Page 63 of Winning Back His Wife
“Tucker would have preferred having me there yesterday, but since we don’t have a time machine handy...”
Cullen’s cell phone vibrated. He pulled it from his pocket to turn it off. He glanced at the screen.
Damn. A rescue-mission call out. “I don’t believe this.”
She stopped her flurry of activity. “What?”
“Missing climbers.”
Someone needed help on the mountain, but Sarah needed help here. Priorities waged battle against loyalty. He had a duty—two actually. The physician and mountain rescuer wanted to be part of the mission, to help whoever was in need. The husband wanted to be with his wife because he might not have much time left with her.
Cullen stood. “The unit’s gathering at Timberline Lodge, but I can skip this one and drive you to Bellingham.”
“You’re needed on the rescue.”
He could be. “I don’t know the mission specifics. It might not be anything. I’ve missed missions when I was in the middle of a shift and couldn’t get someone to cover for me. They’ll have plenty of rescuers.”
“You’re the only doctor.”
His throat thickened. “I’m driving you.”
Their gazes locked. Neither moved or said a word. Stalemate.
“How long will your mission take?” she asked finally.
“I don’t know.”
She wrapped her fingers around her laptop. “What if I wait until you get back? I need to pack all my things. I can look at data here until you return.”
His heart swelled with relief, gratitude and affection. “That would be wonderful. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Don’t rush on my account.” Concern clouded her gaze. “Please be careful.”
He wanted to wipe the worry away, wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close, wanted to tell her how much her waiting meant to him. Instead, he kissed her lightly on the lips, forcing himself not to take the kiss deeper. But he’d make up for it...later. “Always. We don’t take needless risks up there.”
The pink tip of her tongue darted out and moistened her lips. “I’m holding you to that.”
He wanted to run his tongue along her lips. Hell, he wanted to taste her all over. No time now. “Please do.”
His gear was packed due to an upcoming ready team, but he double-checked the equipment. He filled his thermos. “I’ll have someone check on you.”
“Thanks, but there’s no need. I’ve been through this when you were with the rescue group in Seattle. I’ll be fine. As long as I know...”
“Know what?”
Sarah’s tender gaze washed over him. “That you’re safe.”
Her words tugged at his heart. Cullen didn’t want to leave her. He didn’t want her to leave him. “Rescuer safety is priority number one. Our mission plans are built around that.”
“I know.” Sarah didn’t sound convinced.
He didn’t want her to worry about him. “If you don’t want me to go—”
“Go.” She cut him off. “I’m being...silly.”
He ran his index finger along her jawline. “You’re pretty cute when you’re silly.”
She stuck her tongue out at him.
Cullen laughed. If only it could always be like this. But she was needed in Bellingham. For now. Maybe not for long. Her postdoc position wouldn’t last forever. He kissed her forehead. “Pack your things. I’ll be back before you know it.”
When he arrived home, he would tell her that she always had a place here with him. That he hoped she would return soon. That he hoped she would want to stay. Because he wanted her with him. He hoped she felt the same way.
* * *
At two o’clock, snow fell from the darkening sky. Sarah couldn’t believe another storm was hitting in June. Especially with three climbers missing and rescue teams searching for them.
More data downloaded from MBVI’s server. Tucker wasn’t happy she wasn’t on her way, but she was doing all she could from here.
She pressed her cheek against the window. The cold stung her skin, but she kept her face there. Cullen had to be freezing wherever he was. Wet, too. She prayed he was okay.
The doorbell rang.
Sarah jumped. Maybe Cullen had finished with the mission. She hurried to open the door.
A woman in her forties with short curly hair stood on the front porch. “I’m looking for Sarah Purcell.”
Brrr. It was colder than Sarah had realized. Goose bumps covered her skin. “I’m she.”
“I have a delivery from this company.” The woman pointed to the name Haskell, Thayer & Henry printed on a large white envelope, then handed it to Sarah. “Please sign this acceptance of service acknowledging you received the papers.”
