Thanks to May and Mady B for their encouragement to finish the story. My muse went on strike for awhile there, but I hope this is a satisfactory ending for all of you.

I put Ford at 16 years old, I don't think it was ever mentioned how old he was, but in the egg man episode, he left by himself for rehearsal, lending me to believe he could drive. Not that it really matters. Anyhow, thanks for staying with the story. Hope you enjoyed it!

The Rescue

Chapter 7

The morning light crept up over the horizon and peeked through the trees. It was a glorious sight to the McFadden family. The storm had finally eased up in the early morning hours, the wind dying down around the same time as the heaviest snow. They'd been waiting. Waiting for the first light to take Brian home. Adam would have to stay until the rescue team got there; he was hurt too badly for a horseback ride home. During the long night, Adam had made some noise and moved around a bit, but never really came fully awake. Whether it was from his head injury or the hypothermia, no one could tell. It was decided that Hannah and Crane would stay with him, while Evan, Daniel, Ford and Guthrie took Brian down the mountain to get him to the hospital faster.

As the light came up, the camp got busy. While they packed up some of the things, Daniel expressed, to Hannah and Crane, what they all were feeling. "I hate to leave you guys behind. Maybe we should wait and all go down together when the rescue team gets here."

Crane was already shaking his head. He jerked a finger towards Brian and Ford, sitting together on the tarp, resting. Ford wanted to help more, but his ankle had swollen up overnight and he could hardly walk on it now.

"You need to get Brian and Ford to the hospital. Especially Brian. He's in a lot of pain and needs that bone set." Reluctantly Daniel agreed, but choosing between brothers was not something he enjoyed doing.

Evan joined them at the horses, having just finished wrapping some of the extra blankets around Adam. "They really do need checked out, Daniel."

"I know." He sighed, "I know they do and I want to get them some help. I just hate leaving Adam behind."

"We all do." Hannah reminded him. Together they finished strapping the saddles on and getting things ready. No one really wanted the family separated again after yesterday's adventure.

"Will you all be okay?" Hannah asked worriedly, following Evan to Diablo. She absentmindly rubbed his horse's head as they talked.

"We'll be fine. Brian needs to get to the hospital. The storm's almost gone, now. We may even meet the rescue team on the way up." Evan assured her. "You just look after Adam, and before you know it, we'll all be out of here and safe." Hannah answered him with a hug and looking around, the rest of the family were getting their farewell hugs, too.

Daniel helped Brian up on his horse as Guthrie held Ford's. Evan and Daniel were the last ones up. Brian sat hunched over on his horse, looking miserable, his arm still strapped to his side.

"Brian, you sure you can sit a horse? We can go double, ya know." Daniel asked eyeing him skeptically.

"Yeah," Brian straightened. "I'll be okay."

"Be safe, you guys." Crane admonished, and then added, with a grin, "No racing!"

The brothers chuckled and Guthrie replied, "We won't." Daniel just rolled his eyes, smiling.

As the horses moved away, Guthrie called out over his shoulder, "Bye Crane and Hannah! We'll send back help soon!"

7b47b

Brian lagged behind the others as they made their way down the trail. His arm throbbed unmercifully. He'd been in pain all night, but it was manageable, not like this. The jostling of the horse on the uneven trial was pure misery. He'd slowed down, hence him being last. Daniel was right in front of him and kept looking back at him, checking if he was still with them, Brian supposed.

Evan was in the front, breaking the trail through the snow, Ford and then Guthrie right behind him. The trail was slick with ice and they were constantly getting hit with the heavy boughs laden with snow. They were cold, but after the long night in the storm, it was a relief to be moving around and generating some heat. With Brian still suffering the effects of the long exposure in the cold weather, they had him bundled in two coats and a blanket, plus several pair of socks and gloves. He looked miserable and frozen even with the extra layers.

They hadn't even met up with the triangle rock at the trailhead before Brian, white as the snow around him, halted his horse and leaned over the side, throwing up.

