Page 145 of One Last Chance

Except, he could make a commitment, right?

“You’re not leaving.”

Aw, he hadn’t even thought about leaving Air One.

Maybe she was just the holiday-romance girl.

Maybe.

The door opened, and he looked up, the crazy thought that maybe?—

“Your brother dropped this by—said he needed to head back to Anchorage.” Nurse Alicia, carrying a paper bag. “I’ll break regulations just this once. But only because you’re a hero.”

She set the bag on the bedside table and moved it up to him, then took out the cinnamon roll and put it on a paper plate. “No coffee for you, but would you like juice? I remember how you like orange juice.”

He stared at her. “What?”

She gave him a motherly smile. “Axel. I was the nurse on staff when you came in fifteen years ago, after you lost your cousin, nearly drowned, broken, just like today, so much water in your lungs we had to revive you twice from dry drowning.”

“I don’t remember that.”

She touched his arm. “Do you remember that it was my six-year-old son that you saved in the Copper River when you were ten?”

His mouth opened. “I . . . no.”

“He’s in med school now, down in Anchorage, but he wouldn’t be if it weren’t for you and your courage.”

“I just . . . Listen, I didn’t think, I just?—”

“Did what you were made to do, clearly.” She squeezed his arm. “Don’t apologize for doing what God created you to do.”

He sighed.

“But . . . at the same time, that’s all you can do. You’re not in control. As a river rat, you should know that better than anyone. All you can do is your best. The rest—all if it, actually—is in God’s hands. Any other thinking is just pride.”

“Wow. This is a twist on bedside manner.”

“Only because I see a pattern with you. I saw the show. And I know your history. And I have my own regrets. Like nearly letting my son drown.”

“An accident.”

“Long ago I realized that replaying the what-ifs is just me rewriting the story so I don’t have to feel embarrassed or defeated or ashamed. But with God there are no what-ifs. There is only truth. And the truth is that you’re not in charge, God is, and no matter what happens, he is good.”

“You sound like Moose.”

“I like Moose.” She winked. “You want real peace, real happiness, then it’s time to have some faith. That’s where you find peace. Even when your girlfriend walks away.”

“You saw that?”

“I saw her crying.”

“Her choice, not mine.”

“Mm-Mmmhmm.” She patted his arm. “I’ll get that juice.”

She headed out of the room.

Her choice, not mine. Aw,that wasn’t fair. Because she was right.

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