“We should go inside,” she said, pulling away a second later. “I want to check on Cass. I heard her cry out in pain as we ran down the mountainside and I’m pretty sure her foot is broken.”

Everyone had received a few injuries today. His entire body ached, and this one would definitely go down as the most challenging rescue mission the group had faced. “Okay.” Taking her face between his hands, he said, “And don’t question yourself or your actions—not even for a second. You saved that guy’s life.”

She nodded, but her forehead wrinkled and she bit her lip.

Luckily, hours later, Dr. Smyth agreed with him.

“You’ll have to teach me how you assessed the situation that quickly and effectively,” he said, taking her hand.

She shook her head and gave an unsteady laugh. “I have no idea.”

“She was incredible out there,” Reed said. His admiration for her must be written all over his face, but he didn’t care. He had no intentions of hiding his feelings for her from anyone.

“I just did what I had to,” she said, looking embarrassed by the praise.

“They have him in recovery already and he’s on anti-infection drugs for the incision. He’ll have surgery tomorrow, but for now, he’s doing fine. He was very lucky you were there,” the older doctor said.

“Thank you, Dr. Smyth. That means a lot coming from you.”

“What about the other hiker—the one who fell through the slab avalanche?” Reed asked.

“He’s in surgery now to reset the bones in his legs and shoulder. It’s going to be a tough road to recovery for him, but his friend is doing okay. They’ll both be okay. Your sister took a risk helping them, but she saved their lives, for sure. You all did,” he said, tapping Reed on the shoulder.

Then, turning his attention back to Erika, he hesitated before saying, “Tom’s wife is here... She’d like to thank you, as well.”

Reed expected her to hesitate or turn and run, but once again she surprised him. “A thank-you isn’t necessary, but I can talk to her about what happened and why I did the tracheotomy.”

Dr. Smyth smiled. “That would be great.” He turned to Reed and nodded, seeming to give him credit for Erika’s change of heart. It was unwarranted. Reed had nothing to do with it, but he’d seen the gradual change in her that week. “Can I borrow her for a few minutes?” he asked.

Reed nodded, squeezing her hand quickly before letting it go. “As long as I get her back.”

* * *

AFTER A QUICK trip to the washroom to clean herself up, Erika followed Dr. Smyth down the hall toward Tom’s room. She had no idea what to say. She was more nervous now than she had been on the mountain.