Chapter Twenty-Four
Three days later,Sadie stared at the army helicopter as it flew Bjørn’s Annie into the Seward airport. Her heart broke for him as it thunked against the ground. When he’d told her he wasn’t even sure it was fixable, she’d wanted to cry for his loss. He had insurance, but whether it could be fixed or not, it still ended his first summer tourist season before it got fully off the ground.
She stayed back and watched as he worked with the soldiers sent from Fort Richardson to help transport the broken chopper. She loved the way he moved with efficiency, double-checking everything before he gave the go to release the bird. Him and his checklists.
She chuckled as she remembered him whispering that she blew all his checklists and procedures out of the air. She liked that thought. That she could shake the unshakeable Bjørn Rebel.
He waved as the helicopter took off, headed back to Anchorage. His smile as he walked to her held a sadness she wanted to kiss away. She slid her hands under his jacket and along his sides. His muscles flexed beneath his T-shirt at her touch.
He gently cupped her face and captured her lips in a kiss that held all his disappointment. She ran her hands up his back, pulling him closer. She wanted to ease his frustration but didn’t know how to. He growled and changed the angle of his kiss as he pushed his fingers through her hair.
His love flowed over her, threatening to drown her in hope. Muscles stopped working and bones turned to mush. She leaned in for him to hold her up.
The sound of a vehicle approaching pulled them apart. He smiled down at her, gave her another quick kiss, then glanced up at who had arrived. His eyes widened and he cringed.
“Busted.” He slid his hand down her arms to thread his fingers with hers.
She turned to see what he meant. Her dad climbed out of his truck, a scowl on his face. She groaned. Could he pick a worse time to show up?
“Sadie. Rebel.” Dad stepped up to them, surprising her by extending his hand to Bjørn.
Bjørn jerked but clasped Dad’s hand without hesitation. “Sir.”
Dad gestured toward the chopper. “You got her back.”
“Yeah.” Bjørn shook his head. “Not even sure if it’ll be worth fixing her. The insurance guys are coming tomorrow.”
“Well, I can’t wait for you to get back in the air.” Dad shoved his hands in his front pockets. “You’ve been a godsend to our team.”
Bjørn’s throat bobbed as he shook his head. “I’m just glad I can help.”
Sadie’s heart swelled with relief and love. Her dad extending the olive branch was a step forward. She slipped her arm around Bjørn’s back and leaned into his side.
“Dexter is healing well. They think he’ll be able to leave the hospital by the end of the week. Jim’s trying everything he can to get Cody out on bail, but doesn’t look like it’ll happen.” What was up with Dad? He wasn’t one for chitchat.
“That’s good.” Sadie crinkled her forehead at her dad’s odd behavior.
He sighed, then looked Bjørn straight in the eyes. “Listen, Bjørn, I’m sorry for acting like a jerk and jumping to conclusions about you. It wasn’t right, and I’m sorry. I am an overprotective bear when it comes to my daughters.”
Bjørn’s ribs expanded beneath Sadie’s hand as he took a deep breath. “Apology accepted. I’d be the same if I was a dad.”
The thought of Bjørn being a father, of holding their baby girl in his strong hands, was an image Sadie wanted to see. One she never thought would come true but seemed possible now. She peeked up at Bjørn as her dad continued.
“Listen, we’re having a family barbecue this afternoon. We’d like you to come with Sadie.”
Bjørn froze, like the invitation was a car and he was a caribou caught in the headlights. “Thank you, sir.”
“Bring that brother of yours too.” Dad reached his hand out to shake again, and Sadie parted from Bjørn. “But Rebel…”
“Yeah?”
“No making out with my daughter while I’m around.” Dad speared Bjørn with a look that had red climbing up his neck.
“I’ll try, sir.” Bjørn gave a strangled laugh and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Really?” Sadie rolled her eyes, stepped up to her dad, and gave him a hug. “Thanks, Dad.”
“No, Sadie, thank you for showing me I was wrong.” He gave her a squeeze and stepped back. “I’m proud of you.” He nodded, his eyes bright and glossy. “Really, really proud.”
Shoot. She sniffed and threw herself back in his arms. “I love you.”
“Love you, too, squirt.” He patted her back, then stepped back, swiping the back of his hand across his cheek. “I told your mom I’d be right back to help. Shindig starts at two.”
Bjørn slung his arm over her shoulder as her dad walked back to his truck and drove away. “Well, that was unexpected.”
“Yeah.” She sighed. “It was.”
She leaned into Bjørn, placing her hand over his heart. It pounded steadily against her palm, calling her to him. This unwavering Rebel beside her was a beacon guiding her home. She closed her eyes and let the peace and happiness flood her.