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angry, he looked handsome. Like a young Robert Redford, only taller. But he’d had little good to say about Ashley since she’d come home from Paris. “Nice of you to check in.”
    Ashley spun around and stared at Luke, her expression more surprised than angry.
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    Elizabeth put a hand on Ashley’s shoulder. “We expected you hours ago, dear. I was worried.”
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    For a moment Ashley’s mouth hung open. “I told you I wasn’t sure when I’d be back.”
    “Yes,” their mother nodded. “But you said the interview would be over by noon.”
    “Okay, so 1 took care of some errands.” Ashley gestured at the others gathered around the living room. “Is that what this is? Some kind of search party for crazy, irresponsible Ashley?”
    Their father cleared his throat and stepped forward, bracing Ashley’s shoulders with his hands. “Landon’s hurt. He was trapped in a fire this morning.” His voice was thick with emotion. “He inhaled a lot of smoke. We’re … we’re not sure he’s going to make it.”
    Since they were teenagers, Kari had wondered about Ashley’s feelings for Landon Blake. The poor boy had sought after Ashley year after year, getting barely a friendship for his efforts. When he returned home after college, nothing had changed. He was still determined to love her, and she was equally determined to stay clear of him. Whenever Kari would ask about Landon, Ashley would deny having feelings for him. He’s too predictable, she’d say. Too much like Mom and Dad.
    But now, after hearing the news that he’d been hurt, Ashley’s true feelings were clearer than water. She loved him. The depth of fear and desperation in her eyes told Kari that much.
    Ashley raked her fingers through her hair and shifted nervously. “I thought they wore air masks.”
    “He gave his to a little boy. Saved the child’s life.”
    For a moment she looked paralyzed. Then, as though she’d been jump-started into reality, she jerked back. “I have to be there.” Ashley yanked her jacket on again. “Can I see him?”
    “He’s in ICU; I’ll call and make sure they let you in.” Dad leaned over and held Ashley close for a moment. “He needs you, Ash.”
    Ashley’s eyes glistened as she glanced around the room. “Pray for him, okay?”
    She swallowed hard, her hands shaking. “He … he loves God a lot. God’ll help him. I know he will.
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a I I e
    “Tell Cole I’ll see him later.” She turned to their mother. Tli stay as long as they let me.”
    Elizabeth nodded. “Call us.”
    concern.
    “Ashley…” Their father’s face was masked in heavy concern. “Hurry, sweetheart.
    Please hurry.”
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    Ashley’s heart stayed lodged in her throat until she was in Landon’s room. Then it seemed to sink somewhere beneath her kneecaps.
    Tubing ran into his arms, and a mask nearly covered his face. His leg was braced and wrapped to almost twice its normal size, and he was propped up on one side to avoid pressure on his burned back and thighs. A machine made rhythmic breathing sounds, forcing air into his lungs. Ashley grimaced at the mechanical rise and fall of Landon’s chest. Otherwise he lay motionless among the busy beeps and whirrs of machinery.
    She took a chair already stationed by his bed and stared at him. How had this happened? Bloomington never had dangerous fires. Not once had Ashley considered the possibility that Landon’s job might put him in any real harm, let alone cost him his life.
    Come on, Landon. Wake up.
    She stared at him, willing him to move. In all the time she had known Landon, she’d held his hand only twice. The last time had been ages ago, long before she went to Paris. But here, now,
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    Ashley sensed he needed her touch as much as she needed his. Tentatively, she reached out and took Landon’s lifeless right fingers in her own, careful not to disturb the IV line. Tears stung at her eyes, and the image of Landon blurred.
    She rose out of the