Despite an urge to rush forward, Erika held back slightly to allow Cassie and Arlene to move in first, but she was right behind them.

The two women had arrived a few hours before and the three of them had sat together in the surgery waiting room, trying to keep their spirits up and thoughts positive. Arlene had recounted stories about Reed as a child and every now and then, they’d stop talking to hug, to cry, to pray.

Her father was the best surgeon in Alaska, Erika had repeated to the group. And Reed was a fighter, they’d all said. Anything to help ease the anxiety they all felt.

But as time had dragged on, the doctor in her was wondering what was taking so long and her mind went straight to worst possible scenarios. Her father must have been right when he’d said there may be other injuries.

Luckily, she knew by the look on his face that the surgery had gone well. Her shoulders sagged with relief as he removed his surgical mask and tucked it into the pocket of his scrubs. She rarely saw him dressed for surgery these days and it reminded her of when he’d come home after long shifts at Wild River Community Hospital.

Her father had been her superhero back then, just like he was now.

Stepping in to perform this surgery was something he’d never normally consider. But he’d done it for her.

“He’s okay,” he said, and the three women released sighs of relief.

“Thank God,” Arlene said, hugging Cassie, new tears rimming her tired, stressed-looking eyes.

“Were there any other injuries?” Erika asked. Now that he’d confirmed Reed was okay, the doctor in her needed the details.

“No. He was lucky. The broken bones and the damaged spleen was the extent of them. He’s covered in bruises—that tumble down the mountain was no joke.”

Cassie shook her head. “Mountain life isn’t for the weak.”

“His skills as a rescuer no doubt saved his life. The quick thinking with the flare and the way he’d obviously protected his head was influential.”

“Did you remove the spleen?” Erika asked.

“No. It wasn’t necessary. The injury was a grade two. I was able to stop the internal bleeding and repair the damage without removing the organ.”

“And his blood pressure and heart rate?” There was always a fear of heart attacks or stroke when the patient was in a situation like Reed’s. She couldn’t relax until she knew everything was okay.

“All fine.”

Another sigh of relief.