Page 9 of Emergency with the Mountain Man
The ride up the mountain is harrowing—loose rocks, steep grades, and fallen branches that force us to take a circuitous route. Norma holds on tightly, her medical bag secured between us, never once complaining about the rough terrain.
"There," I say as we crest a ridge. "Can you see the crew?"
Below us, the Kirkwood Timber team has formed a wide circle around the trapped fox, keeping their distance while Tom coordinates from a safe position. The small red animal is lying on her side, exhausted from struggling, barbed wire wrapped around her legs and caught in the underbrush.
"Let me assess from here first," Norma says as we reach the clearing, Carrie pulling up beside us. "I need to see how panicked she is before I get close."
I watch her observe the fox with practiced eyes, while Carrie quietly unpacks supplies. Within minutes, Norma has formulated a plan.
"She's exhausted, which works in our favor. I'm going to sedate her first, then we can safely remove the wire and treat the wounds." She loads a small tranquilizer dart with steady hands. "Carrie, can you prep the wound cleaning supplies? And I'll need your crew to stay back until she's under," she adds to me.
The next hour passes in careful, coordinated work. Norma approaches the fox with calm confidence, delivering the sedative precisely before waiting for it to take effect. Once the animal is safely unconscious, she and Carrie work together to methodically cut away the barbed wire and clean the wounds.
"Muscle damage but nothing too deep," Norma announces as she works, Carrie assisting with cleaning and bandaging. "She'll need antibiotics and monitoring, but she should make a full recovery."
I help them load the fox into a small transport carrier they'd brought, marveling at their preparation and teamwork.
"Where will you take her?" I ask as they secure the carrier.
"Back to the clinic for now. She'll need a few days of observation before we can release her." Norma strips off her gloves, satisfaction clear in her expression as Carrie packs up the remaining supplies. "She'll be back to the wild by next week."
"Thank you." The words feel inadequate for what she just did. "Seriously, Norma. You probably saved that fox's life today."
"I did my job. Wildlife rescue is part of what I do."
"It's more than that, and you know it. The way you handled everything—stayed calm, made quick decisions, knew exactly what that animal needed. You're incredible at this."
She shrugs, but I can see the satisfaction in her eyes. "Large animal work was part of my training. I've handled a fox before."
Of course she has. This incredible woman continues to surprise me with her competence, her preparedness, her dedication to helping any creature in need.
"Norma, what you did today..." I set down my work gloves and turn to face her fully. "I've never seen anything like it. The way you took charge, read that animal's condition, never hesitated to do what was needed. You're extraordinary."
Color rises in her cheeks. "I just did what needed doing."
"No. What you did was save a life because you have the skills, the courage, and the heart to help when help is needed. That's who you are—someone who shows up when it matters."
She looks down at her hands, and I can see her struggling with the compliment. Sebastian really did a number on her self-confidence if she can't accept praise for her obvious expertise.
"Hey," I say softly, reaching out to tip her chin up until she meets my eyes. "I know your ex made you doubt yourself, but what happened today proves he was wrong about everything. You're not just a good veterinarian, Norma. You're an exceptional person. And I'm falling in love with you."
The words slip out before I can stop them, hanging in the mountain air like a confession I wasn't ready to make. We've been taking it slow, being careful, not pushing too hard or too fast.
But watching her work with such skill and compassion, seeing her in her element, I can't pretend my feelings are anything less than complete and overwhelming love.
"Jake..." she whispers.
"I know it's too soon. I know we agreed to take things slow. But I can't watch you doubt yourself for one more minute without telling you how incredible you are. How lucky I am that youdecided to start over in Silver Ridge. How completely gone I am for you."
Tears fill her green eyes, and for a moment I think I've ruined everything. Pushed too hard, said too much, scared her away with the intensity of feelings she's not ready to handle.
Then she rises on her toes and kisses me, right there in the forest clearing with dirt on our clothes and the scent of pine all around us.
"I love you too," she whispers against my lips. "I didn't want to, didn't plan to, but I love you too."
Relief and joy and gratitude crash over me in waves. I gather her against my chest, holding her like she's the most precious thing in the world, because she is.
"Does this mean we're done taking it slow?" I ask when I can finally speak.
