Joy Takes Flight (16 page)

“What? What is this?” she asked.

Muriel hugged her. “It's a party, for you.” She smiled broadly.

“But how did you know?” Kate turned to Paul.

“I radioed when I was at Patrick's,” he said, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Muriel grinned. “I've been planning for weeks.”

“A party for what? It's not my birthday.”

“No. But it's nearly your baby's birthday,” Helen said.

Muriel took Kate's hands. “We thought it would be fun to celebrate and to get you some things that you'll need once it arrives.”

Kate put her hands to her cheeks. “I had no idea. Thank you.” She turned and looked at Paul. “You knew all along?”

He laughed. “Yep.”

It was a good party. Everyone had a fine time, even Jack. Kate received all sorts of gifts for the baby—blankets, diapers, and clothing. And then Paul brought out a cradle.

“What in the world?”

“He made it himself,” Helen said.

“When? Where?”

“Out in the shop. You're gone a lot, you know. And it's not hard to get a package picked up and delivered when you know the right people.”

Kate knelt beside the wooden cradle and imagined her baby lying in it. “Oh Paul, it's beautiful.” Tears moistened her eyes. “I didn't even know you knew how to make something like this.”

“Patrick helped me.”

Kate stood and faced him. “You're amazing. Thank you.” She kissed him.

“When Helen told me about Muriel's idea for this party, I thought it would be a good time to give it to you.”

“I have nearly everything I'm going to need.” She looked around the room. “Thank you all so much.” When she looked at Sidney, she caught him blinking back tears. He loved children. She hoped that someday he'd decide marriage was for him.

The following day, Paul and Kate purchased the remaining items they'd need, along with some goods for the upcoming winter. Most of it Kate would return for in her plane, leaving some for their short stay when the baby was born.

They set out for home beneath sunny skies. Anchorage gradually faded into an obscure coastline. They seemed to be traveling more quickly than usual. Kate thought it must be because she was anxious to get home, but then the engine quit and they continued to travel rapidly westward.

“Oh brother,” Paul said. “Now's not a good time for you to get temperamental.”

“Why are we moving so fast if the engine's not running?” Kate asked.

“It's the tide change. In this area the currents can be powerful. We need to get the engine started.”

Kate felt a pulse of fear. “Can you restart it?”

“It shouldn't be a problem.”

He stood and grabbed hold of the starter rope and pulled. The engine sputtered but didn't catch. He hauled on the rope again. Still nothing. Kate was beginning to think they'd have to row their way home.

Finally, he pulled and the engine caught, but Paul lost his balance. He tumbled backward, over the side and into the water. Before he could grab hold of the boat, the current caught him and swept him away from the dory.

“No! Paul!” Kate had heard of bore tides and knew she had no time to waste. She scrambled to the back of the boat and cranked the engine up as fast as it would go. It wasn't fast enough. She kept her eyes on Paul, and although the boat was also being dragged in the current, he was moving faster and was being carried farther and farther away. The water was too cold. If she didn't get to him soon, he'd drown.

“Paul! Hang on,” she yelled. She closed the distance—not far now. She was almost certain the current was slowing. When she got close enough, she could see that Paul was struggling to stay afloat.
Lord, please don't let him die. Please
.

He slapped at the water, his arms almost useless. Kate pulled up alongside of him and let the engine idle as she reached over the side and caught his hand.

“I . . . I can barely move,” he uttered, his voice weak. He struggled to get a grip on the boat and climb over the side, but fell back into the water. With strength Kate didn't know she possessed, she hauled him into the dory and into her arms. Clinging to him, she sobbed.

“I thought I was a goner,” Paul managed to say through chattering teeth. “The water's so cold hypothermia set in fast. I couldn't move.”

“Let's get you out of these clothes and into something dry.” Kate helped him strip off his wet clothing and then rummaged through his bag and pulled out a warm flannel shirt and dry pair of pants. Paul was shaking so badly he couldn't dress himself. Kate helped him, then wrapped him in a couple of wool blankets. “It's a good thing we bought these.”

