Wings of Promise by Bonnie Leon Page A

some fresh-baked cookies this morning.”
    Kate was so tired even Helen’s cookies didn’t sound enticing. “Thanks, but I’ve got to take care of the plane and then I’m going to hit the sack.”
    “What, you too tired for some of Sidney’s sinkers? They’re only a couple days old.” Mike grinned.
    Kate loved doughnuts, but not the kind that had been sitting around the shop. “Not interested.”
    Mike chuckled. “I’ll help you guys with the plane. Oh yeah, we have a new pilot. I’ll introduce you.”
    “Sidney found someone, huh?”
    “Yeah. A fella down from Fairbanks.”
    “Good, now maybe Kate won’t have to work so hard.” Paul draped an arm over her shoulders. “It’ll give us a little more time together.”
    Kate leaned against Paul. “I love being with you, but I need all the work I can get. I’ve got a house to save for.”
    “We’ll have to do more work together.” He grinned.
    “That sounds good to me.”
    After the plane was secured and the oil drained, the three walked toward the shop. The mingled odor of overcooked coffee and diesel assaulted Kate’s nose when she stepped inside the building. She glanced around.
    Sidney, who’d been studying a map, looked up. “Howdy.”
    “Hi.”
    Kenny crammed parcels into a pack. He glanced over his shoulder at her and Paul. “Hey there. Was beginning to think you two had taken off for good.” He grinned and whiffed at a strand of curly hair that had fallen across his eyes.
    “It was a good trip. But I’m glad to be back.” Kate’s gaze landed on a tall, sturdily built man wearing a red flannel shirt. He was clean shaven except for a heavy mustache. Stepping toward Kate, he extended a hand. “You must be Kate.”
    His grip was strong. “I am. And you are . . .”
    “Alan Weber, pilot.”
    His tone was friendly, but by his demeanor, Kate guessed he was shy. “Glad you’re here. We really needed another pilot.”
    “I’m thankful for the job.” He turned to Paul and shook his hand. “I take it you’re the doctor.”
    “Paul Anderson—glad to meet you.”
    Sidney leaned back in his chair. “He showed up just in the nick of time. With you gone, Kate, I needed a pilot.”
    “Glad to be part of the crew,” Alan said. “And it’s good to be based further south. Too cold and too dark in Fairbanks.”
    Mike slapped him on the back. “Glad to have you. Sidney’s been working us to death.”
    Kate massaged sore muscles in her neck and turned to Sidney. “Speaking of which, I’m wondering if you’d mind my taking a day off.”
    “A day off? I’ve got flights stacked up.”
    “I was just thinking—”
    Sidney laughed. “You bet you’re taking a couple of days off, young lady. Go home and get some rest—enjoy the festival.”
    “Thanks.” Kate could have hugged him, but decided not to embarrass him.
    Paul scratched several days’ growth of beard. “I could do with a bath and a shave.” He turned to Kate. “Can I catch a ride with you?”
    She looped an arm through his. “I was counting on it.” They headed toward the door and stepped out.
    “Hey, Kate,” Mike called.
    She stopped and, looking back at him, saw hurt and longing in his eyes. She let go of Paul’s arm.
    “When you planning to go to the winter carnival?” he asked.
    “Maybe tomorrow.” She looked at Paul for confirmation.
    “Sounds good to me,” Paul said. “I brought along some pelts to sell and tomorrow seems as good a day as any to put them on the market. Thought we’d go together.”
    “Well, I guess I’ll see you there, then.” Mike’s voice had lost its enthusiasm.
    Kate cringed inwardly at the wounded look she saw in his eyes. She nearly invited him to join her and Paul, but held back. She wanted time alone with Paul. And this was the first day since they’d headed into the bush that they’d have time just for fun. “Okay. See you tomorrow sometime.”
    Paul took Kate’s hand and they walked toward the car. She couldn’t