Page 144 of Nothing But Air

“It’s a strong possibility.”

“I’ll take it.”

The eastern sky was lightening—deep purple fading to indigo, then pale blue at the horizon. In the growing light, Teague could see her face clearly. The freckles that had darkened from their weeks in the sun. The blonde braid already coming loose. The blue eyes reflecting the first hints of morning.

Beautiful.

She’d always been beautiful. But something was different now. Lighter. Like she’d finally set down a weight she’d carried for years.

“Ready?” She nodded toward the final pitch.

“Lead the way.”

They climbed in comfortable silence, moving with the easy rhythm they’d developed. The stone was cool under Teague’s hands, each hold tested, each placement deliberate—but natural now.

Like breathing.

He pulled himself over the final edge just as the first rays of sun broke over the canyon rim.

The sky exploded into color.

Gold and orange and pink painted the clouds. Light spilled into the canyon like liquid fire, illuminating layer after ancient layer of stone. The rocks glowed red and orange, shadows retreating into crevices, the whole vast expanse coming alive.

Eden came up beside him, breathing hard but smiling. “Perfect timing. Look at that.”

“Worth it.”

But Teague was looking at her, not the sunrise.

Definitely worth it.

They sat on smooth stone at the summit, legs dangling over the edge, watching the canyon wake up. Far below, the river turned from black to silver to green as the sun touched it. Ravens called from somewhere beneath them. A condor circled on rising thermals, its wings gilded by sunlight.

“I know you said you’d never apologize for being reckless when it came to saving me.”

“And I stand by it.”

“I know.” Eden turned to face him. “I just wanted to say thank you. Not just for saving me from Kyle. The fall. All of it.” She paused. “But also for saving me from a life of hiding.”

Teague’s chest tightened.

“I can’t control everything.” Her gaze drifted over the canyon. “Can’t prevent every bad thing from happening. But you reminded me I don’t have to.” She looked back at him. “Because I’m not alone. God’s got us. You’ve got me.” Her hand found his. “And I’ve got you.”

“Yeah.” His voice came out rougher than intended. “You do.”

His arm came around her waist, pulling her closer. She fit against his side like she’d always belonged there.

Maybe she had.

“Oh—Marcus called yesterday.” Teague kept her tucked against him. “The key opened a safety deposit box in Switzerland. His grandfather left letters, journals, and old stocks.”

“Really?” Her brows shot up. “How much are we talking?”

“Enough that he’s donating the SAR helicopter we’ve been begging for. The one with the advanced rescue hoist system.”

“Good for him.” Eden smiled. “He deserves it after everything.”

The sun was fully up now, the canyon brilliant with morning light. The air smelled like sage and stone and possibility.