He flipped up the collar on his coat, the wind pulling so hard today he’d opted for a cap rather than his Stetson. Hopefully the crosswinds would ease up soon so he could fly the aircraft out on schedule.
He and Glenna would be alone together, plotting the financial future of their families’ combined companies and caring for a tiny baby. And yes, the thought of taking care of that infant made him nervous. He didn’t know a damn thing about babies. Still, he knew he needed to learn, especially if this child turned out to be his.
A possibility that still stole his breath.
Hoisting an oversize suitcase onto the seaplane, he felt his muscles strain. They had packed formula and baby supplies, all collected within two hours of the baby’s arrival. These next few days would be challenging.
From the corner of his eye, Broderick saw his father help Glenna into the plane, then hand her the baby carrier. Not that he’d ever been a gambler, but this scene was not one he’d ever thought he’d witness.
A whip of Alaskan wind tore across the dock, ruffling the pale pink blanket draped over the carrier. Next, his father hoisted Kota’s crate up into the plane. Kota’s intense blue eyes regarded every movement with curiosity. Broderick’s brother Marshall checked the instruments, making sure the plane would get to the cabin safely.
Broderick clapped his father on the shoulder as Marshall left the craft, stepping onto the dock beside them. “Thank you for your help finishing up here. And pass along my thanks for all the shopping and packing up of supplies.”
Marshall passed along a travel mug of coffee. “No worries, brother. The plane’s fueled and everything checks out. I even took her up for a spin this morning.”
“I appreciate that.”
Jack shifted his weight, straightening his puffed insulated jacket. “I called the service. The cabin has been aired out and stocked with food. The heat’s been turned on.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
A full smile pushed up his father’s mustache. “Anything the three of you need, just let me know. We’ll send it up.”
“I need you to let me know if you and Jeannie change your minds. You’re sending me off to review our company’s financials with our biggest business rival. And to be fair, Jeannie Mikkelson is asking Glenna to do the same. Be one hundred percent certain this is what you want.”
“Son, we have to stay united and strong. Otherwise, our competition will gain traction during this time of transition. We’re all family now. I’m certain this is what I want.” Jack hauled Broderick in for a back-thumping hug before stepping away. “Now get to work.”
“Yes, sir.” He’d been given his marching orders in clear terms. And to be frank, he was looking forward to this time with Glenna. Maybe he could figure out this tenacious attraction between them. Maybe they could put their feelings to rest, find peace. The baby only made the stakes higher. They needed to find common ground so they could move forward as a blended Steele and Mikkelson company—and family.
Broderick stepped onto the plane, his eyes immediately finding Glenna. Somehow, she managed to look radiant strapped in the backseat, attentively bent over Fleur, cooing reassurances. The smells of cold air, pine and salt drifted into the cabin on a gust of wind. This might be a turbulent ride.
Kota let out a quiet whine beside Glenna from the secured crate, tail wagging in hopes of some attention.
She looked natural, sitting between a baby and a puppy, her hair pulled back into a loose bun. She seemed to notice Broderick’s gaze, because her blue eyes met his. He gave her a curt nod and smile, then continued to the front of the plane to check the equipment himself in spite of his brother’s assurances. Safety was too important.
While strapping himself into the pilot’s seat, he glanced at Glenna and Fleur again, enjoying the sight of them from his mirror. He had to focus. He settled his headset into a good fit and felt the rush of preflight squarely in his stomach, right up until he accelerated the plane. The drumroll before being airborne had always thrilled him. He longed for the feeling when the craft lifted from ground or sea and found life in the air.
As he saw the panorama unfold before him, his breath caught. Untamed wilderness flooded his vision.
He felt connected to the wild land in his home state—an heir to tenacity and resilience. Off to the left, he saw a herd of caribou galloping in the spring sunshine.
Broderick called over his shoulder, “We’re level now if you would like to move forward and talk.” He studied her in the rearview mirror. “Looks like the munchkin is sleeping hard. You can watch her in the mirror up here.”