Page 59 of Unexpected Union

“Wait.” Shecame over and offered her shoulder.

“It’s bettertoday,” he said.

“But itwon’t be by thetime wereach home. Favor it as much as you can. It’s a long hike. I canstill go ahead and bring back help.”

“I’ll manage.Let’s go.”

TheCarmichaels saw them limping in as they passed their cabin andhurried to offer assistance. Within minutes, Mitch wasin their cabin, the front deskhad been called and a Jeep requested to take him to the first-aidstation.

Mrs.Carmichael plied them with sweet hot tea and delicious cinnamonrolls she had baked fresh that morning.

“I’m sosorry we weren’t home last night. We went to the lodge for dinner and stayed for dancing,”she explained after Audra had told of her efforts to gethelp.

“We didthat the other night,” Audra murmured. “There was no way you couldhave known we’d need help or that the phones would beout.”

SandraCarmichael was obviouslygoing to fret about the entire situation. “I can’t believe you wentout in that weather.”

“Which isexactly what I told her,” Mitch said grimly.

“I’m tough,”Audra said with a grin.

Mitchnarrowed his eyes, but said nothing.

It waslunchtime before theyfinished at the resort’s first-aid station. Mitch’s ankle had beenwrapped, more pain pills doled out. Audra had also been checked andpronounced in fine health.

Thelodge management had urged them to have lunch—on thehouse—before returningto their cottage.

“Trying tomake sure we don’t file a complaint,” Mitch commented cynically asthey sat near the tall windows overlooking the lake.

“Well, Ithink it’s a nice gesture on their part. They can’t be heldresponsible for theweather or your dizzy spell,” Audra said.

She glancedaround and then looked at Mitch. “And brave on their part. We don’tlook quite as tidy as most of the diners.”

He met hereyes. “I think you look beautiful.”

Audra’seyes widened. Her breath caught inher throat. She couldn’t believe how often he toldher and how she cherished every compliment.

When lunch wasfinished, they walked to the front of the lodge to get a Jeep,Mitch leaning heavily on the cane provided.

“Don’tyou want to dash into the guestoffice for a few minutes and catch up on work?” Audra askedas they waited for one of the colorful vehicles to take them to thecabin.

Mitch shookhis head. “Not today.”

Surprised, Audra wondered why the change. Any other timeand he’d have insisted. Now he was turning his back on an opportunity to work.Amazing.

“What do youplan to do at the cottage?” she asked.

“Lie out onthe hammock and not move until time for supper” was the quickresponse. He looked at her searchingly. “Want to join me?”

Beforeshe could respond, theJeep pulled to a squealing stop and the young driver hoppedout.

“Take you toyour cabin?”

By thetime she’d finished showering, Audra was exhausted. The thought ofclimbing into the hammock with Mitch was tantalizing, especiallysince their timetogether was growing short. But she knew she needed rest and woulddo better in her own bed.

She was asleepbefore he finished his own shower.

Mitchchecked on Audra, disappointed to find her fast asleep on her bed.He’d wanted her to lie with him on the hammock. Twice now they’d slept together and eachtime he woke, he wondered why he expected to find her beside himall the next times he awoke.

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