden stood up and pushed his radio button. “Dispatch, this is K-9 2. We located a female skier. Be advised, she’s stable, but she has confirmed there were two male skiers with her. Send Search and Rescue 1 to our location to take her in while we continue searching for the other victims.”
“Copy that, K-9 2. Sending Search and Rescue 1 to your location.”
Aiden looked up and stepped over to Zach where they could talk privately. “One of us should search now while the other waits with the female victim. The other skiers have little time.”
“I agree. Since Cooper has more avalanche training, I think the two of you should go. I will wait with the female.”
Aiden’s eyebrows raised in question and Zach shook his head. “And before you say it, I know she has a boyfriend who is buried up here,” Zach stated. “Me wanting to stay with her has nothing to do with how hot she is.”
“If you say so, but just be on your best behavior.”
“Will do, Warden,” Zach joked. “I’ll be a good boy. I’ll catch up with you once the rest of the team gets here.”
With a flick of his wrist, Aiden gave the command for Cooper to return to searching.
Fifteen minutes later, Cooper had found both of the male skiers. One had a broken leg, and the other had a concussion with a head wound. Both suffered from moderate hypothermia. The air unit arrived to take them to the hospital.
Afterward, Aiden and Zach returned to the SUV, grateful to climb into the warmth of the heated air and seats.
“You did a good job out there, Aiden. I know I don’t say this enough, but you’re one of the best K-9 handlers I’ve ever worked with.”
“Thanks. I’ve learned so much from you, Zach. If I’m as good as you say, it’s due to your guidance.”
Aiden turned on the headlights as they headed back down to Clear Mountain. “I can’t wait to get home and curl up in bed with Lindsay tonight.”
Twenty-One
Alex looked nervous as they entered Clear Mountain Assembly.
“Don’t worry, Alex. You will have a great time,” Lindsay promised. “The kids’ club is so much fun.”
As they entered, Stacy greeted them with a warm smile. “Good morning, Aiden and Lindsay. Did you have a nice honeymoon?”
Both nodded.
“Did you meet Alex at the wedding?” Lindsay asked.
Stacy shook her head. “I didn’t have the pleasure. But I got to see him walk down the aisle in his adorable little tuxedo. You were just the cutest thing ever,” Stacy gushed.
Alex’s eyes grew wide. “I didn’t know I looked that good.”
The adults laughed as a look of confusion crossed Alex’s face. “What? What did I say?”
“Nothing. Stacy’s just right. You’re adorable,” Lindsay stated.
“Why don’t I take you to the kids’ check-in,” Aiden offered.
“Hey now, not without me,” Lindsay interjected. “I don’t want to miss out on Alex’s first time.”
The trio made their way to the east side of the church where the children’s programs were held.
“Miss Margo, this is Alex,” Lindsay introduced. “This is his first time.”
The older grey-haired woman nodded as she stepped aside and let Alex enter the room. “The other kids are just inside playing Simon Says. Why don’t you join them?”
Alex grinned as he ran towards the group of children playing.
Once they were certain Alex was comfortable, Lindsay and Aiden turned back around heading down the hallway towards the sanctuary. Before they entered, Lindsay’s breath caught in her throat as she saw her father standing in the lobby. He looked uncomfortable, as if he might bolt at any moment.
“Dad, you made it,” Lindsay said with a giant smile as she rushed up to his side.
He glanced around skeptically. “I wasn’t sure I would even come. It was a last-minute decision.”
“Well, I’m glad you came,” Lindsay assured him. “Alex will be so excited when he sees you after service.”
“It’s good to see you, sir,” Aiden stated.
Stacy came up and gave Lindsay’s father an approving smile. “And who might this be?” she inquired.
“Stacy Wingate, may I introduce my father, Kevin Wright.”
The elderly woman put out her hand. “Please to make your acquaintance, Mr. Wright.”
He took and shook her hand. “The same to you, but you can call me Kevin.”
“Then you should call me Stacy.” As the music played in the sanctuary, she added, “You should get inside since the service is starting.” But before they entered, Stacy probed, “Will I be seeing you around here with your daughter?”
“We’ll see how it goes,” Kevin replied.
They found seats next to Erica and Deanna about midway from the front just as the first song was concluding. Deanna had been coming to church regularly for the past couple of months, and just last week, she decided to give her life to the Lord.
