Page 32 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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I nod.

“He was one of the best operators I ever worked with.”

Her eyes fill instantly.

“He talked about the teams all the time,” she whispers.

I look at the photo on the wall.

Tank in his dress uniform.

Same grin.

Same stubborn look.

“He saved my life once,” I say quietly.

Aspen’s breath catches.

“He did?”

“Yeah.”

I swallow.

“He would’ve been proud of you, you know.”

She shakes her head quickly.

“I’m barely holding things together.”

“You moved here to take care of his grandfather,” I remind her.

“You’re raising Dylan alone.”

“You’re still standing.”

I meet her eyes.

“Tank respected strength like that.”

For a moment neither of us speak.

Then Dylan’s voice comes from the hallway.

“Mom?”

Aspen wipes her eyes quickly.

“I’m coming.”

She turns back to me.

“Thank you,” she says.

“For bringing him home.”

I shrug.

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