Touching the Clouds Read online

  She swallowed hard and nodded, fighting back tears.

  His voice gentle, he asked, “Why? Tell me.”

  She looked at him, swallowing hard and blinking back tears. “The last time I landed on a lake, I crashed.”

  Mike seemed to relax. “Those kinds of things happen. You’ve just got to get back on the horse.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “Maybe you should tell me about it.” His eyes were kind.

  Kate looked down, weighing his comment. He was a good friend, one that she could confide in. “I wasn’t supposed to be in the air that day. I convinced my friend Alison to leave work early and we went flying.” She glanced at him. “She died. I killed her.” Tears spilled over. “It was my fault. I just had to go larking about.” Her voice had a hard, blaming edge to it.

  Mike rested a hand on her arm. “I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. What happened?”

  “When we took off, it was clear, but by the time we reached the lake, fog had set in. I’d done plenty of pontoon landings before and figured I could make it . . . I was wrong.”

  “You said Alison was your friend. Do you think she’d want you to punish yourself?”

  “No. But I just can’t do this.” Kate looked out over the lake. “All I can see and hear is the fog and the water—it was like ice. I heard her scream, and then we hit. I got out, but I couldn’t help her.” Kate gulped down a sob.

  Mike took her hand. “I’m so sorry. How long’s it been?”

  “Seven years.”

  “That’s a long time ago. You were a kid. And I don’t know about your skills then, but you’re a good pilot now. And you can do this. You need to do this.”

  Kate swiped away tears. Mike was right. She had to try. Pulling together all the determination she possessed, she turned over the engine and slowly headed back onto the lake.

  “When you reach your takeoff speed, don’t forget to retract the water rudders and pull back on the stick.”

  Kate nodded and cranked up the power. Soon she was skimming over the surface of the lake. Her muscles were tight, her hands trembled.

  “Okay, just a little back pressure,” Mike said.

  Kate felt the plane ease out of the water. They were free and headed skyward, leaving the lake behind. Gulping in air, she gripped the stick and looked at the blue pool below. Now, how was she going to get down?

  “Perfect!” Mike whooped, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. He smiled broadly. “Now make a few passes over the lake and we’ll head back. It’s just like landing on any other airstrip—keep your nose up but don’t set your tail down in the water.”

  Kate wet dry lips. She made another pass over the lake, checking for debris. She was a little heavy on the pedals and the Bellanca rocked back and forth.

  “Calm down, now. You’ll be all right.”

  She took in a shaky breath. The crash tried to push its way into her mind. Focus. She gently pushed the stick forward and soon cruised just above the lake. Careful to keep the nose up slightly, she was also conscious not to let her tail drag in the water. She felt the pontoons touch and the Bellanca gently settled on the lake. She was down.

  “You did it! Good job.”

  Kate’s hands shook, her heart pounded, but she managed a smile. She’d done it. “Thank you, Mike. Thank you.” She wanted to kiss him, but instead gave him a hug. Now there was so much open to her. She’d be able to use the lakes and rivers to make landings instead of having to trust unpredictable and rough landing strips.

  He held her tightly for a moment, then looked into her eyes. “I knew you had it in you.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Okay. You owe me one, then. How ’bout dinner tonight?” “I’d love to, but my parents will be expecting me. Maybe next week?”

  “It’s a long ways off, but I guess I can stand it.” He grinned.

  21

  Kate walked across the airfield, her parents on either side of her. Angel padded along in front. Keeping her eyes on the dog, Kate fought tears. Her parents were heading home. She looped her arms with theirs.

  Joan smiled at her daughter. “Thank you for showing us Alaska. It’s a remarkable place.” She gave Kate’s arm a squeeze. “I could almost imagine living here myself.”

  “Maybe you should think about it.” Kate leaned against her mother.

  “We will,” Bill said. “When I’m done farming.”

  “You’ll never leave your orchards.”

  “Gotta retire some day.” He grinned.

