“Grab my other hand!”
She reached for me, holding tight as she got her other hand free of the seat belt.
My muscles strained as I reached under her armpits, hauling her towards me. “I’ve got you.”
“Calder!”
Metal groaned as pieces of rock fell away beneath the vehicle.
“Hold on to me,” I called. I wouldn’t lose her. Not like this. Not ever.
Just as Hadley slipped free of the SUV, the rock below it gave way. I watched as it sailed down the side of the mountain. Tumbling and landing with a sickening boom.
Hadley’s arms locked around my neck, her body shaking.
“I’ve got you. Just hold on.”
“Not letting go,” she whispered.
“We do this nice and easy. Take our time.”
“We’ve got your back,” Mac called from a few feet above. He carried a second harness we could lock Hadley into.
We moved as quickly as possible, getting Hadley into the gear and tethered to another rope. As soon as she was secure, I pulled her to me, pressing my lips to the unmarred side of her head. “Can you climb?”
“I can climb,” she said hoarsely.
“You go in front of me. I’ve got your back.”
“Okay.”
We picked our way over rock outcroppings and brush. Hadley’s arms and legs shook as shock took hold, but she never gave up. As she reached the side, familiar hands reached out for her, pulling her to safety.
With one final push, I made it to the side of the road. But I didn’t stop, not until I broke through the crowd. Not until Hadley was in my arms. I held her to me, trembling, running my hands over her body. “You’re okay.”
“I’m okay,” she assured me, but her voice shook.
I framed her face with my hands as tears burned the backs of my eyes. “I love you. So damn much.”
Tears slid down Hadley’s cheeks. “I didn’t think I would get to see you again.”
I pulled her against my chest. “Never. You’re stuck with me for good.”
She sniffed. “I’m glad. I’m starting to get used to your ugly mug.”
I couldn’t find it in me to laugh. I simply pulled Hadley against me. I soaked in the beat of her heart against my chest, the knowledge that she was here and breathing and in my arms.
44
Hadley
Everythingin me ached as if I’d been dumped into an industrial dryer and set on super speed. I guessed in a way, I had. A slight shudder ran through me as images assaulted me. It had been close. Far too close for me to forget anytime soon.
Sage adjusted the blanket around me from her spot on the couch. “Do you need something else to drink?”
I looked at the coffee table. There was tea, water, and a ginger ale. I squeezed Sage’s hand. “I’m fine, Goose. Promise.”
“Your head,” she whispered.