Page 140 of Nothing But Air

Then silence.

Heavy. Expectant.

Then the Black Hawk started to descend.

“It’s over.” Eden’s voice was barely a whisper.

“Are you sure?”

A smile tugged at her mouth. “I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“That’s new for you.”

“I’m trying something different.”

“Me too. I think I’m going to try being less reckless. I’ve heard somewhere it’s a problem of mine.”

“You did? Who would have said something like that?”

“I don’t know, but I am beginning to think she had a point. Plus, I have a really good reason to stay safe now.”

“Is that so?”

He pressed his lips to hers, firm, determined. “Most definitely so.”

The helicopter landed on the plateau about thirty yards away. The downdraft kicked up dust, flattened the sage, made the wet stone shimmer in the spotlight.

The side door was open and the sniper still in the doorway when the skids fully touched down.

Noah and Meg hopped out and ran low beneath the rotors, heading straight for them. Meg’s dark-brown hair blew in the wind.

“We’re good!” Teague yelled over the rotor noise. “Marcus needs help. He’s down that ridge under a small overhang.”

Noah relayed the information into his radio.

A moment later, the sound of another helicopter filled the air—SAR this time. Familiar to anyone who’d worked search and rescue in the canyon.

Teague grabbed Eden’s hand and led her toward the Black Hawk, keeping his body between her and the edge where Kyle had been. Meg met them halfway, already pulling out her medical kit.

“Let me see that wrist.”

“It’s fine.”

“That’s what they all say.” Meg took her arm gently. “Right before I tell them it’s broken.”

“Is it broken?”

“Probably just a bad sprain. But I’ll know more once we’re somewhere with actual equipment.” Meg glanced at Teague. “Is she always this stubborn?”

“You have no idea.” But she didn’t miss the laughter in his eyes.

And right then, Eden knew everything was going to be okay.

Not because she could control it. Not because she could prevent bad things from happening. Not because she’d finally figured out how to be careful enough, smart enough, strong enough to keep everyone safe.

But because she wasn’t alone.

Because the Rock held.