  “The Matanuska Valley has good fertile land.”

  “Yeah, but it’s not right for apple trees. I checked.” He released her arm and rested his hand on her back. “We can’t come right away, but one day.”

  “I’m going to miss you,” Kate said, struggling to keep the tremor out of her voice.

  Bill stopped and gazed down at his daughter. “We’ll be back.”

  When they reached her father’s plane, Kate walked around, giving it a thorough inspection. “You have your maps and charts?”

  “Sure do. Figure we’ll do a little sightseeing on our way home.”

  “Be careful. The coastal weather can change in a flash. ”

  “I’m not worried.” He glanced at Joan. “My copilot here will keep me in line.”

  “Don’t believe a word he says.” Joan shot him a teasing look. “He does as he likes, always has.” She turned to Kate, her expression more serious. “I always knew you were special, Kate. I’m proud of you.” She glanced at the Chugach Mountains. “This is a beautiful place, but it’s awfully rough. You be careful.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  Bill nodded at Mike, who stood in the shop doorway, hands in his pockets. “Figure he’ll watch over you.” He smiled. “Nice fella. Wouldn’t mind seeing more of him.”

  Kate glanced at Mike, not sure what she felt for him. He was a good friend. Could he be more than that? “Well, you just might.”

  Bill raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  “We’re dating, that’s all for now.” Kate shrugged.

  “He’s a fine person, I can tell.” Joan hugged her daughter. “Time we were on our way. You have a mail run to get to.”

  Bill pulled his daughter into his arms and held her tight. “See you next spring or sooner if you can make it down before winter.” He gave Angel a pat. “I’ll miss you too, girl.”

  Her tail beat the air and she snuffled his hand.

  “Maybe by next summer I’ll have a house,” Kate said. “That way when you come for a visit, you can stay with me.”

  Joan kissed Kate’s cheek. “Love you, dear.” She stepped up to the plane and Bill gave her a hand in.

  Kate watched as they taxied down the runway. Her father waved and her mother blew her a kiss. Sadness soaked into Kate. It was unlikely she’d have a chance to fly down before winter, and next summer seemed a long way off.

  Her father’s Stinson lifted into the air. Kate watched until it disappeared into the haze of blue sky. She headed to the shop, Angel trotting alongside her.

  Mike offered her a smile and draped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. “You’ll see them again soon.”

  “Sure.”

  “Did you have breakfast this morning?”

  “Yeah. With my parents.”

  “Oh. Well, how about dinner with me tonight? We can go to the café.”

  Kate felt a bubble of delight, but thoughts of the day ahead tamped it down. “I’ve got my mail run and I’m getting a late start, so I probably won’t be back in time for dinner.”

  “We can eat anytime we want. The café stays open late. And I’ve got a couple of short runs, so I won’t be back before six o’clock anyway. How about seven?”

  “Probably ought to make it eight.”

  “Eight it is.”

  When Kate stepped into the shop, Sidney was in his usual position—leaning back in his chair, feet propped on the desk. “So, they’ve he
aded home, huh?”

  “Yeah.” Kate sighed.

  “Nice folks.”

  “They are. I wish they’d move up.”

  She walked into the back room and started sorting envelopes and packages. Angel lay just inside the door, head resting on her paws. Kate came across a letter for Paul from Robert Anderson in San Francisco. He wrote to Paul often. She wondered which Anderson he was—brother, cousin, father? She hoped Paul would meet the plane.

  “You need help?” Mike asked.

  Kate shoved the letter into the delivery bag and glanced at him, feeling guilty and wondering why. She and Mike weren’t exclusive, and there really wasn’t anything between her and Paul. “No, I’m just finishing up,” she said, feeling her face flush. She felt as if she’d been caught daydreaming about Paul.

  “At least I can help you carry these out to the plane.” He picked up two mailbags.

  Kate slung another one over her shoulder and headed for the door. “See you later, Sidney,” she called stepping outside.