He was still trembling so badly, Kate felt desperate to warm him up. She unbuttoned her coat and pulled Paul against her, offering her own body warmth. The cold of his body was shocking and soon Kate was shivering too.

“I was so afraid I'd lost you,” she said.

They sat on the bottom of the boat for a long while, holding each other. Paul's shivering quieted. “Like I said earlier, Alaska can be scary.” He chuckled.

Kate smiled. “The baby's happy. He's kicking really hard. Here, feel.” She took Paul's hand and placed it on her stomach. “Can you feel him?”

Paul's eyes warmed. “So, you've decided we're having a boy?”

“What?”

“You called it a him.”

“I did, didn't I?” They both laughed.

Paul rested his cheek against Kate's abdomen. “Nothing's going to happen to me. We're in this together, the three of us—forever.”

K
ate pulled on her boots and laced them, then grabbed her coat from its hook and put it on. The house was clean and the baking done. She needed something to do. She stepped onto the porch, and then shoved her hands into her gloves. Jasper's perch was empty. He'd been gone for several weeks. He'd never taken to Kate, but now that he was gone, she missed him.

Pulling the door closed, she gazed at a white world, savoring the hush of the year's first heavy snowfall. She took in a breath of contentment. She was happy. With only two months left until the baby was due, she was home most days, filling in on flights only when needed. And for reasons she didn't completely understand, most days that was fine with her. She thought it must have something to do with her woman's need to settle in and prepare for the birth.

Feeling like an overblown balloon, she made her way down the porch steps and headed toward the shop. Opening the door, she stepped inside. Paul was working on his traps, making sure they were ready to be set out. He looked up.

“Hi. How you doing?” he asked.

“Good. The baby's busy this morning. Must be happy.”

Paul kissed her. “Just like its mother.”

“I am.” She turned her attention to the traps on the workbench. “Just thought I'd come and say hi. The house is clean, bread is in the oven, and the stew is on.” She laughed. “Listen to me. I sound like Helen, all domestic.”

“Don't worry. It's temporary.” Paul smiled. “I know you. Soon you'll be off on all sorts of new adventures.” He pulled her into his arms.

“It's hard to imagine right now. I'm having more trouble than ever getting in and out of the plane.” She rested a cheek against Paul's chest. “I don't mind being a homebody for now, though.” She gave him a squeeze and then sat on a stool beside the workbench. “But I have been thinking about after the baby is born. I'm not sure how I'm going to work and be a mother.”

“Maybe we should talk to Albert and Helen. They did it.”

“They own a store. You're a bush doctor and I'm a pilot—it's not quite the same thing.”

“True.” Paul leaned against the bench and folded his arms over his chest. “I suppose we'll figure it out as we go. We can share responsibilities and the baby will have to enjoy flying.”

Kate closed her eyes. “What about the danger we'd be putting him or her in? Every time I go up, I know something bad can happen, but I choose to take a risk. Is it fair to the baby?”

Paul's expression turned pensive. “I've been thinking about that. And I don't have a definite answer.” He blew out a breath. “I take the same risk. And when you were little, you went up with your father.” He scratched at a day's growth of beard. “Everything in life requires risk. I don't want you to be unhappy and I don't want our child to grow up being afraid of adventure. I do think that if you're making a run you know could be risky, then you'd be wise to leave the baby with me or Sassa or Lily. And if you're in town you can count on help from Muriel and Helen.”

Kate was surprised. He'd had such a hard time accepting the dangers of flying.

“All we can do is take every precaution—”

“And leave the rest up to God,” Kate interjected, knowing Paul was trying, but it wouldn't be easy on him.

“Just living out here is dangerous. I plan to take our son or daughter fishing and hunting. And I'll teach him or her to drive the sled.” He paused, then added, “I figure nothing in life is safe.”

Kate thought he sounded like he was trying to convince himself. “We'll figure it out.”

Paul picked up one of the traps. “Some of these need replacing. While the weather's clear, I want to make a trip to Susitna Station and get a few traps. The dogs are ready for a run anyway. It'll be good for them.”

“That sounds like fun. I can pack us something to eat and I'll make coffee to take along.”

