Wings of Promise (18 page)

“What about Lily?”

“You know . . .”

“Know what?” Kate felt her interest pique.

“Well . . . that she’s in a family way.”

“Lily’s pregnant?”

“Yeah. I thought you knew.”

Kate shook her head. “I haven’t heard anything.”

“Maybe I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. Just figured everyone knew—the way word travels through the bush.”

“How do you know?”

“I made a delivery out at Susitna Station the other day and Charlie told me.”

“You think it could just be one of those gossipy things and not actually true?”

“Charlie doesn’t lie. He likes a good story, but he’s not the kind to say anything malicious.”

“That’s true.” Kate wondered who the father was. Lily’d only been back a few months and she didn’t have a local beau. Only man she was even friends with was Paul. Kate remembered how Lily had talked about helping him out with his garden and how they’d gone fishing together.

A thud went off in Kate’s head. Paul? No. It couldn’t be him. Even if he did have feelings for her, he wouldn’t do something like that.

“Did Charlie say who the father is?”

“Nope. No one’s talking, but the scuttlebutt is that it has to be someone she met in Seattle. If the rumors are accurate, she’s due in the fall.”

Mike pushed a piece of wood into the fire with the toe of his boot. “Have to say it shocked me. I thought Lily was a nice girl.”

“She is,” Kate snapped. “Why is it that whenever something like this happens, it’s the woman who gets blamed? How do we know what happened?”

Mike stared at Kate a moment, then said, “You’re right. Sorry. But no matter what, Lily will be fine. She’s a strong gal. And Patrick and Sassa will see to it that the father does right by her.”

Kate nodded, her mind on Paul. How did he feel about it? Would he come to Lily’s aid, maybe even deliver the baby? It made sense. He was a doctor and they were neighbors, after all.

Mike studied her. “You okay? You look a little green around the gills.”

“I’m fine. Just don’t think that fish agreed with me.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. What was wrong with her? Paul had called it quits two months ago. He could care about anyone he wanted to. He’d find someone and so would she.

Mike picked up one of the blankets and moved close to Kate. “Here, lay down. Try to get some sleep.”

Kate obeyed. He draped the blanket over her, and then tucked it around her shoulders. He was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. “You know, I still love you,” he said.

“I know.” She looked up at him. He made her feel cared for, protected. She wanted to love him.

“I know you don’t feel that way about me, but maybe with time. I want to share my life with you, Kate.” He sat beside her, leaving a hand on her shoulder.

Kate wanted to lean against him, to feel the warmth of his tenderness and love. She needed to be loved. Taking a deep breath, she said, “There’s no one like you, Mike. You’re my best friend.”

“Friendship’s only a place to begin. I want more than that. I know couples who started out just as friends.” He gazed down at her. “I’d make you happy.”

Kate looked into his charming blue eyes. “I believe you just might.” A smile touched her lips. “There’s no one I trust more than you.” She willed the words “I love you” from her mouth, but she couldn’t say them.

Mike leaned closer, his breath caressing her face. His lips barely grazed hers. She felt an unexpected heat in her belly. He kissed her again. This time their lips embraced. Warmth became a flame.

His face only inches from hers, Mike ran a hand over Kate’s forehead and eased back a loose strand of hair. Kate studied his handsome features. Even now he seemed at ease.

“I remember the first day we met. You sidled into the shop with that trouble-free smile of yours.” Kate didn’t love him the way he needed . . . but maybe in time it would come. “You’ve always been special to me.”

If it were possible, Mike’s expression warmed even more. He gently pressed his lips to hers, then deepened the kiss. Passion building, Kate’s arms circled his neck and pulled him closer. They held each other for a long while.

Mike loosened his hold and looked down at her. “Will you marry me, Kate?”

She could see hope and passion in his eyes. How could she turn him down? Maybe it was time for her to be practical. She wanted to say yes.

Instead, she said, “Can you give me a little time to think about it?”