  Mike closed the door behind them.

  Angel galloped ahead, beating Kate and Mike to the dock where her plane was moored. She was still a little nervous about water landings, but with each run she gained confidence.

  Mike opened the door and Angel leaped in. He set the mailbags inside, then took the one Kate carried and placed it with the others. He moved to the front of the plane and grabbed the flywheel lever. As he made his way to the back toward the door, he and Kate met. He placed a hand on her arm, pulling her closer.

  Kate could smell his spicy aftershave. When he kissed her, she made sure it was brief. Apprehension niggled at her thoughts. She liked Mike, but he was moving too quickly.

  “Figured I’d crank her for you,” he said, holding up the lever. His blue eyes held a mix of mischief and tenderness.

  Kate squeezed past him. “I better get moving.”

  “I’ll see you later.”

  “Yeah. Later.” Still feeling the touch of his lips, Kate made her way to the front of the plane.

  Thoughts of Mike popped into Kate’s mind throughout the day. She couldn’t decide how she felt about him. One moment she thought he could be the one for her and the next he felt more like a pal. And there was Paul. She’d felt something between them, but just what, she didn’t know. In any case, he’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in a relationship.

  Most people she met along her route were busy with their gardens or hauling in the early run of salmon. She tried to imagine Mike and herself sharing that kind of life but couldn’t see either of them being content living mundane lives. She replaced Mike’s image with Paul’s. He didn’t seem right either, maybe because he acted as if there was no room for anyone in his life.

  There were no answers right now, so Kate tried to focus on work.

  At one stop, she had a good view of the Ninilchik River, which was inundated with spawning salmon. There were so many, it looked as if someone could just reach in and grab one.

  With fishing season under way, drying racks were full, and the tantalizing aroma of smoldering wood chips wafted from smokehouses. Gulls flocked riverbanks, feeding on leftovers from fishermen and bears. From the safety of her plane, Kate thought the bears were fascinating and beautiful.

  When she put down on Bear Creek, she expected to see the Warrens and Paul on the bar. It was empty. She motored to Paul’s dock and waited, but no one showed up. She had mail for Paul so decided to leave it at his place. With Angel at her side, she followed the trail up from the creek that led to his cabin. Willow branches caught at her hair and clothing. The air was heavy with the scent of damp vegetation.

  Paul’s dogs barked, greeting Kate before she could see them. Angel charged up the trail ahead of her. When Kate reached the cabin, the dogs were busy getting reacquainted and barely noticed her.

  She walked up the steps to the back porch and knocked on the door. Jasper flew from a tree near the house and settled on his perch on the porch. He cawed, sounding as if he were trying to shoo away an intruder. Kate tried to touch him, but he pecked at her hand and then hopped to a woodpile.

  “Fine, be that way,” she teased and turned back to the door and knocked again. Still no answer.

  Wondering if Paul might be working in the garden, Kate walked around to the side of the house. His large plot was crowded with young vegetables, but Paul wasn’t there. Kate strolled along a row of carrots, stopped, and pulled one. Wiping away dirt, she took a bite of the crisp young tuber. She took another bite and thought about how one day she’d have her own garden. Would she share it with Mike? Glancing at Paul’s house, the idea gave her a sense of discontent. She shrugged off the feeling.

  After having a look around, Kate returned to the cabin, figuring she’d leave the mail inside. She knocked once more just to make sure he wasn’t there, and when he didn’t come to the door, she stepped inside and set the envelope on the table.

  The room was in disarray, which was unusual. Paul usually kept the house tidy and scrubbed. A cup half filled with coffee sat on the table and dishes were piled in the sink. Something was wrong.

  A raspy cough carried from the back room. “Paul?” Kate hurried to the bedroom door. “Paul?” Another cough answered her.

  She stepped into the room. He lay on the bed, wearing only the bottom half of his long johns. He quickly pulled a sheet up over himself. He looked fevered and pallid.

  Kate crossed to him. “Are you all right?”