The group worshipped together for the next four songs which slowed down in speed, ushering in a spirit of praise and honor. Once the music finished, Pastor Steve took to the stage to give his message.
“Good morning, Clear Mountain Assembly. Today, we are continuing to talk about letting go of your past. Many of us have a hard time letting go of the pain from our past. There are many reasons for that. Sometimes we feel that if we let the past go,
then it’s like we’re letting the person who did it get away with it. Other times, the wounds done by others are so deep, it colors every decision we make. Still, there are those of us that the pain is self-inflicted, and we feel we don’t deserve to let it go. God wants me to tell you, none of those reasons are valid. God has forgiven your past, He has redeemed your past, and He remembers your past for you, freeing you from carrying the burden on your own. Not only does He want to free you from it, He wants to use it to help others. What you went through can be the story that helps someone else who is going through the same thing now. I want to encourage each of you, to give your past over to God and make room for a new future.”
Lindsay glanced at her father. It never ceased to amaze Lindsay when God brought the right person to church on the very day the sermon was made for them. Her father never reconciled with the loss of Lindsay’s mother. It negatively affected every decision he made from that point forward, destroying his relationship with family and God alike. If he could listen and apply what God was saying through Pastor Steve, maybe her father could find a path to living life in a new way.
After the service ended, they picked up Alex at the children’s class. When he saw Lindsay’s father, he ran up to him with a huge grin. “Grandpa, you came to church today too? Is this your first time like me?”
Kevin nodded. “It’s my first time at this church. I used to go to a different one a long time ago.”
“Are you going to stay at this one?” Alex inquired innocently.
“I’m thinking long and hard about that.” He tilted his head to the side and furrowed his brows together. “Would you like me to, Alex?”
“I sure would,” Alex exclaimed as he ran up and wrapped his arms around the older man’s waist. “I like church and want my whole family to come together.”
“Well, I like being here with my family,” Kevin agreed as he patted Alex’s back. “And I like this church and the people here too.”
Lindsay’s heart filled with joy at the good news. She had prayed for years for her father to return to God. It seemed he was well on his way.
Twenty-Two
Aiden’s eyes followed Lindsay as she darted back and forth from the kitchen to the table.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Aiden inquired.
Lindsay’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What?”
“I know you want everything perfect for Alex’s birthday, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. I’m here to help,” Aiden offered.
She adjusted the present on top of the pile centered in the middle of the table. Surrounding the heap of goodies was Happy Birthday plates, napkins, and cups in a football theme along with a homemade chocolate birthday cake Lindsay had made earlier in the day.
“He should be here any minute,” Lindsay stated with a deep breath. “Can you check on the mac and cheese in the oven to make sure it’s not burning on top?”
Aiden did as Lindsay requested while she continued to fuss over the decorations. She made sure the balloons were tied securely onto each chair, and the streamers were twisted and pinned around the room.
“It looks perfect, Lindsay,” Aiden yelled from the kitchen. “He will love it.”
When they found out that Alex’s two favorite foods were mac and cheese and hot dogs, Lindsay made both for his surprise eighth birthday dinner.
From the front of the house, Aiden heard Alex scream, “We’re back.”
Lindsay pulled Aiden to her side in front of the table while they waited for Alex and Lindsay’s father to enter the room. Cooper joined them, his tail wagging in eager anticipation.
As Alex entered the room he was chattering on about the zoo and how much fun they had watching the bird demonstration. He froze in place as his eyes grew round, taking in all of what Aiden and Lindsay did while he was away.
“What is all of this?” Alex inquired with wonder.
“We wanted to surprise you by celebrating your birthday, Alex,” Lindsay explained. “It’s not every day you turn eight.”
Alex pressed his lips together as he walked over to the table and placed his hand on one present. He picked it up, then moved it back and forth between his hands.
“What? Aren’t you happy? Did we mess up?” Aiden probed with concern. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin Alex’s birthday.
“No it’s not that,” Alex whispered barely loud enough for them to hear. “I’ve just never had a birthday party before.”
Aiden’s heart lurched in pain to think Alex never had his birthday made special. He was such a great kid; he deserved to have the world.
“Well, you get to have one today,” Aiden said in the most cheerful tone he could muster. “Lindsay put a lot of work into cooking all your favorites, and we know you will love your gifts.”
A big grin crossed Alex’s face. “Can I open one now?”
