“Do you hear that?” Sunny tipped her head to the side, a smile blooming across her face. “It’s a plane.”
“Yep.” Gunnar motioned with the pot to the door. “Sounds like Tiikâan’s.”
Sunny yanked open the door and pushed Gunnar out of the way. He chuckled low as she hopped from one foot to the next, struggling to get her snow boots on. As he headed to the dog yard, Tiikâan’s bright, bumblebee yellow Piper PA-18 swooped over the cabin. Gunnar lifted the pot in greeting as the plane’s wings tipped from side to side.
Gunnar continued to the dogs. They’d worked hard and deserved their dinner. Besides, his brother had to circle and check the landing area behind the cabin. Sunny and Gunnar kept it cleared and ready for planes, but an expert pilot always surveyed the runway before they touched down.
Giving each dog encouragement as he slopped their food in the bowls, Gunnar’s eagerness to see his brother gave him hope. Hope that the time away had provided him a new perspective on life. He even hoped Tiikâan planned on staying a few days.
Gunnar set the empty pot on the porch and headed to the airstrip. Sunny danced in place, her hands clasped together in excitement. The Super Cub bounced on the snow-covered ground and quickly came to a stop ten feet from where he waited with Sunny. It still amazed him how his brother could land his plane in such a small area.
Sunny ran up to the door, and Gunnar ambled after her. He shoved his hands in his snow pants pockets as a shiver shook his body. He should’ve thrown on his parka before coming out here.
“Teee-khaan!” Sunny drew out their brother’s name as she yelled in excitement, though he probably didn’t hear her over the engine powering down.
Tiikâan pushed opened the door, a scowl on his face. Gunnar’s stomach clenched. Had something happened and that’s why Tiikâan was out there?
“Do you guys ever turn on your radio or fire up the computer?” He shook his head, motioning his arms to the wilderness surrounding them. “We’ve been trying to get a hold of you all day.”
“What happened?” Gunnar crossed his arms, his focus tunneling to his brother.
“You’re a go for the expedition, that’s what happened.” Tiikâan’s face split with a smile, and the worry building in Gunnar’s chest deflated in a whoosh.
“We’re going?” Sunny gasped, her gaze darting between the two brothers. “Why?”
“Two of the people going were in an accident.” Tiikâan shrugged, then quickly continued when Sunny covered her mouth in shock. “They’re fine, but they won’t be well enough to leave on time.”
“We’re going.” Sunny dropped her hands, her eyes widening, followed by the first bright smile Gunnar had seen on her face since autumn. “We’re going.”
She whooped and threw her arms around Gunnar. He picked her up and spun in a circle. Her excitement infused Gunnar with adrenaline, making his heart race. He never imagined they’d actually get to go on the adventure of a lifetime. He’d been content just riding out the winter in Chicken. Now, though, trekking across the frozen Arctic Ocean would not only push his body to its limits, but force him to work with a team again.
Was he ready? He wasn’t sure. Only knowing Sunny on the team put a lot of concern on him. Yet, maybe being in a life and death situation with others was what he needed to break through to his new life outside of the military.