  “I will be,” he croaked. “In a few days.”

  “You sound and look awful.”

  “I feel awful.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Septic sore throat,” he whispered, pushing up on one elbow and picking up a cup of water from the bedstead. He grimaced as he sipped. “Feels like swallowing glass.” He set the water back on the table.

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  “No. I’ll be fine,” he rasped.

  “I can’t leave you here alone. Are the Warrens home?”

  He shrugged.

  “You need help. I can stay.”

  “No. You’ll end up sick too.”

  “I’m healthy as a horse. I’ll see if Patrick can send word to Sidney.” And to Mike, she thought, sorry she’d miss their date.

  Kate looked around the room and wrinkled her nose. “This place is a mess.” She walked to the door. “After I get you something to eat and drink, I’ll tidy things up.”

  “Can’t eat.”

  “If you can swallow water, you can get down some broth. I’ll make you some.” She headed for the door, picking up dirty clothes as she went.

  Paul tried to sit up, but sank back into his pillows. “I’m warning you, this is contagious.”

  “I’ll be fine.” She dropped the clothes into a basket.

  He stared at her with an amused expression. “Stubborn. You’re pure stubborn.”

  “I’ve been told that.” She picked up the basket. “What else can I do?”

  “I need some aspirin. It’s on the bureau.”

  Kate picked up the bottle of aspirin. A photo caught her attention. It was a younger version of Paul with a man and woman she guessed were his parents. Three young men and three women were also in the photo. “Is this your family?” She picked up the photograph.

  Paul’s expression closed. He nodded.

  Kate returned it to the bureau, wondering why it troubled him.

  “Can you bring me a cloth and a bowl of cool water?” he whispered.

  “Sure.” Kate took his glass, filled it with water, and returned to his bedside. “How many tablets do you need?”

  “Four.”

  She looked at the label. “It says one or two.”

  “Four,” he croaked.

  “You’re sure?”

  He nodded.

  Kate unscrewed the lid and dumped the pills into her palm, then gave them to him along with the water. She watched while he swallowed one at a time, closing his eyes and grimacing each
time. “Are you sure you don’t need a doctor?”

  “Nothing they can do.” He handed her the glass and sank back on his pillows. “Fever’s high. Can you get the pan of water?”

  “Sure.” Kate studied him. His eyes were only partially open and his breathing seemed rapid and shallow. Her mind flashed to the man who had died on her plane and panic coursed through her. I don’t know what to do. What if Paul dies?

  Wearing a pretense of confidence, she filled a bowl with water and found a washcloth, which she dropped into the basin. She returned to his bedside, setting the bowl on the bedstead.

  “I’ll take care of this.”

  “You’re too sick. I can do it.”

  Paul didn’t argue. He pushed himself upright and pulled the sheet down to his waist.

  Kate tried to ignore his well-muscled chest and arms.

  He rolled onto his stomach. “Wipe my arms and back with the moistened towel. It’ll cool my skin.”

  Acting as nonchalant as she could manage, Kate dipped the towel in the water, wrung it out, and then sponged his heated skin. “You’re awfully hot. You should see a doctor.”

  “There aren’t any.”

  When the water turned lukewarm, Kate replaced it with fresh. Paul rolled onto his back, exposing his broad chest and handsome face. Kate tried to focus on his well-being and not his looks. Still, she was glad his eyes were closed so she could study his face.

  She gently ran the cloth across his broad brow, allowing her index finger to smooth furrowed skin. She brought the cloth down along his cheekbone and across his strong jaw, then down to his neck. He looked like he was sleeping. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Her skin prickled at the unexpected thought.

  After she’d cooled his face, she moved to his chest, then lifted one arm and bathed it and did the same with the other. She didn’t wash his abdomen. That was too intimate. When she finished, she set the bowl and cloth on the bedstead and pulled up the bed covers.

  “Leave them off.”

  “But you’ll get chilled.”

  “It’s better for the fever.”