Page 60 of Relentless

“We’ve got to get out of here,” Maeve instructed. “Sawyer, can you get to your feet?”

“Well, if you think I’m going to let you drop me again,” he muttered. He groaned as he rolled onto his knees, holding his arm tightly across his midsection. “My shoulder’s out.”

Maeve put her support again firmly under him, stifling a wince as she bore his weight. She patted him on the chest when he found his feet. “You ready?”

He acknowledged with a nod.

Oakleigh slipped in beside him, doing her best to assist. The deep, echoing roar of the bear came again, starkly reminding them that there was no time to waste. They stumbled through the trees to the snowmobile, and Sawyer lowered himself on the back of the sled with a painful moan.

“Hold on back there,” Oakleigh called out, throwing her leg over the seat.

“Don’t drive like a maniac, and I’ll be fine,” Sawyer fired back. His snark reassured Oakleigh ever so slightly that, despite his injuries, he would be just fine.

She revved the engine while Maeve mounted the sled behind her, keeping a close eye on Sawyer.

“Hit it,” Maeve shouted.

Oakleigh did as she was told and hit the throttle. She didn’t bother asking if she was driving too fast or taking the turns too sharply. Her goal was to get them back home as quickly as she could. The snow felt like shards of glass hitting her face as they sped across the uneven pasture. When they finally arrived at the house, she brought the sled to a quick stop.

“You all right back there?” Oakleigh flung over her shoulder.

“It’s a miracle that I’m still back here at all!” Sawyer griped, taking a labored breath.

The family doctor had already arrived, waiting patiently for them to assist Sawyer into the house and up to his room. Maeve took the lead while Crew bore the brunt of the battered cowboy’s weight. Oakleigh trailed behind, raising a hand to steady them from tumbling backward down the stairs. With their strengths combined, they managed to help Sawyer to his room. He crashed down hard on his bed with an audible, anguished cry.

They stepped quietly into the hall while the doctor went to work. Crew wrapped his arms around Oakleigh, pulling her into a much needed hug. She leaned into his sturdy frame and buried her face in his firm chest.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Even though her heart was still pounding, Oakleigh was determined to remain strong. “I’ve just never seen him like that.”

Maeve crossed her arms and leaned her head back on the wall. Closing her eyes, she appeared to be taking a moment to collect herself.

“Crew,” she finally spoke up. “Grab a rifle and head out to fix that fence. There’s a grizzly out there defending its kill, so be careful.” She turned her attention to Oakleigh, clearly noticing the dash of fear in her eyes at her instructions. “Oakleigh, he'll be fine."

Crew gave her a squeeze. "I'll be careful, Ipromise."

She took a fortifying breath, nodding in agreement. He was strong, trained to handle these types of situations, and on alert.

He'll be okay.

"We’ll head out at first light," Maeve continued, "and bring the herd closer to home."

Knowing that Maeve wouldn’t leave Sawyer’s side, Oakleigh offered the only solace she could.

“I’ll make some coffee.”

Maeve’s eyes glossed with grateful tears. She exhaled her leftover nerves as she added one more item to the list.

“Let Bethany know that Sawyer won’t be leading worship for a couple Sundays,” she shook her head. “He won’t be doing much of anything if I have any say.”

Oakleigh knew that Maeve not only had a say but the final word on the matter. She descended the stairs while dashing off a quick text to Bethany.

Less than a moment later, her phone chimed with a response.

Bethany — typing…

Is he okay?? Can I come over??

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