T
he most delicious moose roast I’ve ever eaten,” Kate said.

“You’ll have to get the recipe.” Mike rested a hand on his stomach.

“We’re thankful you’re here. The two of you could have been killed when your plane went down.” Albert wiped his mouth with a napkin. “What happened anyway?”

“A wire came loose. I must have missed it when I did my inspection,” Kate said. “I’ll be more careful from here on out.”

“Thank goodness you’re safe and sound.” Helen started to clear the table.

Kate picked up a plate.

“Oh no you don’t. It’s Albert’s turn to help.” Helen took the plate from Kate.

“The guys probably want to talk. I’m more than happy to help.”

“Why don’t you and Mike take a walk? It’s a beautiful evening.”

Mike stood. “Sounds a heck of a lot better than doing dishes.” He winked at Kate.

“Okay.” Kate gave in. She’d been avoiding being alone with Mike. She knew he was waiting for an answer to his marriage proposal. Although she cared for him deeply, she wasn’t sure whether she should marry him. What if the kisses they’d shared and what they’d felt when they were stranded that night had more to do with a clear summer evening, a crackling fire, and the thrill of survival than it did with love?

“Let me get my sweater.” Kate headed toward the front door and took the sweater out of the closet. “It’s chilly out.” She pulled it on quickly before Mike could help her.

He opened the front door and held it for Kate, then followed her out. They walked down the front path to the road. He stopped at the edge of the yard. “Which way?”

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

“How about toward the creek.” He looped his arm through hers. “I like it there. It’s kind of romantic.” He lifted his brows and smiled.

Kate gave him a teasing look. “Sure.” He expected an answer. He’d waited patiently for three weeks.

They strolled down the road.

“So, you have any more trouble with your bird?” Mike asked.

“Nope. Since the repairs were made it’s been running perfectly. I had to make a couple of trips using Jack’s pontoon plane. I don’t know why he brags it up. It doesn’t carry close to the load mine does, and it’s not nearly as stable in rough conditions.”

“You know Jack. He’s always got to have the best.”

“You would have thought I’d never flown the plane before the way he gives me detailed instructions about how to fly the dang thing.” Kate shook her head. “I hate having to use it.”

“Don’t let him get to you.” Mike took her hand and gave it a squeeze and kept hold of it. “He does the same thing to me and everyone else.”

Kate liked the feel of her hand in his. “I wish I could get one of those amphibian planes.”

“They’re not making them for our kind of flying, but they will. Just be patient.”

Kate nodded. “The sooner, the better.”

When they reached the bridge, Mike released Kate’s hand and leaned on the rail, gazing down at a tumbling stream. Neither of them spoke. The air smelled of wildflowers and pollen. The breeze blew leaves into the air.

“Fall’s coming.”

“Seems like summer gets shorter and shorter.” Kate knew she was stalling.

Mike straightened and faced her. “Okay, Kate. I don’t know if I can wait anymore. If deciding is so difficult, maybe that’s your answer.”

“I just want to make sure that I don’t make a mistake. I’ve thought I was in love before and then things went bad.”

He circled his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “So, you think you’re in love?”

“Maybe,” she answered with a teasing lilt to her voice. She looked into eyes the color of a fall sky, and then her gaze moved to Mike’s lips. They always seemed to hold a bit of mischief. He was a good man, a perfect match for her. Why was she hesitating?

“Do you want me to do this properly?” He took something out of his pocket and dropped to one knee.

“Mike. Get up.” Kate looked up and down the road, embarrassed and hoping no one could see them. The street was empty.

“I want to do this right.” He held out a small box. “Kate, I love you. I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?” He opened the box and Kate could see a ring resting inside.

She had to answer. She closed her eyes and thought back over their friendship and the experiences they’d shared. They
were
right for each other. They belonged together. She smiled. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

Mike let out a little whoop, lifted out a gold band with a small diamond in it, and slid it on her finger. “It’s nothing fancy, but I’ll get you something better later.”

