“Yeah, and she’ll stay there, safe and sound, while you get some rest. East, you’re not thinking clearly.”

Easton frowned. “I feel fine.”

A slight smile touched Ben’s lips. “No, man. About River. You’re rushing back up there like she needs you to save her or something. She doesn’t. That woman is tough as nails, or you never would have trusted her to stay alone. What she can’t do is carry you down if you get yourself hurt going back up when you’re too tired to make the climb.”

A low growl pulled from Easton’s throat. As much as he hated to admit it, Ben was right.

The other guide held his hands up, because Easton maybe growled a second time with a few choice words added in the mix.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t make the climb,” Ben clarified. “Just that you shouldn’t. I don’t doubt your capability any more than I doubt River’s ability to handle herself up there.”

“You’re a pain in my ass, Ben.”

Clapping him on the back, the other guide barked out a laugh. “Yeah, I know. But you love me. Give me the radio. I’ll break it to her and save you some face.”

No way that was going to happen. When Easton called her, it took a moment for River to answer. He experienced a moment of gut-wrenching nervousness in that pause, his brain going to the very worst things he could imagine. Her injured in the snow…or bopping about without a care in the world, climbing the mountain like a Dall sheep.

“Hello?”

The elephant crushing his chest finally allowed Easton to breathe. “River, it’s me.”

“It’s about time. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.”

The sleepy sound of her voice caused a tension Easton didn’t realize he was holding to release. He knew that tone, even though he’d only been lucky enough to be present when her eyes were opening from slumber a couple of times.

“Did I wake you?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah, but it’s good you called.” He could almost see her turn over onto her side, pulling the sleeping bag around her shoulders. “I’ve been worried about you. How is everyone?”

“We made it down safe.” At a snail’s pace. “And Bree’s doing better.” Mostly. “Are you okay if I stay down here for a couple of hours and rest up for the trip back?”

She hummed, as if considering it. “As long as you all aren’t having a party without me.”

Chuckling, Easton cradled the radio in the crook of his arm. “I’d never do that to you.”

“Over.”

“What?”

“You’d never do that, over.”

Damn, he liked this woman. “Get some rest. Stay warm and eat something. I’ll see you soon. Over and out.”

“Bye, Easton.”