Daniel swung his mount around and hurried back to his side. "Brian! Hey, you okay?" He dismounted in one fluid motion and was at Brian's side in seconds. He held his brother up, not sure how steady Brian was and not wanting him to fall. Once he finished, Daniel pushed him back upright, alarmed at his brother's condition. Apparently, he was in a lot more pain then he'd been letting on.

Brian moaned, his face contorted in agony. He was pale, sweating and shaking.

"You don't look so good, there brother."

"Don't feel so good either."

Just then Evan, Ford and Guthrie reappeared on the scene.

"What's wrong with Brian?" Guthrie's brows creased with concern.

Daniel knew his kid brother needed some comfort. "He'll be okay, Guthrie. Just the ride is shaking him up." Then turning towards Brian, "Should I ride up there with you? We don't want you doing a face plant. Or maybe I can lead your horse?"

Brian nodded, "Leading her would be g-good." He shivered, his body reacting to the pain. He hoped if she was led, she won't step into any holes or uneven terrain. The slower pace would also be better. Daniel gave his reins to Evan, who took charge of his horse. Daniel held Brian's reins and led his horse at a nice, slow walking pace.

It was slow going down to the triangle rock and Daniel's feet were wet and freezing by the time they'd gotten there. From here on, though, the terrain was flatter and easier on the riders. Brian had thrown up once more on the way down, but now it seemed to have stopped.

"Dan'l, you better ride now. You'll get too tired leading me all the way."

Daniel just flashed him a grin. He'd walk all the way home if it meant a smoother ride for Brian.

Fortunely he didn't have too. Just then the brothers were aware of the sound of engines coming through the woods towards them. They all stopped and listened.

"What's that?" Guthrie asked.

Evan looked over at Brian and quipped, "I think that's your ride, Brian."

Brian sat up straighter and peered into the distance. Sure enough, there came several snowmobiles, just now visible through the trees.

Mike, the leader of the rescue team, zoomed up next to the brothers and brought the machine to a stop next to them. "Hey, good to see you guys! " His eyes automatically scanned all of them before finally resting on Brian, who was holding his arm and looked pale. Truthfully, he looked as if he was about to fall off his horse. Not seeing Adam, he concluded that he must still be up o nth mountain. "Brian, you okay?"

"He's got a broken arm," Daniel interjected, frustration evident in his voice. "And he's in a lot of pain. What took you guys so long?" Daniel snapped impatiently, throwing one hand out in the air, the very picture of annoyance.

Mike had the decency to look chagrined, but he defended himself anyway, "Look Daniel, I told Crane we might not be able to get here until daylight. You saw how bad the storm got. There was no way we'd have found our way." He hopped off the snowmobile and walked over to Brian's horse. He patted the horse as he approached. "Let me get a look at you, Brian." He reached up and took Brian's pulse, then proceeded to look him over as best he could while atop the horse. "You want to come down from there?"

"Depends," Brian sighed wearily, "on if I have to get back up or not. If I'm riding her all the way home, I'd just as soon stay here."

Mike turned to Daniel and Evan, who had dismounted and now stood by Daniel's side. "What do you guys think? I can have Seth take him back to the house and then to the hospital. Me and the rest of them will head on up to Adam."

"Will it be faster?" Evan asked.

"Will it be smoother?" Brian asked at the same time.

"Well, it'll definitely be faster, as for smoother…" He shrugged his arms in a conciliatory gesture.

Evan looked at Daniel, then up at Brian, "Faster's good. I'd do it."

Brian groaned at the thought of the rough passage, but the idea of getting out of here, into the warmth sooner and that much closer to some pain meds made up his mind for him. "Okay. Somebody help me off of here." Daniel and Evan were at his side in seconds. They supported him as he climbed carefully down from his horse and carefully escorted him over to Seth's snowmobile. Daniel got him settled on the back, being sure to tuck the blanket in securely around him.

