“Not exactly what you planned, was it?” Nuzzling his face to the crook in her neck, Easton’s strong arms squeezed her tighter. “Remember, this is a really great story we’re going to tell everyone about how we met.”

“I thought we met on the side of the road.”

“That story doesn’t paint either of us in the best of lights.”

“I’m going to tell everyone you thought I was a hooker,” River teased him.

“That day was the best day of my life.” Easton’s rumbling voice was like soothing fingertips across her soul. “I didn’t even know it.”

“You’re not actually hitting on me right now.”

“If not now, then when?”

Then he kissed her, because if they were going to have to wait in the freezing cold, they might as well make the most of it.

• • •

The night took its toll. One look at his client, and Easton knew immediately River’s trip was over.

The amount of energy she had expended getting him to camp had depleted what was left of her reserves. The cold had taken what they didn’t have to spare. She’d stayed awake with him all night, but she was having a hard time remaining that way. Even when the sound of the rescue helicopter’s blades whipping through the air finally cut through the soft cry of the wind, she barely stirred.

In this location, there was nowhere to safely land, so Ben radioed to Easton to come to them if he could.

“Come on,” he murmured, gathering her up to his chest. “Let’s get out of here.”

“What’s happening?” she mumbled.

“I’m getting you home.”

“About time you earn your keep. Don’t forget my camera.” No. Anything but that. “Or the marmot.”

Even now, she made him laugh.

She probably could have walked, but it was easier for Easton to simply scoop her up into his arms, carrying River toward the National Park Service helicopter hovering beyond camp. Ben was with them, the first one to climb down the ladder to help. “Bad string of luck,” he said. “We’ll get them all up next time.”

“Thanks for coming back,” Easton replied with a grunt.

“Not gonna leave you behind a second time, boss.” Ben took River from Easton’s hold. “Not if I can help it.”

As he watched Ben hook River up to a harness, lifting her to safety, Easton knew he had made the right choice helping her summit. Some things were worth fighting for.

And for him, River had always been worth the risk.

Chapter 18

The nursing staff at the Moose Springs Medical Clinic couldn’t have kept Easton away from River if they’d tried. And boy, were they trying.

“I need to see her.”