Paul eyed her warily. “I don't know, Kate. It's quite a ways and with you being so far along . . .”

“I'm fine. I've been feeling good. And I'll ride on the sled. What harm is there in that?” She stood. “I'd really like to go.”

Paul gave her a slow smile. “Okay. But you've got to ride the whole time, no trudging through the snow or driving the team.”

Kate looked down at herself. “Do I look like I'd enjoying running behind a sled, even if I could?” She laughed and headed for the shed door. “I'll get everything ready. When do you want to leave?”

“How long until that bread's done?”

“It was nearly ready to come out of the oven when I left the house.”

“Okay then. You take care of that and our lunch and I'll get the sled and the dogs ready to go.”

“Do you mind if Angel comes along?”

“It's fine as long as she doesn't try to play with the other dogs.”

“That's not a problem. Once the team's in the harness all they think about is working anyway.” Kate hurried back to the house, excited about having a little adventure.

When Kate stepped onto the porch, the dogs were harnessed, barking and ready to go. She sat on the sled and Paul made sure she was bundled up beneath blankets and a fur robe.

“Okay. That's enough. Pretty soon I won't be able to breathe,” Kate said with a laugh.

“When the wind hits you, you'll be grateful. The temperature's dropping. It's down to 18 degrees. And once we get moving it'll feel even colder.”

Kate looked up at him and smiled. “Let's go.”

Paul bent down and kissed her, then stepped behind the sled and got a good grip on the lines, stood on the boards, and called, “Hike up!” Nita, who was in the lead, charged forward. Buck and Jackpot pulled hard, following close behind her. Paul looked up at the gray skies and felt a twinge of apprehension. With the temperature dropping and the clouds moving in, it could mean a storm. He looked at Kate tucked in and eager. She should probably stay home. But he knew better than to say anything now. There would be no way to convince her to stay.

Angel ran alongside the dogs, then veered off and happily investigated any and all points of interest as the sled moved across the frozen creek, over the Susitna, and up the bank on the far side. The snow was dry so they made good time as they slushed along the bank above the river. Wanting to keep the dogs' load light, Paul ran behind as much as possible.

“You doing all right?” he asked Kate.

“Fine. I love this!” She pulled the blankets more tightly up under her chin.

“Let me know if you want to stop.” His lungs burning, Paul stepped onto the boards and rode for a while.

Angel had tired of exploring and now ran alongside the dogs. Occasionally she tried to engage one of them in a game. Jackpot and Buck ignored her, but Nita snarled and snapped at her a couple of times.

“Angel! No!” Kate hollered more than once. Finally, she lifted her hand and called over her shoulder. “Paul. Stop.”

“Whoa,” he hollered and the dogs reluctantly pulled up. “You need a break?”

“No. I was just thinking that maybe I ought to have Angel ride with me. I don't like her taunting the dogs.”

“That'll add sixty-five, seventy pounds to the load. But if you think you can get her to stay put, go ahead.”

“Come on, Angel,” Kate said and Angel leaped up onto her lap, crowding Kate's belly. “Lay down.”

The dog found a spot on top of Kate's legs. Panting, she rested her head on her front paws and Paul set off again. Angel stayed put for a little while, but she was soon restless and wanted off. When Susitna Station came into view, Paul was grateful. He and the dogs needed a rest and he'd feel better once Kate was indoors warming up. It felt like the temperature was plunging. Angel leaped off Kate's lap and ran ahead. She knew the town and the general store where Charlie Agnak usually had a treat for her.

“Whoa!” Paul called as they moved into the village.

The dogs stopped and stood panting. They watched Paul, waiting for a drink and something to eat. Paul dug under a pile of wool blankets for water bottles he'd filled with hot water before leaving. He poured the water into bowls for the dogs while Kate took dried fish out of a bag and gave a hunk to each dog. Angel trotted back for her share.

When Paul and Kate stepped inside the store, Charlie was in his usual spot in a chair close to his barrel stove. He looked up in surprise. “Didn't hear no plane.” He took a bite of jerky.

Paul stripped off his gloves. “We brought the sled.”

