Page 27 of The Duke's Brother

“It’s OK, don’t worry, we’re gonna get you out of here. Stay with me.” Maybe he could lower himself down there, now that the rope was attached to the ladder and he knew they had a way back up. He used the rope as leverage and lowered himself head first into the hole. As he did, bits of snow fell down all around him, but he continued on anyway. When he finally reached her, he kissed the top of her head. “I’m here, baby.”

“Oh Tripp, thank you.” Her small voice almost melted his heart. She sounded so weak, so tired.

He used one arm to keep hold of the rope and the other to start unclipping her boots. Within moments, he had both loosened and he was ready for her to be lifted out. He reached for his phone and called the pilot. “Pull us up.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, slowly.”

“That’s the name of the game right now.”

The slack on the rope tightened, and it pulled against Jenneca.

“Try to get your other arm in that rope loop.”

She did, she tried, but just her hand went through, and she held on, likely with a pin prickling agony. Tripp had a hold just above her. As they started to lift up out of the hole and her legs straightened, she cried out in pain. “Oh, the pins and needles. It’s terrible!”

But Tripp breathed out in relief when her socked feet left her boots. And they started to rise.

Before long, she was up and out of the hole, and in Tripp’s arms. The copter paused and he held her to him for a moment. “I love you, Jen.”

“I love you too.” She leaned into him, unable to stand.

“I’ve got you.” Tripp tied the rope around her better and then held onto her and the ladder both and nodded for the pilot to continue rising up out of the ravine.

Chapter 17

Jenneca awoke in a hospital bed, with an IV, surrounded by white walls. She turned her head; flowers cascaded from multiple vases and baskets. Balloons filled one wall. All her memories were hazy. But one thing was clear: a pair of strong arms and, “I love you Jen.”

Tripp.

She smiled.

“The most beautiful sight in the world to me right now.” His voice sent rumbles of happiness through her.

He sat at her other side, chair scooted as close as it could to her bedside.

Her smile grew. “I imagine I look a sight.”

“You are stunning. And you’re awake.” He reached for her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “We weren’t sure we would ever see your smile again.” His face pinched in pain, and her throat tightened.

“I’m sorry.”

He ran his finger along her forehead, brushing hair out of her face. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” He frowned. “Except maybe not inviting me to ski with you.”

“Thank you for saving me.” She closed her eyes, reliving again the horrific moment when she slid off the ledge. “I had to go down to the left again, and the ledge.” The corner of her mouth lowered and started to quiver.

“Don’t, shhh. It’s ok. I know what happened.”

She nodded and squeezed her eyes. “Thank you for finding me.”

Your ping was genius and your texts too. Jorge was there in the helicopter with me.” He watched her.

“That’s nice of him. Tripp, you know there is nothing with me and Jorge.”

“I don’t know that, but you said a certain three words to me when I got you out of that hole.” He ran his thumb along the back of her palm, sending tingles us her arm. “Which gives me hope.”

I love you.She searched her heart. In her core, her feelings for Tripp were solid, peaceful and exciting all at once. Where he was, she felt at home, complete, happy. She turned to him. “I don’t feel anything like that for Jorge.” She felt self-conscious, bearing her heart in the stark lighting and crisp feel of a hospital room.

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