He managed to get his hand past Copper and cupped her cheek. “No, they aren’t giving up. They’re probably talking things over based on what they’ve found. Just be patient a little longer. I promise, this is how it’s done. Cole’s a firefighter and he’s going to ensure that everyone is safe.”
“Cole? The forgetful, has to be his way, can’t remember shit, cowboy?”
Garrett laughed loudly. “Yes. Despite all that, as a firefighter, you wouldn’t want anyone else in charge.”
She found it hard to believe, and it must have shown on face.
“Even if you have no faith in Cole, trust me that I know they won’t give up until we’re out of here. Okay?”
At his words, her breathing became easier. She did trust him. She trusted him with her life. Setting Copper down, she nodded. “Okay.”
He grinned, then leaned in and kissed her. It wasn’t a peck either. When he was done, she had to remind herself where she was. Shit, the man could kiss.
“We’re ready.” Cole’s voice was clearer. “Give us more noise.”
Once again, Garrett climbed up to the end of their tunnel and banged on the shovel while she held the diming light. The whole procedure happened two more times. Were they really that far in? Nervous, she turned off the light in between Garrett making noise.
Suddenly, bits of sunlight filtered in through their tunnel. They were found!
Garrett let out a real cowboy whoop before picking her up and spinning her around. When he put her down, he kissed her so tenderly she almost started to cry. He grinned. “We did it.”
She wasn’t sure what they’d done, but her throat was too tight to ask.
“Hey, are you there?” Cole’s voice came from the other end of their tunnel.
Garrett moved to where he could be seen. “I never thought I’d be so glad to see your face, Hatcher.”
Cole laughed. “Same here. Is Riley with you?”
He pulled her over and set her in front of him. “Hey, Cole.”
All she could see was Cole’s head. He lifted his cowboy hat and wiped his brow. “Thank God.”
She couldn’t say anything. Her emotions felt too close to the surface. Her last escape had been a solo endeavor that had only ended after hiking back to Chora, being careful not to be seen, discovering her unit had pulled out, and eventually being picked up by helicopter by soldiers she’d never met. Cole sounded like he seriously cared about her, a simple ranch hand.
“You think you can crawl out of there?” Cole’s voice was filled with concern.
Garrett moved her to the side. “Can you dig in farther?”
“I’d rather not. It looks like there was a mudslide, but it’s all dried out and weak. We had to put up three supports just to get this far. How is it on your end?”
“The same. We’ll crawl out. I’m sending Riley first.”
“No.” She pushed in front of him. “I’m sending Copper out first. He hasn’t eaten in days and has had very little to drink. He’s going to need Dr. Jenna.”
Cole lowered his brows. “Copper?”
She turned around and scooped up Copper. “Yes. He’s my dog. Go ahead Copper. Go to Cole.”
The dog didn’t move a muscle except to look back at her.
“Really? I’m coming right behind you.”
Garrett leaned in closer. “You need to get up there with him. He won’t leave without you.”
“He won’t—crap.” Her eyes started to water again. It must have to do with finally getting out of the godforsaken mine. Crawling up on the hill behind Copper, she nudged him. “Okay, boy. Let’s go.”
Just as Garrett had said, Copper walked forward checking behind him every couple steps. His loyalty to her was making it hard to keep it together. When Cole pulled Copper out, she let out a breath, not even realizing how nervous she was. The tunnel was narrow and as she brushed the side, loose dirt fell.