"It would be easier if one of you escorted us up to Adam. Faster, too."

Daniel looked thoughtful for a moment. He was the oldest and the only one over 18, other than Brian. They may need him to sign some papers at the hospital. "I better go with Brian. Ford you have to come too, you need that ankle checked out. Evan, you take them up." Evan nodded in agreement. He was ready to do whatever it took to get help for Adam.

"What about me?" Guthrie wondered aloud, indignant at being left out.

Daniel grinned, "You're coming with me. You can hold Brian's hand when they set the bone." He teased.

That got an eye roll from Brian directed at Daniel, but a smile for Guthrie. "I sure could use your help partner, seeing as I'm one armed. And Ford here is one footed." Guthrie knew they were fooling with him, but he smiled anyway.

"Okay then, if you guys want to follow me, let's go." Evan mounted his horse with the natural grace he'd been born with. Mike and the rest of the team followed Evan as he climbed the hill. Daniel, Ford and Guthrie started down the trail, leading Brian's horse along.

"Ready for this?" Seth asked Brian.

"No, but let's get it over with anyhow." He hung onto Seth with his good arm and braced for the take off.

It was a much faster ride back to the ranch, but so cold and miserable for Brian. He huddled as low as he could, Seth's body blocking out some of the wind for him. The snowmobile bounced him all over the place, and he wondered if it would have been better if he'd stayed on horseback after all. However when the house came into view, many long moments before it would have if he'd been on horseback, he felt immense relief. He was glad no one could see him as the tears pricked his eyes. Never before had he been so happy to be home. As they pulled up to the house, neighbors came rushing out on the porch. In his half frozen, pain delirious state, he'd not even noticed all the cars parked at the house. Seth drove right up to the porch, where several neighbors met them, helping Brian off the back, up the steps and into the house. Marie, Hannah's friend from the dinner, met them at the door.

"Bring him in to the living room. The fire's blazing." Brian barely registered that he was being led into the room and seated by the fire. A chair had been pulled up close and they pushed him down into it. Blankets were draped around his shoulders, a hot cup of tea pushed into his hands and people swarmed around him.

"We should get him to County." Seth announced.

"No." Brian protested. Seth started to shake his head, but Brian continued. "Just let me… warm up here… and wait for Dan'l, Ford and Guthrie." Marie and several others bobbed their heads in agreement as they fussed over him.

"Okay, we'll wait." Seth said.

Brian had begun to thaw out when his brothers finally rode up. Several neighbors, who had been waiting on the porch, met them and took their horses from them, leading them into the barn to take care of them. Daniel, exhausted, didn't protest, but let them help. He thanked them and then slung Ford's arm around his shoulders and helped him up to the house. Once inside, Marie and the other women fussed over the 'poor dears' as they took them to Brian and sat them in front of the fire with him. Hot drinks were thrust into their hands as well. Daniel took the time to meet Ford and Guthrie's eyes and flash a smile at them. It sure felt nice to be pampered.

His eyes swiveled to take in Brian. He looked like a mummy swathed in all the blankets the ladies had wrapped him in, but he did look warmer, almost sleepy. Seth sat nearby keeping tabs on his patient. "How is he?" Daniel asked Seth.

Seth started to answer, but Brian interrupted. "He is fine, thank you. Hurting, but warm at last."

Seth stifled a chuckle and assured Daniel that Brian was doing okay. He gave the brothers another 20 minutes or so to warm up and then insisted that they get Brian's arm checked out. Brian and Ford were loaded into the ambulance, Daniel and Guthrie followed in the truck. Marie and the rest of the neighbors stayed, the ladies anxious to take care of Hannah and the boys when they arrived and the men seeing to the stock for them.

