I reached a break in the jagged rocks and pulled Shay ashore. I quickly tipped her head to the side, letting any water drain out of her nose and mouth. My brain whirled. I’d been a lifeguard one summer in high school, but that was forever ago. I could only hope that the CPR lessons had stayed with me.

I tilted Shay’s head back, opening her airway. I placed my cheek over her mouth, hoping for signs of breath. Nothing. I didn’t hesitate to begin breathing for her.

I repeated the rescue breaths as I heard voices yelling from above. Someone shouted that help was coming. I barely heard it. But I stayed focused. The only thing that mattered was getting oxygen into her system.

Just as I was about to breathe into Shay’s mouth for the fifth time, she started to cough. I turned her on her side just in case more water needed to come out. Only the smallest bit fell from her lips.

I kept a firm grip on her shoulders as she heaved. “You’re okay. You’re safe.” I said it more for myself than her. The sight of her chest rising and falling on its own had tears burning my eyes.

“Brody?” she croaked, blinking against the sun.

“I’ve got you.” I hauled her into my arms. She weakly nuzzled into me. “I’ve got you.” I couldn’t help repeating the words.

And I was never letting go.

Shay shivered, and I pulled the blankets tighter around her. I’d sent the nurse off for another one, but he hadn’t returned yet. “Are you okay?”

She gave me a gentle smile. “I’m fine. Like the last ten times you asked. I just wish we had an update on Hunter.”

I slipped my hand in Shay’s and held tight. Hunter had been airlifted from Anchor to Seattle Memorial, and then the sheriff’s helicopter had come to pick up Shay. We weren’t taking any chances with either of them. Hunter had gone directly into surgery, while Shay had been sent for a battery of tests. Ford was in the surgical waiting room and had promised to update us as soon as he got any word from the doctors.

I pressed my lips to Shay’s temple. “He’s going to be fine. Hunter’s one of the strongest people I know.” I hoped I wasn’t lying.

“He looked so bad, Brody.” Shay’s voice shook as she spoke.

I slid onto the side of the bed, careful to avoid her IV line, and wrapped my arms around her. “None of this is your fault.”

She leaned into me. “I know that in my head, but my heart’s a different story.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” I called.

Parker poked his head in with Caelyn and Griffin in tow. He gave Shay a kind smile. “Glad to see you looking better.”