Page 42 of Hero's Prize

He shrugged. “Maybe. But that doesn’t change the fact that she’s still going to have leukemia when I get back, and if I can do anything that helps take her mind off that for a little while, I’ll do it.”

Shit. This kid was more mature than most adults Colton knew. Being the sibling of a terminally ill child caused someone to grow up quickly.

“I’m Colton.”

“Marshall. And yeah, I know who you are. I recognized you right away. I’m a huge fan.”

Colton raised an eyebrow at him. “No offense, kid, but you don’t act like a huge fan. I met quite a few of those, and they tend to be a lot more ridiculous and obnoxious.”

Marshall shrugged again, looking more like a forty-year-old than a kid. “Honestly, there’s not a lot of room in my life for ridiculous and obnoxious.”

“How old are you? Thirteen?”

“Fourteen.”

Kid was fucking fourteen years old. At that age, Colton and his brother Tucker had still been playing outside and almost blowing themselves up with fireworks. Their biggest concerns had been whether they could talk their mom into letting them have two desserts and whether girls thought they were cute.

“Well, Marshall, I’m honored that you know who I am. Maybe we can spend some time together this week. Sometimes fans have questions about some of my stunts, and I’d be happy to answer anything for you or maybe teach you some things if you’re interested.”

Marshall’s eyes lit up for a second, the first age-appropriate response Colton had seen. “Yeah, okay. I mean…if it works out. I know sometimes things don’t work out.”

Kid was obviously used to disappointment. “How about we make sure it works out?”

Marshall nodded, but Colton could tell he was still slightly skeptical. He’d obviously learned to manage his expectations at a young age.

They both took another of the bright cookies and turned to look as the helicopter appeared in the distance, making its way closer. Marshall studied it silently until it became obvious it was going to be landing nearby.

“Is someone being evacuated?” Marshall asked.

Of course that’s what he would think. Probably the only time the kid had ever seen a helicopter was when it was medically transporting someone.

“Nope. That’s Derek Bollinger. He’s Bear’s brother and one hell of a pilot. He works for a helitak team. Do you know what that is?”

Marshall shook his head, eyes still glued to the helicopter.

“Basically, search and rescue and firefighting. They do a little bit of everything.”

“That’s so cool.”

Finally. Finally, the kid was acting like a kid.

“Derek’s not here to do any sort of rescue or transport. He’s here to take you guys up in the helicopter.”

Marshall’s eyes got big. “Really?”

“Yep. And you better strap in, because I’m sure Derek’s going to show you some of the rescue moves he has to do sometimes.”

“That’s awesome! I’m going to go ahead and get in line.” He started to run off but then stopped and turned back to Colton. “Unless you needed to talk to me about anything else.”

Colton grinned. “Not at all. You and I can touch base later. Right now, go do some really cool shit.”

The corners of Marshall’s mouth rose at the curse word, just like Colton had hoped they would. Kid needed to learn how to be a kid.

As he ran off, Colton knew he had a new mission in front of him: helping Marshall let loose over the next ten days.

It didn’t take long for the rest of the kids to figure out that the helicopter was for them too. The excitement was contagious. Colton and the other adults helped get them situated. He looked over andfound Ella grinning from ear to ear. She wasn’t the least bit offended that riding in a helicopter was more exciting than her macarons.

Although Colton would’ve chosen the macarons if he had to choose.

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