Chapter 19
S adie
“Ready to go, Miss Sadie?” Lucky appeared in Crooked Spoon’s doorway, unusually subdued. “Weather’s perfect. Christmas miracle after the storm.”
Sadie’s heart leaped. “Is Kreston back from Anchorage? Jessie heard he had to medevac Bob with a heart attack.”
“Not yet. He’s still an hour away.” Lucky’s Irish lilt carried genuine concern. “I’m sorry I have to fly you before Kreston gets here, but it can’t be helped. I’m not certified for night flying.” He gave her a tentative look. “Want to wait until tomorrow?”
“Oh, no, tomorrow is Christmas, and I don’t want to infringe on your holiday. Let’s go now.” Sadie wanted more than anything to wait until tomorrow, but even then, she’d only be prolonging the inevitable. It would be agonizing, saying goodbye to Kreston.
Lucky and Jessie helped Sadie load her two large bags and carry-on into the truck bed of Kreston’s pickup. Lucky had borrowed it from the airstrip lot, saying he figured it would be more comfortable. After nearly coming undone when Aloha pleaded with Sadie to stay and hugged her tighter than she’d been hugged since she couldn’t remember when, she’d ducked into the back seat to avoid saying goodbye to anyone else .
Sadie’s thoughts were so jumbled, the drive to the airstrip was a blur. After boarding and buckling herself inside the Beave, she put on her sunglasses and nervously fidgeted with her phone.
As Lucky ran through his pre-flight checks and refueled his plane, Sadie had the sudden urge to shout, “Yes, I want to wait until tomorrow!”
Something held her back. She had a life to go back to, and she’d convinced herself she’d better get on with it. In the meantime, her phone had blown up with more texts and emails from panicked clients—when weren’t they panicking over an infraction or a screw-up?
She powered off her phone, her heart weighing heavier than when she’d first arrived, but she didn’t want Lucky to see her angsty confusion.
Her departure flight from Polar Creek was worlds apart from her terrifying arrival. Today was a gorgeous, sunny day, displaying Alaska in all its beyond-description majesty. As they climbed above Polar Creek, Sadie pressed her face to the passenger window, completely understanding what had drawn Kreston to this wild place.
“It’s different when you see this from a big-picture angle, isn’t it?” Lucky’s voice came through her headset. “That first flight, you were too busy writing your obituary to appreciate the view.”
She couldn’t help laughing. “If you recall, it was a raging blizzard. I was amazed you found Polar Creek. Let alone where to land.”
“Check out The Great One at three o’clock.” Lucky banked the plane slightly so she could take it in.
Denali rose alongside them like a dream made solid, its massive face catching the winter sun. Twenty thousand feet of rock and ice, dwarfing everything around it and overwhelming the landscape.
“Kreston had proposed building a hotel below us because of this view,” Lucky intoned, pointing down. “But when he became mayor and took on other responsibilities, he figured it was too much.”
“I envy you both with your friendship. Wish I had a friend like that.” She ached, recalling seeing Denali for the first time with Kreston as they stood on Grayling Lake.
Lucky shot her a sidelong look. “You could...if you would give it a chance.”
She didn’t respond. Even though he didn’t say Kreston’s name, his words were daggers to her soul and her aching heart. She turned toward the side window to fix her gaze on Denali. Her thoughts returned to Kreston and the first time she saw this spectacular mountain. She mostly remembered the details, like when he’d lowered his sunglasses to look at her. His deep pools matched the sky, and she’d lost herself in them.
The mountain seemed to follow their flight the rest of the way to Talkeetna, a shadow looking over their shoulders, watching over their journey like a guardian. Below them, valleys carved by ancient glaciers wound between peaks like white rivers. The landscape was both brutal and beautiful.
“Kreston talked about flying his mail routes, discovering Polar Creek, and how he started his life over again,” she offered as a way of loosening the tightness she felt in her chest.
“The first time Kreston and I flew this route,” volunteered Lucky, “he was so quiet I thought something was wrong. Turns out he was seeing things clearly for the first time in years. Alaska has a way of baring your soul, showing you what matters.”
Talkeetna appeared below them, nestled between rolling hills of snow-heavy spruce and birch. The Susitna River, a shimmering ribbon of silver, cut through the breathtaking landscape. Denali caught the sunlight as shadows gathered in the valley in the late afternoon.
Lucky set the plane down gently on the cleared runway, his wheels taking over the smooth landing.
“What an amazing flight! Thank you, Lucky,” gushed Sadie, not wanting it to end. “These mountains are so much bigger than our Cascades in Washington.”
“Only the best for our Seattle visitors.” Lucky taxied the plane to a stop. “Mountains teach us about permanence. And spiritual growth.” He cut the engine.
Sadie watched the propellor slow to a stop and glanced at him. “Thank you so much for flying me here.” She opened her wallet, removing several hundred-dollar bills. “Here’s for your fuel. I don’t expect you to fly me here for free.”
Lucky held up his hand. “Nope. Won’t take your money. Consider it a Christmas present.”
“But—“ she protested, stopping when he opened the door and hopped out. She shoved the money into her purse.
Lucky swung open her door and offered his hand to help her. She took it and climbed out, then gave him a hug. “I’ll miss you, Irish Guy, and your amusing jokes.”
“The whole town will miss you. You brought us a fair amount of class and sass, along with a bit of craic once you settled in.” He sounded wistful .
“Thanks for bringing me to Polar Creek. The holiday festival was a lot of fun.” She did her best to hide the ache in her chest.
Sadie tapped her phone to call the Denali Roadhouse and request a lift. She turned to Lucky. “Okay, I’m all set. They’re sending a shuttle to pick me up.” She’d been dreading the finality of all this, like saying goodbye to a dear friend...which she supposed he was.
Lucky rested a hand on her shoulder. “I know I speak for all of Polar Creek when I say we enjoyed having you stay with us. Please come back for a visit. You’ll always be welcome.”
“I will. Thank you.” She forced back tears, reminding herself that this was her decision. The problem was, she didn’t know whether it was the right one.
How does anyone ever know?
While Sadie waited near the tiny terminal building, she watched Lucky climb in and take off for his return to Polar Creek. She gazed at the red and white plane until it became a tiny speck and disappeared altogether.
Well, that was the end of it.
The shuttle driver deposited her at the magnificent front door of the spacious main lodge of the Denali Roadhouse. It was right out of a Christmas card, its rustic exterior decked out with holiday decorations.
Sadie swung open the tall wooden door with the thick brass handle, and the driver brought in her bags. She tipped him, then moved to the check-in desk.
“Hello, I’m Sadie Foster.” She smiled at the woman with long blonde curls.
“Ah yes, Sadie from Polar Creek? ”
“Oh, I’m not from Polar Creek,” Sadie rushed to explain. “I’m from Seattle. I mean, I was in Polar Creek, but I’m not from there. I was supposed to stay here a week ago.” She didn’t have the energy to explain. “It’s a long story.”
“Welcome, I’m Rochelle. And before you ask—yes, that Rochelle. Kreston’s ex.” She extended her hand. “I assume you met Kreston Collins.”