Page 81 of No Hope of Rescue

“It was my dad’s,” she says and stands up to give him a quick hug.

Caught off guard, he pats her back awkwardly with one hand.

Kelly lays a hand on Ross’s arm. The fact he thought enough to bring it back is enough to win Kelly’s heart. “That’s her favorite hat. It means a lot to her . . .to us.”

When Codie sits back down, Jace snatches the hat from her and pulls down over her head. The blue of the hat matches the blue of her eyes.” I can’t believe I’m wearing this!”

“I can’t believe you’re still wearing that thing,” Kelly says, tapping Ross’s sling.

“Oh,” Brock says. “There’s a reason for that.” He winks at me. “Is it time to tell?”

Ross starts shaking his head.

“I—we have an announcement to make,” Brock says.

Kind of on cue, I rise and stand next to him. I clear my throat. “There’s going to be an addition to the Weston family—”

Before I can get another word out, Kelly’s mouth opens slightly, and Ryan says, “You’re having a baby?”

Brock, looking a bit startled, holds up a hand. “No. No. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. No,” he says again. “But, Ross has offered to buy a Bell 212 for the company, and the only way I’d accept the offer was if he kept that damn sling on like a good boy and accepted a job working for us. He agreed to both.”

Kelly claps her hands and looks around, but it seems like everyone else already knew.

It’s clear from the pink in her cheeks that Codie was the only other person left in the dark. This news has her blushing even more.

Then Brock waves everyone to be quiet. “Riley has a few words to say now.”

“Oooo, so formal,” Carter says, grinning as he sits on the dining room table with his feet up on a chair.

I clear my throat. “Well, we are all excited Ross is going to join the team.”

Ross nods.

“Ross has also agreed to a partner. So, the helicopter serves as an investment.”

He nods again. “Weston Search and Rescue better get ready.”

“Ah.” I raise a finger. “What Ross doesn’t know, is that the company has a new name and a new legal partner.”

With that, all of us—me, Brock, Carter, Ryan and Jace—unzip sweatshirts or unbutton shirts to reveal light blue T-shirts with Colton-Weston Search & Rescue set against a graphic of mountains.

Ross is clearly shocked. “What the—?”

“What you’ve done for this family, my family, and for Weston Search & Rescue—” Brock begins.

“—Colton-Weston Search and Rescue,” I remind Brock.

He nods. “Colton-Weston Search and Rescue, needs to be recognized. Riley and I, and the team, couldn’t figure out a better way to say thanks.”

Ross makes a fist, places it to his mouth and turns his back to us for a moment. Laying a hand on his good shoulder, Kelly says. “Welcome to the family.”

“This is to help you ‘create your life.’ We figured if you had your name on it, your ego would get involved and you’d find your way.” Brock grins.

Ross waves a hand. I’m not sure he can speak yet.

Brock’s voice is suddenly quiet. “No pressure to stay either. This is all on you bro. Leave when you want.”

After several moments, Ross heaves a deep sigh and faces us all. “I think it won’t be for a very long time.”