Page 38 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

“Okay. I can do that.”

Once he and Jessica were ready, he pulled on the rope and shouted for Jubal. “We’re ready. I’m starting my climb.” He pulled himself up, with Jessica on his back, hand over hand. The time went by slowly, even though Jubal was pulling the rope up, too. Finally, they reached the top.

Jubal didn’t stop pulling them until Roark was away from the edge. He kept the rope tight until Roark said otherwise.

Roark lifted himself to his knees, with her on his back, until she could roll off him without hurting her ankle.

Jubal came over and helped her get completely off Roark’s back.

“Okay.” Roark stood and looked at Jessica. “Let’s get back to the copter and get you to the hospital.”

“Yes. How far is the helicopter from here?” She leaned against Jubal.

Roark stood and came over to her. “It’s in the meadow about thirty minutes from here.”

“It will take me a lot longer, even with you and Jubal, to help me.” She tried to stand on her good leg, but it was too much.

“No, it won’t.” Suddenly, Roark walked over to her and scooped her into his arms.

“No, Roark. You can’t carry me all that way.”

“Yes, I can. Trust me…again. Can you do that?”

She didn’t answer for a moment.

He wondered if she’d say no and he’d have to override her and carry her, anyway. Having her cooperation would make it much easier for everyone.

“All right, but when you need to rest, you have to stop.”

“Done. Let’s start with you on my back, like we did on the way up the cliff face.”

She nodded.

Roark let her out of his arms, but held her enough to support her if need be.

Jubal helped her onto Roark’s back.

“I’m starting down. Would you bring the rope and catch up, please?” Roark looked over at Jubal.

Jubal nodded. “I’ll be right behind you.

Roark took off walking.

After forty-five minutes and several stops, he, Jessica and Jubal all reached the meadow.

As they started toward the copter, Mannie started it and the engine roared to life.

Roark set Jessica into the copter in the seat behind Mannie.

She buckled the seat belt.

He checked it, found it tight and went around the copter and got in beside her.

Jubal stayed with the horses and rode back to the house.

The helicopter lifted off the ground and headed toward Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center.

Mannie contacted the hospital. “Bozeman, this is Sullivan International helicopter two. We’re on the way in with a woman who sustained injuries in a fall off a cliff. Injuries include a sprained or fractured ankle, facial bruising and perhaps a concussion.”