She held her hand over her chest. “You scared me. What on earth are you doing there?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to leave until I made sure you were all right.”
“Who’s with the kids?”
“My brother. He’s staying a few extra days. We’ve got a deal to work out before he goes.”
“Is this the same brother?” she asked, forehead wrinkled. “The ruthless businessman who thinks you’re some kind of playboy? Because I have to tell you, that guy at the gym didn’t seem particularly ruthless. He looked…well…nice.”
The white of his teeth flashed in a grin. “I know. Funny how things can change.”
She shifted uneasily on her feet, hesitant now that they were alone and she was out of excuses. “So what’s the deal?” she asked. “The one you’re doing with your brother, I mean.”
“He thinks I should build the resort. I mean, the whole thing. Forget Herriot and build it the way I want. It will be a big project, but Brit’s interested in investing in it. Providing the capital so I can design and build it myself.”
The answer was so simple, she couldn’t believe they hadn’t thought of it before. “You’d cut Herriot out?”
“He hasn’t bought any of the land yet, and everyone in the area knows Stagefeather is the key to making it work. If I can get him on my side, I can go back to the other landowners and negotiate on my own terms. I’m sure Herriot was ready to screw them. I guarantee I can do better, maybe give them a stake in the resort.”
“What about Herriot coming after you later? Making life difficult for you?”
“It might be hard to get those initial contracts,” he said. “But once I get this project under my belt they won’t be able to ignore me. It’s all about the money, after all.”
He reached out a hand and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Besides, a really smart person reminded me that I can go small for a while, if I have to. It’s worth it.”
Her chin trembled. “I figured you’d end up there. You’re a good man, Ross. Your kids are lucky to have you.”
“I’ll still need a consultant. Brit knows even less than I do about the outdoors.”
“What if your consultant has to travel sometimes? What if she needs to climb an occasional mountain? How would you feel about that?”
“Nervous. I’d miss her while she was gone. But I’d understand that’s part of who she is.”
Her heart fluttered so hard and fast she had to whisper. “What if you came with her?”
“I’d like that.” He cupped the side of her face in his palm. “I don’t know very much about hiking up mountains, but I bet she could teach me.”
She flung her arms around his neck, the dam breaking all at once. “Damn it, I love you, Ross Bencher.”
Strong arms closed around her. Circled her. Warm lips found hers. “You’re sure about that?”
“Are you going to drag this out?” She laughed through a haze of tears. “Is this a punishment?”
“Maybe just a little.”
“You’re strong and kind and gentle and all I have to do is look at you and I’m lost.”
“I like that,” he nodded approvingly.
“I wake up in the morning and I want you in my bed. When I go to sleep at night, I want you at my side.”
“And you’re not planning on changing your mind?”
“Never.”
He swept her up in an embrace that took her off her feet. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
Chapter Twenty
On October 25, 2013, Mick Hanson summited Annapurna One with Sarah Valdez, who had joined his team after his daughter, Kelsey Hanson, had to bow out of the climb due to an injured ankle.
On October 29, after a safe descent to Basecamp IV, Mick sent a message via satellite phone to his daughter, who was recovering back in Boulder, Colorado. The sun was shining. All around him, the snow glinted in perfect white crests. He said, “I love you, Kelsey, and I’ll be home soon.”