“In this weather?” He looked at Kate. “In your condition? An Indian lady maybe, but you—not good.”

“You think the weather's going to turn bad?” Kate asked.

“Yep. And real soon too. You warm up, then you get home.” He poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Kate and the other to Paul. Paul didn't much care for Charlie's coffee, but he accepted it anyway and took a sip of the bitter brew. “Drink up,” he told Kate. “It'll warm your insides.” He grinned when she tasted the coffee. “It's good for you.”

She lifted an eyebrow just slightly at Paul, then took a real drink. “I'm riding,” she told Charlie. “And Paul's got me bundled up tight.”

Charlie nodded, and then turned to Paul. “So, what you need?”

“Just a few legholds. You have any left?”

“Yeah. I got some.” Charlie hobbled toward the back wall, hunched over the way he always was. Paul wondered what the old native had done to his back. He'd never asked. Charlie didn't seem to be in pain and Paul figured if he wanted a doctor's opinion, Charlie would have asked.

“These are all I got left,” Charlie said, stopping in front of a half-dozen traps hanging on the wall.

Paul lifted down four of them. “These'll do.” He followed Charlie to the front of the store.

“You need anything else?”

Paul glanced at Kate, who was standing by the stove still trying to down the coffee. Something sweet would help clear away the bitterness. “You have any candy?”

“Sure. Always got candy. It's right down there.” He nodded at a shelf just behind Paul.

“Kate, would you like some?” Paul perused the sweets.

Kate set her cup on a small table near the fire box and joined him. “Sounds good.”

There were Tootsie Pops, Chick-O-Sticks, Licorice Snaps, Sugar Babies, and Snickers bars. “Not a lot of choice,” Paul said.

“I love Chick-O-Sticks.” She picked up a box and opened it. She popped one in her mouth and closed up the box. Paul selected two Snickers bars, two boxes of Sugar Babies, and some Licorice Snaps. He winked at Kate. “Doesn't hurt to stock up.”

He set the candy on the counter beside the traps and then paid Charlie, who put the money in a box in a drawer.

“You better head home,” Charlie said. “I'm tellin' ya. A storm's coming. I always know.”

“We're on our way,” Paul said, wishing Kate had stayed home. He strode toward the door with the legholds draped over one shoulder. “Thanks, Charlie.”

“Bye, Charlie,” Kate said, slipping out the door in front of Paul.

The dogs stood and whined, their tails wagging. Paul stashed their water bowls away, packed the legholds on the sled, and helped tuck Kate beneath the blankets. The air was frigid and a light snow fell. They'd better hurry. Charlie had lived here all his life. If he said a storm was coming, it was.

Paul stood behind the sled. “Hike up!” he called, and the dogs set off down the trail the way they'd come. Angel trotted alongside. For a while, she seemed content to tag along, but it didn't take long before she was pestering Nita. The wind picked up and the snow fell harder. Soon Paul and Kate were fighting their way through an angry blizzard. Kate bundled deeper beneath her blankets. Paul pulled his hood closed so that the only part of his face exposed was his eyes. He chastened himself for bringing Kate.

They were moving along the Susitna when Angel's persistent nipping set off Nita's temper. She'd had enough and laid into the younger dog. Angel broke free of Nita's hold and plunged down the bank. Nita charged after her.

“Whoa! Whoa!” Paul hollered, but Nita was beyond hearing. The other dogs followed, towing the sled down the slope. It cut across sideways and tipped, throwing Kate, the blankets, and the supplies into the snow. The drag of the sled finally forced the dogs to stop.

“Kate! Are you all right?” Paul crouched beside her.

She pushed up on one arm and peered at him through the swirl of white. “I think so.”

Paul gave her a hand and helped her stand.

“I'm okay,” she said, brushing snow off the front of her coat and pants. “Darn that Angel. She's definitely not a mushing dog. From now on she stays home.”

Paul was already working to right the sled. Kate got down beside him and pushed. Together they tipped it back on its runners. Beginning with Nita, Paul worked his way through the traces, untangling the harnesses and lines. Kate repacked the supplies and blankets.