In the ambulance, Brian leaned back against the cot, relaxing at last. He was so glad to be finally heading to the hospital. He was more than ready for some pain control and to have his bone set. Brian's eyes wandered over to Ford. His little brother was sitting sideways on the bench, his leg stretched out in front of him. He looked tired, exhausted really, but otherwise fine. Brian was overcome with pride in Ford. Here was his second youngest brother, only 16 years old, shy and insecure, but he'd pulled himself together and gotten help for him and Adam, led Hannah and Guthrie up to them safely and even had come up with the idea for the litter. He'd gotten the job done, like a grown man. Brian smiled to himself at the thought. He reached over to drop a hand on Ford's leg.

"How ya doin' kiddo?"

Ford's sleepy eyes met with Brian's. "I'm okay, just ready for this to be all over. Think Adam's okay?"

There it was, the worry that they all had been shoving down deep throughout this mess. Brian himself had not really let himself go there, for fear that he would not be able to hold himself together any longer. He pushed the fear aside, now was the time for reassurances. "Yeah, ole Adam'll be just fine as soon as they get him warmed up." He changed the subject, "You know, I'm real proud of you, Ford. You did a good job, buddy."

Ford just shrugged and looked away. Brian thought he heard him mumble something.

"Hey, Ford, look at me." The commanding tone of voice brought Ford's head 'round. He looked at Brian with those piercing blue eyes of his. Brian stared him down until he knew Ford's attention was on him. "You did real good, Ford. I mean that. Things may not have gone perfectly, but even in the middle of the mess, you kept your head. You did good. Okay?" This time Ford allowed a small smile to creep over his face and he nodded. Brian sat back, pulling his arm onto his own lap once again. He would need to talk to Ford again, find out what was bothering him, but for now, he was too tired to pursue it.

7b47b

Adam woke up. The first thing he noticed was the warmth. He was in bed, covered in a cocoon of blankets. It was a heavenly feeling, complete bliss and his mind registered nothing else. He wallowed in the feeling of comfort and no pain. His eyes fluttered, but did not open and he allowed the blackness to pull him back under.

The next time he awoke, he was more alert. He heard a quiet beeping noise, the scrape of a chair across the floor and the smell of antiseptic. It didn't sound or smell like home. It was too quiet and clean smelling. He wondered where he was, and curiosity getting the better of him, he cracked open his eyes. He saw at once that he was in a room that wasn't his own. His vision was blurry, things were fuzzy and confusing. His heart beating and panic setting in, he tried to pull himself up only to be met by the most beautiful sight he could have hoped for. Hannah, leaning over him, dark hair falling all around her, placing a restraining hand on his chest. She murmured soothing tones of 'shhh' in his ear and rubbed his arm. Adam smiled at her, the panic erased. She brought her hand up to his face and cupped his cheek.

"I'm here, Adam. You're going to be okay, honey. We're at the hospital and they've fixed you up good." His eyes remained open and alert and so she went on, "I imagine you're feeling a lot more comfortable now, aren't you?" He nodded. Hannah smiled. "That's good, Adam. So good." Tears sprang to Hannah's eyes as the relief flooded over her and over whelmed her. "Oh Adam, I was so scared for you." She was sobbing openly now, and she bowed her head, covering her eyes with her free hand.

Adam reached his hand, weakly, up to her chin and tilted it towards him. "I love you Hannah McFadden." He croaked out through an unused and rusty voice.

Her head jerked up at the sound of his voice. "Oh Adam. I love you too."

He cleared his throat and tried again. "Brian? Ford?" He dropped his hand tiredly.

Hannah knew at once what he was asking. She wiped a hand over her tears and took a steadying breath. "They are fine. They're all here. Brian broke his arm pretty badly and was in a lot of pain, but he's feeling much better now. They stitched up a few cuts, the worst being on his cheek. They said he had a slight concussion, nothing like yours though. And of course he was hypothermic when we got to him, but we got him warmed up in no time."

"Ford?"

"He got to us all by himself, Adam, riding down that mountain in the storm. He got thrown and sprained his ankle, but that didn't stop him. Adam, he was amazing."