“No. It’s fine. It’s perfect. You know me—I’m not a fancy sort of gal.”

He pulled her into his arms. “I’ll make you happy. I promise.” He kissed her tenderly.

Happiness swept over Kate. This was right, she was sure of it. And then Paul’s face flickered through her mind, and with it came doubt.

Mike’s breath against her lips, he said, “Everything will be perfect.” He kissed her again. “Mrs. Mike Conlin. I like the sound of that.”

“How about Kate Conlin? The pilot Mike Conlin is married to?” She chuckled.

“It’s fine with me, either way.”

Kate’s heart battered in her chest. She did love him, didn’t she? And even if she didn’t, romantic love was overrated. It usually left you with a broken heart. She could live without it. A steady, respectful love was long-lasting and more dependable.

She planted a sweet kiss on Mike’s lips. “I’ll be the best wife I know how. ’Course I’ll have to take cooking lessons from Helen and Muriel.”

“Don’t worry about that.” He smiled broadly. “So, when?”

“When what?”

“When should we get married?”

Kate laughed. “I don’t know. It’ll take some planning. I want my parents to be here.”

“Okay. When you have it figured out, you tell me and I promise to be there.” Taking her hand he said, “Come on. Let’s tell Albert and Helen.”

Her mind full of wedding plans, Kate headed for the airfield. She hoped Mike hadn’t left yet. She needed to ask him about the date for the wedding. She’d considered the first week in October. It was a busy season for her parents, but if she waited until November they might not be able to make it up.

Her thoughts jumped unexpectedly to Paul, and her jovial mood slid downhill. Would she always love him? Maybe when he got married, she’d be able to let him go completely. But she doubted he’d ever marry. He’d never allow himself to get close enough to anyone to make that kind of commitment again.

She rested a hand on Angel, who sat on the seat beside her. “So, you think you’ll like living at Mike’s house?” Angel pressed her head under Kate’s palm and moved closer to her.

Kate’s thoughts lingered on Paul and Mike. She couldn’t keep from comparing how she felt about the two. She didn’t feel the same passion for Mike that she’d had for Paul, but that didn’t mean she loved Mike less, just differently.

She slowed and turned toward Lake Spenard. Mike should be at the airfield. He and Kate both had runs scheduled. When she pulled into the airport, she was disappointed that his plane wasn’t there. She’d missed him.

Kate parked her car in front of the shop. She stepped out and stood for a moment to collect herself. She was on edge, but didn’t know why. Taking in a breath of cool September air, her gaze settled on the Chugach mountain range. She never tired of looking at them. The power of the steep, jagged peaks bolstered her.

She headed for the shop and stepped inside. Jack was the only one there. “Good morning.”

“Figured you’d be here earlier. Mike said you were supposed to meet him here this morning.”

“I was. Where is he?”

“Set out at the crack of dawn.” Jack tapped the end of a pencil on the desk.

“Really? I didn’t know he wanted to leave so early.”

“Said something about company for dinner?” Jack cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah. We’re getting together with friends.”

“You better get a move on if you want to get back in time. There’s a lot of mail.” Jack narrowed his eyes. “What’s so important about tonight anyway?”

“Nothing.”

“Didn’t seem like nothing to me. Mike was wearing a big fat grin the whole time he was here.” Jack studied her, squinting. “Something’s going on . . . I can feel it.”

Kate shrugged. “Can’t guess what.” She hoped she sounded innocent.

“Yeah. Well, he said he wanted to get back early so he could make dinner.”

“Really?” Kate smiled furtively and walked into the back room. Muriel and Terrence would be at Mike’s by seven o’clock. Mike planned to announce their engagement. They’d sworn Helen and Albert to secrecy, and Kate wasn’t about to let Jack know about her and Mike before her best friend heard.

She wondered what life with Mike would be like.
Exciting and unpredictable
, she guessed. They wouldn’t be bored. And Mike already owned a house, which meant she could use her savings for something else.