Aiden looked over at Lindsay who nodded in agreement. “Sure, Champ, pick one.”
Everyone sat down around the table. Cooper laid down at Alex’s feet as he opened the small box he held in his hands. Inside was a boy’s devotional Bible with Alex’s name engraved on the top.
His eyes jumped to theirs as tears formed at the corners.
“You don’t like it?” Lindsay asked, trying to hide her disappointment.
He shook his head. “That’s not it. It’s great. I’ve just never had someone give me something with my name on it.” He looked down at the book and traced the letters with his index finger. “Thank you.”
“Enough of the serious stuff. We promise it’s the only book in the pile,” Aiden assured. “The rest of the gifts are for fun.”
Lindsay brought out the plate of hot dogs followed by the mac and cheese. Everyone took a serving of the food before Aiden prayed over the meal.
“Dear Lord, thank You for this day on which Alex entered the world eight years ago. We’re so glad You brought him into our lives and we get to call him our son. Bless him this year with wisdom and health. We thank You for this food and the time we get to spend together. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
Alex bit into his hot dog with ketchup and relish and his eyes went wide with joy. “This is the best hot dog ever,” he stated after swallowing.
“I'm glad you think so. What do you think of the mac and cheese?” Lindsay inquired.
He pushed the noodles around on his plate as he eyed them skeptically. “I don’t know. It doesn’t look like the mac and cheese I usually eat.”
Lindsay laughed as she explained, “That’s because its homemade mac and cheese. I made it with three types of cheeses and special spiral noodles.” She took a bite and smiled. “Why don’t you try it. I think you’ll like it,” she coaxed.
With clear reservation, Alex scooped up a bite and put it in his mouth. His face changed from confused, to contemplating, to surprised, and finally settled on happy. “It’s not bad. Good job, Mom.”
Everyone froze besides Alex, recognizing he called Lindsay Mom for the first time. Her eyes flew from Aiden to Alex as the biggest smile crossed her face.
Aiden was glad for Lindsay, but wondered when or if Alex would follow suit and call him Dad. He wouldn’t press the issue, wanting to let Alex do it when he felt comfortable, but he hoped it would be soon.
After they finished the meal, Lindsay got the candles and placed eight around the outside of the phrase “Happy Birthday, Alex” scrolled in the center. She lit them as they all sang to him. At the end, Alex blew out all the candles in rapid succession.
Lindsay cut each of them a piece of cake, handing the birthday boy the first one. After two bites, Alex’s eyes drifted over to the gifts as he inquired, “Can I open my presents now?”
They both nodded as the adults continued to eat their cake and watch him open his gifts one at a time. By the time he ended with his fifth present—a new football—he was content to look at his new loot.
“Hold on, I got a present for my grandson, too,” Kevin stated as he left the room and came b
ack with a gift a minute later. He handed the wrapped box to Alex who tore it open. Inside was a picture of a horse.
Alex looked confused. “Thank you for the picture, Grandpa.”
The older man chuckled as he shook his head. “No, that’s the picture of your present since he didn’t fit in a box. I know the family has a pair of horses here, but I want you to have your own horse, Alex. I want you to come over to my ranch whenever you want to groom and ride him.”
“Wow, thanks, Grandpa. That’s so cool. I get my very own horse! Wait until the kids at school hear about this.” Glancing down at his gifts, Alex picked up the Super Mario Odyssey game. “Can I play for a while?”
Aiden nodded. “But only for a half hour. You have school tomorrow, and you need to get rest.”
Alex took off towards the living room as the rest of them cleaned up the mess from the party.
“He’s a great kid. You guys are lucky to have him,” Kevin stated. “Actually, I feel lucky to have him too.”
“I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with Stacy at church. Is something going on between you?” Lindsay probed.
Kevin shrugged. “She’s a nice woman. I’m not sure if I’m ready for it to be something more.”
“Mom would want you to be happy, Dad. You’ve spent enough time not living your life. You should go for it if you think there could be something there.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” her father stated, making it clear he was finished talking about the subject.
Once they were finished cleaning, Kevin headed home.
Aiden turned to Lindsay and pulled her against him. “Have I told you how much I love you lately?”
She laughed. “Yep, usually about a half a dozen times a day, but it never gets old.”
“Good, because I do,” he stated as he leaned down and kissed her. “I need to get Alex and put him to bed. Do you mind if I say his prayers with him tonight?”