He heard the pride in her voice and a wide smile spread across his face, the feeling contagious. She went on to tell him all about the rescue and how they had gotten him up, thanks once again, to Ford. She went on to tell him that he'd broken his leg in two places, dislocated his shoulder and was full of bruises and cuts. He was still feeling the effects of a bad concussion and the hypothermia.

Everyone else was fine, just tired and still trying to warm up. Evan and Daniel had a little frostbite; Daniel's feet, from walking Brian's horse, and Evan from being out and away from the fire longer than anybody else, but they'd been warmed up and were proclaimed fine.

Adam took in all the news, absorbing all of it. Each tidbit made him more alert, somewhat worried, but overall happy to hear no one was worse off than he was. He and Hannah talked a bit more until she noticed his eyelids drooping.

"Sleep now, my love. We'll all be here when you wake." With that Adam tumbled off into dreamland once more.

7b47b

The next day found Adam much more alert and so an impromptu reunion formed in his hospital room. Brian, who had been discharged after a night of observation, was lounging on the recliner, a sling covering his arm. Ford sat on the edge of Adam's bed, ankle folded in front of him on the bed, crutches by his side. The rest of the family, looking more rested and relaxed, ranged around the room. They took turns telling and retelling the adventure, interrupting and correcting each other often.

"And then," Guthrie was saying, "Ford found the gravestone, even through the storm! It was amazing! Right Hannah?"

She nodded in agreement. "He sure did. He got us to you, Adam. Ford's a real hero."

Ford blushed deep red and ducked his head, "No I'm not."

Something in the tone of his voice told Brian there was more to it than being bashful and he remembered their conversation in the ambulance. "Whoa there, partner." Brian leaned towards him from the chair. "Yes you are. You did everything necessary to save us."

"I agree. Who else had any idea how to get Adam up off that ledge?" Crane added.

"And rode through the storm, with a hurt ankle to get help?" Daniel offered.

Hannah nodded warmly at Ford and took his hand in hers. "You got me and Guthrie to Adam, Ford. You lead the way."

Ford shook his head again and the protests rose up within him; not to be contained any longer. He stood up, albeit a bit shaky on his bum ankle and burst out, "I'm no hero! I was scared the whole time. I only wished Evan or Crane or anyone was there instead of me. And then I was stupid enough to fall off my horse and get hurt, which made the trip down even longer," he paused, hobbling away a bit from his family before continuing, "I missed the trail head when I was talking to Guthrie, not paying attention." His breath hitched with a long held in sob and he turned his back on them, missing the concern that was written on the faces behind him. "I almost got Hannah and Guthrie in real danger out in the storm 'cause I couldn't find the trail." He turned back to them, anguish plain on his face. "It was just one screw up after another. I don't deserve to be called a hero."

His family was silent. No one had any idea that Ford was harboring these feelings inside. Hannah moved first, closest to Ford as she was. She put her hand on his arm, "Ford. That isn't true at all."

Evan came over to his brother and stood directly in front of him. "Hey Ford, we were all scared. Terrified really. That wasn't just you."

Adam sat up straighter in is bed. "Ford, come here. Sit down." The tone in his voice was gentle, but firm. As head of the household and the one so recently rescued, he was determined to put a halt to this line of thinking immediately.

Ford obeyed, although reluctantly, and resumed his perch beside Adam, hanging his head and pulling at a thread in the blanket.

"Ford, I want you to listen to me and listen to me good. You did everything you could to save me and Brian. There wasn't a single member of this family that wasn't scared out of their minds. Except maybe me, cause I was out. From what everyone has told me, Ford, you were instrumental in getting me safely off that ledge. If it wasn't for you…well Ford, you saved me."

"But I wasn't brave; I was terrified the whole time. I wished it wasn't me there, but one of you guys." He nodded towards Crane, Daniel and Evan.

"Of course you did," Crane interjected. "Who didn't? You think I wanted to be down there on that ledge, freezing, with Adam? No way, but I did what I had to do and so did you, Ford."

