Wings of Promise (32 page)

Authors: Bonnie Leon

The dog trotted up to Kate and Paul, then headed toward the creek. She hadn’t forgotten her way.

They walked down the snowy path. Paul kept a hold on Kate’s arm to make sure she didn’t slip. She liked the feeling of being protected and the pressure of his hand on her arm.

He walked all the way to the plane. “I’ll crank her.”

“Thanks.” Kate moved toward the door.

“Kate. Wait.” Paul gently took her arm and turned her so she faced him. “I’m glad you’re back, Kate.” He gazed down at her.

Was it love she saw in his eyes or just affection? “I’m glad to be here.” She managed a tremulous smile.

“Kate . . . I . . . well, I don’t know how to say this. I know I don’t have the right. I’ve made a mess of things.” He glanced at the plane, then turned a fervent gaze on her. “I pushed you away. I tried not to love you. I was callous. Can you forgive me?”

Kate’s mind was overrun by her heart. All she knew was that she wanted to be in his arms, to tell him that she loved him.

“I wished a thousand times that I’d found a way to stop you from leaving, to tell you how I really felt. I wanted to come after you, but it didn’t seem right.” Paul held Kate’s face in his hands. “I know it hasn’t been all that long since Mike died, and that I’m being very forward, but I can’t wait anymore. I need you to know that I love you.”

Kate placed her hands over Paul’s. “I love you too. I never stopped.”

The devotion in Paul’s eyes turned to heat. He kissed her, gently tasting. And then hunger and passion denied for too long claimed them. They clung to one another.

Reluctantly Kate stepped back. “I’m still a pilot. That won’t change.”

Paul nodded. “I know. But I’ve learned that it’s easier to live with the risk than to live without you.” He kissed her again. “I was a fool to think I could be happy without you.”

“It won’t be easy. My job is still dangerous and I work long hours and—”

“And so do I.” Paul smiled. “But we’ll work it out . . . together.”

He pulled Kate into his arms and she rested her cheek against his chest, listening to the beating of his heart and breathing in the smell of flannel and hard work.

They’d find a way.

Acknowledgments

T
he creation of a book takes more than a single author. It requires the combined efforts of many. I am grateful for all those who joined me in this project.

Saying thank you is not adequate to express my appreciation to Gayle Ranney, one of Alaska’s flying champions. You gave of your time and your experience to make the flying scenes in this book possible. You came alongside me, sharing your knowledge and know-how so I could bring the pilots and their flying adventures to life.

And to my family who are Alaskans and who love one of God’s most glorious creations—thanks to my mother Elsa, my sister Myrn, brother Bruce, and cousins Billy, Kenny, and Sue. Your experiences and your love for the state of Alaska enriched and brought the scenes in this book to life.

I owe a big thank-you to Mark and Cheryl Barrett of Barrett Orchards in Yakima, Washington. They graciously sat down with me and answered my questions about what it means to be an apple farmer. They ought to know—the Barrett family has been farming in the valley since 1908.

I would be foolish to write a book without the partnership of my critique group—Ann Shorey, Judy Gann, and Sarah Sundin. You guys are the best. When you had no time, you made time—you brainstormed when I needed your creative minds—searched out and exposed my blunders and brought out the luster in my writing. Thank you.

Kelli Standish, of PulsePoint Design, thank you for contributing your original thinking and energy to creating a stunning website where I can introduce my books and my thoughts to readers. There’s no one like you. Bless you for your commitment to excellence and your dedication to serve the struggling writers of this world.

I owe a great deal to my Revell team. It’s an honor to be a Revell author. Thank you, Lonnie Hull DuPont, Barb Barnes, Michele Misiak, Cheryl Van Andel, and all those working behind the scenes who helped create this book. Your hard work and guidance helped me attain my best.

And to Wendy Lawton, my agent. I can’t imagine making my way through this world of writing without you. When I need your business savvy, you’re there. When I’m down, you lift me up. And your faith in me helps keep me on track. I can’t thank you enough.

Bonnie Leon
dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work at her job. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, the Northern Lights series, and now the Alaskan Skies series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Visit Bonnie’s website at
www.bonnieleon.com
.

Books by Bonnie Leon

Sydney Cove series

To Love Anew

Longings of the Heart

Enduring Love

The Queensland Chronicles

The Heart of Thornton Creek

For the Love of the Land

When the Storm Breaks

Alaskan Skies

Touching the Clouds