It would be fun to do some traveling. As pilots, they could fly most any place they wanted. She imagined trips across the United States and Canada. There were so many places she wanted to see. And traveling with Mike would be fun. He knew how to have a good time.

Wearing a smile, she placed sorted mail into a bag. When it was filled, she set it to the side and picked up another canvas sack. Jack had been right when he said there was a lot of mail.

Her mind flitted back to wedding plans. Maybe October wasn’t such a good idea. It would be hard for her parents to get away. It was a busy season on the farm. A summer wedding would be nice, but that meant waiting months. She knew Mike wouldn’t like that.

The squawk of the airport radio disrupted the quiet. Kate didn’t pay attention, not at first. Then she heard Mike’s voice. “This is Fairchild 323. Come in Anchorage. Over.” His voice sounded tight. Something was wrong. Angel whined.

Kate moved to the doorway.

“Fairchild 323, this is Anchorage. Go ahead. Over.”

“Engine’s out. I’m going down. Over.”

“Fairchild 323, give me your location.” Jack’s voice was anxious, but steady. He repeated. “Fairchild 323, I need your location. Over.”

Static was the only response. “Fairchild 323. Report your location.” Nothing. “Mike.” He waited. No word came back. “This is Anchorage airport to Fairchild 323. Come in. Over.”

Panic swelled inside Kate. Her stomach tightened and her heart hammered inside her chest. She strode into the office. “Call him again.”

“Mike. This is Anchorage airport. Are you there? Over.”

Static sizzled through the room.

“Fairchild 323, this is Anchorage. Come in.” Jack stared at Kate, unable to disguise his alarm.

Kate stood immobile, then years of experience kicked in. “Where was he heading?” She tossed aside the mailbag.

“North of Palmer. He was dropping David Clarkson off at his homestead.”

“Okay. I’m going. I’ll have a look.”

Jack nodded, his expression morose.

Kate ran for the door. She opened it, then turned and looked back at Jack. “I’m sure he’s fine. You know Mike. He can get out of any tight spot.” She gripped the doorknob. “But you’d better get some pilots up to search for him.”

Kate sprinted across the airfield, Angel beside her. When she reached the plane, she threw open the door and Angel jumped in. Kate cranked the flywheel, climbed in, and turned over the engine. With only a quick glance at her gauges, she headed toward the airstrip and, quickly picking up speed, lifted into the air.
He’s got to be okay. Please be okay
.

With the engine roaring in her ears, she skimmed the top of the trees bordering the airport. Her mind worked through all options and visualized the countryside between Anchorage and Palmer. If he’d gone down in farmland, it wouldn’t be hard to spot him. And he could probably set down without serious damage. But if he’d crashed north of Palmer, the terrain was forested and mountainous. A plane would be hard to see.

She scanned the open fields dappled with patches of forest. If he knew he was in trouble, where would he set down?
Show me, Lord
, Kate prayed as she flew, trying to believe that she and Mike still had a future.

When there was no sign of him, fear knifed through Kate. What could have gone wrong? Where was he?

She flew in a pattern over the Matanuska Valley. Finally she radioed back to the airfield. “Anchorage, this is Pacemaker 221. Over.”

“Anchorage airport. Go ahead. Over.”

“Any word on Mike? Over.”

“Nothing. You see anything? Over.”

“No sign of him here in the valley. Over.”

“Pacemaker 221. I have two more planes in the air. Another on the way. Over.”

“I’m heading to the Clarkson place. Over.”

After that, all Kate heard was static so she shut down communication. The minutes seemed to tick by in slow motion. There was no sign of Mike or his plane. Kate’s thoughts returned to the time she’d spent stranded after crashing into the lake near Mount Susitna. While friends and family had feared the worst, she’d been alive and waiting for rescue. Aside from being cold and hungry she was fine. Nena had suffered a terrible injury, but she’d pulled through. Kate told herself Mike was safe and waiting for someone to find him.