Adam joined back in the conversation, "Ford, that's what makes you such a hero, buddy. You were terrified, you didn't want to be there and you weren't sure what to do, but you got it done anyway. That's what is so amazing. You showed such courage and good thinking, Ford. You never gave up on me. You got Hannah and Guthrie up to us even through the storm." Adam tried to pull himself upright; he needed to be able to touch his brother. Crane moved around behind him, lending support. Adam reached out his uninjured arm and cupped his little brother's cheek. "Ford I am here because of you. If I'd been down there any longer without getting warmed up, I may not have made it. You did that, kid." Adam's voice choked with emotion and he pulled Ford closer, "Thank you, so much, Ford. Thank you." All Ford's walls came crashing down as the sobs broke out of him and he collapsed into Adam's arms. Crane, supporting Adam from behind, reached over to squeeze Ford's neck. Hannah moved in to rub his back, with Evan, Daniel and Guthrie crowding close by. Brian got up from the chair and sat on the opposite side of the bed from Ford, joining Hannah in rubbing Ford's back.

They stayed that way for quite some time, until Ford's sobs finally decreased. Eventually he dried his tears and sat up again. The tension had ebbed out of him at last.

"You okay now?" Adam asked, his arms still gripping Ford's biceps, reluctant to let him go, despite the pain it was causing in his shoulder.

Ford gave him a weak smile, and nodded. Adam sank back into the pillows, relieved. Crisis averted.

Evan gripped Ford's shoulders from behind him, showing his roommate and best buddy his support. Daniel clapped his shoulder as they all pulled back.

"Well, now that that's over, who's hungry?" Crane asked. The family chuckled and nodded their agreement.

"I'm in." Daniel said, "I'm always in."

"Me too." Chimed in Guthrie.

"Yeah, me too. Besides did you see that girl who works the cash register? Woo hoo!" Evan whooped, "I'm gonna get her number."

Brian snorted, "Fat chance. You're too ugly."

"Oh yeah, speaking of girls that reminds me, Daniel," Hannah interrupted, "I talked to Angie Kolby, just before we left to get Adam and Brian." Her face split open with a wide grin, "She wanted me to tell you she thinks you're cute!"

A cocky smirk ran across Daniel's face as he pulled himself up tall and proud, "Ha! I told you, Evan, she was checking me out!"

Evan gave Daniel a mock snarl and made a playful grab at him, causing Daniel to shriek and run out of the room, Evan giving chase. The rest of the family cracked up laughing.

"I better go after them and remind them this isn't a ranch." Crane said, grinning.

"Let's go eat guys. Adam and Hannah, we'll bring something up for you, okay?" Brian offered, knowing Hannah wouldn't leave Adam's side just yet.

Ford stood, reaching for his crutches, knowing his ankle pained him when he walked far. He paused, meeting Adam's gaze as he watched him. "Thanks, Adam." He smiled at his brother.

"Anytime, Ford. I meant every word. You know I love you, right?"

Ford's smile spread across his face and he nodded. "You too." He replied, making his way to the door. Brian came up behind him and rested his hand on Ford's shoulder. The kid had been through the ringer and Brian knew he needed some support.

Guthrie followed them, throwing Adam and Hannah a backward glance, "See you guys in a little bit. I sure hope things settle down now. I can't handle all this stress." Grinning, he followed his brothers out the door, leaving Adam and Hannah chuckling at him.

Adam wiggled his finger at Hannah in a 'come here' motion. She complied, snuggling up beside him on the bed and resting her head on his shoulder. "I think I have to agree with Guthrie. I could use a few stress free days."

"Hmmm, a few days? That may be a lot to ask with this crew." Hannah joked. She snuggled in deeper.

Adam squeezed her tightly, "I love you, ya know that?"

"You better. I'm here for keeps."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." And Adam rested in arms of his wife, feeling safe, warm, loved and blessed.