Page 82 of Wrecked on the Mountain

Heat creeps up my neck. "I had a good night's sleep."

"I'll bet you did," Chase snorts, then straightens as the station door opens.

Jamie walks in, and oh sweet Jesus, he looks just as wrecked as I feel. His hair's still mussed despite obvious attempts to tame it, and there's a satisfied gleam in his blue eyes that makes my stomach flip.

"Oh, here he is! Striker!" Chase calls out cheerfully, practically skipping over to Jamie. "You're looking mighty refreshed this morning, ol' cheese. Get some good...rest?"

Jamie shoots him a warning look. "Don't you have equipment to check?"

"Already did," Chase grins wider. "Funny thing though… your truck was gone from your usual spot this morning. Knox here was worried you'd been abducted."

"Real concerned," Knox adds with zero emotion. "Almost called it in."

I busy myself with the coffee machine, hoping they can't see how hard I'm trying not to smile. The rich aroma fills the air as I pour, and I swear I can feel Jamie's eyes on me from across the room.

"Coffee's fresh," I announce to no one in particular.

"Thanks, sweetheart."

The endearment slips out before Jamie can stop it, and the silence that follows is deafening. Chase's eyebrows shoot toward his hairline while Knox's lips twitch with barely suppressed amusement.

"Sweetheart?" Chase repeats slowly, sniggering so hard his eyes water at the attempt to hide it. "That's new."

"Professional nicknames," I say quickly, reaching for a second mug. "Very... team-oriented."

"Right…professional," Knox says. "Hey Chase, be a darlin' and get me a refill."

"Of course, shnookums," Chase laughs, not even bothering to stop the barrel of his chest as he bursts out with a booming laugh.

I pour Jamie's coffee and carry both mugs across the room. When our fingers brush during the handoff, electricity shoots up my arm.

"Thank you," Jamie murmurs, eye our colleagues who are practically rolling around on the floor in their own amusement. "Ignore those assholes. We've got nothing to hide."

"I know," I whisper back, then clear my throat. "So! What's on the agenda today?"

For the first time in months, maybe years, I feel genuinely happy. Not the hollow satisfaction of a successful surgery or the brief relief of saving a life, but pure, uncomplicated joy.

This is what I came to Stone River to find. Not just healing from burnout, but remembering what it feels like to be alive.

Before anyone can respond, the radio beside Knox crackles to life.

"All units, we have a developing situation on the north face," Martha's voice cuts through the warm atmosphere. "Potential casualties, helicopter rescue needed. Stand by for details."

Suddenly, all jokes are off the table.

Adrenaline spikes through my system, but for the first time since arriving in Stone River, it's excitement instead of anxiety. My body hums with readiness, with purpose.

Jamie's already moving toward the communications desk, his entire demeanor shifting into commander mode. "Talk to me, Martha."

"Multiple hikers reported overdue from yesterday's expedition. Last known location was Devil's Backbone trail.Weather's looking okay, but if it changes, it'll close in fast up there."

I set down my coffee and reach for my gear bag, my heart racing with anticipation instead of dread. This is what I'm here for. This is what I'm good at.

"Alright, team," Jamie announces, turning back to us with that commanding presence that makes everyone snap to attention. "You heard Martha. This is a helicopter rescue. Knox, Chase, you're with me. Brooke—" his eyes find mine across the room, "—you up for your first aerial rescue?"

My breath catches as the hairs on my arm stand tall. "Are you serious? A helicopter?"

Jamie grins and nods. "First a snowmobile, now a helicopter. You're experiencing a lot of firsts with me, Doc."