It took him much too long to dig Lance out. His hands had forgotten how to work, forgotten how to scoop and shovel to clear away the snow. They trembled with terror. Finally, Holden had resorted to using his own helmet to dig down and locate his friend.
Lance had been knocked out, which made Holden fear the absolute worst. He didn’t answer Holden once wrenched free, just laid there lifeless. Holden jostled him about, not realizing at the time that Lance’s knee was completely dislocated too, making his leg bend unnaturally.
A few minutes of desperate prayer and a smack on the cheek brought Lance back to consciousness. All the other skiers had already zoomed by and made it safely down the hill, which left Holden and Lance alone on the mountainside.
But Holden had to get his buddy out of there.
So he did what he had to do. He hoisted up Lance—who was easily fifty pounds heavier than Holden at the time—and skied them down the slopes and to the medics waiting in the off-chance something of this horrific nature occurred.
Holden had been labeled a hero. Everyone praised him, most of all Lance. Bitter Cold Coffee Bar even named his favorite drink after him.
In the eyes of his friends and neighbors, Holden had not only saved the day, but likely his best friend’s life.
But Holden knew better.
He’d been the reason for the accident, his poor attention to detail nearly costing Lance everything.
It was hard not to let those guilt-ridden thoughts plague his mind now as he hunkered in the shallow cave. In truth, that accident had been a motivating factor when Holden signed up to volunteer with Search and Rescue. And over the years, he learned that having a dog like Scout was an even better, more effective tool. What he wouldn’t have given for her kind of help way back then.
But today was a new day, and past regret shouldn’t put a damper on things. Scout was about to get her certification. Holden crossed his fingers that she would succeed.
“Come on, girl,” he murmured, knowing she couldn’t hear him beneath the snowpack but saying the encouraging words still.
Silent moments passed, and then the first few bits of snow shook free, then larger clumps that landed on his goggles as he peered up toward the covered opening. More and more bits trickled in until two furiously digging paws broke through the slushy surface.
And there was Scout, peering down at him, silhouetted by golden winter rays that resembled the halo she so deserved.
“Good girl, Scout!” Tears brimmed Holden’s eyes. “You did it! I’m so proud of you!”
Climbing out of the cave, Holden struggled to stand and fought hard to harness the pride that welled within him. He had trouble collecting himself, but Scout had done her job, and her reward was in order.
Lance came over with her favorite rope toy in his grasp. “Mind if I do the honors?”
“I can’t think of a better person.” Holden brushed the snow from his chest and gave his buddy a solid hug. “If I haven’t told you lately, I love you, man.”
Lance stumbled back from the unexpected display of brotherly affection, but returned the embrace heartily. They clapped each other on the back.
Crouching down, Holden looped his arms around Scout’s neck and nuzzled into her furry cheek. “And I love you, girl. Congratulations on your big achievement!”
The happy pup gave him a lick before bounding off for her promised game of tug-of-war.
Holden watched his two best friends whip back and forth, not knowing who was having more fun, dog or human. And even though he’d been buried in a snow cave only minutes earlier, his entire body filled with inexplicable warmth as he observed their game at the periphery.
As Holden stood there, the head of the validation committee tracked over, boots crunching over the snow in a determined stride.
“Congratulations are in order for you too, handler.” The man passed Holden a piece of official looking paper. “You and that dog make an outstanding team, and we’re more than grateful to finally have you both on ours.”
“Thank you, sir,” Holden said. He slid the certificate into his jacket. “It’s a pretty big day for us.”
“One that deserves to be celebrated. I think a steak dinner is in the cards for you and your lady.”
Holden knew he meant Scout, but not for the first time that day, his heart and thoughts couldn’t help but travel to Rachel.
* * *
That second expectedstorm wave never came through. Meteorologists said it had dissipated somewhere over the Pacific, never making landfall. Temperatures remained low, so the snow didn’t melt, but it gave the plows and crews an opportunity to clear the roads without another storm cycle to hinder them.
Neighbors emerged from their cabins. The power came back on. Main Street bustled again, those few missed shopping days more than made up for, as evidenced by the customers lining the streets with overflowing bags and ready wallets.
